Shiseido

Summer Beauty Buddies: Shiseido Clear Sunscreen Stick SPF 50+ and Supergoop Lipshade Hydrating Lipstick

June 20th, 2023 by Karen 2 Comments

I’m wearing Supergoop Lucky Me Lipshade on my lips and cheeks.

Gotta love it when you find beauty products that 1) travel well, 2) are totally useful and 3) make you feel good when you wear them. I get all of the above with these two cuties that I picked up last week at Sephora!

I was there to buy a present for my dad for Father’s Day. He’s an avid gardener, and I want him to step up his sun protection game, so I got him a sunhat from REI and a bottle of Shiseido Sunscreen. Now that I think about it, I should’ve purchased two bottles because my mom will probably end up stealing his sunscreen, LOL!

Anywho, I’ve been wanting a touchup sunscreen to keep in my purse, something portable and small that won’t leak, so I bought a Shiseido Clear Sunscreen Stick SPF 50 ($30). It’s so easy to pop it open and slide that little stick all over my face for a touchup (in fact, I just did it right before I typed this sentence). It’s lightweight, non-greasy and has a lovely light summery citrus scent. Even Connor doesn’t mind applying it, which is a nice bonus.

If you wear minimal makeup like I’ve been doing lately, it’s so easy to use before going on a walk, or if you’re driving and want a little extra sun protection.

I love, LOVE the Supergoop Lipshade ($24). What a treat!

It’s a mineral lip sunscreen with SPF 30, and it’s LEGIT pigmented, like a full-on lipstick. I bought Lucky Penny, a rich dark rose, and have been wearing it for the past few days.

I love it because it’s smooth and doesn’t feel heavy. Also, most lip sunscreen sticks leave my lips feeling cracked and dry, but this one doesn’t! It’s actually pretty hydrating, which could possibly be because it has a good amount of rich moisturizers — avocado oil, jojoba oil, shea butter and mango seed butter, for starters.

I’m planning to get a few more colors… I’ll keep checking the Supergoop website to see if they have any sales coming up, and if they do, I’ll let ya know.

How is your Tuesday going? Tomorrow is the official first day of summer. I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I’m already shopping for Connor’s school uniforms because I just know that I’ll blink and it’ll be the first day of school again.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Sunscreen Roundup, Part 4: Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion SPF 50+ For Face/Body, Ulta Beauty

June 2nd, 2021 by Karen 4 Comments

shiseido ulta beauty sunscreen — Yup, more sunscreen!

I’ve been trying quite a few new sunscreens lately, and here are the hits and misses!

For more, check out:

Sunscreen Roundup, Part 1: Neutrogena Invisible Daily Defense Lotion Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 60+, CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 Sheer Tint and Paula’s Choice Youth-Extending Daily Hydrating Fluid Broad Spectrum SPF 50

Sunscreen Roundup, Part 2: La Roche-Posay Broad Spectrum Anthelios 60 SPF 60 Melt-In Sunscreen Milk and Sunscreen Lotion Spray, and the Sun Bum Broad Spectrum SPF 70 Sunscreen Lotion and Spray

Sunscreen Roundup, Part 3: Bliss Block Star Invisible Daily Sunscreen SPF30, Aveeno Positively Mineral Sensitive Skin Sunscreen SPF 50 for Face, Coppertone Water Babies Fragrance Free SPF 50</li>

Last weekend I had fun in the sun. ? I went to the beach AND the pool (on different days), and it’s my solid belief that any time you get to spend time near a big body of water is a good thing.

And if you also get to test a couple of new sunscreens while you’re at it, that’s even better!

I tried two new-to-me sunscreens, both of which appear on the Valisure “nice list” (you can read about the sunscreen drama here).

Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion SPF 50+

Wait — technically, only one of the sunscreens is new-ish. It’s a chemical sunscreen called Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion SPF 50+ Sunscreen for Face/Body ($49 for a 5-oz. bottle, which works out to $9.80 per ounce).

I used to wear Shiseido sunscreen waaaaay back in the day when MBB was just a wee baby website in 2007 (!). It’s been a few years, though.

I’m happy to say that it’s still around (and still pricey) and, yes, still pretty darn good.

(It’s good…but it’s not nearly as great as the Sun Bum SPF 70 Lotion I’ve been using and loving, but more on that in a sec.)

The good? it’s tinted, so there’s absolutely no white cast, and the texture is on the thinner side, so it absorbs easily and you aren’t left sitting there for half a day rubbing it into your skin. If you like sunscreens with a runnier texture like La Roche-Posay Melt in Milk or Neutrogena Invisible Daily Defense Lotion Sunscreen, you’ll probably like it.

It’s also very moisturizing, which my dry skin LOVES, and the faint, lovely citrus scent isn’t overpowering.

It’s a little different than I remember it being, though, because after I rub it in, there’s a slightly greasy film left behind, but it dries down in about 15 minutes. It’s not sticky or uncomfortable or heavy, but it’s present…and I can definitely feel something on my skin.

I did a little experiment at the beach last weekend to see how the Shiseido stacks up to the Sun Bum SPF 70 Lotion, which has been my go-to jam lately. I applied the Shiseido on one side of my body and the Sun Bum on the other, and while both sunscreens prevented my skin from picking up much color, the Shiseido side was slightly more tan than the Sun Bum side.

I plan to keep the Shiseido one around until I finish it up because I like how moisturizing it is and how easy it is to apply, but I probably won’t be buying it again because Sun Bum works better and is much more cost-effective at $15.99 for an 8-oz. bottle, which works out to $2 an ounce.

Ulta Beauty Mineral Matte Tinted Face Lotion SPF 30

Speaking of cost effective, here’s a lovely, affordable hidden gem for ya: Ulta Beauty Mineral Matte Tinted Face Lotion SPF 30. This physical sunscreen is available in a single shade, which, frankly shocked me because it actually suits my tan skin tone pretty well (I’m an NC 42 in MAC, for reference).

FYI, I’ve noticed people with lighter complexions in the reviews on Ulta’s website mentioning the tint appearing orange on their skin, so if your skin is fair, please be aware of that.

I like this tinted moisturizer a lot, almost as much as a Bliss Block Star. The price is excellent — $12.99 for 2 ounces ($6.50 per ounce), which is much more affordable than Bliss Block Star, which is $19.99 for 1.4 ounces ($14.28 per ounce!).

Like Bliss Block Star, Ulta Mineral Matte absorbs quickly, layers well both on its own and with makeup, and has a beautiful, natural-looking matte finish. Also, Ulta Mineral Matte has a similarly slippery silicone-y feel to it, like Block Star, so it feels smooth on my face.

The major differences are 1) the scent (Ulta’s is floral and slightly more obvious) and 2) the dry time. Ulta’s takes about 20 more minutes to completely dry down, so you have to be patient.

BUT, IT WORKS. I wore it all last weekend in conjunction with a sun hat, and I didn’t pick up any color on my face!

If your skin tone is in the medium to tan range, don’t hesitate to grab this next time you’re at Ulta. It’s a hidden gem, and, quite frankly, I don’t understand why more people don’t talk about it.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Sunscreen Roundup, Part 3: Bliss Block Star Invisible Daily Sunscreen SPF30, Aveeno Positively Mineral Sensitive Skin Sunscreen SPF 50 for Face, Coppertone Water Babies Fragrance Free SPF 50

May 12th, 2021 by Karen 9 Comments

I’ve been trying quite a few new sunscreens lately, and this is a new series reviewing the hits and misses!

For more, check out:

Sunscreen Roundup, Part 1: Neutrogena Invisible Daily Defense Lotion Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 60+, CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 Sheer Tint and Paula’s Choice Youth-Extending Daily Hydrating Fluid Broad Spectrum SPF 50

Sunscreen Roundup, Part 2: La Roche-Posay Broad Spectrum Anthelios 60 SPF 60 Melt-In Sunscreen Milk and Sunscreen Lotion Spray, and the Sun Bum Broad Spectrum SPF 70 Sunscreen Lotion and Spray

Hi, friend! Happy hump day to ya. 🙂

These are the last of the sunscreens I’ve been testing and trying. How long that statement is true remains to be seen, because I’m always on the lookout for more.

I’ve got some good ones for you (hello, Bliss Block Star), but before we get to that…do you remember the old sunscreen song by Baz Luhrmann?

SPF 1000, what the what?!

I remember the first time I heard it… I was driving across the Bay Bridge at an obscene hour in the morning after a long night of dancing in San Francisco. I was listening to Live 105 on full blast to stay awake, and I liked the song so much that, the next day, I went to (wait for it) A CD STORE — remember those! — to track it down.

I haven’t heard the song in forever, and I gotta say, it resonates differently at 45 than it did at 24. OMG! Anyway, give it a listen…

Bliss Block Star Invisible Daily Sunscreen SPF30

“Hey, now! You’re a block star. Get your game on, go play.
Hey, now! You’re a block star. Get the show on, get paid.
And all that glitters is gold;
Only shooting stars break the mold.”

SORRY, GIRL, but I had to do it. 🙂 This song burrows its way into my brain whenever I pick up Block Star, which, by the way, is the newest item to join the Bliss permanent lineup. It’s a physical sunscreen, and, like all of the items in Bliss’s skin care collection, this tinted mineral sunscreen is cruelty-free.

I wore it on my mug the other day when El Hub hugged me, and he said, “You smell really good.”

Good sign!

It smells like lavender, and it lingers for about 15 minutes or so. I like it, and apparently so do the peeps in my circle!

The tan tint is a surprise. It appears lighter and peachier than the CeraVe tinted mineral sunscreen, so I assumed it wouldn’t work for someone like myself with tan skin, but it completely disappears after you rub it in.

There’s a slight cast at first…but after it sets (about 10 minutes), it disappears, and all that’s left is a smooth, matte finish.

This lotion feels silky, and I don’t feel like I have to jump through any hoops to get my skin to absorb it, likely due to the inclusion of dimethicone. If you’re a fan of that distinctively smooth, silicone-style slip, you’ll probably like how this feels on your skin.

I also like how it doesn’t burn or sting my eyes, and that I can layer it throughout the day. It’s an extremely easy sunscreen to touch up and reapply with, and I think it’s even easier to use than the CeraVe.

If you’re debating between the CeraVe and Block Star, I’d say go for Block Star if you like lavender and like the feeling of a “silicone slip,” and opt for CeraVe if moisture is your top priority. Both are solid choices, IMO, and you can’t go wrong with either.

A 1.4-oz. tube is $19.99 at Target. Definitely going to keep this in the rotation.

Coppertone Water Babies Fragrance Free SPF 50

As far as affordable sunscreen options, this one costs less than 10 bucks, and you get 6 ounces, woot! This fragrance-free chemical sunscreen is pretty darn good. I’ve used this for face and body, and it doesn’t irritate my peepers. Connor has also used it and agrees.

If you’re looking for a budget-friendlier option to La-Roche Posay Melt In Milk, this might be a good alternative, because like the Melt In Milk, it’s moisturizing, as far as sunscreens go, and it actually lasts throughout the day, but I don’t think the formula is as “elegant,” meaning that it takes much longer to rub in and absorb, and it feels thicker and stickier than Melt In Milk…

You also might want to patch test this first if you plan on wearing it on your face. I haphazardly put a layer on my mug one day when I was rushing to get Connor to a playdate, and I broke out shortly afterwards, boo!

A 6-oz bottle is $8.99 at Target. I’ll definitely buy this again because I like it as a body sunscreen, especially for the price, but I would exercise caution as a face sunscreen if your skin tends to break out.

Shiseido Clear Stick UV Protection Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ WetForce

I saw a sh*t-ton of these clear, chemical sunscreens sticks at the cash wrap at The Rack a couple weeks ago and picked one up on a whim, and now I get why — it looks like it’s being discontinued.

My feelings are totally mixed about this product… On one hand, I love the convenience of it. The shape and size make it perfect for sticking in a pocket or a purse, so that makes it really easy to reapply during the day. I just unscrew the top, run the stick directly across my skin (it leaves behind a thin, non-sticky film), then rub it in more with my hands.

It’s clear, so there’s no white cast or stain, and the light, lemony scent is delightful but not overwhelming. I also like the matte finish.

Problem is…it just doesn’t stay on all that well! The film never truly sinks into my skin and just sits on top, so it ends up rubbing off on whatever I come into contact with. I’ve worn it on my arms, hands and feet, and it doesn’t seem to do really all that much when it comes to actual, ya know…sun protection.

A 0.52-oz. stick is $28 at Nordstrom Rack, and online at shiseido.com (for now). I’m not going to buy this again, and I don’t even think I’m going to finish it, either, TBH. 🙁

Aveeno Positively Mineral Sensitive Skin Sunscreen SPF 50 for Face

Gotta love how affordable this physical sunscreen is for face. A 2-oz. tube is less than $10! Those who prefer their face sunscreen without a whiff of tropical fruit notes may also enjoy how its faint sunscreen-y scent fades quickly.

Unfortunately for this latte-colored lady, the white cast is pretty visible on tan skin. When I wear the recommended amount, my face and neck turn into the most interesting a purplish gray… Very Addams Family! It also feels heavy and slightly greasy when it’s sitting on my skin.

A 2-oz. tube is $9.97 at Target, and although the price is SO RIGHT, I really can’t see myself finishing this tube or buying it again. It’s not bad…but it’s not great either.

Take care of your skin, ya hear?

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

A Sephora VIB Sale Strategy (and a Skin Care Haul)

November 13th, 2018 by Karen 27 Comments

kate somerville skin care — New from Kate Somerville

I have revised my plan of attack for the Sephora VIB sale, because, let’s get real…only a few of the items I want are things I can’t function without (I’m talking to you, Kate Somerville Anti-Bac Clearing Lotion). Most of the things are things I only want because they’re on sale… I’m 100% my mother’s daughter that way (“It’s on sale? BUY IT. Don’t you ever pay full price, ever!”).

But really, how much do I actually need another bronzer, all-matte neutral palette or another coral lipstick?

Not much! LOL. But I still want them all, especially with new makeup coming out every five seconds, so I gotta check myself before I wreck myself…

How do I weed out unnecessary or spur-of-the moment purchases?

On the very first day of the sale, I put everything I want to buy into my cart, and then I wait… And wait. And wait. I let it all simmer there, brewing and stewing (and taunting me?). Then, juuuuust before the sale ends, I’ll see what’s left in my cart, and most of the time when I do this, there are things that have sold out, which whittles the list down, and from there I reevaluate what’s left and see what fits into my budget.

This tactic reduces the likelihood of me getting a whole bunch of things I mostly only want because they’re on sale.

sephora vib haul — ‘Twas a skin care haul (regular prices shown)

Um…but K-Dawg, does this actually work?

Dude, it totally does! Forcing myself to wait and really think about my cart and the grand total $ staring back at me helps…because I know who I am, and I’m a spur-of-the-moment shopper.

Waiting also forces me to look around at what I already have in my stash.

For this last sale, I knew I needed another bottle of Kate Somerville Anti-Bac, sunscreen/face moisturizer for winter (ugh, dry skin), an eye cream and some chemical exfoliators for mature skin, because every morning lately when I wake up and look in the mirror, instead of seeing my face, I see freakin’ Gollum’s!

What my heart was telling me I wanted, though, was a bunch of makeup — a Charlotte Tilbury palette, Shiseido eyeliners and eyeshadows (they recently revamped their entire makeup line, and it’s supposed to be REALLY good), some Charlotte Tilbury blushes and bronzers, and a Dior foundation.

OK, and maybe a few other things were in there too, ha ha ha. You know me too well!

Step 1: Shopping my own stash

The Charlotte Tilbury palette ended up being sold out, but everything worked out because I rediscovered my BECCA Chrissy Palette, which more or less serves the same purpose. I’m a little sad panda, 🙁 but if the CT palette is still around for the next VIB sale and I’m still lusting after it, I’ll get it then.

becca chrissy teigen swatches — Hello, old friend…

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Do You Like to Layer Sunscreens?

August 2nd, 2018 by Karen 14 Comments

layering sunscreen — Lemme tell you a story about sunscreen…

When I was pregnant with Connor (and for almost the entire year after she was born) I wasn’t good about wearing sunscreen. I wore very little.

(OK…I didn’t wear any at all.)

It started out from a cautionary standpoint. I was freaked out about chemicals and everything I was consuming (except for the massive amounts of frozen waffles, of course) and putting on myself potentially affecting the baby, but then, well…it morphed into a long-term bad habit. I was also so exhausted from merely just living at the time that I couldn’t handle having to do another thing in the morning, so I just stopped using sunscreen.

I was thinking about this as I got ready this morning. I don’t have anywhere special to go — just a regular Thursday — but I grabbed, not one, but two (!) sunscreens for my face from my bathroom shelf.

Some peeps (like me now) like layering a chemical sunscreen with a physical sunscreen (here’s the difference between them). That’s what I’ve been doing this summer.

After I wash my face, I do a layer of Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion WetForce SPF 50+ on my face and neck, wait a few minutes for it to sink in, then do another layer of Clinique SPF30 Mineral Sunscreen Fluid for Face on top. This particular combination works well for me, especially under makeup.

And sometimes, if I’m feeling up to it, I’ll also do a few sprays of Supergoop! x Milly Defense Refresh Setting Mist Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 50 on top of my makeup.

Is it overkill? Perhaps.

Probably. 🙂

But my skin’s doing pretty well this summer (knocks on wood), and I’ve been breakout-free for months.

I am more sensitive to sun than ever, though, which I think has to do with the Biologique Recherche P50 1970 I’ve been using every night. It’s a fairly aggressive acid toner.

How about you? Do you layer different sunscreens together to make your own super sunscreen cocktail, or are you a single sunscreen guy or gal?

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Skin Care I’ve Been Testing Lately: Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Facial Toner, Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion WetForce SPF 50+, and Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Botanical Cleansing Oil

May 25th, 2018 by Karen 21 Comments

I’ve been so gun-shy about putting new skin care on my face since my breakout in January. I haven’t wanted to upset the apple cart, but you know how it is… You’re going along, doop-da-doo, and your skin is happy ? for a while, but then it starts acting up in a certain way, and you think, Maybe there’s something new out there that I have to try.

This is a pattern I repeat over and over, LOL! My big things at the moment are 1) that my skin’s been super dry, and 2) that I’ve been looking for a new sunscreen.

Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Facial Toner ($44)

Yup, I’ve been on a rose-scented kick (thank you, Trader Joe)… Can I call this $44 hydrating rose toner life-changing? I’ve only been using it for a couple weeks, so probably not quite yet, but I really dig the scent, which is deliciously rosy but not headache-inducing, and I love seeing the rose petals flit about inside the bottle.

“Tone down pores. Tone up hydration. Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Facial Toner is a cleansing toner that removes impurities and refines the appearance of pores for a deeply hydrated, healthy-looking, velvety soft complexion. Infused with real rose petals, the gentle formula clears the skin of surface debris, pollution particles, and residual impurities, while leaving it feeling refreshed and prepped for the skincare ritual that follows. It also contains rosewater and rose flower oil to help soothe and nourish the skin, while angelica leaf extract and hyaluronic acid help to retain moisture.”

— sephora.com

Also, I swear that I can hear my cheeks and the corners of my mouth (which have been Sahara-caliber dry as of late) sigh with relief after I use it… Too bad it’s quite expensive.

❤️❤️❤️ 3 out of 5 hearts.

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Unsung Makeup Heroes: Shiseido Synchro Skin Lasting Liquid Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 20

February 1st, 2018 by Karen 18 Comments

Why isn’t this foundation a cult classic yet? It’s a total ? gem.

Shiseido Synchro Skin Foundation ($45) is a medium-coverage marvel of oil-free liquid foundation fabulousness for all skin types, and its thin consistency reminds me of more satiny Dior Diorskin Nude Air, which I was totally obsessed with a few years ago and still ? (pretty pricey though).

Because Synchro Skin has a livelier, less matte finish than Diorskin Nude Air, I think it looks even more natural, and I also think even better at mellowing out my pores and fine lines. So, if you’re a lady who has lived through countless quests and adventures and has the experience lines to prove it, this could totally work for you (although peeps of all ages can wear it).

It sits closely to the skin, too. Sometimes I forget I’m wearing it. And even though the coverage is medium, it’s robust enough to disguise a lot.

In this pic below, I’m wearing the foundation without powder or concealer…

What’s an unsung makeup hero? For me, it’s an oftentimes underrated makeup morsel, a permanent collection product that scoots under the radar screen of many makeup lovers but regularly rocks my world. The long-running Unsung Heroes series features some of my favorites.

Wearing Shiseido Synchro Skin Lasting Liquid Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 20 in Golden 5 by itself (no setting powder). The lipstick is Urban Decay Spellbound.

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Unsung Makeup Heroes: Shiseido Facial Cotton

September 19th, 2017 by Karen 20 Comments

The Unsung Heroes series highlights some of my ALL-TIME favorite permanent collection products from all sorts of brands.

Dang, I had my heart set on being crabby about these Shiseido Facial Cotton pads, because girl, they’re $10, and you only get 165 of them, which is craziness to me because you could roll up to Target right now and get a massive pack of 300 up & up brand cotton pads for $5.

But ugh, these Shiseido ones are so good!

I didn’t expect to be bougie about cotton pads, but I’m there, man. The Shiseido ones are the softest, most velvety facial pads I’ve ever used, and once you’ve felt their caress (it was unmistakable when they touched my delicate water lines), other cotton pads will feel like rough metal scouring pads. NO JOKE. Even Q-tips.

OK, that was a joke…but you know hear I mean’. The Shiseido Facial Cotton pads feel SOFT. Q-tips used to feel like tabby tum fur to me before I got spoiled by these.

I mostly use them to remove eye makeup, but you can use them like any other cotton ball or cotton pad. They’ll apply toners or liquid essences after cleansing, remove face makeup, and they’ll soften the edges of your blush, eyeshadow or your bronzer perfectly well.

I guess you could also use them to remove nail polish, but I won’t be using them for that. My fingers and toes just wouldn’t appreciate how soft (or pricey) they are.

A single pad can remove all of my eye makeup and face makeup, then STILL have enough oomph left to apply toner.

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