Test Drive: L'Oreal Sublime Bronze SPF 15

It's been a sad little beachless summer over here at BITNB, and consequently I am paler than the Cullens. Now that I'm on a two week vacay, I've desperately (but safely!) been trying to impart a little glow. Enter L'Oreal Sublime Bronze Self Tanning Lotion SPF 15, which is genius to me because you can be outdoors, not get burned, yet still get a (faux) tan.

The Experience

I usually apply my self tanners at night - stained sheets be damned! - because I hate walking around all day with the yucky self tanner feeling and smell. This actually had a nice fresh fragrance that only slightly took on that DHA odor we all know and hate later in the day. The consistency felt like straight sunblock - very rich. It definitely took a few minutes to dry, and I wouldn't recommend wearing your tightest fitting jeans when you have this on. 

I went about my business and by nighttime I was golden brown - seriously, the color that develops is A-Mazing. No orange in sight, it's a lovely natural looking brown shade that even shows up on pale skin. If you need to look tan in a hurry, this is your formula.

The Verdict:

For $9.99 this is a no-brainer. The tan that develops is beautiful, natural looking and rich, and you have the added protection of SPF 15 if you plan on being outdoors all day. Available at drugstores nationwide.

Sunscreen Bootcamp: Hair

If you color your hair the sun is public enemy number one. Blonde highlights can get bleached out, dark browns get brassy and reds can completely fade. I drop major dime on regular highlights so the last thing I want is to throw my money in the garbage the minute I set foot on the beach. Luckily, one of my favorite hair care brands has the solution with their Color Extend Sun Sparkling Shield.

Color Extend Sun Sparkling Shield provides water-resistant UVA/UVB protection, in addition to getting rid of chlorine and mineral deposits, all while creating a sleek, polished finish. Advanced Hydra-Shield Complex with Soplexyl™, a patented UV filter, provide powerful protection while restoring lost moisture and luminous shine. Purchase at salons.

Sunscreen Bootcamp: Lips

If you've ever had a sunburn on your lips it's enough to scar you for life (not literally). But the memories of the severe dryness, redness, cracking and peeling that happen when lips get sunburned make me an SPF lip balm nazi. Lips usually don't get sunburned on a normal day out and about, it's more likely to happen if you're logging serious beach hours or are on a tropical getaway. Nonetheless it's always smart to keep a nourishing SPF lip balm on hand. Check out my favorites below. 

MAC Tinted Lip Conditioner is a supernourishing balm that locks in moisture with Almond oil and Shea Butter and has the added bonus of SPF 15 and a sheer wash of color. I love Petting Pink for a natural look and Gentle Coral for when I want a little more color payoff.

 

Bare Escentuals Lip Guard combines SPF 15, sheer color, Vitamins A, C and E to nourish, heal and protect and antioxidant-rich Grape Seed oil to fight environmental damage. The squeeze tube is perfect for throwing in your beach bag. 

And sometimes you just want old faithful. Blistex Lip Massage Lip Balm with SPF 15 is a moisturizing formula that goes on clear, and the classic has been updated with the added bonus of a massaging applicator that smooths away rough spots. Plus, you can't beat the under $5 price tag.

Sunscreen Bootcamp: Body

Now that the weather is nice and you can actually go outside and walk around during your lunch hour and no longer have to be covered up from neck to toe, using sunscreen daily on your body is just as important as your face. You'd be surprised how easy it is to catch up a burn simply by walking from the office to the deli. Read on for my favorite body moisturizer plus SPF combos that are light and greaseless for daytime.

Vaseline Protecting Body Lotion with Aloe and Sunscreen offers SPF 15 protection, perfect for incidental exposure, combined with the refreshing and moisturizing benefits of aloe. It's also lightweight and absorbs easily.

Aveeno Active Naturals Daily Moisturizing Lotion with SPF 15 is clinically shown to moisturize for 24 hours and provides both UVA and UVB protection. Natural Colloidal Oatmeal soothes irritated skin and the non-greasy formula contains no fragrance.

Since the thought of spending the summer pasty white basically makes me want to die, there's no reason you can't have a little (faux) color while still protecting your skin from the sun's rays. Neutrogena Summer Glow Daily Moisturizer SPF 20 softens skin, has a light fresh scent and gradually provides a healthy looking glow.

Remember, these are just for daily, incidental exposure. My favorite beach body sunscreen is Coppertone Continuous Spray since it's light, non-greasy and provides a quick, even application.

Sunscreen Bootcamp: Face

The weather is warm, the sun is shining and it's no longer acceptable to scrimp on sunscreen. While I must reiterate that it's important to slap on the 'screen year round, we all fall off the wagon sometimes during the dark and gloomy winter months. There are so many excuses not to slather on the SPF on a daily basis - it makes me break out, it feels thick and disgusting, it makes me look shiny - the list goes on. 

No more excuses people! Today's facial sunscreens are not the thick, yucky formulas of years passed. Since the number one cause of aging is attributed to the sun, if you give a damn about how you'll look in the future read on for my sunscreen hit list.

If you're oily:

You can't beat La Roche-Posay Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid SPF 60 if you're worried about sunscreens being thick, heavy and greasy. As the name would suggest, this LRP sunscreen is exceptionally light, while packing a serious SPF level. Perfect for use at the beach or everyday under makeup, this is ideal for anyone who thinks they'll never find a sunscreen they won't mind using daily.

If you're acne prone:

DERMAdoctor Ain't Misbehavin actually contains skin clarifying ingredients like Willow Bark, a natural form of salicylic acid and Witch Hazel, a natural astringent. The texture is light, absorbs quickly and leaves skin shine-free with a matte finish. There's even botanicals to soothe red, irritated skin.

If you need moisture and SPF:

Biore Dual Fusion moisturizer is one part nourishing moisture, one part SPF 30 in a dual-chamber pump that preserves the power of each formula but keeping them separate. This really hydrates and protects without feeling greasy and is perfect for daily use. 

For touch ups:

Peter Thomas Roth Instant Mineral SPF 45 is an amazing powder sunscreen that really protects without any of the greasy sunscreen side effects. Plus the powder is housed in a built-in brush applicator so it's great to keep in your bag and touch up on the go. Definitely one of my sunscreen staples.