The Beauty Agenda
by Patricia Lee
Q: What is the difference between sunscreen and sunblock? Though I would like protection from the sun, I’d still like to be able to achieve a tan this summer.
A: Ah summer! As we shake off sheaths of clothing in favor of showing some skin, the summer sun can scorch, especially if one opts to head out sans sun protection. The outer layer of one’s skin is comprised of dead cells on the surface and live cells right beneath, which repeatedly replenish the surface of one’s skin with dead cells. Overexposure to ultra violet radiation from the sun deeply damages or destroys live cells, producing painful pomegranate-toned skin, increasing the chances of skin cancer, and promoting premature aging. Naturally, the most prudent protection from the negative effects of sun damage would be to stay out of the sun or completely cover oneself from head to toe, but that ultimately defeats the purpose of truly enjoying the wonderfully warm weather. Your other option? Before hitting the beach, partaking in some outdoor activity, or even people watching curbside with friends over some refreshing mojitos, suit up with some sun protection, such as sunscreen or sunblock, both of which work to protect one from the skin roasting, radiation-laden rays. The form of protection one seeks determines one’s choice between a sunscreen and sunblock. Sunscreen, a chemical block, can be absorbed into one’s skin. Once applied, it absorbs radiation and limits the amount of UVA and UVB rays penetrating one’s skin. Sunblock, a physical block, lies on the surface of one’s skin rather than being absorbed. Based on its composition, it defends by its ability to either absorb or reflect rays away from one’s epidermis.
Savvy SPF selection serves as a key factor in sun protection. SPF, sun protection factor, refers to the amount of protection one obtains in minutes with a particular protection level compared to unprotected skin. For instance, if an individual who burns after 30 minutes of unprotected exposure to the sun applied sunscreen with an SPF of 30, he/she could stay out soaking some sun for 900 minutes. However, throwing in such factors as activity type, temperature, time of day, and the inevitability of perspiration, it may prove prudent to either pick a water-resistant or waterproof product, select a stronger than usual SPF, or routinely reapply one’s selected sun protection. If you fall under fair-toned and your goal is gaining a golden hue, you may wish to select an SPF 30 sunscreen or sunblock. Regardless, reapplication remains relevant in one’s routine. Armed with sun protection, what are you waiting for? Get out there and make the most of your days in the sexy summer sun!
Q: With all the leg baring dresses and skirts this summer, how do I get my legs in tip top shape?
A: As the warm rays of the sexy summer sun shower us, those committed to sculpting sexy bods and those just blessed with good genes welcome the opportunity to strip down into summer’s array of skirts and dresses. For others not as fortunate that fancy following suit, get your gams in shape with some thigh tightening and trimming squats and lunges. Before you begin this butt kicking, yet beloved routine, it’s crucial and common sense to stretch. To stretch your butt and thigh muscles, begin by sitting on the ground. Leaning back for a bit of balance, sit up with your left leg bent and left foot on the ground. Bending your right leg, lift your leg, placing your ankle on the top of your left thigh right below the knee. Keeping this perhaps puzzling position, roll back so that you’re lying on the ground. Place your hands on the back of your left thigh and pull your thigh towards yourself. Scrupulously stay in this position as you pull. You’ll begin to feel your right buttock and thigh stretch/burn. Hold the position for at least five seconds before switching over to stretch the left side. Stretch and hold the position a few times before beginning and after each repetition of squats or lunges, which may possibly help in staving off some stretch marks.
With two ten to fifteen pound weights, stand shoulder width apart, resting a weight on each shoulder yet remaining parallel to the ground. Inhale as you bend your knees until your behind is parallel to the ground, carefully keeping your back straight. Be sure not to bend your back, putting possibly painful pressure on your knees. Exhale as you carefully concentrate on contracting your glutes and standing in an upright position. Begin with two sets of ten before working your way to more reps or heavier weights.
For lunges, start your stance in an upright position with weights at your side. As you extend your right foot forward, bend your lower leg towards the ground until your thigh is parallel to the ground. As you begin to stand upright, extend the left leg as if you’re taking a stroll, bending your right leg towards the ground, until your left thigh is parallel to the ground. Remember to inhale as you bend downward and to exhale as you begin to stand upright. Try for two sets of twelve steps for starters.
Post physical priming, work on boosting your body’s outer appearance. After efficiently exfoliating your legs and thighs, maintain the moisturizing mantra. Meticulously massage moisturizer in oil, cream, or lotion form all over legs and thighs daily. On days you seek to show off, opt for leg boosting balms, such as Neutrogena’s Body Oil Sesame Formula, which saturates legs with sesame oil to silken and smooth legs, leaving a superior sexy sheen. For nighttime naughtiness, boost your babe factor by adding some sparkle to your skin with enhancing lotions, such as Nivea’s Silky Shimmer Lotion or Scott Barnes’ Body Bling, which imparts a bit of pigment and/or shimmer to help fake a flawless look and to bolster your legs onto center stage. With such jaw-dropping gams, you’re ready for one sensational summer.
Tried & Tested
No season screams skin like summer. As balmy weather beckons, scads shed the caked on, concealing look of heavy makeup in support of allowing the natural luminosity of one’s skin to shine through. As sun lovers and worshipers opt for outdoor activities to soak in some summer goodness, the steamy summer calls for a fresh, hassle-free look. Pamper and prime your face using a heavenly hydrating lotion laden with antioxidants and botanicals, which work to fight fine lines and improve the overall appearance and texture of your face. We love Dr. Jessica Wu Cosmeceuticals Dew Cream , which fuses Eastern beauty principles and tradition with Western science. Exceptionally light and luxurious, this extraordinary emulsion spoils your skin, as it slips on like silk sans the slick, slippery feel. Soaking in the soothing botanicals, skin looks and feels super soft, supple, and sprightly, as fine lines fade and dullness takes a back seat. Bright, baby-soft skin beyond compare to complete the sweet, seductive look of summer? You’ve got it covered.
Sizzlin’ Summer
Sweet yet seductive, cute yet coquettish, demure yet bold, darling yet daring, the summer charms and captivates with coyly contrasting pieces, such as feminine, girly, vintage-inspired lace dresses cleverly crossed with daring hemlines, boyish shorts mixed with sexy peep toe platforms, bewitching bohemian top teasingly teamed up with sassy sandals, and exotic empire-waist dresses prettily paired with lower key Roman sandals. The look exudes enigmatic seductiveness.
With the potential to increase one’s sizzle factor, footwear itself acts as an indispensable accessory in and of itself.
A few of our favorites : Marc Jacobs Gladiators, Jelly Sandals, Cholé Chunky Heeled Sandals, Steven by Steve Madden Lalo
Getting Glammed
Rather than conventionally carrying off in the all too predictable pinks, peaches, sorbets, and nudey nail polishes to complement the girly dresses and tops or striking shades to complement exotic ensembles, let the bold magnetism of mix ‘n match textures, styles, lengths perfect your mani pedi this season. Throw a dash of dramatic with the feminine or a splash of subtle with the colorful. Come hither contrasts prove pretty.
A few favorites :
Chanel Le Vernis
Pulsion Cobra Ballerina Seduction
Essie
infatuation flirt China Doll
Written by Patricia Lee
