Sunscreen Showdown

Did you know that what you put "on" your body is just as important as what you put "in" your body? Your skin is the largest organ of your body and since it is porous, it absorbs whatever you put on it. Just think about how many things you put on your body in a day, even if you don't wear makeup....shampoo and conditioner, face lotion, body lotion, sunscreen....

A study published in the American Journal of Public Health looked into the skin’s absorption rates of chemicals found in drinking water. It showed that the skin absorbed an average of 64% of total contaminant dosage. Other studies found the face to be several times more permeable than broad body surfaces and an absorption rate of 100% for underarms and genitalia. And another peer-reviewed study showed 100% absorption for fragrance ingredients.

Given the frequency you apply sunscreen and the fact that you put it ALL OVER your body, you should probably know what's in it. "In theory, sunscreen should protect us from UV radiation without irritating our skin, causing allergies, losing their effectiveness or forming potentially harmful products. However, most sunscreens today fail this basic criterion which raises major concerns for our health." (source)

So, what's really in your sunscreen?

On our recent trip to Mexico I was applying sunscreen on myself and the Mini every two hours. I've used the Beautycounter sunscreen for a while now, and I really like the products, but I decided to try a few new ones to compare.

Here's what my sunscreen showdown looked like!

1. Beautycounter All Over Sunscreen- Overall this is one of my favorite "safe" sunscreens. It's definitely thicker than most sunscreen, but the good ones are. That's why they're good. :)

2. Blue Lizard Sport Sunscreen- This Blue Lizard was far superior to the other Blue Lizard I tried (see below). It's very similar to the thickness of the Beautycounter, and while it still takes some work to rub it in, it's not such a workout. However, according to EWG it contains oxybenzone, so this one might be out for me. 

3. Blue Lizard Face Sunscreen- This one was also a winner for me. The price is good, it's not too thick, is relatively free of scent and performs well. 

4. Beautycounter Protect Stick and Beautycounter Protect Face Stick- I love these sunscreens for their portability. I keep them in my car and in my purse for those unexpected moments when I realize I left the house without applying sunscreen. They go on easily and rub in nicely. 

 

5. Blue Lizard Sensitive Sunscreen- I really wanted to like this, but it was so thick. It felt like a workout just to apply the sunscreen. I like that it has little to no scent, but that doesn't make up for its other shortcomings. The Beautycounter out performs this one for sure. 

I do really like the fact that the bottle turns blue when exposed to UV light, so you know even if it's cloudy or if you are in the shade if you are being exposed. 

6. Babo Botanicals SPF 30 Spray-  I thought I'd throw a spray in the mix, even though I know they aren't as effective at fully covering your body. I love Babo Botanicals shampoo/conditioner for the Mini, but the sunscreen fell short. Since I know spraying doesn't provide full coverage, I tried to rub it in which created this terrible film on my skin. I won't buy this one again. 

7. Alba Botanica Sport Mineral Sunscreen- This one is also a big "no" for me because of the thickness. It's as bad as the Blue Lizard.

If you're looking for a way to identify harmful ingredients in your sunscreen, the EWG has a great "Guide to Sunscreen" that lists the ingredients and the level of concern for each one. Check it out here!

Ring Ring

A friend shared this product on Facebook last week. I checked out the video. And I bought one.

You should check it out too. The Ring™ Video Doorbell lets you answer the door from anywhere using your smartphone. It features an HD camera with night vision, providing a clear view from your front door, day and night.

The video pretty much explains it.



We installed ours earlier this week. I'm kind of curious to see who comes to my door that I wouldn't otherwise know about. It will also be nice for when we are traveling, which we do quite frequently. If you want to know my thoughts after a month or two, feel free to email cardicouture@gmail.com.

Keeping it Real: It Can Wait

When I saw this ad, I knew I had to share it. As you may know from previous posts, I was in a very serious car accident over 4 years ago. The Mini Fashionista was 7 weeks old. I had nightmares for years afterwards. I still have them every now and again.

You would think those nightmares would stop me from doing anything to risk my life, the life of my family or anyone else while driving a car, but they don't always. Sometimes I do exactly what you see in this video. And I'm ashamed.

But not anymore.

No post is worth a life.
No glance is worth a life.
No email is worth a life.
No search is worth a life.
No text is worth a life.

It can wait!



From now on, my phone will be closed in my center console or secured inside my purse to avoid the temptation of picking it up. Join me! It could save a life, including your own.

Products we Love: GizmoPal

As the Mini Fashionista gets older, starts participating in more activities, starts full day school and spends more time out of my care, I can't help but worry just a little bit about her safety.  

I know that these worries will only increase as she ages. I suppose that is why so many parents buy cell phones for their kids. And while I have no doubt that the Mini will have a cell phone many years before I got my first phone, I can't help but think that it's happening far too early. In my opinion, kids don't need to be able to text, they don't need internet access and they shouldn't be so technology dependent at such a young age. However, I do believe that it's important for parents to be able to reach their children and know where they are and for children to be able to call their parents when necessary. 

That's what makes this product is so fantastic! Let me introduce you to the LG GizmoPal. The GizmoPal is an easy way to stay connected with your child with 1 button calling & Smartphone mapping. 

It fits securely around the wrist, is durable and water resistant, and comes in blue or pink.

The GizmoPal allows your child to call two registered numbers and receive calls from an additional two approved contacts. Using the GizmoPal app on your smartphone, you can see the GizmoPal’s location on a map, via GPS. Plus, you can receive location notifications at scheduled times, such as when your child’s bus typically arrives in the neighborhood.

GizmoPal costs $79.99 and an additional $5/month on top of your Verizon wireless mobile plan. And while I don't see the need for something like this yet, I am excited about the options that I know will exist when it is something that our family feels is necessary. Hopefully by then there will be a product that allows more than 2 numbers to call in/out and also provide a more sleek design.