What is your favorite sunscreen/sunblock for your face?

I bought La Roche Posay Anthelios Ultra Light 60 Sunscreen Fluid about 2 weeks ago and I love it. I use it instead of a face cream (avoiding the areas around the eyes). It has not given me a rash and it has a matte finish. I was told at Shoppers Drugmart here in Canada that it is currently the number one sunblock on the market. Its average rating on makeupalley.com is 4.1. For the body I use Ombrelle spf 60 with good results.

lilybelle - I carry Khiel's Super Fluid UV Defense SPF50+ when I travel, and use it if I find myself somewhere really sunny. It's pretty expensive, but it only takes a few drops and it goes on super smooth. It's not pastey at all. It's a liquid and comes in a dropper bottle. Just put a few drops on your face and rub it around. It's $36 for a 50ml bottle, And there's a bigger one too.

Its a splurge, but it's really good stuff. It feels more like a quality skin care product than a heavy duty sunscreen. I haven't tried many others, though.

The standard CVS higher protection creams (30 or 60) have worked well for me so far. As you know, though, if it's humid and you sweat, you have to reapply through the day, no matter what the protection factor.

If you have makeup on and cannot reapply, on a youtube video I saw a suggestion for a Peter Roth powdery thing you can put on top of make up through the day with spf 25 or the like. I gave it as a gift to my sister, but haven't heard whether and how it works.

cacio

I have your answer, Dearest. If they have Wallgreens in 'Da, get their generic knock off of "Neutrogena" 70SPF for the face: It's 8.99 for a tube. It's actually better than the original Neutragena--not as greasy--and it WORKS. If they don't have Wallgreens in 'Da, then just try the Neutragena--it's the best: Also, it doesn't give you "Clown Face." (I think it's called "Dry Touch" or something) I'm a PRO at sunscreen as I need HIGH SPF every day regardless of the sun--out or not--it's on me: With SPF technology you must RE-APPLY at least twice a day--better three times a day--and stay in the shade! wear a hat, stay in the shade, and wear that sunscreen all over your body--especially on your hands, face and feet. Remember that you *MUST* re-apply. No SPF works all day, and even casual exposure is lethal. Put it on 30 minutes before you leave the house in the morning and re-apply about four hours later. A little bit of powder on your face and hands helps with the greasiness. Coty Air-spun is good--as it is very absorbant and comes in that fetching Diagliev-designed box. Carry a hanky with you if you need to touch your eyes--if you do so with sunscreen on your hands you'll be sorry! 15-20-25 SPF is NOT ENOUGH. You need 70 at least. Just trust me on this. That powder sunscreen is for the birds. I think CVS does a knock off of Neutragena as well--it's fascinating that the knock offs are better than the original. 70-100SPF sunscreen + Coty air spun powder (apply with brush, not puff) and you should be perfect. Neither are expensive, and both are excellent.

For my face, I use Paula's Choice Sun Care Weightless Finish Sunscreen Spray (SPF 30).
Not sure about the price in $.
It is clear in colour and light in texture, colour and fragrance free and not tested on animals.

Rubegon - Gonna check out your recommendation. Sounds cool.

I agree with MdM 100 % about the SPF 70 and his recommendations to slather it all over not just your face.
My dermatologist also said that SPF 15 is not enough and recommends no less than SPF 70 .
I use the Neutrogena SPF 70 Face Ultra Sheer Liquid and I use it on my chest ,hands ,feet. This one really does wonders under makeup and is non greasy . I also use Nuetrogena Age Shield Face sunblock lotion in SPF 70 - it's thicker and use that on my legs as well .
I have not tried the drugstore knock offs but I will now !

Hey Lilybelle !

Oh goodie- I'm so glad you stocked up on the SPF ! The higher the better IMHO.
Some facialists and beauticians have disapproved of any SPF higher than 25 as they said there is no extra effect and the chemicals are bad for the skin. However, I will take my dermatologist's advice over theirs any day .
I still use my tinted moisturizer with SPF 15 in it but underneath that is the Neutrogena SPF 70 .
Sunblock is our friend !!!!!

In Europe I don't think sunscreens can display more than a certain SPF factor. I think part of the reason is that they don't want people to fall into false impressions, that with 110 one can stay protected the whole day. As others said above, no matter what the protection factor, one has to reapply through the day.

cacio

Lilybelle- I also dislike wearing SPF but I have to .The sun here is really very strong - like the desert.
If I am out and about ,I bring my SPF with me and I re apply every 4 hours or so. Really a nuisance but better than brown spots and skin cancer etc.
At the end of the day , a good shower and scrub is needed to remove it all. I find SPF lotion picks up a lot of grime and dust .

I've been more religious about using sunscreen lately, too..

I just read something that says we don't apply enough- If you're using all over- use at least a shotglass worth.

Lines I like:
Paula's Choice
IMAGE (a lot of esthiticians push this brand)
Mission Skincare Athlete Fast Drying 30+ spray
Neutrogena- the Dry one

My favorite wouldn't be suitable for the humidity but it's:
Humphreys' Organic Botanicals witch hazel & jasmine sensitive skin Lotion with spf 18. I use this as a basic moistuizer & apply everything else over it.

I reapply sunblock to the back of my hands everytime i wash them, so if I've bought something that makes my face break out or feel greasy I save that brand for the "hand job"

I'm currently taking Accutane, for my cystic acne, and one of the side effects is that it makes your skin more fragile. Because of that I have to wear sunscreen to go outside, because my skin is more vulnerable to the sun. I like Neutrogena's Clear Face with Helioplex, SPF 55 'Ultra-Light, Oil-free, Waterproof', doesn't make my skin feel greasy and makes my face really soft.

Nonsense for the 25 SPF--you need 70-100, end of discussion. In europe, our "100" is their "50." (you divide by two: That's why you won't find 100 in europe) The best is that Wallgreens Neutragena knock off "Dry Touch" -- it doesn't matter if it says face or not--in fact--I don't like the face one, me. Also: the spray ones are useless. Furthermore useless: The khiels ones w/the needlenose dropper. No go. Fine for people with olive skin. Not OK for tighty whities like us. We need the thick stuff. I'm telling you: Go w/the Wallgreens knock off--don't worry if it's the face one or not--put it all over everywhere--remember your shoulders, decolletage, and HANDS & FEET (if wearing sandals) Tops of your boobs. Legs if they are exposed. Upper back. Remember: If you're wearing, say, a white cotton blouse--that's like wearing nothing. Once you've slathered it on, wait a while, then buff out all over with Coty Air Spun loose powder--with a brush--then just make sure you carry a clean soft hanky at all times because you'll be sorry if you touch your eyes. The one Kheils product that IS good--is their under-eye sunscreen--which comes in a tube like chapstick--the tube is black--That's good because it protects that area where you can't really let sunscreen get near because it "creeps" and you end up a mess. (teary eyes) Regardless of all of this: Seek out the SHADE AT ALL TIMES--and re-apply, re-apply, re-apply. As I said above: Just trust me on this one. I've been using high SPF sunscreen since the 70's when it was like chalk paste. (I'm quite allergic to the sun) I've tried everything--and I know what works--and I also know what doesn't. These low dose semi-liquid ones (like the kheil's one rube's into) are NOT for us. Of course, the best product in the world, which I would sooner starve than be without, is Sisley's ALL DAY ALL YEAR. That's a SUN SHIELD--no SPF at all--but 100% sun protection: nothing gets through--all day. Problem is--I would be willing to bet more people spend $490.00 on rent than sun protection--but the unit does last a good three months--it's just for the face, though. I use this every day, and then UNDER the heavy ones if i'm in hawaii or somewhere like 'Da or LA. Last June in Europe I almost died: It was just too much. I hate Europe in the summer. (I live a car (car has sun shield windows) to building life--I'm never outside or near a window when the suns out: My consulting rooms have NO windows--I had them walled over) Nonsense to the derms that say it's too much. ANY SUN is too much when you're thin skinned and fair. Even when I have all that sunscreen on, a hat, and a black cotton "sun coat" on in Hawaii I STILL turn pink--so it just goes to show......

Yes it is a lot, but I'm getting better at gooping it on.

Another idea- you may have seen the sunblock hats at costco?

There's also travel company named Magellan's. They sell a whole line up of spf clothing. magellans.com their HQ is near me so I haunt their annual sales to buy my walking shoes.



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@ le mouchoir de monsieur

LOL You sound just like me when I have to visit mon pere in Phoenix. It about kills me.

When I plan vacations I always ask about the least hot months- people laugh and say, but it rains then! Don't care if it rains- just keep me out of the heat.

Knit - I wear a sunblock hat ! *LOL* I bought it in LA and it is SPF 55- every little helps ! I wear it everyday walking to and from my gym and at home, outside pottering about. I am sure I look odd but who cares.......
There is a reason my husband calls me 'Daywalker' as in ......vampire from the Blade series of movies.
I really do not like the sun .

The brand that's worked the best for me is Fallene Total Block. They have a clear spf 65 or a tinted spf 60.
Also, sun protection clothing is great and works very well. Coolibar is a great company that has large selection of clothing and hats. I've used their products for years. (no affiliation with Coolibar)

I don't believe in sunblocks (or any health benefits) and don't use them. I try to keep my face out of the sun (shade, hat) and that's it. If I know sun exposure is inevitable it is sun protection spf 15-20 for the face.

Hello all - I purchased hats & rash guards (sun shirts that can go in the water) from Coolibar. Very good stuff!

Lilybelle - I also have used the Sisley in the past. I have very sensitive skin, and the Sisley was one of the few things that worked well for me. It is quite a ways out of your price range, though. (It was a little much for me, too -- plus, I wanted to try something lighter). For the past few years, I've been using a Shiseido line that can only be purchased in Japan (I ask friends and family who are visiting to buy me some! Crazy!). One thing that seems very similar, though -- is the Clarins sunscreen. They usually put a 2-pack on sale at the Nordies Anniversary Sale (going on now, not affiliated). I checked the Nordstrom website, and the 2-pack is there. I think you can also just buy one small bottle. I like the Clarins, 'though I do wish they didn't scent that stuff. If memory serves, the 2-packs would quickly sell out during past Anniv. Sales, but they still have them on their site (so I bet you will be able to find them in the store).

I really like BB creams and tinted mat finish moisturizers on my face. SPF 15 or 30. Lancome, Eizabeth Arden, Biotherm have very good mat finish tinted products. Love the cooling ingredients in Lancome and Biotherm.

I got a couple tubes of the Walgreens Dry-Touch SPF100. It's pretty thick, but seems like it coats well. I've been using it daily when I'm not traveling on my hands, face, and neck.

A strange thing happened when I applied it all over my arms (short sleeves) as well as face and neck this past weekend. About 15 minutes after spreading it on, my skin was beaded with sweat everywhere I applied it. It says on the bottle to apply it some time before exposure, and I went out into the heat right away. I supposed this spontaneous perspiration had something to do with my going out into the sun immediately after applying. Any ideas?

The Khiel's is nice for a couple of reasons - it's much faster to apply because it's more liquidy and blends in faster, and it seems to go a long way. This makes it very nice to travel with. It does seem pretty pricey for what it is though.

I'm SUPER pale for a person who actually shouldn't be super pale. Teen goth and a love of Retin-A gave birth to sun hate, but I refuse to do the everyday sunscreen thing. That could result in some mutant sun sensitivity like parents over-sanitizing the environment may have given rise to more allergies and sensitivities. But for direct exposure or anything longer than a few minutes ...

Sunscreen lemming alert: I tried the Neutrogena and Walgreens sunscreens recommended to Lilybelle. Excellent stuff! No breakout reaction (oily-sunscreen hating skin here, oh yes, sexy I know), lightness and not smelly! The Neutrogena Age Shield for face and then Walgreens for body has been a recent EPIC combo for when my well-meaning Midwestern friends force me to sit by pools (satanists! fiends! all of them...sun worshippers ).

If anyone wants something organic, Badger brand has given me consistently good results over the years, especially the one intended for babies.

Similarly to ScreamingMonkey: I like La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Sunscreen Milk, SPF 60, but a few too many bells and whistles, though not too expensive at $15-20/5 oz.

Nothing like a good, meaty sunscreen pow-wow. I'm in Heaven. I'm so glad that you all have had good results with the Neutrogena/Wallgreens recommendation. I just got back from the MOST beautiful getaway very high, high, high in the mountains--very "the Shining" (minus the snow & the horror)--and, to the absolute amazement of my companion, who is so fair she really can't possibly risk *any* exposure, sunscreen or not, and must cover head to foot, including enormous floppy hat, I morphed into a river-dipping no-shirt-no-shoes-wearing hippie: I even surprised myself. If you could have seen just how breathtaking this area was, and how clean the water--roaring, crashing streams and rivers everywhere--and our abode had balconies and terraces right over one: We did attend all the obligatory parties--however--as soon as everyone's back was turned, nobody could keep me out of that water! (it was a kind of "never before" experience for me) By Sunday--I had shape shifted into an whole other person--once I got the hang of it, there was no stopping me. Plus, there were no icky fish or beasts in the water, or slimy rocks, or anything that was unappealing--the water was so pure you could drink it. I'm not *really* sorry I'm now a uniform medium shade of pink--as everyone has been raving about how this "glow" is becoming, (shocking for me: I'm not quite sure who I am now. My eyes, especially, look strange to me--nothing looks right when I look in the mirror) but i certainly did find out that you burn even after the sun sets, and before it rises, when you're me, because those were the *only* times I was frolicking about in the rivers and streams and sitting on the rocks, while my companion sat and watched, giggling and throwing me strips of smoked salmon while I barked like a seal. During the day, I was layering on 4 and 5 products--and even using the so-called waterproof ones after/before sunset--and still I've turned pink. The discovery of the weekend came in my companion's make up bag: AVENE EAU THERMALE 50 VISAGE. I knew Avene, but i'd never seen it outside of Europe. This is the BEST--it's tinted pink: a sort of soft shell pink, very pale, and actually unifies and makes the skin look beautiful: Also, it does NOT feel like make-up. I'll do a lot, but I can't feel as though I have make up on my face. (I almost died of sun poisoning as a small child. My mother was then so alarmed that I was made to suffer through the old sunscreens from the 70's, which were like chalk and shortening mixed together: It took me up until about 1981 to start loving them, as they made me look whiter, which was chic, and it was then that I discovered the ruse of plastering the whole thing down with bone white powder bringing about kabuki whiteness that was actually convincing. In short--I've *never* had a tan--when I had the sun poisoning incident I must have been 1 or 2. Clearly this complete removal from the sun has rendered me far more sensitive than I ever would have been otherwise) At any rate: This AVENE.......Fabulous. -and not too expensive- It's French, so the 50spf would be 100 on the american scale: The best part about it is that this soft pink colour it has seems to make your skin look so much better! I think I usually look waxy and dead (and unfortunately it's no longer the 80's) and the tiny wee bit of pink just works. I suppose I shouldn't even call it pink: It's actually more of a very pale flesh tone. At any rate--I'm still pink--but I don't regret it because I had so much fun!!!!! Now I want to leave everything and permanently remove up there--however--just *the thought* of snow in that environment is enough to keep me under control. I detest snow. To get up there, there is but one winding torturous road--they filmed "The Shining" in these mountains--so you might imagine what it looks like--Thinking about being trapped up there for six months--snowed in--Ugh! *shiver*

I actually thought about it for 3 seconds or so ... then I remembered that I am a man and a Texan. Gold Bond is as far as I go.

You're right, though. If I put it one 30 minutes or more before leaving it gets assimilated and I don't immediately start sweating bullets. outside.

Ears are the worst, but I remember to coat them. Hair on my arms is a hassle - take forever to work it in. Neck is easy. No red neck for me - not literally at least. Another thing I've noticed is that I leave whitish fingerprints all over my car - doors, windows, steering wheel. For a while it seems to transfer onto surfaces easily.

MdM - thanks for the tip. I'll keep using this stuff when I'm home. I'll keep my Khiel's for when I travel.

Rube--try the spray. The white stuff is a bitch. My van's interior is covered with those white marks and you can't get them off. Use the spray everywhere and maybe the cream on your face. Just don't get any of it in your eyes! My recommendations were for Lillybelle and those of us who turn pink in (less than) ten minutes. I know what you mean about the hair! I had the same problem on my legs when I wore the shorts to that luncheon. Sorry to put you through that hassle--the spray--it's clear and it should be quite enough for you, especially if you are not used to using much of anything, except sometimes on your face. The spray is also good for the little Rube Jr.'s!!!!! We can't forget those. In a panic I saw my derm yesterday and she told me that "there's no such thing as 100spf. it's a lie." (that would explain the French labeling, wouldn't it?) We discussed the spray--which I always thought wouldn't do the tick--used to the globulous white goo as I am--and she said it was just as effective. The general message from her was NONE of it is all that effective--especially after ONE HOUR--(instructions say re-apply after two) So--as long as you're not laying out with one of those foil things around your face, you should be fine with the clear dry touch--Do adopt the cotton handkerchief in the trouser pocket trick: You don't want any of this in your eyes ever--and if you sweat--it can drip in & believe you me: No fun at all to be blinded by this, and trying to make it better just makes it worse! Me--my hot pink face is now turning to leather and feeling like it's going to crack off. My nose has already began to peel. My derm said I should have waited longer before exposing--keeping in mind I've never exposed--but what fun is exposing in the dark?!?!

What fun that trip must have been lMdM! But hey, you don't like the little fishies nibbling your toes?
Nooo, don't even mention snow!
I'm late to this sunscreen party, but not long after you mentioned it - I went out and bought the Neutrogena Dry Touch, works like a charm. Definitely thick and sticks on like the dickens, but at least you know it means business. Lilybelle, I haven't used it yet with the full face treatment yet, makeup and all, I probably will today. I do have some powder, I think it's Laura Mercier. I suppose that will do, it's all I have for today. Rubegon Gold Bond! gave me a giggle...

Look Missy, nobody's poking fun at Rube on my watch, but Rube--do please at least try Pinaud Clubman? (We know where you're putting it) My vote for powder goes to MAC BLOT. I read about it in DETAILS magazine--the powder sold mostly to men! (Who knew?) It's completely invisible and wipes away the shine. On my legs, when I wore the shorts to the benefit, I slathered on four layers of mega spf--not to be outdone, I then powdered over them with penhaligons English Fern Talc--which is white--so they were so white, they were arresting. I was very happy with my marble legs. In answer to your question above, no, Inga: I have no patience whatsoever for beasts in the water: My one and only snorkling experience in hawaii should have been documented. I went through the whole tutorial, rented the gear, stomped out there, and promptly came face to face with a GIANT parrot fish mere inches from my face, staring at me, at which point I high-tailed it out of there--flippers and all--those fish haven't the faintest fear of humans. I'm of the opinion that there should be no beasts at all in the water if I am bathing in it--and--because there weren't, and it was so lush and clean and clear--there was no getting me out: I was floating on my back downstream--positively thrilled. HOWEVER: Now I'm a bloody mess. My face first felt like I had sprayed hairspray on it last night. This morning it felt like it was going to crack off, and my nose (which accounts for at least 50% market share of my face) was already peeling. All day today I was at a loss: What should I do? I was picking at it, peeling it--the former "pink glow" has turned a strange "liver pate" type colour--not at all becoming--and I am now peeling everywhere: My shoulders, chest, forehead--I'm a disaster. My dermatologist echoed the exact words of someone on this thread--If you are exposed at high altitudes, which I was, you're going to burn no matter what--and I did. I sort of like the look, though: I look somewhat like a beachy surfer now. My face looks like a kind of map. I tried to exfoliate a bit this morning--something I can't typically do as I irritate and blotch-out if you blow on me--so you might imagine what a wash cloth will do to my skin--(I soak in bubble bath & bath oil, use my hands & bar soap: I never do showers. I find the idea of bathing standing up to be somewhat barbarian) The attempt at exfoliation was painful--so I stopped--just got a bit off of my nose. Now I don't know what to do. Anybody have any suggestions? I do a really good impression of the wicked witch of the west & her famous line: "I'm melting!" Now, though, I'm MOLTING!!!!!! I still sort of don't care. I had so much fun being a river rat that it was worth it. I want to go again. I can't imagine being up there in the winter--it's a sort of enormous volcano covered in pine trees (see: The opening scenes of "the Shining"--that's the road to get up there) and the lake, which is the brightest blue you might imagine--is in the middle--so you are in a kind of magnificent hole, with streams and rivers and massive waterfalls everywhere. Just *THINKING* about being stuck up there in the snow is enough to keep me away during the winter months--but I truly felt as if i had died and gone to heaven. In the summer, it's like paradise--Plus--that high altitude allows alcohol to go right in--so needless to say i had a smashing time at both the Friday night cocktail reception, and the Saturday benefit. The best time of all began as soon as all of that was over and I didn't have to worry about my appearance--Turning into a beer-slugging river-dipper: It was sort of like "1976 Immersion, 101." All I needed was a boom box and some Led Zep.

Now, let's not jump to any conclusions! Down here in the summer it just seems like you go from dripping out of the shower straight to sweating. It's nice to just wick away all the moisture with some good old Gold Bond body powder, and have my shirt just slide on slick and crisp. It's the little things ...

Clubman? I never considered scented powder. What else is there? Mind you - I have boundaries. If it comes in a tall container with a sifter top, and is applied with a shaking motion, I'm definitely good. If there's a fluffy object involved . . ? Sorry - I just can't. OK - won't. No judgement. I just can't pull it off myself. It must be so liberating to be French ...

Was there ever a Habit Rouge powder? That would Be great!

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Oh, by the way, nice mid-week jaunt, MdM. Sounds idyllic. You are making me crave some Zep - first album.

As for sunburn, we used Noxema when I was growin up - not sure why. The skin just seemed to drink it up. Now, I'd use aloe vera gel, applied frequently. It's like liquid skin. Feels cool and soothing. I guess it speeds healing. It's dirt cheap. I buy generic brands at drug stores for $3 a bottle. Works great for windburn too.

Rube--You just can't be using Gold Bond. As I said--Pinaud Clubman is lovely: Smells every bit the impeccable fougere, and, it comes in a giant bright green case with a shaker top. I am a lifelong devotee of powder--and so is lillybelle. My absolute favourite is Penhaligon's English Fern. *Highly Perfumed.* I also love Dr. Harris Arlington--one of the most perfectly well bred scents in the world: Just slightly jejune and stiffly British. Another one I like is the made-in-England Yardley English Lavender. It's unfortunate that you won't indulge in an hot pink pot with a fluffy puff because LB & I just know you would be dipping into it, with the door firmly locked, and the blinds drawn, were someone to let you loose in a room containing CHANTILLY POWDER. (Smells like Shalimar) --Hou! What was that? Was that Rube slamming the door of his car, the inside now all stained white (I still feel guilty--I hate to be the one to break the news but these white stains are near impossible to get off) rushing off to the nearest 24 hour drugstore to buy their entire stock of Chantilly powder "For His Wife?" Isn't it appalling: I remember when Guerlain made scented powders to match every classic! There was Jicky powder, Shalimar powder......and yes......there was indeed Habit Rouge powder. I went through hundreds of Givenchy Gentleman shaker talcs in my years at uni. We live in such barbarian times. Tabu powder is interesting: It's as close to Tabu as I can get. Unfortunately, though, Rube, you are going to have to have a talk with your inner male about this powder puff aversion. At any rate--you might dispense with it all together as men truly aren't meant to use puffs: They use brushes, and the next time you are in England you might poke around for one: I have one, but I must admit I have never seen one in the US. They look like a "blaireau," (I don't know the english word for this--it is a brush used to apply shaving soap to the face) except they are enormous. If you find one of these, I'd be willing to bet *someone* might suddenly begin stacking up the hot pink pots and "feeling very Chantilly every day." (Seriously--Lillybelle recommended it to me--I love it--and it's $7.99US or something ridiculous) I fail to see why it is you are drawing the line at the use of a puff: You have a shelf full of perfumes in rotation, and a closet filled with cast offs--by many standards--you're already there! What ever has being French have to do with it? The thing I find most liberating about being French is not feeling compelled to shower my face, body and hair into a wrinkled, dried out mess: Nothing ages you faster than over bathing.....

Alright. Pinaud Clubman it is.

(Chantilly? Seriously? You're just messing with me now, aren't you?)

Try the aloe vera. Really. Many wise women I know swear by it.

MdM - I hope you didn't take my comment to be sarcastic or snide in any way. I was being completely genuine. I think the French have perfected the art of living and have it right in most ways when it comes to everyday life. I just can't overcome my upbringing when it comes to powder puffs. Maybe I could do the big shaving brush thing. I'm liking the idea of the powder though - I don't use my GB body powder every day - just when it's really steamy out and I need to wear a suit for a meeting, and don't want to sweat through my shirt before I even get there. I had a roommate once that used baby powder every day, but I always thought that was just his thing.

As for bathing, I still shower every day, but I now only shampoo about once a week (thanks to you - I have French hair now). I just scrub with water the rest of the time, and maybe use conditioner one day mid week. I use the Clinique liquid soap & moisturizing gel morning and night on my face. What is it that's bad about showers? Is it the running water, or just the scrubbing with soap? I shower just because its faster than drawing a bath, and there's never enough time in the day.

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I could maybe do the Yardley's, but I'm sorry LB - I don't think I'll ever find myself puffing Chantilly powder all over.

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How about this:

Rube--Do I seem like someone who would read "snide" into anything you wrote? I hope not. Ehm.....as we've seen......there's quite enough of THAT around here, isn't there? Caswell-Massey everything is lovely. You will prefer Jockey Club to Number Six, if they have it. I'm telling you, though.....Chantilly is what you want.....and so is Emeraude........Maybe you can empty the gold bond into the toilet, where it belongs, and fill the plastic container with something......lovely, hmm? You know, you can't beat things that are lovely, now, can you? Lovely is where it's at, readers. We should all decide that if it's not lovely, we're simply not having it.

Now that you mention it, I forgot that I have this:



Its full and fresh, and it's even a shaker.

I've totally hijacked this thread - sorry! Maybe we need another one on powder? This is a new world to me.

The thing that ages the skin is taking very hot showers and using too much soap or astringent cleanser, not so much showering or bathing. Also moisturizing can make up for this. The worst is chlorinated water. Getting a water purifier for the shower head helps, well supposedly. I see some difference in post-shower dryness lessened but can't say whether that's placebo.

I've heard conflicting reports on this: does anyone know if it's safe to use vintage talcum powders (pre-80s), sealed of course? Feel free to ice me out of course. I can always just try it and die, if that's what anyone prefers. But really, what a waste of the powder that'd be.

Okay, so I asked a med student and read a few current medical journal articles, and apparently using a vintage talcum powder is probably not worth the risk.

A connection had been established between frequent use of large amounts of talc (before the contemporary standard of making sure talc is asbestos-free) and the formation of tumors that when extracted and examined contained large amounts of talc. The causality of this is a bit questionable, but anything that might introduce asbestos into the body is probably better off avoided.

Now that talcum powders are thoroughly checked for asbestos, they should be reasonably safe, in spite of a market scare over the ingredient. Though still apparently risky would be breathing in large quantities the stuff (but that could be said for most things). Confusingly, asbestos-free talc has even been seen to slow the growth of tumors in some studies. This is apparently due to talc's ability to inhibit blood vessel growth.

It really is a gorgeous sensation to wear scented body powder, though, and talc-free organic kinds are out there. Of course most of those contain corn, oat, and rice flours, which hold their own sets of problems for sensitive skins just the same.

I guess that's why my trusty Gold Bond body powder is "talc-free" - it uses corn starch instead. I was thinking of getting some vintage talcum powders, but maybe I'll leave it alone.

I'm going to get some Pinaud and Jockey Club talcum powders.

As for the Emeraude - lilybelle, if you want it, it's yours. PM me your details.

Somewhere on this site it a thread on how to make your own powder with the scent of your choice.
I believe it involved corn starch, a large jar and of course, your preferred perfume.
I keep meaning to give it a go...

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/archive.../t-264304.html

May be a decent recipe.

I keep thinking making your own dusting powder was something I read about in "Heloise's Helpful Hints" growing up, along with making your own perfumed bath salts. Sounds like fun!
Cornstarch is supposed to be safer than talc (which is sometimes reported as having small amounts of asbestos in it depending on where it was mined- I really don't know the science behind that)The Bourbon French Perfumery made some perfumed talc up for me at the NOLA meet-up. But it doesn't really flow out of the shaker- maybe it was packaged to soon and needs "curing to dry out". I don't know but I need to repackage it to actually use it.

Here's the thread I mentioned:

http://www.basenotes.net/threads/301...dusting-powder

I'd be very excited if it works.

SkinMedica TNS Ultimate Daily Moisturizer + SPF 20

Clinique City Block SPF25 works well for me