I get a lot of sunscreen inquiries, but haven’t loved any one product enough to drop a full-on endorsement on my faithful DC readers. Either the SPF isn’t high enough, the finish is too greasy, or the product rubs off and burns my eyes. For example, I really wanted to like this Alba Organics SPF 30, but in addition to causing eye irritation, it migrates and you end up tasting it. This creates a grossly unpleasant and uncomfortable experience, especially during any kind of physical activity.
In response to dissatisfaction with all the obvious big players (Neutrogena, Coppertone, Aveeno), the pendulum swung way to the other end of the spectrum, and I invested in this Peter Thomas Roth Instant Mineral SPF 30. The plastic end houses peachy colored powder that dispenses through the brush. First off, when the product arrived it was difficult to tell if any actual powder trickled down through the bristles. I pulled off the end and dumped half the product on the floor. At around $30 bucks (on clearance now as low as $12), $15 was wasted by this careless accident – super annoying for sure! Can’t really blame PTR, but the mistake soured my overall impression. 
The powder formulation skirts the typical perils of cream or oil sunscreen as mentioned above. It doesn’t run into the eyes or mouth. Instant mineral isn’t greasy, and it doubles as a loose powder by providing a matte finish. The main drawback is it is difficult to tell if you’ve achieved adequate coverage. Furthermore, like most other sunscreens, it sweats off. I don’t hate this product, but it is most useful as a scalp sunscreen. It doubles as a dry shampoo and crown protector. Sun-roof and convertible babies, this one is for you. 
Of all the sunscreens tested (far more than discussed here), Ocean Potion Face SPF45 Clear Zinc Oxide is my favorite. Unlike many carcinogenic sunscreen ingredients readily absorbed into the blood stream and linked to hormone disruption, zinc oxide is an inorganic compound which provides complete UVB/UVA protection, has anti-inflammatory properties, and is considered a safe sunscreen ingredient. It is also about the only sunblock approved by the FDA for children under 6 months of age. This particular light weight cream absorbs easily and does NOT leave that weird white film many of us associate with standard zinc oxide sunscreens. The best part? This stuff is very reasonably priced. Find this one ounce jar widely available for less than $2, and with a little research, bargain hunters can track it down for only $.67! 
Confession time. Awhile back I tried EverPure and really, really, really liked it. Typically, I’m loathe to recommend anything L’Oreal due to their well-known history of testing on animals. However, L’Oreal claims not to test EverPure on animals or include any animal ingredients in the formula. 
If you are hardcore about the sulfate thing, EverPure claims to be sulfate-free. However, it contains Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate and Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate which seems a little like skirting sulfate on semantics, but whatever; this stuff gives great suds. After trying several expensive and budget varieties, with and without sulfate sudsing agents, EverPure shampoo tops them all. Don’t mess with the conditioner though, it sux. 
After finding shampoo nirvana, a high-performing natural conditioner became priority number one. Conditioner often justifies the expense, but you don’t have to drop major coin on a daily detangler. Juice Organics Brightening Conditioner is absolutely delightful. The natural conditioner actually has a recognizable ingredient list:
Aero Minerale isn’t the first foundation in a spray can, but it is one of the better mass market options. Super long-wearing and matte, the finish and staying power make sense for the warmer months when emollient bases tend to migrate. 
A few words of advice when applying the poor woman’s airbrush. First, go easy and work in sections. This stuff dries pretty quickly. Also, keep it off the hairline and work inward. Blend with fingers or a sponge. The full coverage and finish make powder optional. 
With most budget foundations, the color range sucks. Spray foundation requires a perfect match or it looks very masky, so this product isn’t going to be for everyone, but Aero Minerale also makes bronzer and colorless primer versions which require less color precision.
With men’s fashion front and center this week, let’s take a moment and discuss putting your best face forward. Women have a slew of products in their arsenal like concealer and foundation to camouflage imperfections. Even though many men could get away with a light application of tinted moisterizer, most desire a product that provides more subtle enhancement. 
Consider trying Eucerin Redness Relief Daily Perfecting Lotion. This super soothing, green-tinted lotion magically masks imperfections by neutralizing red tones. 
Don’t trip on the fact that it’s green. It doesn’t look green on the skin. Think of it as a subtle color-correcting veil. 
Indespensible for those who tend to run a little ruddy like Ms. Renee, yes ladies, this fast-absorbing SPF 15 lotion provides a fantastic base under makeup. 
The market’s currently crowded with color corrector moisterizers, but many of those products just contain pigment. Eucerin Redness Relief possesses healing ingredients with properties to calm irritation. Skin feels cool, nourished, and appears noticeably more even after one use. 
Don’t get whiplash; after the financially indulgent Kinerase experiment, I’ve taken a detour away from luxury lane and made a sharp right down two-for-one-alley. Despite previously unimpressive experiences with RoC, I decided to give RoC Deep Wrinkle Night Cream a chance because, frankly, I had a coupon. What? I ain’t too proud to use a coupon. 
Low expectations sometimes result in pleasant surprises, and RoC Deep Wrinkle Night Cream delivers more than a pleasant surprise. RoC Deep Wrinkle is a truly results-driven product. The formula doesn’t contain any revolutionary ingredients; it relies on glycolic acid, retinol, copper, and vitamin C. This must be a particularly effective and well-balanced blend, however, because I discern a noticeable reduction in forehead creases and crows feet after only about two weeks of consistent nightly use. 
Why drop serious coin on something that goes down the drain? Body wash presents a special challenge. Most of the inexpensive products marketed towards women are drying and too perfumey. 
This Old Spice Red Zone Body Wash is surprisingly moisturizing and great for shaving. The scent it leaves behind is more Chanel No. 5 than Love’s Baby Soft. This stuff is especially fantastic if your body chemistry brings out the sweet notes in fragrances.
Plus the names are hilarious: “Swagger,” “Afterhours,” “Showtime.” I’m anxiously waiting for the newest fragrance: “Boner.” The color might be oddly electric, but the Old Spice gives good suds. 
For a photo finish face, begin with exceptional skin texture. Discoloration can be addressed with concealer, but make-up does little to disguise an uneven surface. Most modern moisturizers contain exfoliators like AHA acids or retinol which work to release the top layers of skin cells. Physically scrub all that dead gunk off, or you won’t have an ideal canvas for your makeup artistry.
When you really think about it, nail polish is sort of artificial and gross. Once in awhile a lady or gent invests in a proper pedicure, but for the vast majority of our sad population, sloppy fucking feet abound. Throwing some nasty polish on dirty feet fools no one.
First you need a foot file. This should be used on dry feet. Focus on your heels; your heels are gross. After, you must moisturize.
There are some things in life so comforting you just keep coming back to them. Bonne Bell Lip Smacker is one of those things.
The primal and familiar smell of Dr. Pepper takes you right back to twelve years old.
The best flavors/colors are Mango, Wild Raspberry, and Dr. Pepper. Strawberry ain’t bad either. The remainder of the variety pack merits less attention. 
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