The Son not the Sun

Having been a professional makeup artist more than a decade, I have heard the question hundreds of times: "What is your best makeup tip?' In thirteen years my #1tip has never changed! Ladies hear it is...ready? Wear your sunscreen!!!! Yep that's it. I can see the drop in your face already and hear the sigh of disappointment. I know you were hoping that I would open up my treasure chest of secrets all to help transform your look. Oh sweet girlfriends, what you don't know is that I have!!!

Wearing sunscreen on a daily basis not only prevents premature aging, but it also protects and prevents your chances of developing skin cancer. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, more than 1 million new cases of skin cancer develop every year. If that is not enough to convince you, then perhaps its time I told you that there is no magic anti aging miracle cream, no lotion potion, and no miracle drug that can correct aging skin. The number one cause of premature aging is sun exposure, so it only makes since that the number one preventative is sunscreen. Here is just some FYI for you to tuck in your back pocket when it comes to sunscreen.

1.) Look for sunscreens that block both UVA and UVB rays. To make this simple for you, think of UVA as the Aging rays, and UVB as the Burning rays.

2.) Don't be fooled by sunscreens that say SPF of 75 or 100. Nothing can block 100% of the sun's rays. UVB protection does not actually increase proportionately with a designated SPF number. For example, an SPF of 30 screens 97% t of UVB rays, whereas an SPF of 15 screens 93 % of UVB rays, and an SPF of 2 screens 50% of UVB rays. However, inadequate application of sunscreen may result in a lower SPF than the product contains, which leads to my third point.

3.) Most people only apply 25-50% of the recommended amount of sunscreen. One application is approximately 1 ounce, or enough to fill a shot glass. Make sure to cover all exposed areas thoroughly including the ears and hands. Just a little secret ladies: your face may look young, but your hands will give your real age, and I look every time. Protect them!

4.) Keep in mind there is no safe way to tan. The sun's rays do the most damage between 10AM-4PM. If your shadow is shorter than you seek shade when possible. There are plenty of way to look bronze beautiful in a safe way. I will cover that on my next post. For now I want you to focus on protecting your beautiful skin.

It is never too late to start protecting your skin.Where do you begin? I'm so glad you asked! My sunscreens of choice are:
Celazone available at http://www.amazon.com/ which is amazing for all skin types, including acne prone skin. Celazome has very few ingredients and is non irritating. It truly lasts all day. I have been a user of this product for three years.

I'm am loving the new Tropical Vanilla SPF 32 Sun Cream by Eminence http://www.eminenceorganics.com/. It has been clinically tested to increase moisture levels in the skin by 250% after one week of use. This one is a newby for me, but most definitely a keeper. I can't get enough of this product. My skin doesn't feel sucked dry after sun exposure. It is available in a face and body formula. I haven't been daring enough to try it for face yet as I'm so prone to breakout.

Are you super sunscreen sensitive?? No problem!!! Try the SPF travel powder by http://www.eminenceorganics.com/, or http://www.chantecaille.com/. Both come in a translucent color, and contain at least an SPF of 30. Keep in mind that mineral powder SPF's don't always protect as well as creams and lotions so limit your sun exposure.

Are you in need of cheap sunscreen that still protects well? My pick is good ole WaterBabies by Coppertone. The thick rich formula covers and protects the most sensitive and fairest of skin (me :)), not to mention it has the best smell. It always reminds me of summer. They also have a chubby stick I recommend for face and lips. The best thing about these two products is that they are available at just about any drugstore or supermarket on the planet.

Spotlight:

I have a question? What has burned you? I don't just mean physically, I mean what has burned you emotionally, mentally, spiritually? The husband or boyfriend that promised forever? The coworker, the parent, the child, the friend, the shopping, the martini, the magazines, the career? ...and the list goes on.

Next question, When that person or thing burned you, what position on your priority list could I find it? Was it above or below Jesus? Ouch and mega OUCH!!!
I have to tell you, as much as I don't want to, often times the people or things that burn us so bad cause such a burn because they moved up a position on the priority list. Perhaps they took number one. Check out this verse:

"Those that cling to worthless idols, forfeit the grace that could be theirs." Jonah 2:8

I'm in no way saying that the people, or things in our lives are worthless, but I am saying I don't want us placing them as an idol above Jesus. I ask you, sunburn and all, to take what has burned you to the throne of the Son that saves. Grab your grace back and let him heal you. Sit with Jesus and reprioritize your list, making sure He is number one, and ummmmm it might be a good idea for sunscreen to be number two!!

The (Wo)man in the Mirror

No fashion, skin care or makeup advice for you today. Although, Carrie's vanity is sa-weet!

Just a good word from the Spirit:

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen"

Ephesians 3:20, 21

I find myself fretting over the same things day after day, and even beyond that. This verse is encouraging to me that God is able to do "immeasurably more than we ask or imagine". So can he handle your bills? Yes! Insecurities? Yes! (Fill in the blank)? Yes!

Lady in Red

Geepers! It's been since February since my last post? That is not so fantastic! Well, I want you to know that I have made a list: 29 things to do while I'm 29, and #14 is to make 52 posts on 3Vanities. Even though the make-up maven and the skincare siren have made a temporary exit, I will keep true to my word. So here goes nothing!

I found an amazing site. Apparently lots of peeps know of it, but if you don't check out Lulu's! I have to admit I have a slight addiction to dresses, and this site allows you to quench the craving without breaking your piggy bank. This adorable red dress to the left is only $37. They have a small selection (728 to be exact) to choose from.

Spotlight:

I think it is important not to overspend. Read this verse in Hebrews: Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." (13:5). Take my dress addiction as an example. It is okay to love dresses, but it is not okay to love dresses more than God. That is true with anything on this earth, including money. So remember that when you break into your piggy bank to make a purchase.

Ice, Ice, Baby!

In lieu of the pending snow, I thought it would be fun to show you an icy trend for the upcoming season. These obviously are faux, from Forever 21. As with most the trends we show you, this can add oomph to a dressy or casual fit.

Spotlight: Job 38: 29 says, "From whose womb comes the ice? Who gives birth to the frost from the heavens?" The first thing I noticed from this verse, is that the frost is from the heavens. When I see dew or frost in the morning, my first thought isn't always that it's from God. The more time you spend with God in prayer, and in the Word, the more natural these thoughts become- that when you see something beautiful such as frost, you automatically think it's from God! Spend time with God this week, and see what beauties he opens your eyes to!

Help Me!!

Okay ladies, I am the one who posted my dark sequined dress that I was planning to wear on New Year's Eve, and have since found myself in a fashion dilemma (scary I know)! Originally I had planned on hitting the town with my favorite girls and luxe-ing it up until past 12.... but now I am going to a super casual party at a friends house - a 'couples party' if you will. What should I wear????? I'll have to buy something for sure ;)
These are my options:
A) my ever faithful joe's jeans with stilettos and a super fun top
B) a dark sequined mini skirt with tights, boots, and a hane's v neck
C) wear the over the top dress and rock the super glam dress regardless of what else anyone else is wearing



Send me your votes- A, B, or C!

Scent of a Woman

Miss Marisa is one of my besties! She is always there for me and is an instant pick me up to my day and special occasions. One of my dearest friends even asked if she could wear her on her wedding day! This is what Lucky Scent has to say about the fragrance, "Everyone knows someone like Miss Marisa. Pretty without working at it, smart without being a show-off. In high school, she was the girl who could hang with anybody - geeks, jocks or the popular crowd. Beloved by all and totally cool. A unique and dazzlingly fresh fragrance with dancing notes of cassis and cool mint. Brilliant. We can’t get enough of this!"

I contacted Lucky Scent to give us tips on how to pick a fragrance out for yourself. This is what Franco has to say, "truly the best way to choose a fragrance is sampling. If you know you like floral, or vanillas, its easy to find such perfumes on our site and order samples-- we recommend only trying 2 at a time (one on each arm), per day, so your nose doesn't get too overwhelmed-- and also gives you adequate time to smell the opening and drydown of a scent. If you are not sure what types of fragrance, we also have categories on our site (left hand navigation), such as 'fresh' or 'unique/exotic'.. which are identifiers that we hope help guide along. And finally, don't be afraid to try new perfumes! Just because it lists musk or patchouli, don't let that deter you if you have pre-conceived ideas about musk or patchouli... you never know!"

This is great advice! I love how you can orders samples from their site. They make great gifts too!

Spotlight: Ephesians 5:1-3 says, " 1Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children 2and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. 3But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people."

Sisters, live a life of love! This is pleasing to the Lord, we are only strangers passing by but we are here to love all who enter into our lives. Leave a fragrant aroma to those around you!

Embellish Yourself

An embellished tee is a not so versatile piece but if your brain doesn't seem to be working when you are getting dressed this is an easy fix. You can wear this casual with jeans, or dress it up with a pencil skirt. You could also put it over a button up and make it super preppy. No matter which way you choose to wear it, you will always feel glamorous!

If you are willing to purchase this beauty (I'm pretty sure this will be out of season soon), you can make one yourself, take a chunky necklace and sew it onto a simple Hane's tee. It will take some playing around with, but I think it will work if you don't have it

in your budget to buy this JCrew version.

Spotlight: 4 One thing I ask of the LORD,

this is what I seek:

that I may dwell in the house of the LORD

all the days of my life,

to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD

and to seek him in his temple.

When you are getting ready in the morning, or whatever time of day remember to praise our God. After all, you are getting ready in His house, and His closet. Everything on this earth that belongs to you is essentially on loan from Him.