Showing posts with label beauty products. Show all posts
Showing posts with label beauty products. Show all posts

Monday, July 14, 2014

Keep Makeup Minimal in Extreme Heat

The Only Makeup You Need During Extreme Heat



Living in California has many benefits: rare rain showers, a temperate climate, amazing produce! But that beautiful ball of fire in the sky that makes all this possible is constantly beaming down.

Trying to keep my makeup from sliding down my face is not easy friends. Here is what I discovered to be the best, bare-bones makeup routine for extreme heat. Keep your makeup light and simple.

1. Skip foundation. Use sunscreen or SPF tinted primer (see my pick below) all over and only conceal spots that are worthy with a non-oily concealer. Good ol' Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage will do the trick! Since it's so concentrated, you only need a tiny bit to cover redness. Leave the rest of your skin bare. Use blotting papers or one-ply tissues to mattify your T-zone. If you are desperate for added coverage, try mineral powder.

2. Liquid cheek stain is your friend. Dot a cheek stain with real staying power on your cheeks. Liquid formulas won't slide down your face the way cream and powder formulas will. Benefit Benetint is always my go-to.

3. Apply mascara sparingly. Avoid applying it on your lower lashlines—you don't need hungover raccoon eyes all day! I recommend Make Up For Ever Aqua Smoky Lash because it's waterproof.

4. Forget goopy gloss. Sheer tinted balm won't suffocate your lips. I like Cover Girl Lipslicks Smoochies Lip Balm.

And while I think we all like to look a little sun-kissed, those smooches aren’t invisible. They come in the form of sunspots, freckles—even cancer. I don’t like the idea of slathering sunscreen on every body part, but I love being outside in my garden, at the beach and on location for shoots. So I have found a few ways to sneak sunscreen on that aren't greasy, smelly or globby. I hope you’ll adopt them too!

Makeup artist sunscreen picks:
Neova DNA Damage Control SPF 40 is a lightly tinted primer that protects and corrects your skin. It’s not greasy and it’s super lightweight so you can layer anything over it.
Colorescience Sunforgettable Mineral Powder SPF 50 is a great way to mattify and cover redness since it comes in three shades. Layer over your SPF primer for extra coverage.
A long-time favorite of mine, Shiseido Refreshing Sun Protection Spray for Body & Hair Broad Spectrum SPF 16 is lightweight, smells great and while protecting your scalp, it incidentally smoothes frizzies.
And though this is a tad off-topic, I have to throw in that my favorite line of defense is my big-brimmed UPF 50+ hat from Coolibar. If I forgot any of the above, this covers well enough!

What are your favorite ways to sneak on some sun protection?

Friday, May 9, 2014

How to Make Your Hair Grow Faster

Tired of wishing and hoping for your hair to just grow already? Here's how to help move it along a bit.

How to Make Your Hair Grow Faster

If you’ve ever stood in front of the mirror, tugged at your hair and willed it, dared it, to grow, then you understand the particular frustration that comes with hair that just won’t get any longer.

Whether you’re regretting that bold pixie cut or just wish you could change up your look without splurging on extensions, making your hair grow faster is tricky. But it’s not a lost cause: Improving hair’s health and feeding your body the right nutrients for healthy hair will put you on the path to longer, stronger strands.

Everyone has a specific hair cycle for every hair on her body, notes Dr. Francesca Fusco, CLEAR Scalp and Hair Dermatologist, so some women will have hair that grows quickly, while others may have a much longer cycle. One product, Latisse, works by extending the growth cycle of eyelashes. But unfortunately, there’s nothing out there that does the same on your scalp.

“There is no documented pill that I know of which will dramatically speed hair growth; however, with supportive scalp and hair care, your hair will grow strong, resilient and healthy,” says Dr. Fusco. Contrary to popular belief, getting frequent trims will not influence how quickly your hair grows either (sorry!).

Although there’s no magic pill you can pop or serum you can apply that’ll transform you into Rapunzel, there are other ways to influence your rate of hair growth. It's possible you have an underlying issue: you’re not getting the right nutrients, your hair is weak and therefore breaking at a certain point, or maybe your stress levels are so high it’s interrupting your hair growth.

By honing in on these factors, you can boost hair health and give your locks a little extra encouragement.

Healthy Scalp, Healthy Hair“The scalp is the skin that hair follicles sit in,” says Fusco, and it’s where each follicle receives its blood supply, allowing it to grow strong. If you show your scalp a little TLC and make sure it's nourished and healthy, then your hair will in turn be healthy, stronger and more resistant to breakage, allowing it to reach new lengths.

Bolster Against BreakageAssess your hair’s health. If it’s dry or damaged, that means it’s probably breaking before it can reach a certain length, giving the illusion that it grows slowly. “Daily hot tools, chemicals, constant traction from extensions—could all put excessive stress on hair causing it to break,” says Dr. Fusco. Check for split ends or even tiny nodes midshaft, which can also indicate weak points in danger of breakage.
To give your strands a better shot at growing long and strong, cut back on the reckless styling that can lead to breakage. Heat style less often, brush gently and use a moisturizing and reparative hair mask to hydrate hair and nourish the scalp—where hair gets most of its strength.

Load Up on NutrientsIf you’re low in specific nutrients that are essential for hair health, supplementing can help. Look for a multivitamin that’s formulated specifically for hair, nails and skin (it’ll say on the label) to make sure it has these important nutrients for hair health: B vitamins, biotin, cysteine, vitamin C.
“Protein is hair’s best friend,” says Dr. Fusco, as are omega-3 fatty acids. Reach for healthy protein such as eggs and fish and avoid fasting or yoyo dieting. These can deprive your body of these essential building blocks for a healthy scalp and hair.

Stop StressingWe already know too much stress is bad for health and beauty, but did you know there’s a known connection between stress and hair loss, too? “When it is constant it can cause spiking of cortisol levels and this can contribute to increased hair shedding,” says Dr. Fusco. To relieve stress and its damaging effects on your hair, try meditation, regular exercise, keeping a regular sleep schedule, or any other activity that you know will help ease your stress levels.

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article source: reblog from chixrx.com

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

6 Spring Makeup Rules to Break

This season’s prettiest makeup is about changing the game, beautifully.

Spring Makeup Rules to Break

Old rule: Go bright or go home
New school: Embrace your dark(er) side

Spring lip color usually means punchy shades like coral, bright pink and 2014's standout star, tangerine. But a deeper hue can look gorgeous when the temperature starts to rise. Case in point: Nicole Miller’s Spring 2014 show, where models sported a beautiful berry lip, and Helmut Lang, where a crimson mouth was the order of the day. “Poppy or fuchsia shades work well on bronzed skin, but if you want to break the rules, go in the opposite direction,” says New York City makeup artist Carmindy. “Keep your skin protected with sunscreen and go for a deeper lip.” Try crimson or berry if you have fair to medium skin, and garnet, chocolate or merlot if you have darker skin. “Just make sure to choose a formula that’s sheer and moisturizing,” Carmindy says. “Dry, opaque formulas can look too severe.”

Try:
Aveda Nourish-Mint Sheer Mineral Lip Color in Sheer Muscadine
($16) a hydrating formula with plant and fruit waxes to help soften lip lines, in a beautiful sheer red-wine hue.
Laura Geller Love Me Dew Moisturizing Lip Crayon in Plum Freeze ($16). This supersize pencil feels like a balm but gives lips a nice color payoff, with Vitamin E for moisture and a just-glossy-enough plum tint.

Embrace your dark(er) side
Old rule: Go easy on the eyes
New school: Smoke it up
When models walk the spring runways, their lids and lashes usually lean more towards understated than in-your-face. But at Jill Stuart’s Spring 2014 show, makeup artist Aaron de Mey broke the rules beautifully, creating a smoky eye inspired by “rock stars’ girlfriends.” His one concession to spring: A hint of shimmery silver shadow on the inner corner. Get the look by lining your top and bottom lids (including the waterline) with black pencil, smudging charcoal shadow on your lids, then dusting silver shadow on your inner corners. Finish up by coating your top lashes with black mascara. (Rock star boyfriend entirely optional.)

Try:
L’Oréal Paris Silkissime Eyeliner by Infallible in Black
($9), a tug-free pencil that lives up to its “designed to glide on like silk” marketing hype. And because it’s a long-wear formula, it’s a good choice for lining the easy-to-smear waterline area.
L’Oréal Paris Infallible Eye Shadow in Silver Sky ($8). Dust a smidge of this silver shadow in your inner corners to lighten up a smoky eye. Perfect for spring.
Sephora Collection Outrageous Volume Mascara in Black ($15). The last step to any smoky eye: black mascara. This formula has hyaluronic acid to help keep lashes conditioned.

Spring Makeup Rules to Break
Old rule: Switch to pastels
New school:
Join the navy
A shimmery cream shadow in a deep navy blue looks fresh and unexpected for spring. Think ocean-at-night rather than Easter egg. “Prep your lids with a little powder before applying your cream shadow, and apply it on the lid and under your lower lashline only,” says Carmindy. “Not in the crease, which can get messy.” Then blend a powder shadow in an ever-so-slightly lighter shade of blue into the crease, and apply highlighter under your brows and in your inner corners.

Try:
Shiseido Shimmering Cream Eye Color in Nightfall ($25), a beautiful deep blue that’s easy to smudge on with a fingertip or shadow brush.
Flower Eyes on the Prize Eyeshadow Chubby in Dark Side of the Blue ($8), a paraben-free formula in a no-sharpening-required jumbo pencil. For a sheer application, swirl your fingertip over the pencil and lightly pat on lids.
Carmindy & Co. Carmindizing Highlighter Duo in Ethereal ($27). One half is a cream highlighter and the other half is a powder. We like applying the cream to the browbone and the powder to the inner corners.

Join the navy
Old rule: Step away from the foundation
New school: Be an ace of base

Used to be makeup artists recommended ditching foundation during the spring and summer months and trading down to a tinted moisturizer. But now, there’s a host of new high-coverage formulas that look and feel super light and breathable. So if you prefer the coverage of foundation, there’s no need to switch over to formulas with less oomph when the weather warms up. Apply with your fingers for the most coverage, or try Carmindy’s trick: “Prep a sponge with primer or moisturizer and use that to blend on your foundation,” she says.

Try:
Becca Ultimate Coverage Complexion Cream ($44). This full-coverage formula is highly concentrated, so you need a much smaller amount than you would with a traditional foundation. We love that it comes in a range of shades for every skintone, from super-light porcelain to deep cocoa.
Eve Lom Natural Radiance Mineral Powder Foundation ($50). If you prefer a powder finish, the cult U.K. skincare brand introduces a weightless mineral foundation with light-reflecting amethyst, ruby and rose quartz particles to illuminate the skin and blur imperfections.

Be an ace of base
Old rule: Say hello to shimmer
New school: Meet matte

Spring blushes and bronzers usually have more sparkle than a Broadway show, but a few new spring offerings prove just how fresh and pretty a matte cheek can be. “Some areas of the face need a glow, but it doesn’t always have to be your blush or bronzer,” says Carmindy. “It’s soft and romantic to do a matte cheek, and not as typical.” Bonus: If you struggle with large pores or oily skin, a non-shimmery cheek can work wonders. The matte finish downplays pores and helps keep oil in check.

Try:
Nars Matte Mulitple in Cappadoce ($39). This matte, golden bronze works on a range of skintones. Apply it straight from the tube for more impact, or dampen your fingertips and dab on for a sheerer effect.
Palladio Herbal Matte Blush in Berry Pink ($7). This pretty pink is on the cool side, so it pairs perfectly with a berry lip. Kaolin clay and zinc oxide give a fresh matte finish, while chamomile extract adds an antioxidant boost.

Meet matte
The old rule: Neutrals on nails, brights on toes
The new school: Play the blues
Sure, ballet pink nails and cherry red toenails look gorgeous—we’re not saying they don’t. But why not break the rules and try something a little more attention-getting this spring? “I think it’s great not to follow the typical script of using light colors on nails and darker colors on toes,” says New York City manicurist Jin Soon Choi. “Try a darker shade on your fingernails and a light color on your toes, just to have fun and mix things up a bit.” Color wise, she suggests breaking the typical spring mold and trying cool hues like white, blue or metallic turquoise. Different? Yep. Gorgeous? Absolutely.

Try:
Jin Soon Kookie White
($18). Trade your usual sheer pink for this super-chic white with hints of blue and gray. It’s 5-free (not just 3-free), so your nails will thank you.
Butter London in Airy Fairy ($15), a medium, metallic turquoise that complements every skin tone, from fair to dark.

Play the blues
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article source: youbeauty.com

Monday, April 21, 2014

Skin care: 5 easy ways to keep pimples at bay

Acne is amongst the most common skin problems that people of all age groups, especially teenagers face. There can be many reasons that attribute to the cause of acne like stress, puberty, hormonal changes, menopause etc.
 

Here are a few acne defense tips and reminders:
-Wash your face properly. It is recommended to clean your face twice a day and not more than that as it can leave your skin more oily.

-Always remember to wear sunblock as the sun has UVA and UVB rays which initially may worsen those pimples.

-Don't use make-up all the time or if required switch to water based make-up.

-Caffeinated drinks like coffee and tea are a strict no-no as they harm the skin a lot and further aggravate acne problem.

-Avoid using soaps as they damage skin by making it drier, rougher and more permeable to bacteria.

And of course we recommend regular facials by one of our estheticians.  Call today to schedule an appointment - 831-373-2273


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Wednesday, April 9, 2014

14 Skin Care Regimen Musts for Adults with Eczema


So, you’ve been diagnosed with eczema. Bummer. But hey, there are a lot worse diagnoses out there. Eczema may be unsightly and uncomfortable; however, it is also treatable, non-life-threatening, and non-contagious, so you are golden. All you really need is a positive attitude and a solid skin care regimen.

by Deborah Cruz beautiful skinHere are a few skin care tips to keep you itch- and flare-up-free. Eczema may feel like a total nightmare at times, but hopefully a little regular love for your skin can go a long way.
Check out my 14 personal skin care must-dos for adults with eczema:

1. Take warm (never hot) showers.
2. Pat skin dry after showering, never rub.
3. Moisturize every day. Since eczema makes your skin dry and itchy, lotions and creams are helpful if applied directly after bathing when your skin is still damp. This will help skin retain moisture.
4. Apply cold compresses to relieve itching.
5. Use a humidifier during dry months.
6. Wear soft, natural fabrics.
7. Drink lots of water.
8. Reduce the amount of caffeine that you are drinking as it may irritate your eczema.
9. Always wear sunscreen to prevent further damage to your skin.
10. Avoid rapid changes in temperatures that might make you sweat.
11. Treat the cause. Eczema is usually associated with intestinal issues. See a doctor and get those taken care of first and foremost. If you don’t, you are only band-aiding the situation by treating the symptoms rather than the cause.
12. One percent hydrocortisone cream or prescription topical steroids may be used to calm a flare-up, but steroids are not recommended as an ongoing treatment as they are bad for your skin, in general.
13. Antihistamines may be used to reduce severe itching caused by a flare-up.
14. Elidel and Protopic are two drugs approved by the FDA to help alter the immune system's response and prevent severe flare-ups. Personally, I won’t use these two drugs because of the “black box” warning on the side of the package that scared me to death with the potential cancer risk associated with the creams. So, if I were you, I would read the warning labels before putting it on my skin.

For more skin care instructions, make an appointment with one of our estheticians!  Call us at 831-373-2273 or book online at www.montereydayspa.com

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Article source: cafemom.com

Thursday, April 3, 2014

5 Makeup Pros Share Their Top Picks


When it comes to prepping their famous clients for the cameras, second-rate formulas won’t cut it for these green makeup gurus.

During their years of dabbing, lining, sweeping and swiping, they’ve discovered natural and organic cosmetics that not only meet their high standards for ingredient purity, but also do not compromise on performance. Curious to see what products these pros choose as their favorites and how they apply them for red carpet-worthy results? Here's your peek inside the kits of the makeup artists who truly know naturals.
Laila Bahman / blush courtesy of Kjaer Weis

Laila Bahman
Jessa Blades’ favorite blush: Kjaer Weis Cream Blush in Desired Glow, $54 (organic)
Brooklyn-based Blades is a makeup artist and herbalist who formulates her own natural skincare products and herbal remedies. Her company, Blades Natural Beauty, offers advice to those looking to make the switch to natural products.

“This blush looks great on everyone and has just the kind of warmth we need during the winter. To apply, I swipe over the top of the cream blush with my ring finger, which has the softest touch. Then I smile and tap the color twice on each cheek. With my middle finger, I blend the blush in a circular motion on the apples of my cheeks, then blend it back toward my ears.”
Kordo Doski / concealer courtesy of Jane Iredale

Lina Hanson
Lina Hanson’s favorite concealer: Jane Iredale Active Light Under-Eye Concealer, $27 (natural)
As a makeup artist, LA-based Hanson has worked with celebrities from Naomi Watts to Natalie Portman and Orlando Bloom. She’s also the author of "Eco-Beautiful," and the founder of the Lina Hanson natural skincare line.

“This concealer calms tired and puffy eyes; I love how it brightens the under-eye area. I gently twist the pump and apply a bit of concealer on my hand. Next, I use a concealer brush and apply a bit of the concealer evenly to the under-eye area. Then I add a bit more concealer, dabbing it gently with my fingertip to make sure it stays. To finish, I dust on some light translucent powder to make sure it doesn't move.”
Don Flood / lipstick image courtesy of Ecco Bella

Paige Padgett
Paige Padgett’s favorite lipstick: Ecco Bella FlowerColor Lipstick in REDvelation, $18 (natural)
Padgett’s makeup artistry has graced the cover of countless magazines, from Shape to Self and Women’s Health. She’s a Green Beauty Expert for the Jillian Michaels Wellness Team, and blogs about her favorite natural products on her website, paigepadgett.com.

“This crimson lipstick is creamy, stays on for hours, and is also gluten free, for those who have a sensitivity. For a pretty, wearable red lip, keep it sheer. First, exfoliate your lips with a homemade sugar scrub (try sugar and coconut oil). Next, apply a thin layer of lip balm to condition, and give it a few minutes to absorb. Finally, pat on the lipstick with a chubby lip brush, or press it on your lips with your fingertip. Either way, the look is foolproof and the result is more like a stain than a lipstick. Don't bother using lip liner with red lips—it will look too perfect and dated.”
courtesy of Rosemarie Swift / eye shadow courtesy of BeautySage

Rosemarie Swift

Rosemarie Swift’s favorite eye shadow: RMS Beauty Cream Eye Shadow, $28 (organic)
Swift is the founder of the organic beauty line RMS Beauty, as well as a seasoned makeup artist with over 20 years of experience working with top photographers, models and celebrities like Gisele Bundchen and Demi Moore.  
“This product gives the look of a polished eye shadow with no glitter particles and no dry, powdered finish. I recommend applying it without moisturizer or eye cream, though primer is okay. Apply it minimally with your finger and blend it into skin well to get the effect of a sheer veil of color. It creates a very polished, glowing layer of color that looks youthful due to its light-reflecting properties.”

(This product is available on our shopping site BeautySage, where we only sell products proven to work!)
courtesy of Katey Denno / mascara courtesy of Alima Pure

Katey Deno
Katey Denno’s favorite mascara: Alima Pure Natural Definition Mascara, $22 (natural)
Denno’s client list reads like a who’s who of Hollywood: Think Christy Turlington, Susan Sarandon, Julianne Moore and Amanda Seyfried. She shares her makeup expertise and her favorite natural products on her blog The Beauty of It Is…

“I like Alima's because it's really dark black and thickening, more so than many of the other [natural mascaras]. Start by curling your lashes at the root, focusing on getting the outer corner up high. Then move the curler to the middle of your lashes and make the curl a swoop rather than a 90-degree angle. Start with the mascara brush at your lash roots. Wiggle and smash the wand into your lash line so that your entire lash is coated, and drag the wand up against your lashes, finishing at the tip. Repeat until you've gotten your lashes as thick and dark as you like them."

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Article source http://www.youbeauty.com/face/best-natural-makeup-products

Tuesday, April 1, 2014

Bright and Beautiful Spring Accessories

Now that winter will soon be a thing of the past, our style maven Jacqui Stafford reveals her favorite springtime accessories.
5 Bright and Beautiful Spring Accessories


From the perfect carry-all clutch in a hot shade to a bright, bold scarf that will elevate any outfit, our Style Expert Jacqui Stafford hand picks the only accessories you’ll need this spring.
Nine West Karoler Gladiator Sandal
The Gladiator Heel
Freshen up your wardrobe with a high-heeled, lace-up gladiator sandal. Go for a metallic or snakeskin print—they’ll work with everything. And no need to spend a fortune: This pair from Nine West looks much more expensive than it is.
Nine West Karoler Gladiator Sandal, $119

GiGi New York All In One Embossed Python Clutch in Magenta
The Carry-All Clutch
The clutch is not just for evening anymore—it’s all about the oversized day clutch. I’m obsessed with this super-­luxe one from GiGi New York. Roomy enough to hold your iPad, lipstick, cash and phone—you’re good to go from day 'til night.
GiGi New York All In One Embossed Python Clutch in Magenta, $105

Theodora & Callum Bangalore Scarf
The Bright ScarfA bright, bold scarf is the easiest way to make any outfit look more stylish. Get one from Theodora & Callum—one of my all-time favorite scarf brandsto dial up the style ante of your weekend jeans and tee.
Theodora & Callum Bangalore Scarf, $175

Illesteva Leonard Olive With Pink Mirrored Lenses
The Mirrored Sunglasses
I love a mirrored lens because it hides all sins. Let’s face it: We’re either up too early or out too late. One of my new favorite brands this season is New York-based Illesteva. This unique pink reflective lens and tortoise print combo adds a youthful vibrancy to even the most dog-tired, caffeine-deprived complexion.
Illesteva Leonard Olive With Pink Mirrored Lenses, $177

Juliet & Company Serenite Necklace
The Pastel Necklace
Mint, lilac, buttercup and cotton candy were spotted on practically every New York Fashion Week runway. A great way to try this trend without looking like an Easter egg is with accessories like this mint choker. Insider style tip: Wear this necklace with a monochromatic white dress to really make it stand out.
Juliet & Company Serenite Necklace, $66

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Article source: youbeauty.com

Monday, January 20, 2014

DIY Don't: 2 Beauty Products You Should Never Make Yourself

When it comes to mixing up your own creams, scrubs and cleansers, there are a few that—for your skin's sake—should be left to the professionals.



DIY Donts: 2 Beauty Products You Should Never Make Yourself
The DIY movement is amazing for many reasons. Making something with your own hands feels good and gives you an appreciation for the craftsmanship involved in making other products. In the best cases, when you create a genius product that all your friends want (we’ve mixed up a few great DIY skin recipes here) it’s a path to financial freedom.

But in the worst cases, it’s a path to cystic acne. There are a couple of misguided (though well-meaning) DIY tips being shared on social media sites that, for the sake of our skin, should not follow us into 2014, and here they are:

1. Do Not Make Your Own Cleansing OilI had a very enlightening conversation with a dermatologist friend who brought this topic to my attention. She was mortified by the number of patients with deep cystic acne from using DIY Cleansing Oils. Even people with no history of acne have experienced eruptions from this DIY project. I admit that there are many DIYers who swear by homemade cleansing oils and are probably up in arms right now, but this is not a method that works for everyone.

DIY cleansing oils don’t clean the skin: Nine out of 10 commercial cleansing oils contain surfactants to help whisk the dirt away during rinsing. DIY cleansing oils don’t. From the chemical perspective, this keeps the oil from cleaning pore-clogging debris off the skin. Here’s why: A surfactant has an oil-loving tail connected to a water-loving head (hydrophilic). The tails of the surfactants are instantly attracted to dirt, dead skin and sebum, surrounding it and creating a “micelle” (picture a beach ball with peach fuzz). The tails form a circle around the dirt, dead skin and sebum, leaving the water-loving heads on the outside. Being true to their hydrophilic nature, the heads connect with the water during rinsing (that’s when the cleansing oil turns white) and are swept away down the drain dragging the tails and pore-clogging materials along with them.

DIY cleansing oils cannot simply be rinsed away: As most of us learned in elementary school, oil and water don’t mix. Wiping your face with a warm towel is more effective than rinsing alone, but only the surface oil is being removed—nothing is binding with the dirt and debris in the pores to get them clean. The proper method involves placing a very hot towel on the face until it cools down, gently wiping the face with the towel, and then repeating (several times if necessary). Though many people can tolerate this treatment, there are many with problem skin that cannot.  Do yourself a favor and consult with your dermatologist before delving into this DIY trend.

2. Do Not Make Your Own Sunscreen This is a big no-no! There is more to creating a natural sunscreen than simply mixing zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide with oil. What’s wrong with this method? Let me break it down for you.

Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are particles that stick together: The only way to break them apart is to use very high shear mixing (sorry, your blender won’t cut it). This makes the sizes uniform and helps with an even application, which is very important for these sunscreens since they work by scattering the UV rays. We are dealing with microscopic sizes so merely looking at it (even with a magnifying glass) or rubbing it on your skin to check for evenness is not going to tell you if you have small, uniform particles. When you mix these without the high shear, you are leaving gaps for the UV rays to get through and have access to your skin.

Necessary suspension: Another key element in creating effective zinc oxide and titanium dioxide based sunscreens are using oils that help the particles stay uniform. Some ingredients are compatible with the sunscreens and help the particles stay apart, while some are not and actually force the particles together. Yes, some natural oils have been tested in-vitro (with a machine, not on human skin) and have calculated SPF values but:
  1. The SPF of materials change when mixed with other ingredients.
  2. The final SPF does not add up to the sum of its parts, meaning an oil with an SPF of 4 mixed with a sunscreen with an SPF of 16 does not make the final SPF 20.
  3. How the sunscreen is made influences the SPF just as much as the ingredients.
Now that it’s on your skin, who says that it’s going to stay there? Not only is it important for the particles to stay separated before applying the sunscreen, it’s just as important for them to stay put once you apply them. Without a proper film former, the particles will move around, leaving your skin vulnerable. A thick product does not mean that it will stay put—heat melts waxes so they are not the best ingredients to rely on for keeping the sunscreen in place.

I can appreciate a desire to use nothing but the purest ingredients straight from nature to create a sunscreen, but unfortunately, certain ingredients are necessary to make an effective sunscreen that feels good enough for people to want to use it.
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Article source: youbeauty.com