Heat Wave a' Comin! COOLA Mineral Face Matte Finish (SPF 30) & Tint (SPF 20) (rave review)

I’ve been walking around in a fog all day because our local township thought it would be a really good idea to repave the street where I live. I totally agreed with the whole repaving idea, but I did not agree with the idea of doing it in the middle of the night. Really? Yes, really. There were trucks and bright lights outside all night long.

Cheltenham Township…you do NOT rule. You don't rock either.

There. I said it.

Anyway…in other news, a gigantic heat wave is supposed to descend upon the Philadelphia area beginning tomorrow. That means there will be sunshine everywhere. Wouldn’t this be a great time to feature some awesome sun protection products? (Answer: yes, it would.) How about two lovely items from COOLA.

face spf30 matte finish cucumber natural mineral sunblock

Blurb: Say hello to your new everyday sunblock. A natural, mineral matte formula that gives you SPF 30, broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection while it hydrates your skin with vitamins, antioxidants and repairing extracts like Shea Butter and Borage Seed Oil that target early signs of aging. Soothing organic Cucumber balances skin’s moisture and delivers a refreshing scent. Naturally water-resistant phyto-protectors like Plankton boost SPF protection make this the perfect beach companion. 70% Certified Organic inactives, 95% Natural.

face spf 20 tint rose natural mineral sunblock

Blurb: Feel rosy without getting too rosy with this natural mineral, sheer SPF 20 sunblock that is sure to keep your delicate facial skin even, hydrated and protected. Rose Extract soothes the skin and the senses with its natural toning and aromatherapy properties. And while combining the super antioxidant and anti-aging powers of Xylinum Black Tea and Organic Grape Seed Extract, this formula delivers lasting broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection and is still light enough to feel perfect under makeup everyday. 70% Certified Organic inactives, 98% Natural.

Wow! Just Wow! This is powerhouse sun protection, skincare and beauty all rolled into one. Or…two.

The matte finish sunblock is a zinc-oxide/titanium-dioxide sunscreen that also makes an excellent primer. It went on smoothly, absorbed quickly, and left no white cast. It had a very mild and pleasant cucumber scent, and felt light, hydrating and soothing. There was no heavy feeling at all. It dried to a matte finish that worked fabulously under my foundation.

I tried the tint rose sunblock both alone and layered over the cucumber sunblock, and got great results each way. The rose sunblock has a consistency somewhere between a tinted moisturizer and a light foundation. The coverage was sheer to medium and slightly buildable. It blended easily, and did an excellent job of evening out my skin tone (it also had a pretty rose scent). The finish was very fresh and natural. And again…excellent zinc oxide-based protection.

Each of these products is fabulous on its own; amd layered together they provide super effective (and pretty) sun protection, coverage and skincare. I feel like I can go anywhere this summer and look great while my skin stays in the shade. A+…and bring on the heat wave!

Take a look at the website and learn more about sun science, and a few other organic facts. There’s also a very comprehensive where to buy section. COOLA is also available at Spas, beauty centers, Dermstore and drugstore.com.

Here’s another kind of heat wave. From Martha & the Vandellas.



(ftc disclosure: sample/product received from manufacturer or representative)

While I’m Away: Celeb Memorial Day Must Haves

Check out the great ideas for your long weekend, and your wonderful long summer…

Stock Up For Memorial Day Weekend With Celeb Summer Beauty Must-Haves

Memorial Day weekend is here – marking the unofficial start of summer. Before you hit the beach – or even just the beach house, stock up on these summer beauty must-haves …

Notice-Me Nails: Summer is the perfect time to play with color – whether it’s neon, pastels or a funky fuchsia like Fergie, a bold, bright nail look is the accessory to any summer style. Try POP Beauty Nail Glam in Violetta for notice-me nails. Available at Ulta.com.

Sweat-Proof Makeup: There’s nothing worse than adding a touch of color to your cheeks, only to find it moments later streaking down your face. Make sure your bronzer stays in place with sweat-proof, water-proof makeup. For a natural, bronze glow like Blake Lively, try Per-fekt Cheek Perfection Gel in Bronze. The mousse-like formula will stay put and deliver sun-kissed color. Available at Sephora.com.

All-In-One: Moisturizer & Sun Protection: It’s alright to have fun in the sun, once you’ve lathered up with a healthy dose of sunscreen. Make sure your beach body stays moisturized and protected with an all-in-one mineral sunblock like the Coola Mineral Body Moisturizer with SPF 30. Celebs like Malin Akerman love Coola’s organic formulation. Available at CoolaSuncare.com.

Hair Moisturizer: It’s easy to neglect your hair but unless you moisturize and protect your strands the way you do your skin – you’re sure to wind up with damaged, dull summer hair. For healthy looking beachy waves like Leighton Meester, infuse hair with Rusk’s Deepshine Lustre. Not only will you get the shine and separation needed for flirty, summer waves – this formula will also protect your hair from UV rays. Available at Stylesource.com

Getting Started: Malin Akerman & COOLA

I love this look – fresh, warm, healthy and glowing…

Malin Akerman's Tribeca Film Festival Glow

Malin Akerman hit the red carpet in New York for the Tribeca Film Festival with a healthy sheen that lit up her face. Pairing a gorgeous coral dress with dewy skin that seemed to glow from head to toe, Akerman turned heads with her flawless beauty look.

Malin’s go-to for healthy, organic skincare has been COOLA’s Organic Suncare Collection. With certified organic ingredients and healthy, natural SPF formulas – COOLA has been winning over Hollywood A-lister’s like (insert celeb names). To get Malin’s red carpet glow try COOLA’s Mineral Face Tint in Rose Essence. The SPF 20 formula leaves skin hydrated and protected while keeping a delicate dewy look. The natural formula suits all skin types and ensures skin remains balanced and perfectly toned. Even if a red carpet isn’t in your future, you can still shine like a celeb!

COOLA Mineral Face Tint in Rose Essence is available at resorts, spas, speciality boutiques and coolasuncare.com.

Doubles Thursday #2: liplux by COOLA (review)

I’m keeping “Doubles Thursday” natural and organic; and featuring yet another fine pair of items. Here are two ways to protect your gorgeous lips. From COOLA Suncare.

Liplux Peppermint Vanilla (SPF 15)

Liplux Original Formula (SPF 30)

Blurb: Don’t forget your lips. This all-in-one lip treatment moisturizes and protects with broad spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen protection. Our vitamin and antioxidant enriched formula soothes and nourishes, while our unique blend of fruit butters like Raspberry and Avocado hydrate the delicate skin of the lips. Our luscious scents will make you want to say MUAH! 70+% Certified Organic, Made with Natural Food Grade Ingredients.

“Don’t forget your lips” is absolutely right! Too many years of too much sun exposure might just make your pucker all…puckery. So your lips need protection just as much as the rest of your skin does. (I usually apply protection to my lips, and then rub in a little just outside the lip area.)

COOLA is synonymous with quality suncare, as well as natural/organic ingredients and sustainable practices. Both of these balms feel wonderful, have great staying power (organic carnauba wax) and provide outstanding sun protection. The organic beeswax, sunflower oil, aloe and shea butter soften, soothe and moisturize. Both feel wonderful, and smell great (the Peppermint/Vanilla is refreshing, and the Original has a yummy, fruity scent).

Bring these everywhere there is sunshine!

Take a look at the website and soak in the other fab items. Learn about sun science, and gather a few organic facts. You can also visit the comprehensive where to buy section. COOLA is available at Spas, beauty centers, Dermstore and drugstore.com.

Here’s a pretty classic scene staring a truly classic duo. It also has chocolate in it. What could be bad?



(ftc disclosure: sample/product received from manufacturer or representative)

Friday The 13th Fun: COOLA Suncare

Check these out! Amazing, awesome, organic suncare products from COOLA…

Save your luscious lips and sexy skin and have a SUN-sational time doing it!

LIPLUX is a USDA certified all-in-one lip treatment that is highly concentrated with the finest food grade certified organic and active ingredients. Featuring a proprietary blend of fruit butters including organic raspberry and avocado, LIPLUX hydrates and nourishes while COOLA Suncare’s trademark broad spectrum UV protection and natural photo protectors work year round for soft, healthy, and happy lips. Vitamin and antioxidant enriched, LIPLUX is truly a tasty treat! LIPLUX, is available in Original LIPLUX 30 and Peppermint Vanilla LIPLUX 15, is non-staining, age-defying, super hydrating and is infused with amazing certified organic extracts. (www.coolasuncare.com)

COOLA Suncare boasts three types of hypoallergenic sunscreen that skin of all ages can enjoy:

- Face 30 SPF in Cucumber and Unscented
- Total Body 30 SPF in Plumeria and Unscented
- Sport 45 SPF in Mango and Unscented

On the road, no problem! All products are available in Minis that are TSA-approved and retail for $1.99!
.