LOVE . SUN . BEAUTY

SPF Primer

Feb 25, 2015

With Valentine's Day just passing, I want to share with you my new found love...

Being obsessed with beauty, you might be shocked to hear that I actually love NOT wearing any makeup. Yes! I don't enjoy piling on pounds of make-up every time I am about to leave the house. Of course, this is depending on the occasion, but for everyday I usually enjoy putting on a little bit of mascara, sunscreen/moisturizer, blush/bronzer, and a little bit of lip gloss. When I am going out at night, on the other hand, I like to wear a little more, I typically use eyeshadow, eyeliner, foundation, etc.

I am not at all professional when it comes to applying make-up; however, I came across something that I know many of you will recognize, and that's primer. Primer basically evens out your skin tone and makes your makeup last longer. It basically prepares your face before foundation or powder for a more even look. If you use eye primer or lip primer, they also have the same purpose.

At first I thought this was too much, but I did some research and it might be something that could actually be useful when it comes to protecting your skin.

Some of you may have wondered if makeup protects your skin from the sun. Well it can, but only the right cosmetics with the right ingredients actually protect your skin.

On the Skin Cancer Foundation website it states that selecting a moisturizer or primer containing sunscreen to apply before putting on makeup can be a great choice when it comes to protecting your skin under the sun. Many of us just apply our make up alone, or on top of a moisturizer that doesn't contain any SPF. This can be harmful, especially if you are spending a lot of time outdoors or driving.

I decided to go check out a few primers, so I went to Sephora and picked out a sunscreen/primer to apply under my foundation powder to try. At first, I thought that it would make me look "cakey", but actually, it evened out my skin tone and gave me the biggest glow. I instantly fell in love! What's better than having beautiful skin, while staying protected at the same time, right?

The one that I actually purchased was not considered organic, however, I truly love it. Since I use the Clinique Stay-Matte Sheer Pressed Powder as foundation, I decided to purchase the Clinique City Block Sheer Oil-Free Daily Face Protector SPF 25. On the Skin Cancer Foundation website, it states how an SPF 15+ is enough for under make-up wear, since makeup itself will add another layer of protection.

This is a lightweight daily sunscreen that provides UVA/UVB sun protection. As stated on the packaging, this daily sunscreen provides the face with broad-spectrum sun protection in a sheer formula. Worn alone or as a primer under makeup, its oil-free formulation helps to absorb excess oil and whisks away perspiration. The best part is that even though it isn't organic or natural, it is formulated without chemical sunscreens. It is also appropriate for sensitive skins and the eye area, which I love.

If you are looking for a new primer or sunscreen I recommend trying it out depending on your skin type. This one actually worked great with my skin type but might not with yours. But if it does, I think you'll love it too. If you are looking for something a little more natural, I found something similar. The Suntegrity Natural Moisturizing Face Sunscreen & Primer, Broad Spectrum SPF 30.

As seen on their website, this award winning, rich, non-greasy, “UV chemical-free” face sunscreen offers Broad Spectrum Protection against damaging UVA & UVB rays. Infused with youth promoting antioxidants, this 3 in 1 product functions as a face moisturizer, sunscreen and make-up primer all in one. I have not tried this yet, but definitely looking into it as it looks amazing.

Please comment which primer you use, or love. Also, if you try any of these products listed, and have comments I would love to hear about what you think and how they work for you. If you have never tried primer, I highly recommend purchasing one that has an SPF of 15+ as it helps your make up last longer, and protects you throughout the day.

Also, always remember that it it still recommended to wear sun protective clothing even with sunscreen while you are outdoors. Check out: www.sundriven.com for more details on that and some great products!

XOXO

Authors: Nazanin Yashar

Sources: http://www.skincancer.org/prevention/sun-protection/sunscreen/sun-protection-and-makeup

Secret Behind Gorgeous Skin and Hair

Feb 18, 2015

Many think that the secret behind healthy hair and glowing skin is expensive, brand name make up and products. But what if we told you that the REAL secret is actually right in your kitchen?

Blueberries

This low-profile berry was ranked number one in antioxidant activity by the U.S. Department of Agriculture compared to 40 common fruits and vegetables. The antioxidants in blueberries protect you from premature aging, so add half a cup to your yogurt or cereal every day.

Spinach

This leafy green vegetable is rich in nutrients and antioxidants. Spinach is loaded with lutein, which keeps your eyes healthy and sparkling. Spinach is also a good source of vitamins B, C, and E, potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids. Trade your lettuce for spinach, or saute spinach for a quick, healthy side.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes are the best source of the anti-aging antioxidant lycopene. Surprisingly, lycopene in tomatoes is more easily absorbed by your body when it is cooked or processed, so make sure to stock up on canned tomato sauce, tomato juice, and ketchup.

Kiwis

This small, brown, fuzzy fruit is loaded with vitamin C and antioxidants, which keep skin firm, help prevent wrinkles, and are great for healthy bones and teeth. The antioxidants in kiwis also protect you from cancer and heart disease.

Sweet Potatoes

You should be eating this superfood more often than just at Thanksgiving. Sweet potatoes are packed with beta-carotene, an antioxidant that fights aging.

Tell us what your favorites are, and share your recipes!

Authors:Nazanin YasharSources:http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/recipes/healthy-eating/superfoods/top-10-superfoods-for-skin-and-hair/

Let's Talk About Exercise

Feb 12, 2015

We hear it all the time right? "You must get at least 60 min of exercise every day." If you are anything like me, you would know what it feels like to go to the gym every day; I hate it.

Not using your body on a daily bases can have some long-term effects. And trust me, they are not good. Over time, your muscles will become flabby and weak. Your heart and lungs won't function efficiently. And your joints will be stiff and easily injured. Doctors say that inactivity is as much of a health risk as smoking! Here are some benefits of exercising daily:

Helps prevent diseases.
Improves stamina.
Strengthens and tones.
Enhances flexibility.
Controls weight.
Improves quality of life.

Once you begin to exercise regularly, you will discover many more reasons why exercise is so important to improving the quality of your life. Exercise reduces stress, lifts moods, and helps you sleep better. It can keep you looking and feeling younger throughout your entire life.

Unfortunately, whoever knows me, knows I am not an active person. Simply because I think it's boring. Going to the gym and getting on a treadmill or lifting weights is not something I enjoy. However, I know how important it is for your health to exercise. So I did some research.

Being a recent graduate it's easy for me to get stressed out about life. I heard how yoga is great for stress, so I looked into it. To be honest, I have never done yoga, nor did I know what it really was. The word "yoga" comes from the Sanskrit root "yuj", which means "to yoke" the spirit and physical body together. Yoga has evolved over thousands of years to embrace a wide range of styles and disciplines.

Yoga is a popular activity for athletes, children, and seniors. Yoga can be modified to suit all levels of fitness. Yoga has been proven to lower blood pressure and increases strength and flexibility. Yoga energizes you body and calms your mind. I thought why not try it? So I signed up with YogaWorks®. I found them most appealing because they offer a diverse array of yoga classes and levels. Their classes are paced moderately to vigorously depending upon the level. As a beginner, you can start with Level 1 and gradually build up to more advanced levels as your practice grows. Their yoga is also practical and geared toward addressing modern issues like releasing neck pain from computer usage and neutralizing the stress of a hectically paced day.

Today was my third day doing yoga, as a beginner, and I love it! I have never felt more relaxed or energized in my life. I love that I am exercising my body and my mind at the same time. I highly recommend it to anyone who hates going to the gym or has a stressful schedule. I also found some other great benefits of yoga if you are thinking of considering it:

It increases endurance, strength and flexibility.
Mental endurance and physical stamina are tested through holding postures for extended breaths.
Arm and shoulder strength is multiplied as you use your own body weight for resistance.
Lats and other back muscles begin to support the spine better than before.
Abdominals and obliques are refined and sharpened through building core muscles.
Poor and average posture begins to correct itself over time.
Hip flexors are stretched and rebuilt.
Glutes, quads, hamstrings, and calves are tightened and lengthened where they need to be.

So if you are anything like me and hate exercising, please know that it is very important. Maybe try taking fitness classes or even look into yoga. Hey, you might just fall in love like I did. Comment your favorite style of yoga, or your fitness experience. Namaste!

Author: Nazanin Yashar Sources: http://www.lululemon.com/education/yoga/?mnid=mn;education;yoga101 http://www.yogaworks.com/about.aspx http://life.gaiam.com/article/benefits-yoga http://www.healthdiscovery.net/articles/exercise_importa.htm