Wear Sunscreen

“If I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen would be IT.” –Mary Schmich

It has been over ten years since Baz Luhrmann put Mary Schmich’s Chicago Tribune article to music in 1999.  Appropriately titled, “Wear Sunscreen”, the hit record dispensed numerous life lessons over a nearly eight minute track.  However, it emphasized that this particular tip was the only one to be scientifically proven as beneficial.

{Pictured Above: OYE Spring/Summer 2013 Collection, Photo Courtesy of nounaryustyle.com}

Today, the importance of sunscreen is common knowledge.  The endless benefits to sun protection have been proven time and again by countless studies and continued research since the implementation of the SPF system 35 years ago.  We are not only aware of the immediate skin burning effects caused by UVB rays, but are also privy to the long term effects of UVA rays - which breakdown collagen and contribute to skin’s aging.

While the wealth of information available regarding sun damage is no doubt helpful, the multitude of products on the market today claiming to combat, repair and prevent such damage is rather daunting. How do you know which product is right for you?

When choosing a sunscreen, the first thing you should look for is a label that reads “broad spectrum”.  Thanks to new rules adapted by the FDA just this year, any sunscreen including this description MUST protect equally against UVA and UVB rays.

Next, make note of the SPF.  The American Academy of Dermatology recommends daily use of SPF 30 (SPF 50 is recommended to those who spend a majority of their day outdoors). Try Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch in SPF 70 for the best all around protection or Hampton Sun Continuous Mist Spray in SPF 35 for easy application. 

Finally, think carefully about the specific needs of your skin.  If you do not use the same lotion on your face as you do your body, it is likely that you will not want to use the same sunscreen on both areas as well.  When selecting a sunscreen for the face, look for a product that can provide dual care. 

If your skin is oily or prone to breakouts, avoid labels that include pore-clogging elements such as mineral oil, paraffin and petroleum – opting instead for ones that read “non-comedogenic” and “oil-free” such as Peter Thomas Roth Uber Dry Sunscreen in SPF 30.

Those with dry or sensitive skin should consider hydrating ingredients such as oat protein, sodium hyaluronate, and omega 3’s, as well as products containing titanium dioxide or zinc oxide (which reflect rays rather than absorbing them) like that of La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid in SPF 50.

Lastly, if your main concern is aging skin (lines, wrinkles, etc.), make antioxidants your new best friend! Formulas containing vitamin E, vitamin C, caffeine and niacin will be your best bet. Aveeno Active Naturals Positively Ageless Sunscreen in SPF 70 is a great option.

Whichever product you choose, remember that in order to provide adequate protection, it must be applied generously and then reapplied throughout the course of the day -especially if you are sweating, swimming or simply spending more time in the sun than usual.*

*This article was featured in the June 2013 issue of Bello Mag and can also be viewed here: http://issuu.com/outnext/docs/bellomag47/121?e=1159494/3210811

Sources:

Becker, Katie. Generation SPF. WMagazine. May 2013. Conde Nast. Web. 12 May 2013.

Benoist, Claire. Your Sunscreen Protection Guide. Self. Conde Nast. Web. 12 May 2013.

Siddons, Sarah. Should I Use a Different Sunscreen on My Face. Discovery Health. Discovery Communications. Web. 12 May 2013.

Wadyka, Sally. What to Look for in a Sunscreen. Real Simple. Time Inc. Lifestyle Group. Web. 12 May 2013.

Dinner Delish: Top Sirloin Filet & Watermelon, Heirloom Tomato Salad

It seems that we are skipping Spring entirely this year and jumping right into Summer.  While I cannot say that I am completely stoked for the insanely high heat of the San Fernando Valley, I can attest to the  fact that I LOVE me a brilliantly crafted summer salad. And steak. My apologies to all the vegetarian readers out there, but honestly, who doesn't LOVE steak?! Below you will find a super simple (and HEALTHY) recipe for both. 

What You'll Need:

For the Filets-

4-6 Top Sirloin Filets (1-2 lbs)

Olive Oil

Salt and Pepper to taste

For the Salad-

2 cups Seedless Watermelon

1/2 Medium Red Onion

2 cups Heirloom Tomatos (or Baby Heirloom Tomatos)

1/4 cup Fresh Herbs

1/2 cup Reduced Fat Feta Cheese

1tbs Grape Seed Oil

Salt to taste

How to Make It Happen:

For the Steak - Coat both sides of each filet with olive oil (a teaspoon or less per filet will do the trick). Sprinkle (again, both sides) with salt and pepper and place in skillet above med/high flame.  Allow to cook for approximately 6-8 minutes on each side or until desired "doneness" has been reached.

For the Salad - Cut watermelon into 1/2 inch cubes, dice tomatoes into bite-size chunks and finely chop both the herbs and red onion. Combine all items with feta and grape seed oil, adding just a touch of salt to bring out the flavors of each ingredient.

Nutritional Information -

4oz filet = 170 calories

1cup salad = 80 calories

In Transition - Taking Your Make-Up From Winter to Spring and Beyond

It’s official: Spring is finally upon us.  While we are no doubt happy for the added sunshine and noticeable rise in temperatures, neither seems to stick around long enough to require any major changes be made to our daily beauty routine.  Still, with winter drifting quietly away and summer lingering just over the horizon, there are a few key tricks and trends that one can embrace to keep pace with this transitional season.  Below are five must-have products for Spring 2013:

1.  Le bébé Coo Wet Wipes

{Pictured Above: Le bebe Coo Wet Wipes}

These handy little wipes aren’t just for the little ones! Packed with soothing ingredients like chamomile and witch hazel (which helps to reduce inflammation), they are the perfect addition to your get-fit plan.  Throw them in your gym bag for a quick facial clean-up pre and post work-out. 

Available at lebebecoo.com

2.  Alba Natural Hawaiian Oil-Free Moisturizer

{Pictured Above: Alba Natural Hawaiian Oil-Free Moistureizer}

By far one of the best moisturizers on the market today, this oil-free formula which includes refining aloe and green tea, sinks down deep leaving skin feeling supple and smooth, but never greasy.

Available at albabotanica.com

3.  MAC Limited Edition Lipsticks

{Pictured Above: MAC Limited Edition Lipsticks in Embrace Me, Heroine, Silly and Ablaze}

Perhaps the easiest way to change your look this spring is to simply change your lipstick.  Extra bright colors are still very much on trend and these limited edition shades from MAC will add a bit of pep to your step – come rain or shine!

Available at maccosmetics.com

4.  Essie and Butter London Spring Collections

{Pictured Above: Butter London Spring 2013 Collection, Essie Resort Spring 2013 Collection}

Did someone say polish change? Ditch the dim hues you've been clutching for colder weather and pick-up one of these pretty pastel lacquers.  You can swipe on a whole new attitude in all of five minutes (just be sure to allow ample drying time!).

Available at butterlondon.com and essie.com

5.  Nars Illuminator

(Pictured Above: Nars Illuminator in Laguna}

Although a deep dark tan is still best applied during the summer months, no one wants to look like they’ve been hibernating all winter now that the flowers are finally in bloom.  Rather than piling on the self tanner or opting for a darker shade of foundation before its truly necessary, try mixing a bit of bronze illuminator into your liquid foundation or applying a dab of this bottled up miracle to your cheek-bones, fore-head and jaw-line. You’ll look fresh as a daisy - no need to mention how little effort it actually took.

Available at narscosmetics.com

Dinner Delish: Easy Peasy Penne and Ground Turkey Spaghetti

A long time staple of the Sunday Night Dinner menu, almost every family has their own special recipe for making spaghetti.  As such, there is no right (or wrong) way to do it.  In fact, as you may have already guessed, you don't even have to use actual SPAGHETTI when recreating this family favorite.  This particular recipe is not only delicious, it is also quick (30 minutes or less? Yes, please!), simple, and heart healthy - substituting the traditional ground beef with ground turkey and replacing your average white pasta with a nutrient superior whole wheat version .

What You'll Need:

1 pkg whole wheat penne pasta

1 lb. ground turkey

1 26oz jar tomato based pasta sauce (ie: tomato basil marinara)

1 tbs olive oil

2 tbs dried oregano

2 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp chili powder

salt & pepper

2 bay leaves (optional)

red chili flakes (optional)

How to Make It Happen:
Drizzle olive oil into deep frying pan and set heat to medium high.  Once warm add ground turkey - seasoning with salt & pepper.  As the turkey browns, bring a large pot of water and a dash of salt to a boil.  Once the turkey is fully cooked, add sauce, garlic powder, chili powder and dried oregano (crushing dried oregano between palms as you sprinkle it in) as well as bay leaves and red chili flakes, if desired.  Reduce sauce to a simmer and cover pan.  Next, add penne to boiling water and allow to cook for 9-11 minutes.  When pasta is al denta,  drain and set aside.  Remove sauce from heat and allow to cool for 3-5 minutes before combining with penne and serving.

Ten Must See Moments at the Academy Awards

1.  Ben Affleck's Acceptance Speech

2.  Barbara Streisand - "The Way We Were" 

 

3.  Daniel Day Lewis' Acceptance Speech

4.  Jennifer Hudson - "Dreamgirls" 

5.  Jennifer Lawrence's Acceptance Speech

6.  Denzel Washington, The Sock Puppet

7.  Le Misarables Cast Performance

8.  Adele - "Skyfall" 

9.  Seth McFarlane - "We Saw Your Boobies"

10.  Mark Wahlberg's Arms

Moments one should politely forget to remember or mention: That fall (J.Lawrence), that bruise (K.Stewart), and whatever was going on there (R.Zellweger)