Summer is officially here which means more time in the sun. Here are some facts and tips to help you stay safe not only all summer, but all year around.

THE FACTS

Sunlight is made up of UV rays, waves of light that comes from the sun and is invisible to the naked eye. There are three types that can be easily broken down like such:

UVA = causes the breakdown of elastin and collagen, which causes the skin to sag aiding in the aging of skin

UVB = causes the skin to burn

UVC = only reaches the earth’s surface through holes in the ozone layer

UVA rays (long waves) are powerful enough to penetrate both clouds and glass

They are present during all daylight hours throughout the year. For UVB rays (short waves), they do not significantly penetrate glass, but they do reflect off both snow and ice double exposing you to their harm. UVB rays are most prevalent during the months of April and October between the hours of 10a.m. and 4p.m.

Excessive exposure to UV radiation can cause genetic mutations in the body causing skin cancer. One in five Americans will develop skin cancer once in their lifetime, and despite your skin tone or ethnicity, everyone… everyone is at risk of developing skin cancer.

We know, it’s a lot of information but we need you beauties to be informed! Skin cancer is a very serious issue, but with these tips and some of our favorite sunscreen products, we will help you get all the protection you need!

THE TIPS

There are two types of sunscreens on the market right now. Physical and chemical. Physical sunscreens work by reflecting UV rays off top of the skin and because they filter UVA and UVB rays they’re considered broad spectrum. Chemical sunscreens penetrate the skin and can take up to 30 minutes to take effect. Those with sensitive skin tend to like a physical sunscreen being that it doesn’t penetrate the skin. While those with deeper skin tones might prefer a chemical sunscreen due to the fact physical sunscreens tend to leave a gray cast.

To keep it simple, just remember the number 2! Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours, use up to two ounces on the body (one shot glass full) and replace your sunscreen every 2 years!

Simple enough, right? Right! Here are so of our best sunscreen for all your sun care needs!

Best In Overall Body

• Supergoop Antioxidant- Infused Sunscreen Mist with Vitamin C Broad Spectrum SPF 50
• Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 45

Use a SPF between 30 and 50. Anything lower will not give you the protection you need, anything higher will cause you to neglect your skin and not apply every two hours.

Best For Face

• Murad Invisiblul Perfecting Shield Broad Spectrum SPF 30 PA+++
• Shiseido Environment Oil-Free UV Protector Broad Spectrum SPF 42 for Face

Both sunscreens can be used on all skin tones without the fear of making face complexions appear ashy. Also, if you use a face treatment serum that allows your dark spots and age marks to diminish, using a sunscreen is vital. Using a product like Clinique’s Even Better Serum, and not using a sunscreen will reverse the treatment making dark marks appear darker.

Best in Beauty

• Peter Thomas Instant Mineral SPF 45
• Supergoop Refreshing Setting Spray

Either one of these products can be applied directly over makeup, giving you the protection you need and helping your makeup to last all day.

Lips & Hands

• Sugar Lip Treatments SPF 15
• Clinique Even Better Dark Spot Correcting Hand Cream SPF 15
• Deborah Lippmann Rich Girl Hand Cream SPF 25

The first signs of aging can be seen though our hands and lips, these are two of the most common places we tend to forget when we apply sunscreen.

–Autumn Marie

Squad UP– Girl talk, manicures, facials, and good music…sounds like the perfect nails right?? Well all of that you can do in your own house. One of you and or your girlfriends pick a place where you guys can have a fun girls night sleepover. Enjoy doing your nails while watching all of the gushy teen chick flicks you can find and let loose. Create a music mix for girls night in and it’s the perfect way to have ‘All

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Festivals- The weather is definitely heating up  at a rapid pace, it’s time to enjoy the outdoors still before it’s too late. There are still tons of Summer festivals that take place all around. Just look up festivals near your locations and you will be surprised how many are in your area. So grab your cut offs and score a cup of  fresh lemonade cider & some funky jewelry.

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Throw It Back-  Skating isn’t just for ol’ school night right? Do something that even your parents used to enjoy. The rink never gets old with a good dj or hitting the bowling alley with a side nachos is always the perfect answer to summer!

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Swap Out- You like her necklace, she loves your earrings…so why not do a swap out?? You ask what is a swap out? Well gather your girlfriends and trade different fashion an beauty goodies! Pick out different beauty products that hasn’t worked for you and fashion items that you never wear and bring them over friends house and got to town! Invite 4-5 girls and you will be surprised the selection you will have. Just like shopping!

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 Arts & Crafts – Yes, I know you’re not in elementary school anymore but who said arts & crafts are just for kids?? Take those old pair jeans and  change it to a skirt or that old sweatshirt to a cute little headband. Not into sewing?? Ok, take all your old magazines that go back 3 years because I know you have them and cut out anything you love! From celebs to places to fashion items and make collage! It can be an inspiration board so every time you look at it you’ll be reminder of where you want to be in the future.

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Ok, time to perk open your ears and give us your musical expertise! Tell us if you would tune in or turn of this song—>

Jordin Sparks- Right Here Right Now

Enjoy!

Time for a music pick-me-up with Little Mix – Black Magic—->

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What a whirlwind life can send you on! Things are changing in the blink of an eye. One day it’s your freshman year of high school and the next you are applying for college and scholarships. You need a break. It’s time for a reset. Summer is here and everything about you needs to say that you are ready. You’ve been cramped up in the house for months, thanks to little Miss Winter. It is time to get activeand knock off those cobwebs. Enjoy being able to hang outside. Go for walks with your friends, join asummer softball league, or do yoga in the park.  Lucky you, you’re young and your metabolism is in overdrive (compared to what it will be later in life—trust me, I know). It doesn’t take much to tip the scale in your favor. Give yourself 20-30 mins, 3 times a week. That little bit of winter weight will wilt away.

The temperatures are rising and everybody is rocking crop tops, skater skirts, and high waist denim shorts. Don’t get caught with the burger bloat.  As the new season settles upon us, you should also take the time to cleanse your body. A good starting point is to remove the junk food and fried food from your diet. Indulge in seasonal fresh fruits and veggies and fire up the grill for your meats. These are sure ways to get good sources of antioxidants and vitamins while keeping your bad fat intake low.

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Two things that collect dust: your wardrobe and your make up brushes. Take the time to clean and organize your closet. Obviously, you want to remove winter’s heavy coats and thigh high boots, but you also want to make sure you give those summer clothes a good wash. Everyday your face sheds dead skin. That dead skin is spread to your make up brushes. If you don’t have a consistent cleaning regimen for your brushes, the new season is a great time to incorporate the habit. You don’t have to buy a fancybrush cleaner; all it takes is a little soap and water. Run the brushes under hot water.  Add your soap,lather, and rinse. Repeat. I highly recommend Dr. Bonner’s Castile Soap for a deep, deep clean.

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You can purge your body, move your muscles, and dust your closet, but the reality is a reset isn’t official until you’ve done something different to satisfy yourself. I am not talking about going for ice cream or hanging with friends—something extraordinary. Take a trip, visit a theme park, or lay on the beach for hours at a time. Doing your different doesn’t have to break the bank, but it does have to be a everlasting memory. Celebrate your life and the fact that you’ve attained goals you set out to achieve.

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You deserve it!

Here’s to a good reset, health and beauty!

-Heidi Thomas

Happy weekend, loves!

Summer is here! Yes, time to get officially excited! Ok, so even though your days and nights are surrounded by warm weather and fun times, don’t forget about your health! Take advantage of the days where you do not have to stand in the cafe line at school. This does no mean gobble down every fast food place you see either. Check out how simple choices can change your entire of day of how you feel and act! Trust me, you’ll thank us later!

Check out a couple healthy snack to keep your mind sharp for….dun dun dun summer school! You may be surprised of what’s number 1