I’m going to be in travel mode and midair much of the day but still wanted to check in and say hello.
Hello! 🙂
I’m sitting here in the living room of my in-law’s place listening to the neighborhood chickens go nuts (they must be sad to see me go) and hearing mangos regularly drop from tall trees with loud thuds in the backyard jungle.
Even though I won’t be hitting the beach today (or for a long time, for that matter), it’s still sunny outside, so I’ve slathered myself up with Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion SPF 55 PA +++ ($37), the sunscreen I’ve reached for more than any other on this trip.
Containing two active sunblock ingredients — octinoxate (UVB protectant) and zinc oxide (UVA and UVB protectant) — Shiseido 55 blocks both kinds of damaging ultraviolet radiation. My ample “testing” over the past week also showed it to be highly water resistant — hello, a total must for my sweaty self. The product marketing claims Shiseido 55 remains active for up to 80 minutes in water. Based on my experience with it, that estimate seems about right to me.
I’m a sunscreen addict, and most of the other high SPF lotions I’ve tried either don’t absorb well — I’m talking five minutes of vigorous rubbing to sufficiently cover one arm — or they leave a whitish-grey film on my skin, aka zombie tan. Shiseido overcame both issues with this product. It absorbs quickly and doesn’t leave a white or grey cast.
BEAUTY ALERT: MAC Cosmetics Coupon Code
This morning a gal pal at MAC sent this much appreciated coupon for their online friends and family sale. Good today only. Type in MACFF8 at checkout to get free shipping and 15% off your purchase. Cool Heat, anyone?
Many sunscreens, especially high SPF ones, feel thick and greasy like Vaseline. Shiseido 55 doesn’t. It never feels sticky, greasy or uncomfortable at all, not even on my neck, and I totally dig the light, beachy fragrance.
Yes, $37 is a lot to pay for a 3.3 oz bottle of sunscreen when you can buy a bottle of BullFrog Sunblock for $8, but this is our skin we’re talking about. I put the bulk of my skin care budget toward sun protection because of how crucial it is to wrinkle prevention. This product is worth its weight in gold.
Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion for Face and Body SPF 55 PA+++
Price: $37 for a 3.3 oz bottle
Use: A highly absorbent, water resistant sunscreen for face, neck and body
Makeup and Beauty Blog Rating: A+
Visit your local Shiseido counter to feel the fabulous texture of Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion, or visit Nordstrom.com to place an order online.
I hope you have a great day today. I’m heading off to the airport in a few minutes. I’ll see you on the other side of the pond. 🙂
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
P.S. Resist the Monday blues with this selection of beauty posts from the gorgeous girls of The Beauty Blog Network.
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Roselyn from Makeup Makes Me Happy tries out the new Physician’s Formula Talc-Free Mineral Wearâ„¢ Loose Powder. Check out what her thoughts were!
StyleBell reviews the new line of hair care products by Kate Hudson and David Babaii, David Babaii for Wild Aid. Check out how it rates!
A Touch of Blusher adores this face wash!
The Makeup Divas reviews the new Bobbi Brown Pink Collection along with pictures and swatches.
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Beauty Anonymous loves Chanel Levres Scintillantes Glossimer for lips!
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Beauty Blogging Junkie discusses her favorite Three Custom Color Cosmetics.
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makeup loves me is giving away 5 sets of sally hansen lip lab products!
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Glossypink is a believer in bronzer again thanks to this gem!
Canadian Beauty has figured out the way to get seriously radiant skin!
Joy from Makeup Junkie is wondering if no! no! is A No-No? Check out Week 1 of her review!
Headed to Hawaii this summer? Karen from Makeup and Beauty Blog gets a manicure and pedicure in paradise when she visits The Lippmann Collection Nail Studio on Oahu.
Beauty companies are slapping the word “natural” and “organic” on every product these days. How do you know what to use? Cybelesays investigates and comes up with a winning skin care line.
Calling all M.A.C. fans!!! Scandalous Beauty has your guide to exclusive M.A.C. Gift Sets, Discounts and the Top M.A.C. Eye Shadows ever!!!
Makeup Moxie has beauty lust for L’Occitane Rice Ultra-Matte Face Fluid.
Growing out your bangs/fringes? let Pursebuzz.com show you a cute superfast way to get it out of your face.
This week, Spoiled Pretty is hosting two fantastic giveaways…one for you, and one for dear old dad. Enter today!
Who doesn’t need tips for a perfect long-lasting pedicure this summer? Beth from Beauty Junkie in SF has exactly what you need!
Have a safe flight back to the Bay today, Karen!
Unfortunately, you might be returning to a little bit of gloom 🙁
Thanks for giving us so many cool posts even while you were on vacation.
Happy Monday!
Lilans last blog post..Norstrom Beauty Trend Show, Part 1: Summer in the City
Hey, Karen! I’m with you, I love that Shiseido sunscreen! I only use it on my face and neck, so even though I use it every day, the bottle lasts a looooong time! I use cheaper stuff (hello, Neutrogena!) on my body, but my face and neck deserve the best! 🙂
Fly safe!
NO MORE EXAMS!!! Wohooo!
Sorry for the caps, but I’m so so happy right now.
Karen Bs last blog post..Picspam for good luck
Hi Lilan,
Thanks for the weather update. I’ll be sure to put some long pants and a sweatshirt in my carry on bag. 🙂 Have a good one!
Hi Glosslizard,
I hear ya. I do the same thing, too, sometimes when I’m at home. 🙂
The entire Shiseido sun care line looks so amazing. I want it all!
Hi Karen B.,
Congrats! How did you do on your tests?
You know I love the Shiseido SPF 55…I used shiseido on my face and aveeno on my body last time I went swimming. There’s just no comparison. I’m going to have to go back and buy the Shiseido bottle for body. I bought the face tube…because that’s my biggest concern. I leave on Friday for the beach in SC with my mom, my sister and my nephews…so I need to get ready for that soon.
AND GIRL…did I haul at MAC tonight? So I meant to go over the weekend, but ended up having a super busy weekend…so today was the last coupon day and I had to go tonight after work. I told myself I was only gonna spend $60…but I ended up spending $85…but I couldn’t resist with the coupon. I got:
Climate Blue
Freshwater
Blushbaby
Zoom Lash
Cremestick in Gingerroot
AND the big huge thing of face wipes for $20.83…so that’s about 21 cents per wipe! 🙂 (however I think if you shop the sales you can get the drugstore brands cheaper – Last time I bought Neutrogena at Target on sale for $4.44 – so for a package of 25 that’s like 18 cents per wipe – so we’ll have to see how the MAC ones perform with my skin.)
Anyway I think that’s a pretty good haul for $85
Karen thanks for documenting your trip for us. It was fun! I see Hawaii in a new light now. I totally want to go now.
Do you have to go back to your regular job tomorrow? I think you should blog for a living.
Well, I’m a bit anxious about the results of two of my 12, so that’s good I guess…
Karen Bs last blog post..Picspam for good luck
Hi everyone,just one more POV to add up.
I have Shiseido Ultimate Protection Cream for the face, spf 50+
1.It DOES leave thin white layer on the face (i do not personally mind it,i’m as white as Nickole Kidman)it’s an exellent make up base,but it DOES make skin white.
2.It requires Shiseido Ultimate Oil Cleanser to be washed off with first,then your usial face cleanser.
3.It does make my face a bit oily,but i forgive everything for the exellent protection of the skin.
Hi Megan,
SWWWEEET haul! That certainly ain’t bad for $85.
Have you tried the Zoom Lash yet? What do you think? I know you are picky about your mascara.
Girl, why were you so busy this weekend? Did you find your house yet?
Hi Kris,
Yup, I’m at work right now. I am a lil’ jet lagged and we didn’t have coffee in the house this morning so I was NOT FUNCTIONAL at all!
Hope you had a great Tuesday. 🙂
Hi Karen B.,
You’ll do great. Think positive thoughts. I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you!
Thanks 🙂 I’m still so happy that they’re over.
Karen Bs last blog post..Picspam for good luck
I’ve used the zoomlash for the past two days. I like it better today then yeterday. Yesterday I felt like too much was coming out and it made it clumpy…but it was the first time I used the tube. It’s not my absolute favorite, but it’s decent. It wouldn’t be one I would reach for when I was looking for super dramatic lashes…but it’s nice for everyday.
LOL the other day I used the max factor colored mascara I got like I don’t know forever ago. So I had used it before…but only the blue end. So on Sunday I used the blue end and the pink highlight (pearly) end…I don’t I really liked it. I felt like I had sparkly babydoll lashes or something. The cashier at the grocery store looked at me a little funny though.
So over the weekend I was busy because I let people make me busy…my mom called me at like 10 am on Saturday saying she needed me to come help her. So I was with her most of the day and then one of my friend wanted to go out that night. Admittedly she’s been asking me to go out for like weeks…so I felt like I shouldn’t say no…so I went out. Which of course meant i didn’t get in until like 4 am and then had to sleep in some on Sunday.
I have not “found” my house yet…but there are some prospects. I am going to make a decision soon – likely by tomorrow morning – because I could do the paperwork to make an offer before i leave for Vacation on Friday. I am thinking I am going with a 2BR 2BA condo. I think my dad finally settled it in my mind when he said “Megan, half the time you don’t know if your coming or going…when are you going to have time to mow the grass?” while trying to convince me that low maintenance would be best. 🙂
Hi Karen B.,
Isn’t that the best feeling? Will you get a break now? Or will you be taking summer classes?
Hi Megan,
That’s one thing I didn’t like about Zoomlash — the clumpiness. I can’t use it if I’m in a hurry, for sure. I got small tube of Chanel Inimitable mascara and have been really loving it lately. Have you tried it? It’s pretty good for separation and length! I think I might get the dark blue shade.
I tried that Max Factor a few months ago and was not crazy about it, either. I had the pink one and I couldn’t see it at all.
WOOT! A two bedroom, two bath condo sounds great! And your dad is right… mowing the lawn sucks! I hope you got found your place. 🙂 Now for the fun part: decorating.
I hope you are packed for your trip. Since I’m here at home I’ll have to vicariously live through you this time.
The one I like is the ROC Minesol Protect 60 SPF UVA/UVB spray ($24, Shoppers Drug Mart), it’s very light and absorbs nicely.