Beauty Product of the Week: Glycolactic Skin Renewal Peel Mask

What is it? REN's Glycolactic Skin Renewal Peel Mask is "a peel mask made with 100% natural fruit acids. This gentle but potent peel mask is formulated to dramatically remove dead cells, smooth lines, and help prevent the appearance of spots and blackheads. Formulated WITHOUT Parabens, Sulfates, Synthetic Fragrances, Synthetic Dyes, Petro-Chemicals, or Phthalates, this peel contains natural AHA from fruits, and does not irritate the skin like its synthetic counterparts" Available from Sephora (and has been awarded Sephora's Natural Seal) for $55.

What did you think? You know I'm budget minded, so I always worry that when I try out a pricier item, I'll get hooked. And damn if that wasn't the case with this product! I used to be really diligent about giving myself a facial once or twice a week. I'd pull out one of my many masks or use an at-home microderm kit. In the past few months, I've fallen out of the habit of doing this. When I got this mask, I made a point to use it regularly. I've been using it at least once a week for about a month now, and I'm so glad I'm back in my facial habit.

The mask has an orange tint to it and smells like it's just packed with vitamins. The scent is fresh, somewhat citrus-y, and pleasant (in my opinion!). It feels cool and nurturing when it goes on, but what I really like is that it tingles a little when it's on. The mask stays on for about 10 minutes and then you just wash it away with some warm water. No need to pull it off like messy peel off mask, and there's none of that hard drying you get with mud.

My face feels thoroughly cleansed with this product. My skin is soft, supple, and looks refreshed. I don't feel like my skin's been stripped of its oils or anything like that. I feel dewy and clean after using the mask.

The final verdict? I hate recommending pricey items, but I really like this mask. The only thing I might change would be for REN to give you more mask for the same price, because even though one squirt of product is typically enough, I could see going through this very quickly.

Ask Lydia x2: Face Cleansers and Foot Care!

I've had two questions from readers lately. If you have anything to add, please leave a comment. I appreciate your thoughts, and so do two of your fellow Kiss and Make-up readers! And if you want to ask me anything, shoot me an email (asklydia@hotmail.com).

Question #1: I have normal to oily skin. What facial cleanser would you recommend that could double as a makeup remover?

Even though I did a "Battle of the Eye Makeup Removers" awhile back, I never use a special makeup remover. I don't have the time for it, and honestly...unless I'm wearing a ton of makeup, I don't see the need for it. Who wants to buy a special product when they don't have to?

When it comes to face cleansers, my first rule is stop using soap. Soap makes your skin too tight, drying it out and leaving it in need of extra moisturizer later. Instead, try a gentle product specifically designed for the more sensitive skin on your face.

If you want a high end product, I'd recommend Philosophy's Purity Made Simple. It effectively removes makeup--even tough to get off mascara and eyeliner--without striping away your skin's natural (healthy) oils. If you're looking for a drugstore brand, any of Olay's facial cleansers are worth a try. I usually keep a tube of Olay Regenerist Daily Regenerating Cleanser in the shower and a bottle of Purity Made Simple by my sink. And on days when I am really lazy, I swear you cannot beat Boot's 4-in-1 Quick Thinking Face Wipes, as I've said many, many times before!

Question #2: I've been wondering if you know of any good pedicure products. The heels of my feet are in awful shape (really rough), and it always tickles too much to have them filed or whatever when I get a pedicure. Do you have any recommendations for a good pumice stone that will really do the trick? My foot filer thing hasn't been working too well.

I try to get regular pedis in the summer (once a month if I can swing it), and I always worry that I am going to laugh when getting worked on. Sometimes I can't help it, but I can usually quash my giggles with the latest edition of Town & Country magazine (for some reason, reading a snooty magazine while getting a pedicure seems like the right thing to do!).

If you don't have the time or resources to go in for a pedi--or if you're ultra ticklish!--there are plenty of products you can try at home. Look for high end, high quality (high priced) products from Tweezerman. Their Pedro Callus Stone has a decent handle and is easy to use. If you don't want to invest in an expensive tool, all you really need is a decent pumice stone. They're typically pretty cheap and readily available. Look for affordable products from Earth Therapeutics (I adore their foot wipes in the summer time!), ecoTOOLs, or the ultra cute, budget friendly Ms. Pedicure line of goods.

One word of caution, and this is coming from me, a beauty enthusiast, not a professional: avoid callus shavers. They shave off the skin from your feet and are very effective in the short term. I forget where I read it, but supposedly over-use of callus shavers can actually worsen your callus problem. I've only had a callus shaver used on me once--in a salon I won't be going back to. The whole thing freaked me out for some reason. But hey....maybe that's just me.

So readers: if you want to add your thoughts, please do so!

Don't Forget: May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month

Here are a few more tidbits for Skin Cancer Awareness Month:

Dermelect Cosmeceuticals is partnering with the Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF) for the month of May in honor of National Melanoma/Skin Cancer Awareness Month. Dermelect will donate the May net sales of its two best-selling products, SPF 20 Facial Armour and Age-Def Eye Cream with SPF 15, to the MRF. These SPF products are great because they protect against the sun while also targeting wrinkle reduction and signs of aging.

The SPF 20 Facial Armour sells for $42 and the Age-Def Eye Cream with SPF sells for $36. Both products protect against UV sun damage and free radicals and are available for purchase at www.dermelect.com.

ABOUT MELANOMA
Melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer, is one of the fastest growing cancers in the United States and can strike people of all ages, all races and both sexes. In fact, with a one in 50 lifetime risk of developing melanoma, more than 62,000 Americans were expected to be diagnosed with the disease in 2008, resulting in an estimated 8,400 deaths (approximately one every hour). Melanoma is the most common form of cancer for young adults age 25 to 29 and the second most common cancer in adolescents and young adults age 15 to 29.

ABOUT DERMELECT
Dermelect Cosmeceuticals is a forerunner when it comes to easy-to-understand, multi-tasking cosmeceutical skincare, developed with the most effective and innovative ingredients on the market. With a refreshingly realistic beauty philosophy, Dermelect Cosmeceuticals is the must-have brand if you want to treat your skin with the latest product innovations that provide actual results. Availability of Dermelect treatments includes high-end apothecaries, specialty retailers, department stores, medispas, and pharmacies. Dermelect is distributed in over 12 countries globally and is also available online at www.dermelect.com.

ABOUT MELANOMA RESEARCH FOUNDATION
The Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF) is the largest independent, national organization devoted to melanoma in the United States. Committed to the support of medical research in finding effective treatments and eventually a cure for melanoma, the MRF also educates patients and physicians about the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of melanoma. The MRF is an active advocate for the melanoma community, helping to raise awareness of this disease and the need for a cure. The MRF’s Web site is the premier source for melanoma information seekers. More information is available at www.melanoma.org.

BECOME A MELANOMA MESSENGER
If you want to do more to fight melanoma, head over to MRF's Melanoma Messenger page. The MRF Melanoma Messengers program is a national network of volunteers that help educate, build awareness, and raise money for melanoma research in their local communities. As a MRF Melanoma Messenger, you can bring the national voice of the MRF to into your local community. Check it out--get involved!

Back Soon...I Promise!

Hi All!

I spent the long weekend at the beach and am slowly--very slowly--adjusting to normal life again. It's back to my house, my cats, and--sadly--my crappy day job. I'll get back to blogging and all things beautiful in no time, so hang in there and I'll be back soon!

In the meantime, if you're feeling voyeuristic, head over to my flickr site to see my vacation photos!

Beauty Product of the Week: Lavender Salt Scrub

What is it? Trader Joe's Lavender Salt Scrub will "cleanse your skin while taking a shower. This product is so full of natural ingredients, you could eat it! Includes Apricot Kernel Oil, Almond Oil, Green Tea Leaf, Avocado Oil, Vitamin E, and the highest grade of Lavender Oil." Available at Trader Joe's for about $6. (Note: sorry for the photo quality! It's a quick shot from my iPhone.)

What did you think? Trader Joe's is a shopping mecca. They sell all kinds of fabulous food products, reasonably priced produce, and ultra-addictive Olive Oil Popcorn. But they also have an aisle of personal care products, and I love checking out the goodies in that aisle.

On a recent excursion to TJ's, I picked up their Lavender Salt Scrub. It's reasonably priced at about $6, and it sounded appealing. When I tried it out in the shower, I was not disappointed.

I love the way salt scrubs feel, smell, and (oddly) taste. This scrub really exfoliated. It softened up my skin to the point where I left the shower with a freshly scrubbed pink glow. The lavender scent is not over-powering, but it's definitely there. It's a relaxing scent that will fill your shower and bathroom with a calming freshness.

Use this to slough off dead skin cells before shaving or applying a self-tanner. This exfoliates like no one's business! The only bad side? There was a considerable amount of slippery residue left behind on the shower floor once I was done using this product. That's the only downside to an otherwise awesome product.

The final verdict? Not bad! This certainly leaves my skin feeling smooth and smelling like lovely lavender. If it weren't so slippery, I'd use it more often!

Skin Cancer Awareness Month: Blasts from the Past

Don't Let This Happen To You!

I know I sound like I'm harping on all of you about this, but May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month. I've said it a million times and I'll say it again: Be safe in the sun and always use protection. If you don't think skin cancer will happen to you, then consider the fact that sun exposure will age you. If you want to avoid wrinkles or blotchy discoloration, limit your sun exposure. It's that easy.

Here are links to a few posts I've done in the past about Skin Cancer Awareness Month. Take a moment to check them out:

• If you prefer to have a "healthy" glow, click here for pointers on how to fake and bake like a pro.
• Don't forget to cover up easy to miss parts of your body when applying sunscreen. Click here for more from my May 2008 post (sorry...the giveaway mentioned in that post is no longer running!)
• Is sunblock safe to use? Click here to find out.
• The sun shines year round, so don't think of sun safety as only a summertime concern. Click here for more.
• Screen yourself for troublesome moles or sun spots in the privacy of your home. Here's info on how to do this yourself.
• Be a smart sunscreen consumer. Click here for tips.

Did You Win?

Were YOU one of my Lumene Blueberry Curl mascara winners? Click here to find out and be sure to email me ASAP!

Work, Life, Stress, and Excuses

I'm sorry I'm not doing a proper makeup post today--I am going through a very shitty, very stressful period at work. I'm exhausted, feeling beat down, and am fantasizing about winning the lottery. Oh god, if only!

So here's my question for you today: how do you deal with stress? When things are happening that you can't control...but that have an absolute impact on every aspect of your life...how do you take care of yourself? Are you self-destructive and turn to alcohol and other vices? Are you self-loving? Or do you just try to go with the flow.

Me? I go straight for the self-loathing. As much as I hate it, when things get really stressful, I become negative. Sure, I work my way through the situation, but my thoughts usually get dark and I expect for the worst. I'm trying to be a little better in my current dilemma. Tonight, I took some time out for myself to shower (I firmly believe in the healing powers of water), shave, exfoliate, and moisturize my skin. I'm going to take a few Tylenol PMs and will hopefully fall sleep smelling like "calming" lavender.

I wish I could be more cool and detached. I find that I admire people who are able to stay perfectly cool under pressure--you know the kind: they never have a hair out of place, they always look perfect, they never seem to sweat, and they have a quiet aura of being in control even when they may not be.

I should be hoping for the best, but really, I'm mentally preparing for the worst. I think I'll update my resume just in case. Anyone needing a totally awesome, smart, hard-working, makeup loving writer or admin? Email me!

I'll be back as soon as I can...though I'm not entirely sure when that will be. In the meantime, if you miss me, check out some of my old posts for all the beauty news you can handle.

Lumene Blueberry Curl Winners!

Congrats to my Lumene Blueberry Curl Mascara winners! If you see your name below, please email me at asklydia@hotmail.com with your name, mailing address, and phone number.

1. Cat
2. Posey
3. Brooke
4. MissTrishDelish
5. MMT
6. Suka&Spice
7. Catlain
8. ElaEuphoria
9. MartaH
10. Rebecca
11. Phairhead
12. Leslie
13. Vanessa
14. MaryJoyce
15. Nina
16. InflammatoryWrit
17. Daniella
18. Chewed Checkers
19. Princess Crystal
20. Noemi

Remember, you can follow Lumene on Twitter here and on Facebook here.

Last Chance to Enter

Today's your last chance to enter my Lumene Blueberry Curl Mascara giveaway. Winners will be announced tomorrow. Click here to enter...and believe me, you'll WANT this mascara. Good luck!

Beauty Product of the Week: Pocket Rocket

What is it? Urban Decay's Pocket Rocket Lip Gloss "combines a girl's two favorite things: guys and gloss! With the tilt of a tube, your well-dressed man will be stripped to his undies (front and rear photos are included for your viewing pleasure!). The creme-brulee-scented formula slicks and shines your pout to pucker perfection, with each highly pigmented shade varying in opacity and finish. It also contains Hyaluronic Spheres that are known to improve cellular function, prevent dehydration, and fill in lines and wrinkles. This party-perfect gift is great for a bachelorette party (Eric in his tux), a baby shower (hot-dad Julio), or your emo friend's b-day (tight-pants James). This sweet-scented gloss is conveniently packaged in a flat tube that fits right inside you pocket. Rub the tube to release pheromones into the air chemical signals that are undetectable by smell, but enhance mood and sexual attraction." Click here to see all the colors. Available at Sephora and department stores for $19 a tube.

What did you think? Yes, these are cute and kitschy, but the reason I purchased my Pocket Rocket (in the shade called Eric, featuring a hottie in a tuxedo) is because I loved the shade and the glossiness when I tried it out (on my hand) at Sephora. The colors rock, and honestly it was hard to settle on just one shade.

More things I like: the way it feels--not too sticky, but still thoroughly glossy and the packaging. I like the flat tube shape because it is easy to find in my jam-packed purse. I can just say to my husband "can you grab me my tube of Eric?" and he'll know exactly what I mean.

Now here's what I am not wild about: the taste. I don't hate the way it tastes, but it does have a very different scent/flavor. I'm used to minty, refreshing lipglosses...this one left me trying to figure out what the scent/flavor compound was. I made my husband, my mom, and my sister take turns at guessing, and my sister nailed it: Honey Nut Cheerio Breakfast Bars. The gloss is sweet, slightly vanilla-y, but with a definite note of milk. Odd, but true. Again, I don't hate it, but I don't love it either.

The final verdict? The colors are amazing and the packaging is unique. If it were in the more traditional minty flavor spectrum, I would never use another gloss. I still give Pocket Rocket high marks and enthusiastically recommend it.

Skin Cancer Awareness Month: Always Use Protection!

It's easy to say that you should use some sort of protection when you're out in the sun, but do you really know what you should be using? Here are some things to keep in mind as you prepare for the warmer, sunnier months ahead:

• Look for broad-spectrum sunscreens. These products contain ingredients that block both UVA and UVB rays.
• Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside.
  
• Reapply sunscreen frequently; at least every two hours.
• Remember: sunscreens can contain a number of chemicals. If you are sensitive or allergic to chemicals, physical sunscreens/blocks or chemical-free sunscreens contain titanium dioxide and/or zinc oxide, which reflect UVA and UVB.
• When in doubt, wear SPF 15 or higher. Look for products with the AAD Seal of Recognition.
  
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat to keep the sun off your face.
• Don't forget to take care of your eyes. Wear dark sunglasses when outside to avoid getting lines around your eyes and to slow the development of cataracts.
• Wear protective clothing. Companies like L.L.Bean now offer shorts, t-shirts, swimsuits, etc. that have fabrics that are treated to provide SPF protection.
• Get Vitamin D from food, not from sun.
• Peak sun hours are between 10 am and 4 pm--even when it's cloudy.
  
• Do not go to tanning salons. Ever. I don't care what you're reason is...just stay away.

Remember: there is no such thing as safe UV rays and that healthy sunny tan isn't healthy at all. Over time, it will result in skin damage, accelerated signs of aging, and potentially melanoma or other serious skin issues.

Skin Cancer Awareness Month: Get Shady at Ricky's

If you read my blog, you should know that May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month...and many companies are honoring the month by offering new products and great deals.

Here's one deal to check out: Ricky's NYC is offering 20% off any Shady Day product purchased on their website using coupon code LOVESHADY. If you're lucky enough to live in NYC, head over to a Ricky's where they're offering free a Shady Day Sunscreen Stick with any Shady Day purchase.

Also, a portion of proceeds from sales of Shady Day Protect Your Pout will go to support Aim at Melanoma Foundation, an international organization that provides comprehensive melanoma resources for patients, caregivers, and physicians.

Shady Day products were created by two health conscious moms with the help of a top dermatologist. The products provide easy to use, effective sun protection. Check out their SPF30 wipes, lip balm with sunblock, and many other awesome products.

Mascara Review and Giveaway!

I'm a mascara addict, as you no doubt know if you read my blog. I'm always happy to try out new products, and I have one to share with you today: Lumene's Blueberry Curl Mascara.

According to their online description, Lumene's Blueberry Curl Mascara will give you "perfectly voluminous lashes with the power of Nordic nature! A mascara which combines unique Finnish blueberry seed oil with the exceptional characteristics of an innovative plastic mascara brush." Available at Ulta or Ulta online for $9.99.

Blueberry Curl contains blueberry seed oil which is rich in Vitamins A and E plus fatty acids that nourish and protect lashes from environmental pollution and UV radiation. This mascara makes your lashes look pretty while adding strength and maintaining health.

I've been using Blueberry Curl for a couple of weeks with excellent results. My lashes look longer, fuller, and separated with this product. The innovative brush makes sure I don't get any nasty clumps.

If you want to try this product, now's your chance! All you need to do is leave a comment on this post by the end of this week or become a "follower" to this blog. I'll be picking 20 winners on Friday. If you're already a follower, you're already entered to win, but if you want to leave a comment as well, feel free to do so. Just make sure I have a way of getting a hold of you. Good luck!

Beauty Product of the Week: UV Defense Regenerating Lotion

What is it? Olay's new Regenerist Advanced Anti-Aging UV Defense Regenerating Lotion SPF 50 Moisturizer "combines powerful UVA/UVB (SPF 50) sunscreen with our exclusive Peptide + B3 complex and Olay moisture to help protect from damaging UV rays while moisturizing and regenerating skin's appearance. The result? Younger looking skin without drastic measures. Instantly the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles is softened and skin's appearance will be beautifully regenerated." Available this month wherever Olay products are sold for $29.99. (Note: the product shown above is their SPF 15 version...the SPF 50 version I'm writing about looks the same, but has an orange box in the right hand corner that says SPF 50.)

What did you think? You've heard it a lot from me and you're going to continue to hear it: to keep your skin protected from the sun and looking its best, always wear a sunscreen...every day, no matter what. I don't know about the rest of you, but I need to use a moisturizer everyday. Having such a high SPF level mixed in with my moisturizer makes my life easy: not only will my skin be hydrated, but I'll also get my daily SPF protection.

This Olay product makes my skin feel nourished, just like other Olay products I've used in the past. This one also has a very light fragrance that smells clean and very girly. Oddly, it doesn't bother me...and I normally don't like scented products. My face feels smooth and healthy, not greasy in the least.

The final verdict? This product has the highest SPF protection of all the Olay products out there. I love getting both sun protection and moisturized skin with one product. Olay has yet to let me down, and I'm glad to see this high level of SPF protection is hitting the market...just in time for summer!

Your Momma!

Wow! Mother's Day is this weekend. Time is flying by this year. If you're looking for something to treat your mother this year, here are a few ideas:

SOPHISTICATED MAMA: Packed in a chic gold clutch that’s a perfect accessory for the season, the Laura Geller Bring on the Bronze Kit ($45.00 at Sephora) is complete with golden glow essentials for skin, eyes and lips and includes the below. All products leave skin naturally sun-kissed with a just-back-from-vacation glow, perfect for busy moms who don’t have time for a coffee break, never mind a vacation!

NEW MOMMY: Treat the new or soon-to-be mom in your life with the safest skin care products for her newborn. VMV Hypoallergenics has just launched a travel sized set of their safest, most precious line to date - Grandma Minnie’s Mom & Baby Care ($75 at VMVHypoallerenics.com.) Adored by celeb mothers Jennie Garth, Rebecca Romijn and Kimberly Williams Paisley, this collection raises the bar for VMV’s already impressive hypoallergenic products as they are rated VH-65, meaning they are made without any of the 65 known allergens published by the North American Contact Dermatitis Group.

RECESSIONISTA MAMACITA: Just because we’re in a recession doesn’t mean Mom shouldn’t be pampered. Look no further than the ELF BATH SET ($15 at eyeslipsface.com.) It comes with Hand Cream, Body Butter, Shower Gel, Body Cream, Hand Soap and a loofah. Give the gift of tranquility and relaxation that's sure to leave Mom feeling pampered and pretty.

GIVE THE GIFT OF GLOWING SKIN: Give mom the gift of youth this Mother’s Day with the StriVectin Limited Edition Mother’s Day Gift Set. This elegant kit included best-sellers that mom will love, including StriVectin-HS Hydro-Thermal Deep Wrinkle Serum, the first and only topical formula to address the Dermal-Epidermal Junction, the place where deep wrinkles really begin. It also includes the number one prestige skin care cream in the entire world, StriVectin-SD. Once wrinkles and creases are gone, mom will really be thankful! This gift of youth is available at Sephora, Bloomingdales and Saks for $99.

FOR THE MOM WHO ADORES FACIALS: Does Mom often indulge at the spa for a facial? Bring the Spa to her with the ANSR: Acne Care System. Developed by leading skincare specialists, the system comes with the highly efficacious BEAM, an untethered LED device packed with BOTH red and blue lights to combat fines lines and wrinkles and help with the occasional blemish. In addition, you’re receiving FREE topicals including DAY (the moisturizer,) PREP (the exfoliating cleanser,) and NIGHT (serum.) Available for $185 at ansr.com.

Cinco for Cinco!

Today's Cinco de Mayo! Don't let all the knee-jerk panic about Swine Flu get you down! It's time to pour yourself an icy margarita and image yourself south of the border, sitting on a perfect beach, watching the world go by without a care in the world.

If a trip to Mexico scares the hell out of you (though it really shouldn't!) or isn't on your agenda, try these five products to make your look a little more caliente!

• OPI Strawberry Margarita: give your nails a sneak-peek of what's coming this summer by painting them with this cheery bright pink. There's no way you can feel blue when your nails are this bright and happy.
• Philosophy Cocktail Party: smell like you're a margarita, a mimosa, or a daiquiri without fearing that you'll get pulled over for a DUI! Philosophy's yummy hair and body washes will leaving you smelling sweet without any pesky hangovers.
• Eyelid Gilded by Benefit: this tequila gold pencil will give you a healthy glow. Add it to the corner of your eyelids to brighten your eyes and make them pop, glide the gold tint over your lips, even use a little on your cheeks to make your face glow! This product will give you an instant pick-me-up.
• Bare Escentuals Buxom Lips in Margarita: your lips will get an upgrade with one swipe of this lip polish. The sheer raspberry tint will make your voluptuous lips all the more tempting. You really can't go wrong with Buxom Lips...in any shade!
• Sugar Cosmetics Beauty School Bronzing Kit: fake your way to summery skin with this bronzing kit. Follow the directions in the kit, and the products will give you a natural, just back from the beach glow.

You don't have to go anywhere exotic to celebrate Cinco de Mayo...or just celebrate the promise of warmer weather and longer days...because these products will give you a sunnier disposition. Now, I think I need to go out and find some real Mexican cosmetics products. They have to be out there somewhere...

Skin Cancer Awareness Month

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month and that means that along with my normal beauty posts, I'll be scattering plenty of information about skin cancer prevention and detection this month. Yup, it's time for me to piss off the tanning industry and to frustrate sun-worshipers across the globe.

Skin cancer is serious business. Consider these facts from the Skin Cancer Foundation:

• Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. More than one million skin cancers are diagnosed annually.
• Each year there are more new cases of skin cancer than the combined incidence of cancers of the breast, prostate, lung and colon.
• One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in the course of a lifetime.
• Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common form of skin cancer; about one million of the cases diagnosed annually are basal cell carcinomas. Basal cell carcinomas are rarely fatal, but can be highly disfiguring.
• Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common form of skin cancer. More than 250,000 cases are diagnosed each year, resulting in approximately 2,500 deaths.
• Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are the two major forms of non-melanoma skin cancer. Between 40 and 50 percent of Americans who live to age 65 will have either skin cancer at least once.
• In 2004, the total direct cost associated with the treatment for non-melanoma skin cancers was more than $1 billion.
• About 90 percent of non-melanoma skin cancers are associated with exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.
• Up to 90 percent of the visible changes commonly attributed to aging are caused by the sun.

Over the next few weeks, I'll be talking to you about prevention, detection, and other ways to avoid adding to the skin cancer statistic. I'll also be highlighting several products/companies that are working to stop skin cancer numbers from rising.

Until then, head over to Sephora to check out their Sun Safety Kit. Sephora is teaming up with the Skin Cancer Foundation to offer this product once again this year. This kit is extraordinarily popular, so be sure to get yours now before it sells out. It's chock full of everything you need to be safe in the sun. You'll be getting products totally $110 for only $22.50 AND 100% of the profits for this product will be going to the Skin Cancer Foundation. Nice!

Beauty Product of the Week: Smoothers Pressed Powder

What is it? Cover Girl's Smoothers Pressed Powder promises you will get "a perfectly-finished look with this silky-smooth power. Special light-reflecting pigments help minimize the appearance of fine lines and imperfections. Can be worn alone, or over your Cover Girl foundation to help your look last." Available in a plethora of shades for less than $6.50 at most drugstores.

What did you think? I was a little hard on poor Cover Girl last week, so today I'm going to be positive. I love this pressed powder. It's a classic beauty item that, while not very exciting, is a beauty work horse.

If I'm feeling a little shiny, a quick pat of pressed powder is all I need to knock out the shimmer. If I want my lipstick to last longer, a quick hit on my lips and then an application of lipstick does the trick. Hell, if I need to check myself out to make sure my lashes aren't clumping or that funny stray chin hair isn't too noticeable (hey--we all have to deal with these things!), I pull out the compact and use the handy-dandy mirror.

This is a very basic product, but it does what I want it to: it cuts shine and makes my skin look better. There is a fragrance-free version of this product, but I sort of like the clean, powdery smell of the classic version.

The final verdict? I've been using this product ever since I started using makeup. While I sometimes use fancier products in lieu of pressed powder, I almost always have one of these compacts of pressed powder in my emergency makeup kit. Cover Girl has a winner on it's hands, and thankfully they haven't messed with perfection over the years. Now if they would just quit their animal testing, this product would be perfect.