Perfect sunscreen achieved.

I have been searching for the right physical sunscreen for my face. I am slowly trying to eliminate the chemical ones from my arsenal.

I tried Dermalogica. I loved it, but it was too pricey. Also, I have since learned that it is high in toxicity.

I tried Neutrogena. WAY too greasy and yucky.

I tried California Baby--pure titanium dioxide and super waterproof. It is great for the body, but broke my face out in teeny bumps. Yuck.

I landed on one that is always raved about, but somehow I had never tried. It is not waterproof, but I simply apply my Bare Escentuals mineral powder sunscreen midday. This doubles as a primer, isn't at all greasy, is tinted to counterbalance the whiteness of physical sunscreens and is just altogether wonderful and really reasonable. LOVE it.

Summer Feet

The first time I saw a late-night infomercial for this thing, I was mildly disgusted. However, I have since read and heard that it is truly a remarkable product. When my in-shower pumice stone reaches a replacement age, I will be purchasing this As-Seen-On-TV product. Especially since Linens'n'Things has 20% off coupons, so it will only be $8.

On another note, I have some sort of stomach bug. Now, I am forced to waste the gorgeous summer day outside and stay in...drinking 7-UP and eating soup. At least I squeezed in some fun the last few days so that I don't feel persecuted!

Smells of Summer

Despite the chilly wind whipping outside right now, last weekend's hot summer weather really got me in the mood for SUMMER. That's right--sundresses, floppy hats, cute sandals--and warm nights. One huge perk of living in Fresno is the warm evening. Last weekend, I thoroughly enjoyed this new reality. After eight summers in Costa Mesa, I am used to chilly evenings. It is amazing to be wearing short sleeves after 4pm anytime of year!

Quite a few things are inspiring summer-lust for me. Not least of which is that wonderful smell of summer...

You could splurge on this:

Sephora, $98

Or get the same ingredients in this. I got the whole set last summer and love it all!

Yves Rocher, $4

Sephora, $12

That's right. Spend $98, or $16. The NARS and Yves Rocher use Tahitian Monoi Oil. However, they also include mineral oil, so don't use it anywhere you are prone to breakouts. I found some pure monoi oil online for very reasonable, but it doesn't smell quite as fragrant.

All of these just smell like summer vacation.