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The Best Sunscreen Handbook: Your Guide to Ingredients, Allergies, and Stain Prevention

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As the sun’s rays grow stronger, it’s time to arm yourself with the ultimate defense against harmful UV radiation: sunscreen. This elixir of protection not only shields our skin from the sun’s damaging effects but also helps us maintain a youthful and radiant complexion. My goal today is to demystify the world of sunscreen, from its active ingredients to allergies and how to avoid the dreaded orange stains on your favorite clothes!

Active Ingredients: The Guardians of Sun Protection

Sunscreen’s efficacy lies in its active ingredients, which come in two primary forms: mineral-based and chemical-based. Mineral sunscreens contain ingredients like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, forming a physical barrier that reflects UV rays. Chemical sunscreens, on the other hand, work by absorbing UV radiation and converting it into heat. Common chemical ingredients include avobenzone, octinoxate, and oxybenzone. Choosing the right type of sunscreen depends on personal preference and skin sensitivity.

Allergies: Nurturing Sensitive Skin

While sunscreen protects us from the sun’s harsh rays, some people may experience allergic reactions to certain ingredients. Fragrances, oxybenzone, and preservatives like methylisothiazolinone can trigger allergies in sensitive individuals. Opting for fragrance-free, hypoallergenic sunscreens or those labeled “for sensitive skin” can help minimize allergic reactions. Performing a patch test before full application is also recommended, especially for those prone to allergies.

Orange Stains: Sunscreen’s Fashion Foe

One downside of sunscreen, particularly those with high concentrations of avobenzone, is the potential to stain clothing with an orange hue. Who has had their favorite white summer tee ruined by sunscreen? I know I have, too many times! Avobenzone can react with iron oxide present in fabric, resulting in unsightly stains. To avoid this, consider using sunscreens containing alternative UV filters like ecamsule or Mexoryl SX, which have a lower risk of staining. Alternatively, choose clothing with tight weaves or UPF protection to reduce contact between sunscreen and fabric.

My favorite weapons against skindamage:

Sunscreen is an essential tool in our arsenal for maintaining healthy and protected skin. Understanding the active ingredients, considering allergies, and addressing the issue of clothing stains are crucial steps in making informed choices. By prioritizing sun protection and investing in sunscreen suited to our skin’s needs, we can bask in the warmth of the sun without worry.

I’ve linked my favorite products below. I try to choose coral safe and avobenzone free sunscreen, but manufacturers may change ingredients, so always be sure to read the ingredients to confirm!

Remember, #ProtectYourSkin, #SunscreenSavvy, and embrace the joy of sun-kissed days with confidence and peace of mind.

This sunscreen coral safe, avobenzone free, and from Australia. Can’t get much cooler than that! To help protect delicate coral reefs, Blue Lizard Sensitive sunscreen contains no oxybenzone or Octinoxate. This is a Mineral sunscreen with no chemical active ingredients – it protects your skin by acting like thousands of tiny mirrors that reflect UV rays away before they enter your body

Sun Bum is a natural, zinc-based Mineral sunscreen spray sits on top of your skin to block sun, leaving a matte finish with Broad Spectrum SPF 30 protection from UVA/UVB rays. Because it is a mineral sunscreen, it can leave behind a white residue.

 

Supergoop! does have avobenzone, but it also has an extensive “no list” of 1600+ ingredients. It is a totally invisible, weightless, scentless formula that provides oil-free sunscreen protection for all skin types, tones, & lifestyles. The unique oil-free formula glides onto skin, providing shine control & leaving a velvety, makeup-gripping finish. Apply generously and evenly as the last step in your skincare routine and before makeup!

 

You all know I love CeraVe products! 100% Mineral-based sunscreen, also known as a physical sunscreen, reflects UVA/UVB rays to help protect the skin. Convenient, travel size packaging makes reapplication easy and mess-free. Suitable for sensitive areas like lips, nose, earlobes and around the eyes for both kids and adults.Oxybenzone free, avobenzone free, and benzene free, this sunscreen contains physical filters Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide.  

 

Okay peeps, this one’s TINTED! No need to wear makeup on those hot days. CeraVe Tinted Suncreen has got you covered (pun intended). I’ve been buying this one for years.

 

A Coffee Lover’s Guide to Surviving Travel Fatigue

 

(“This page contains affiliate links. If you choose to purchase after clicking a link, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.”)

As a self-proclaimed coffee snob, I know how difficult it can be to find a good cup of coffee, especially when you’re on the go. Unfortunately, hotel coffee is notorious for being subpar, lacking in flavor, and weak in strength. But fear not, fellow coffee lovers! With the right tools, you can make your own delicious cup of coffee right in your hotel room. If you’re late for your flight, skip to the end for my favorite travel coffee supplies.

First, let’s talk about what makes hotel coffee so bad. It’s usually cheap coffee and the water is treated with chlorine. Additionally, hotel coffee makers are often not cleaned properly, resulting in a buildup of residue that can affect the taste of the coffee. Let’s not forget that the plastic pods are not good for us or the earth! 

Now, let’s talk about how you can take matters into your own hands and make your own coffee in your hotel room. The key is to bring your own supplies, including a high-quality coffee maker, freshly ground coffee, and your favorite mug. Many coffee snobs prefer to use a French press, which allows for a more full-bodied and flavorful cup of coffee.

When choosing a coffee maker, it’s important to consider the size and weight, as you don’t want to be lugging around a heavy machine on your travels. The AeroPress and the iMiGoo Portable Coffee Maker are lightweight and compact options that are both perfect for traveling and make a great cup of coffee.

Freshly ground coffee is essential for a great cup of coffee, so be sure to bring along a portable coffee grinder or purchase pre-ground coffee from a reputable source. I like to pack a baggie full of my own fresh ground from home.

Once you have your supplies, it’s time to get brewing! Depending on your coffee maker, either add your water directly to the coffee maker, or heat up some water in the hotel room’s kettle or microwave. I prefer to use filtered water, which results in the cleanest tasting brew. I wish it didn’t come in plastic bottles! A more earth friendly alternative is to bring your own water filter. While the water is heating up, grind your coffee and add it to your coffee maker of choice. Once the water is hot, pour it over the coffee and wait your delicious, freshly brewed cup of coffee that rivals any coffee shop.

Ahhh, the elixir of life, black gold, welcoming cup of comfort to make your morning magical! Not only will you be able to enjoy a great cup of coffee in the comfort of your own hotel room, but you’ll also save money by avoiding the expensive hotel coffee and coffee shops.

Your favorite coffee can be your perfect travel companion! You have to suffer through bad hotel coffee.  Don’t be afraid to bring along your favorite coffee maker, freshly ground coffee, and mug on your travels. Your taste buds will thank you for it.

Keywords: Hotel Room Coffee: Tips for Making a Great Cup on the Go

 

 

This is the one I ended up buying. It makes a great cup of coffee, and also makes tea or just hot water. There are different settings for the strength of your brew, and I love that it doesn’t create any garbage! Good old fashioned percolated coffee! But don’t worry, it’s not cowboy coffee! It actually pours quite clean. Each time I use it I am impressed.

 

For you die hard French Press fans (I get you, I’ve been one for years!), check out this bad boy. Just press & go! 

 

 

I haven’t tried this coffee maker, but it gets excellent reviews. My iMiGoo needs an outlet, but this guy does not! It might be on my glamping list for future purchases….

 

 

 

Hate plastic water bottles? Me too. This collapsible filter will help save the earth and your coffee! 

 

 

Updated November 22, 2023—–>This time of year we splurge on the people we love, but what about splurging on, and loving, ourselves? Here is a list of my “must haves” that sometimes also feel like splurging. Sharing them with yourself, or with someone you love, and who you also want to look and feel FABULOUS! From stocking stuffers, to show stoppers. I’ve got you covered. For your shopping convenience, they are somewhat listed from Splurge to Save.

 

(This page contains affiliate links. If you choose to purchase after clicking a link, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.)

 

Sonos Roam – Have you heard Sonos yet? These guys are the “it” guys in today’s home audio world. This is the ultimate stocking stuffer. Available as a single, or as pair (hint hint, one for you and one for her!)

  • Stream music and more over WiFi, and enjoy easy control with the Sonos app, Apple AirPlay 2, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant.
  • Use Bluetooth when you take this waterproof, lightweight, and durable speaker on the go.
  • Experience astonishingly clear and perfectly balanced sound with automatic Trueplay tuning.
  • Get up to 10 hours of continuous play time, and recharge with the included USB-C cable and any 7.5W (5V / 1.5A or 2.1A) or higher USB power adapter, or any Qi wireless charger.

Click here to purchase now!  https://amzn.to/3RbrMtd

 

 

Yama Siphon 8 Cup/32oz/950ml Stove Top Coffee Maker – For the coffee connoisseur in your life! This has been my daily coffee maker for over a year. I changed it up from french press, and I’m hooked! One of these days I’ll post the video review I made….

  • YAMA Siphon brewed coffee produces cleaner, richer, and smoother cup of coffee by maximizing the essential oils from the brew
  • Large 8 cup capacity is perfect for serving the whole family
  • Vacuum technology seals in the aroma and flavors delivering on the true profile of your coffee
  • Works on gas and electric rangetops; comes with wire diffuser for use on electric Coil burners (included)
  • Premium hand crafted, hand blown Borosilicate Glass is non-porous and does not absorb odors or chemicals ensuring each brew is as fresh and pure as intended
  • Includes reusable, washable cloth filters. Lid doubles as a siphon stand for post brew

 

     Click here to purchase now!  https://amzn.to/46qBeOW

 

Crocs Unisex-Adult Baya Lined Fuzz Strap Clogs – I’ll admit, these aren’t the sexiest shoes, but dang are they comfy! They are my new favorite “house slippers” that easily go outside if needed. I love the wide toe box and cozy lining!

  • The popular Baya Lined Clog with a soft, fuzzy lined back strap
  • Croslite foam construction for comfort and cushion
  • Pivoting heel straps for a more secure fit
  • Customizable with Jibbitz charms
  • Dual Crocs Comfort: Blissfully supportive. Soft. Cradling comfort

 

Click here to purchase now!   https://amzn.to/3RayAIq

 

InvoSpa Electric Throw Heated Blanket – I am a practical girl who hates to be cold. I’ve had this for almost a year and it still heats up fast and hot! It stays at my desk all year long so I never suffer from the PNW chills. 50″ x 60″ Gray Fast Heating Blanket, 10 Heat Levels, 4 Hours Auto Shut-Off – Electric Blanket Throw Portable Heated Lap Pad – Machine Washable Heated Throw

 

Click here to purchase now! https://amzn.to/40XPVrt

Women’s Satin Pajama Set Long Sleeve Button Down Sleepwear. 

So comfy! I have bought this as gifts and always receive great feedback. One of these days perhaps I’ll buy myself a set.

  • Made from a luxurious silk-like satin fabric, this pajama set is soft and lightweight, perfect for sleeping, lounging, or daily casual wear.
  • Pant has comfy elastic waistband and adjustable drawstring.
  • Loose fit and cozy style with beautiful detail. These silky satin pajamas are great for party, bridal, or as a gift for your wife, mother, daughter and friends.

    Click here to purchase now! https://amzn.to/3Ga2JRQ

 

Skincare Products in your thirties, forties & fifties. Jenn’s must haves!

To be clear, I am not a licensed skincare professional, nor do I have any medical training in the skincare field. I do, however, get complimented on my skin. I also do a lot of research on things that interest me (have I mentioned that before?), and skincare definitely interests me. I’m quickly heading up to the top of that hill that they call “FIFTY”, and I don’t plan on going over that hill without a fight!

As of yet, I do not do anything “medical” such as botox or filler. I’m not opposed tho, so stay tuned! But for now, I do my best to work with what I have. This means suncreen, hydrate, exfoliate, hydrate, suncreen, hydrate…and so on.

I’ve been reading a lot about the best ways to nurture skin as you age. If that interests you, read on! I’m sharing my favorite skincare products including my real life experience with them. (For reference: I am 49 years old with normal to dry skin.)

(“This page contains affiliate links. If you choose to purchase after clicking a link, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.”)

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I research everything I buy. I research every place I visit. I research how to have a healthy body, a healthy mind, and how be a healthy steward of this planet. I research a lot. I have high expectations for where I choose to spend my hard earned dollars. I think I have pretty good taste too! So if Jenn Says it’s good, you can believe it.
I believe my late nights researching the “good stuff” should be shared, because not everyone likes to dig in quite like I do. Many people just want someone they trust say, “yep, that’s a good one”, so they can buy it and move on. I literally spend hours, so you don’t have to. I’m excited to share ALL THE GOOD STUFF