Talk About Sun Care - CoTZ SPF

Sunscreen is a tough product to fall in love with, for me at least. My Mom and I recently placed a big order on Ulta.com just for sunscreen and we decided to try out CoTZ. CoTZ is completely free of oils, fragrances, preservatives, parabens, PABA, gluten, phthalates or any harmful chemical. Their gentle formulas are simple but provide broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection, thanks to Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide while being water and sweat resistant. This brand has some really high ratings and great reviews. And since it’s cruelty-free and nontoxic we wanted to give it a try.

We decided on the Face Natural Skin Tone SPF 40, Flawless Complexion SPF 50, and Sensitive SPF 40. Each costs $19.99 but is currently at Ulta for Buy One Get One-Half Off and we had an additional coupon so it ended up being a pretty good deal, but is a decent price anyway.

My favorite is the Face Natural Skin Tone SPF 40. It has the most amazing texture and finish. It is so silky! I don’t even have words to describe accurately how dreamy and creamy the formula is.  Once it’s dried down it is completely weightless and hardly noticeable. It doesn’t smother or suffocate my skin and instead seems to meld into the skin and become part of it. It never feels sticky, tacky, heavy, greasy, or gross in any way. It layers beautifully and makes an amazing primer for under makeup but is also excellent on its own. The formula is absolutely perfect. It is beautifully matte (and even though I have dry skin and I usually like to look dewy when it comes to sunscreen I hate that super shiny look) and seems to do a good job of blurring and making skin look so smooth. I initially thought that the tint was going to be way too dark for my light skin but it blends easily and matches my skin perfectly. It comes in a fairly small tube (1.5 oz) but I’m so in love with the product itself that size doesn't really bother me. Last summer I was loyal to Coola but I’m definitely making this change permanent.

My Mom adores the Flawless Complexion SPF 50, as does my Dad (who hates sunscreen with a fiery passion). This is also tinted but it has just enough sheer color to combat that icky white cast some SPF has. It works on my light Mom and darker Dad. It’s not at all like makeup, so it would work well for any member of the family. This comes in a larger tube (2.5 oz) and is a little oilier and a bit sticky compared to the other formula. It does, however, dry down completely and leaves skin soft and smooth. It can also be layered with makeup or worn alone.

The Sensitive SPF 40 was designed for people with special skin needs and conditions like those with medication or health condition induced sun sensitivities or anyone who has had a skin treatment. This sounded really great for my family because my illness makes me photosensitive and the same for my Dad since his chemo makes him very sensitive. This formula is nice but I don't find that this is anything special, especially not when compared to the others mentioned above. It's a bit thick and sticky and has that typical sunscreen smell and feel.

CoTZ creates truly effective products to help protect your entire family from the harsh rays of the sun. They have no scent and are safe and gentle. This is sunscreen you can feel really good about. You can learn more about the company and their products by visiting their website. Or you can purchase them at Ulta like I did.

Talk About Lip Care - Ilia Tinted Lip Conditioner SPF 15

I know I just talked about a lip SPF that I love last week but I wanted to talk about the Ilia Tinted Lip Conditioner with SPF 15 right now. I love the uber affordable Pacifica balms but I’m also totally digging the more luxurious and decadent Ilia version, as well.

Ilia makes some of my absolute favorite lip products and with their dreamy, creamy, and beautiful formulation it’s no wonder why. They’re also housed in nicely weighted metal tubes that happen to be gorgeous. They’re all made with oils and butters so they go on like a dream and blanket your lips with soothing, smoothing hydration and a gorgeous sheer but buildable wash of color.

I have Darlin’, which is a really pretty sheer nude with peach and apricot undertones. It’s a gorgeous shade for summer and I love the way it looks with a bit of a tan. I find that it’s a super flattering shade for my light but sun-kissed skin and I bet it would look fantastic on most skin tones. It’s such an easy color to toss on with any look, minimal to glamorous and everywhere between, and I adore it. I feel like this lippie and bronzer are the perfect pair because they just go so well together!

If you caught my last Ilia review (here) you already know how much I love the Tinted Lip Conditioner and the added SPF is just a nice bonus. It’s so rich and just lovely to apply. It makes my lips feel so soft and healthy while also protecting them from the sun. It's also got a really lovely shine to it. I’m a fan, that’s for sure, and it’s become a go-to lip product for me.

I purchased mine from Sephora.com.

Talk About Sun Care - Pacifica Sun + Lipcare SPF 30

I really like Pacifica as a whole. I think they have some really great products and I love how widely available they are. I think the whole idea of vegan, cruelty-free, non-toxic beauty being mainstream is just so awesome. The fact that anyone can go into a Target or an Ulta (or some other store) and pick up a natural product that hasn’t been tested on animals is so great.

I, sadly, live two hours away from a Target (which is my favorite store) but we popped in recently on a trip to the doctor and I picked up the new Pacifica Sun + Lipcare SPF 30 in Nude. It was so cheap I just couldn’t resist. I put it on as soon as we got into the car and after the doctor, before we headed home, I ran back into the store to pick up the other color, Peach, they had on the shelf. I would have also gotten the clear version if they had it but they were sold out.

I absolutely love these! They’re so beautiful and feel so wonderful on my lips, which are ridiculously sensitive to most lip products. The scent/flavor is so light it’s hardly noticeable once it’s been on for a few minutes, although definitely strong when you sniff the product directly, but it’s a pleasant summery scent reminiscent of coconuts and sunbathing.

I’m always on the lookout for SPF products for my lips because, like mentioned above, my lips are so sensitive they go absolutely bonkers when exposed to UV rays. I usually hate how white and dry most natural SPF lip balms are, though, so the fact that these are tinted with the prettiest peach and nude tones make these gems from Pacifica a total winner.

I actually just got a $26 Ilia Tinted Lip Conditioner with SPF that I do really like but these babies are just $4.99 each and they’re as good as the Ilia version. Although, I don’t feel bad using the Pacifica ones out on the water in my kayak when I did feel a little guilty about using such a luxury product in the great outdoors. I’ll definitely use up the Ilia as well as the Pacifica, but they’ve each got their own place.

I’ll talk about the Ilia next week, but for now let’s get back to the Pacifica, shall we? They do a great job of moisturizing and forming a protective layer between the lips and the elements. It’s also remarkably long-wearing and water resistant for up to 80 minutes. The color is sheer but super pretty. I like both the Peach and the Nude but I’d have to say that I love the Nude the most. It’s the perfect tan nude shade for summer days!

The balms are housed in a thick and sturdy plastic tube. They're cute, albeit a bit cheap, and will definitely be durable enough for any summer outing whether it's in your pocket, tossed in your beach bag, or in the bottom of your backpack. It's easy to pop the top off, twist up the tube and apply on the go.

Good job, Pacifica! You’ve created an awesome product that is now one of my must-have products for this summer!

COOLA Mineral Face SPF 30 Unscented Matte Tint

I’ve been spending a lot of time in the great outdoors, whether I’m out in my backyard floating around my pool or hiking to check out some of the beautiful falls that my beloved home state of Oregon has to offer, or hanging out around the lake, and with summer officially here it’s time to be extra careful when it comes to sun exposure.

I’ve recently discovered the super popular brand COOLA and fallen hard for their Mineral Face SPF 30 Unscented Matte Tint. This beautifully formulated facial SPF is silky smooth, antioxidant-infused, and lightly tinted so you’re not left with any white cast whatsoever. It has a really unique texture that feels light and almost whipped. It feels wonderfully hydrating but does an amazing job of mattifying the skin and leaving nothing behind but a smooth and diffused complexion. I like it by itself but have also found that it makes the best primer! And when I say the best primer, I mean that I’ve ever tried. It makes my makeup go on seamlessly and also helps it to last much longer.

I’ve never gotten sunburned with this natural BB cream on my face and make sure to massage some on anytime I know I’m going to be outdoors. The ingredients list of many sunscreens is a pretty scary sight to behold but never fear with COOLA because this product protects your skin with Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide and also nourishes skin with ingredients like Organic Shea Butter, Organic Cucumber Extract, Organic Linseed, Rose Hip and Evening Primrose Oils, just to name a few. This cruelty free product is formulated without parabens, sulfates, phthalates, gluten, or nano-sized particles. It also happens to be reef- and recycle-friendly.

Oh, and if you’re sensitive to scent like I am you can rest assure that this dreamy little tube has zero fragrance so it’s pretty much perfect! Whether you have dry skin, a super oily complexion, or fall somewhere between the two I think this formula will be perfect for you. It’s gentle, but does an excellent job of protecting the skin from harmful and aging UVA and UVB rays while also soothing and smoothing. Plus, this particular product is water-resistant for up to 40 minutes.

All COOLA products are made in the US with up to 97% certified organic ingredients. You can learn more about the company and their products by visiting their website. You can also find them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. 

(FTC: This product was sent to me for free for review consideration. I am not being compensated for this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.) 

Talk About Sun Care - Goddess Garden

Once spring and summer hit I can't wait to get outside and soak up the sun and enjoy all that nature has to offer whether that be by floating around my pool, kayaking around a lake or down a river, hiking, or simply just taking my beloved pup for a stroll around the block. Warmer weather also equates to less clothing and more skin showing and it's extra important (although it's essential in the winter as well) to stay protected with some serious SPF. Summer should be all about having fun and making memories and who has the time to worry about what harsh chemicals you are slathering, or spraying, all over your body? I sure don't and thankfully I don't have to because I use Goddess Garden Organics and their powerfully natural sun protection products.

I first reviewed Goddess Garden way back in July of 2011 and the company has grown a lot since then. All Goddess Garden products are made with natural and organic ingredients and are Biodegradable, Reef-Safe, Cruelty Free, Vegan, Non-GMO, and Non-Nano.

The Sunny Face Natural Sunscreen with SPF 30 was rated an "EWG Best Sunscreen Pick in 2013 for its Superior Effectiveness and Non-Toxic Formula" and has become a sunny day staple in my beauty routine. This facial sunscreen can be used alone or under makeup. It is sheer and doesn't cause the ghastly white tint that so many sunscreens leave behind. It's very lightweight and not greasy or sticky. It doesn't have any added fragrance but it has a strong lavender scent that is not offensive to me or my extremely sensitive sniffer. It is made with Immortelle Oil and vitamins and antioxidants to help promote skin repair. It is very moisturizing and soothing! It is Water Resistant to 40 minutes, although I haven't personally tested that claim yet since the water is still a bit cold here in Oregon.



Here is the ingredients list:
Active Ingredients: Zinc Oxide 19.0%
Other Ingredients: Aloe Vera*, Glycerin*, Glyceryl Caprylate, Glyceryl Stearate, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Glyceryl Undecylenate, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil*, Helianthus Annus (Sunflower) Oil*, Iron Oxide, Lecithin, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Stearic Acid, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Xanthan Gum *Certified Organic

The other product I have been using, as well as the rest of my family, is the Sunny Body Sport Spray with SPF 30. This sunscreen comes in a recyclable, non-aerosol can. I find that once sprayed onto the desired area you have to massage the product in but once you do it's sheer on the skin. I don't find that it has a very discernable scent at all so it's great for those of us with sensitive noses. It feels a little bit sticky and tacky until it dries but once it does you're good to go! I love the spray format! It's so convenient for me but I know some people are worried about inhaling sprays like this. My only word of advice would be to avoid spraying this on your face and hold your breath when applying on your body if you're truly concerned. I personally don't mind.



Here are the ingredients:
Active Ingredients: Zinc Oxide 6.0%, Titanium Dioxide 6.4%
Other Ingredients: Aloe Vera*, Glycerin*, Glyceryl Caprylate, Glyceryl Stearate, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Glyceryl Undecylenate, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil*, Helianthus Annus (Sunflower) Oil*, Iron Oxide, Lecithin, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Stearic Acid, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Xanthan Gum *Certified Organic

You can learn more about Goddess Garden and their offering of natural and organic UVA/UVB protecting products by visiting their website here. You can also check them out on Facebook and Twitter.

Talk About It Tuesday - Goddess Garden

Every year my family and I spend the 4th of July at a big, gorgeous small town park where a classic car show is held in our area. I can honestly say that every year my skin, as well as the skin of my family, turns a not so pleasant shade of red. Sunburns are anything but fun, which is why I'm so excited about todays Talk About It Tuesday featuring Goddess Garden sunscreen.

Goddess Garden makes chemical free sunscreen for the whole family that is 82% organic. It is effective, non-greasy, great smelling (or unscented!), vegan, gluten free, non-comedogenic, paraben free, and is biodegradable as well as reef-safe. It protects skin from harmful UVA/UVB rays and acts as a physical block against them. It's not heavy or sticky feeling at all, which is the number one thing I look for in an SPF. One of the coolest things about their products, in my opinion, is that they start working to prevent skin damaging rays immediately as apposed to the half an hour traditional sunscreens can take.

I have been using both the baby and the kids formulas which are equally amazing for me and my family. The baby formula is perfect for sensitive skin and noses (like I have) because it's completely fragrance free. There is absolutely no odor whatsoever and I'm very happy about that. I absolutely hate the smell of chemical sunscreen so this is a perfect product for me. The kids version has a nice, light lavender scent which both of my parents enjoy. I even like the smell and I'm highly sensitive to fragrance. Their website says that the only difference between the kid and adult variations is the scent; it's lighter in the kid version.

Instead of bad for you chemicals, Goddess Garden uses high quality natural ingredients like shea butter, aloe, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, as well as lavender. My skin loves all of these ingredients and has not been irritated in the least bit by any of them which is a must for me. My fair skinned Mom and I both used it on a day we spent swimming and it seemed to be very water resistant and lasted through the splashing and playing in the water. It only comes off with soap and warm water in the shower, which is exactly what any good sunscreen should do.

Goddess Garden packages their formulas in either a spray bottle or in a tube. I have tried both. The lotion is wonderful and probably my favorite method of applying my sunscreen but the spray version is nice as well. It's not a fine mist though so you have to spray and rub for the best results, which doesn't bother me much. It is faster and great for on the go. I tend to get sunburned on the tops of my feet so the spray is a great way to reapply.

They even have really amazing UV bracelets that change colors to let you know how strong the suns UV Rays are. Not only are they a very clever idea and a great way to teach kids about the importance of applying sunscreen but they are also adorable! They have cute little ladybugs on them.
I've been testing this out for about a month now and I have not had one sunburn, which is a miracle since I spend so much time outdoors in the warmer months. I'm very scared of skin cancer and wrinkles so I make sure to slather my body daily with SPF. I also have a medical condition that makes me extremely sensitive to the suns rays, which I'm going to talk more about in an upcoming post. I have fallen so in love with Goddess Garden sunscreen products and I think they're stuck with me as a customer from now on.

You can purchase Goddess Garden products online or you can check the locator on their website to find a store selling them near you. Go check them out at http://www.goddessgarden.com/default.aspx or friend them on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/#!/goddessgarden because I just know that you'll love their products as much as I do. My Dad (who was a surfer in Southern California and never wore sunscreen growing up) even loves it and has been wearing it everyday. I hope you found this review helpful. I highly recommend this product! Let me know what you think it you try it. See you tomorrow!




FTC: Goddess Garden was generous enough to send me some of their products for free to test out. A big thank you goes out to them! All opinions are my own.