Post-Sun Skin Savers

So you've tanned it up beach - or pool - side and your sporting the perfect sun kissed hue (after applying loads of SPF, naturally). Now you want to know, what's next? How can you prolong the life of your new golden glow and keep your skin nice and soft without turning into a withering raisin?

Here are 5 fabulous post-sun skin savers:

Korres Yoghurt Cooling Gel $23.50

What it does: an ultra-cooling cream gel that provides long-lasting freshness and comfort to the face and body. Ideal for after sun exposure, yogurt hydrates the skin, instantly relieving excessive heat and stinging.
Why I like it: It's made without parabens, sulfates or petro-chemicals so you can rest assured your body is getting the utmost magnificent treatment. Plus, it really is THAT refreshing.

Alba Organics Hawaiian Kona Coffee After-Sun Lotion $11.99

What it does: Caffeine helps neutralize free-radical damage due to sun over-exposure. Macadamia oil and shea butter nourish and replenish essential moisture leaving a healthy, radiant glow.
Why I like it: Vegan and organic, this lotion smells delicious, is calming and gentle to the body and has aromatic properties which keep the skin soft for prolonged periods of time.

Weleda Aloe Body Lotion $10.99

What it does: Refreshes and hydrates the skin. Ideal for use after sun-bathing and swimming
Why I like it: Love this line! Aloe is an amazing ingredient to soothe over-sunned skin. This lotion is light and ultra refreshing; totally fuss-free (but harder to find in stores!).

Nivea Sun Cooling After Sun Spray with Aloe Vera 3.95 pounds

What it does: Enriched with Aloe Vera and pro-vitamin B5 to moisturize and calm the skin. Cools and soothes sun exposed skin and helps ensure a long-lasting, beautiful tan.
Why I like it: Sometimes things just feel more refreshing dispensed from a spray. Not to mention, I love anything that leave a little glistening after-glow on my skin. Apparently, it's not sold in the U.S. - correct me if I'm wrong here - (another reason to love it even more), but you can order online through the UK site, or buy a similar version from Herbalife if you dare.

Avene After-Sun Care Lotion $20.00

What it does: Light-weight, non-greasy cream-gel formula provides a cooling effect to the skin. Lipidic complex Biocymentine helps restore skin’s barrier and prevents moisture loss. Soothes, calms and cools the skin after sun exposure.

Why I like it: Ever since Paris, I have a particular affinity towards anything French and Avenue is a revered skincare line in France. It also contains Pre-tocopheryl, a vitamin E precursor known for its anti-oxidant properties so it's great for the tone and texture of skin too.

Have a favorite post-sun soother?
Let us know! Leave a comment below...

HIGH GLOSS

I was in middle school when I got my first lipstick. It was Black Honey by Clinique and technically wasn’t a lipstick, it was an “Almost Lipstick.” It was a deep dark shade in the tube but glossy and sheer upon application. In the years since, I have worn my fair share of lipsticks, from matte red shades from MAC to petal pinks from Stila, but I have always loved a sheer glossy look. My favorite was Asher by the now defunct Delux Beauty, and once I found it was impossible to track down I decided it was time to look for an eco-alternative.

I love that Labello has gone Stateside under their Nivea label and I hoard their paraben-free cherry colored lip balm. It is serious hydration, great color and reminds me of the days when I was little and would pretend Cherry Chapstick was lipstick.

For a more traditional gloss, I really like
Bare Escentuals 100% Natural Lip Gloss.
First off, the “worst offenders” are nowhere to be seen: zero parabens, petro-chemicals, phalates, sulfates, or synthetic fragrance. On average we ingest about four pounds of lipstick in a lifetime. The less chemicals the better, don’t you think?

With a lip brush tip instead of the usual fuzzy applicator the gloss goes on smoothly and it’s super moisturizing with its mix of oils and Cupuacu Butter. I love the neutral Rose shade which looks deceptively dark in the tube but is a subtle barely there pink with a slight shimmer when applied. It’s fabulous for day or night. With over a dozen shades in the collection, I think I’ll be heading back for a few more. xo a.