Refinee Age-Reversing Skin Care: Protective Day Lotion SPF 15

Hello ladies,

In the midst of summer weather, it is beneficial to shield your face and neck every day from damaging UVA/UVB rays. I have been having positive results with Protective Day Lotion SPF 15 from Refinee Age-Reversing Skin Care for the past two months. The lightweight formula absorbs quickly and is compatible with makeup application. It performs so well it could potentially inspire regular use of facial sunscreen in those ladies who have not yet made it routine.

Each morning after cleansing and toning, I apply Protective Day Lotion. This product can also be layered over a treatment serum. I typically wait a few minutes for the serum to absorb before adding sun protection. I follow with concealer, tinted moisturizer and bronzer. I appreciate that I can apply makeup over this moisturizer without worrying about the color shifting. If you choose to use facial primer over Protective Day Lotion, it will still work effectively.

Protective Day Lotion gives the skin a dewy look without the lingering sticky texture that often accompanies sunscreen. For ladies who don't apply sunscreen regularly because of the heaviness and residue, I feel Protective Day Lotion will provide the experience that can help make daily application a habit. I wear sunscreen with an SPF 15 or higher every day, even if the forecast is for rain. It has been my daily routine since I was 13 years old and the results really show in my face. I am told regularly that I look years younger.

One of the qualities I love about the Refinee line of products is how beautifully they work with sensitive skin. Hot weather and humidity has caused issues of skin sensitivity for me in the past. I haven't had to worry about mild redness or tiny bumps at all this entire summer season. With Protective Day Lotion, my skin has remained clear while being moisturized and shielded from the sun.

I would love for an SPF 30 facial moisturizer to be added to the Refinee Age-Reversing Skin Care line. While the SPF 15 has performed well for me, I prefer the assurance of a higher SPF on sun heavy afternoons.

Active Ingredients: Octinoxate 7.5%, Octinsalate 5%, Oxybenzone 3.2%

Ingredients: Deionized Water, Aloe Barbadensis Gel, Glycerin, DEA Cetyl Phosphate, Glyceryl Stearate, Stearic Acid, Camellia Oleifera (Japanese Green Tea) Extract, Jojoba Oil, Tocopherol Acetate (Vitamin E), Retinyl Palmitate (Vitamin A), Orange Oil, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Carbomer, PVP/Hexadecene Copolymer, Cetyl Alcohol, DMDM, Hydantoin, Dimethicone, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Triethanolamine, Butylene Glycol.

Camellia Oleifera is the plant from which Japanese green tea oil is extracted. This healthful ingredient provides oleic acid, an essential fatty acid and natural Vitamin E. It helps restore moisture to the skin and promotes pH balance. Japanese green tea is soothing to sensitive and acne prone skin as well.

Orange oil benefits skin tone and texture. It can help heal acne and reduce skin irritation.

I highly recommend Protective Day Lotion for light moisturizing and sun protection. Great under makeup, it's a useful product to have in your medicine cabinet.

Protective Day Lotion SPF 15 was sent to me for review. A 2 fl. oz. (60 ml) bottle retails for $33 USD and can be purchased at refineeskincare.com. To learn more about the brand, visit sorme.com.

Happy painting, ladies!

Laura Mercier Flawless Skin Oil-Free Day Lotion SPF 15

Hello ladies,

I had the opportunity to try Flawless Skin, Oil-Free Day Lotion SPF 15 by Laura Mercier. This moisturizer offers sun protection along with a variety of skin healing ingredients: sea water, green tea, peptides, collagen, arginine, quince seed extract and vitamin E. Oil-Free Day Lotion works effectively as a sunscreen, moisturizer and skin treatment.

I am impressed by how well the oil free formula hydrates my dry skin. I apply this moisturizer over a serum each morning. Its emollient properties are as effective as richer day cremes. It absorbs almost instantly and keeps my skin smooth to the touch long into the evening.

Oil-Free Day Lotion works beautifully under make-up. I have no trouble using concealer and powder shortly after applying this moisturizer. The consistency of the lotion is light and it massages into the skin easily. It's quick absorption makes it a useful product to help streamline my morning routine.

I appreciate how healthy my skin appears after using Oil-Free Day Lotion. Fine lines are diminished and my skin texture looks more supple. This moisturizer also produces a cumulative effect. After using Oil-Free Day Lotion for a few weeks, I noticed my skin feels softer and has a more youthful glow and fullness.

The scent of this product is elegant. There is clean and light floral aroma that dissipates shortly after application. The fragrance is so lovely I wish I could wear it as perfume.

Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Maris Aqua (Sea Water), Glycerin, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Polyglyceryl-10, Isostearate, Squalene, Trehalose, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Powder, Oligopeptide-6, Hexapeptide-3, Tripetide-3, Glycerylamidoethyl Methacrylate Copolymer, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Yeast Betaglucan, Faex Extract (Yeast Extract), Arginine, Pyrus Cydonia Seed Extract, Glycosphingolipids, Tocopheryl Acetate, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Aluminum Hydroxide, Caprylic/Capric Trigylceride, Zinc Oxide, Dimethicone/Methicone Copolymer, Ethyl Oleate, Cera Alba (Beeswax), C13-14 Isoparaffin, Carbomer, Laureth-7, Polyacrylamide, Sodium Polyacrylate, Linalool, Benzophenone-3, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Disodium EDTA.

While Camellia Sinensis is most commonly associated with a tea cup, the antioxidant effects of green tea are also beneficial when applied topically. Green tea can help fight free radical damage caused by environmental factors such as pollution. Because it helps prevent breakdown in collagen, green tea positively contributes to skin firmness and elasticity.

Oil-Free Day Lotion contains peptides. These active molecules signal the skin to produce more collagen. While peptides are naturally present in the skin, applying them in a lotion can contribute to additional collagen formation. This will help the skin retain a youthful appearance.

Arginine is an amino acid that assists in maintaining healthy connective tissue. Present in the skin, it is known to help heal damaged tissue and promote collagen formation.

Pyrus Sydonia Seed Extract is also known as quince seed. Closely related to apples, quince is a potent anti-oxidant with anti-inflammatory properties.

Many notable, much discussed skin care ingredients are present in this modern style bottle. If you are looking for a quality, boutique moisturizer, Oil-Free Day Lotion would make a worthy splurge.

Laura Mercier Flawless Skin Oil-Free Day Lotion SPF 15 was given to me by a friend. This moisturizer can be purchased from lauramercier.com. A 1.7 fluid ounce bottle retails at $95.00 USD.

Happy painting, ladies!

Neutrogena Ageless Restoratives Anti-Oxidant Daily Moisturizer SPF 20

Hello ladies,

I have been having a great experience with a facial sunscreen from Neutrogena. Ageless Restoratives Anti-Oxidant Daily Moisturizer SPF 20 offers sun protection in conjunction with skin calming soy extract, vitamin E and feverfew. It's a new favorite in my skin care regimen.

There has been a subtle name and packaging change since the product arrived in early October. I am including an updated image from PR. The photo with the flower is my own.

Living in a major city, I appreciate the benefits of antioxidants in skin care. A daily moisturizer clinically proven to neutralize 99% of free radicals is a necessary protection against skin damage due to pollution in the environment.

In the winter months, the SPF 20 in Anti-Oxidant Daily Moisturizer offers the perfect level of protection against damaging UVA/UVB rays. In the summer, I prefer a daily sun protection of SPF 30 to protect my fair skin. Neutrogena Healthy Defense is my first choice in warmer weather.

The oil free formula is light in texture and works well under makeup. The lotion absorbs quickly and leaves my skin feeling supple and hydrated. As much as I value Anti-Oxidant Daily Moisturizer for the essential sun protection, I appreciate how radiant my skin looks after application. It's a useful treatment product as well.

Active Ingredients: Avobenzone 1.8%, Homosalate 7%, Octisalate 4%, Octocrylene 1.5%, Oxybenzone 2%.

Inactive Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Soybean (Glycine Soja) Seed Extract, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Dimethicone, Diethylhexyl 2,6-Napthalate, Phenyl Trimethicone, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Glucoside, Benzyl Alcohol, Feverfew (Chrysanthemum Parthenium) Extract, Silica, Tocopherol, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Ethylene Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Steareth-2, Steareth-21, Titanium Dioxide, Mica, Polymethyl Methacrylate, 1, 2 Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Methylisothiazolinone, Polysorbate 20, Acrylamide/Ammonium Acrylate Copolymer, Polyisobutene, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Arachidyl Glucoside, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Triethanolamine, Fragrance.

Moisturizers containing soy extract tend to bring a glow to my complexion. It's no wonder as soy offers the antioxidant vitamins A, B, E and C. Another positive effect of soy is it's ability to help even skin tone and minimize blotchiness. When confronting the onset of cold weather with fair and sensitive skin, I truly value soy as an ingredient.

There is also Vitamin E for additional anti-oxidant protection and skin healing.

Feverfew, an herbal perhaps best known for its use with migraine patients, benefits the skin as well. Feverfew is reported to calm redness and irritation. It helps defend skin against free radicals that cause cellular damage.

If you are looking for a protective facial moisturizer that will guard against pre-mature aging and improve skin tone, Anti-Oxidant Daily Moisturizer SPF 20 is one of my favorites. I highly recommend it.

Ageless Restoratives Anti-Oxidant Daily Moisturizer was sent to me for review. You can find this product at neutrogena.com. Check your local drugstore as well. The retail price is $18.99.

Happy painting, ladies!

Neutrogena Ageless Intensives: Tone Correcting Daily Moisturizer SPF 30

Hello ladies,

I want to share information about a treatment facial sunscreen from Neutrogena. Part of the Ageless Intensives line, Tone Correcting Daily Moisturizer SPF 30 helps brighten the complexion, improve skin tone and lighten age spots. The Vitamin C and Retinol SA complex renews and exfoliates the skin, while broad spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen protects against future damage.

Neutrogena Ageless Intensives: Tone Correcting Daily Moisturizer SPF 30

I started using Tone Correcting Daily Moisturizer this past August. I began applying this product as part of my morning routine, every other day. The packaging notes: You may experience mild redness, a warm tingling sensation or flaking (skin exfoliation). These are normal, temporary indications that the formula is working.

I didn't detect any redness or flaking, but it did feel like my skin was humming for a few minutes after application. Even with sensitive skin, I wouldn't describe the feeling as painful. I was certainly aware of the Retinol SA at work for the first two weeks. The sensation experienced on the initial application will greatly lessen. My skin soon became accustomed to the formula and the tingling dissipated.

I really appreciate that I can easily wear Tone Correcting Daily Moisturizer under makeup. Before applying eye shadow, I smooth the moisturizer over my face and neck. In the time it takes to apply eye makeup, the formula has absorbed and I can add primer, concealer, and bronzer/blush.

Tone Correcting Daily Moisturizer improves the appearance of the skin. I have a couple of small age spots and minor freckling. The formula didn't erase these imperfections completely, but I did notice a subtle lightening.

Let's take a look at the components:

Active Ingredients: Avobenzone 3%, Homosalate 4%, Octisalate 5%, Octicrylene 5%, Oxybenzone 5%.

Inactive Ingredients: Water, PPG-15, Stearyl Ether, Cyclopentasiloxane, Glycerin, Silica, Isohexadecane, Polyamide-5, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Niacinamide, Pentylene Glycol, Cetyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Dimethicone, Tocopheryl Acetate, BHT, Retinol, Polysorbate 20, Cyclohexasiloxane, Butylene Glycol, Ascorbic Acid, PEG-8, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Ammonium Acryloyldimethytaurate/VP Copolymer, Potassium Ceytl Phosphate, PEG-75 Stearate, Trisiloxane, Sodium Polyacrylate, Ceteth-20, Steareth-20, Bisabolol, Hydroxyphenyl Propamidobenzoic Acid, Laureth-23, Laureth-4, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Sodium Hydroxide, Citric Acid, Disodium EDTA, Caprylyl Glycol, Hinokitiol, Titanium Dioxide, Mica, Fragrance.

Neutrogena's patented Helioplex formula sunscreen is one of my favorites available. I have been using different lines from Neutrogena for years to protect my face and neck from sun damage. Their broad spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen is proven to shield six layers of skin for a strong degree of protection.

Vitamin C is included in the formula to help diminish spots and even the complexion. Retinol SA also works to reduce age spots along with the appearance of wrinkles. The Retinol SA formula penetrates the skin better than Pro-Retinol or Retinyl Palmitate. For those ladies who rely on the exfoliating effects of Vitamin A, this product is a drug store treasure.

I can recommend Tone Correcting Moisturizer SPF 30 for sun protection and as an effective skin treatment. I am currently using my second bottle and I will be purchasing more in the future.

The Neutrogena Ageless Defensives line can be purchased from neutrogena.com. I bought my bottle of Tone Correcting Moisture from my local CVS drugstore. The retail price is 18.99.

Happy painting, ladies!

Apothecary: Neutrogena Healthy Defense Daily Moisturizer SPF 30

Hello ladies,

Today I want to share with you one of my favorite facial sunscreens: Neutrogena Healthy Defense Daily Moisturizer SPF 30. Part of my beauty routine for several years, I am a devoted user of this product. I rely on Healthy Defense to protect my skin from UVA and UVB rays.

The box contains post-consumer recycled material.

Rose on a blue trellis. I had a really lovely conversation with the gardener of the plot where the rose bush is abloom. He welcomed me to take cuttings of his flowers for the rest of the growing season.

Neutrogena Healthy Defense has a lightweight formula that absorbs quickly into the skin. I find this moisturizer works effectively even on hot and humid days. The consistency feels sheer on my face and neck. I find the formula to be relatively sweat proof for standard daily activities. I would recommend reapplying after exercise or exertion.

This moisturizer works exceptionally well under makeup. I have no problems with my concealer or bronzer shifting after application. My skin feels soft, but never oily. Healthy Defense leaves no perceivable residue.

Having fair and sensitive skin causes me to be very critical of SPF efficacy. I find that brands with similar active ingredients may not result in the necessary sun protection if their inactive ingredients don't assist in absorption. Neutrogena's patented helioplex broad spectrum UVA-UVB provides me with worry free protection against sun damage.

It's essential to wear a sunscreen that offers both UVA and UVB sun protection. Affecting the surface skin, UVB rays are the primary cause of sunburn. UVA damage goes deeper, penetrating skin layers to break down collagen and elastin found in healthy skin. This damage is what results in the signs of aging: lines and wrinkles, visible loss of elasticity resulting in skin sagging and age spots or discoloration.

The active ingredients include: Avobenzone 3%, Homosalate 12%, Octisalate 5%, Octocrylene 2.35%, Oxybenzone 6%.

The inactive ingredients are as follows: Water, Dimethicone, Trisiloxane, Diethylhexl 2, 6-Naphthalate, Glycerin, Glycerl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Behenyl Alcohol, Caprylyl Methicone, Ethylhexylglycerin, Pantothenic Acid, Retinyl Palmitate, Ascorbic Acid, Tocopheryl Acetate, Tocopherol, BHT, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Cetearyl Glucoside, Xanthan Gum, Disodium EDTA, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Methylisothiazolinone, Benzyl Alcohol.

The formula contains Vitamins B5, C, and E. These are listed as Panthotenic Acid, Ascorbic Acid and Tocopherol respectively. I am always pleased when antioxidants are present in skin care. Protection against the formation of free radicals is necessary for skin health and longevity.

I will continue to review sunscreens for face and body as a regular feature at painted Lady fingers. An advocate for daily use of facial sunscreens, I have worn a moisturizer with SPF every day since I was 12 years old. If you already practice daily sun protection or would like to start, I highly recommend Neutrogena's Healthy Defense Daily Moisturizer.

Healthy Defense Daily Moisturizer SPF 30 can be purchased at neutrogena.com for $13.99. I bought my tube at the local CVS drugstore.

Happy painting, ladies!

Reviva Labs: Light Cream Sun Protective Moisturizer

Hello ladies,

I will share my most valuable beauty secret with you. I wear sunscreen on my face and neck every day all year round. Even if the forecast were for a hurricane, I would still apply a moisturizer with sunscreen under my makeup. I will not walk outside of my apartment with anything less than SPF 15 on my face. I have followed this regime since I was 12 years old. It's never too late to start protecting your skin.

I have used countless brands of facial sunscreens and I can attest that Light Cream Sun Protective Moisturizer from Reviva Labs is a quality product. Not only does it keep my fair skin from burning, it also functions as a moisturizer and skin treatment.

These lilies make me think of starfish.

The Sun Protective Moisturizer contains an SPF of 25. This is perfect for daily use in the warmer weather when the sun is more intense. In late April, I switch from using a moisturizer with SPF 15 to a higher SPF of 25 0r 30. I typically return to SPF 15 products in late October. The reason for this is that higher SPF moisturizers tend be thicker in consistency. The Sun Protective Moisturizer has an easily absorbing cream formula that is compatible with applying makeup. I will likely end up using this product all year round.

One of the things I love about the Sun Protective Moisturizer is it does not irritate my sensitive eyes. Many other sunscreens contain ingredients that cause my eyes to sting and tear if I rub or touch my them after application. I have been using this product daily for the past few weeks and had no such problems.

You can apply Sun Protective Moisturizer like any traditional day cream. The only difference is you will want to wait 15 minutes before going outside for the SPF 25 to be working optimally.

The active ingredients are UV-A and UV-B sunscreens: Cinoxate and Benzophenone-3. Other ingredients include: purified water, caprylic/capric triglyceride, glycerin, glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stereate, egg oil, simethicone, methyl cellulose, aloe extract, potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate and citric acid.

Sun Protective Moisturizer is intended as a daily sunscreen and not as an SPF for a beach excursion. It contains some really wonderful moisturizing ingredients that wouldn't withstand the heat or the sun intensity without a lot of reapplication. It wouldn't be a practical choice for the beach. The only other time I prefer a beach type sunscreen that's thicker and drier is on highly humid days where the temperature is in the upper 90s.

I highly recommend Reviva Lab's Sun Protection Moisturizer for daily application to hydrate and shield your skin. Always remember: there is never a day when you step outside your door that you don't need to protect your face from the sun.

Light Cream Sun Protective Moisturizer was sent to me for review. This product is available for purchase at revivalabs.com for $10.

I am going to check on offering this sunscreen for an upcoming giveaway. It's a wonderful product and I would love the opportunity to share it with a lucky reader like you.

Happy painting, ladies!