OIL & GRAIN | ISSUE 29

I love me some sun

however I also want my skin to look 17 forever.

Making sure your heavenly time in the sun doesn’t turn your skin into hell is important.

My doctor not-so-kindly informed me that my freckles are a form of sun damage. I begged to differ saying I’ve had them since birth, her response? A flat out ‘no you didn’t.”

Fine, we can agree to disagree doc.

So, to combat any future sun damage & soothe my skin after days out in it (I’m not about to avoid it, yes I know I should, no I am not going to) here’s my current routine:

SUNSCREEN - This is a must. Like 30 or 50 SPF ok? And put it on daily, even if it’s the middle of winter. Oh, and put it on your neck, chest and hands too. These areas are often exposed to sun as much as your face, as such they can give away your age pretttttyyyy quick. I really like this matte one from Coola, takes away the shine and doesn’t feel heavy or greasy.

SELF TANNER - This is also a must. Look, I love a solid, natural tan HOWEVER I also want to look slightly tan before heading on vacation and frankly all year round. I never use anything else but St. Tropez (use the mitten!) on my body and I recently started using Tan-Luxe Face Oil on my face (both can be found at Sephora) and I’m a big fan.

VITAMIN E + SHEA BUTTER - I either layer this on, Vitamin E first then Shea Butter and that’s my night cream OR I mix them together with coconut oil and make a mask. Leave it on for 10-20 minutes and then wipe it off. You can grab Vitamin E capsules at the drug store, and Shea Butter + Coconut Oil from a natural food stores (make sure it’s 100% shea butter or coconut oil with nothing added and organic).

ARGAN OIL - I just started using this on my face some nights as an alternative to Shea Butter and so far I like it, nothing more to report than that. I also use it on my cuticles. Oh - mix it with some coconut oil for a hair mask, I think that would be super hydrating too!

ROSEHIP OIL - I use this under my eyes + on my eyelids daily. Over time it’s helped reduce my dark circles and it’s super hydrating + easy on my sensitive skin. Don’t get it too close to your eyes.