After a wonderful day at the beach this week, I was left with a bit of a burn on the back of my shoulders and neck. I thought I was protected, but I think the salt water quickly washed away my sunscreen where I needed it most (the waves were HUGE!).

That night, I looked quickly to see what I had to help soothe my burn that was heating up - and fast.  I grabbed Sun Shade Botanical Aftersun Gel from Liz Earle and her Naturally Active Skincare line.

When you see the name Sun shade, I am sure you think of a sunblock, right? Well, in this case Sun Shade is actually a product to bring your skin the shade with it's cooling botanical ingredients - to help skin cool down after a bit of too much sun.

This gel not only cools and calms the heat, as it melts over the skin, it is absorbed. You are never left with sticky or greasy residue. Made with organic aloe vera, cucumber, lavender and natural Vitamin E, featuring a cool menthol scent, I only needed one application to help soothe my skin - so I could sleep free of sunburn pain.

This summer, Kiehl’s Since 1851 helps its customers stock up on more than just sun care— they are going to keep them stocked in summer beach reads! What a great idea.

From June 24 through Labor Day, customers can visit their nearest Kiehl’s freestanding store, drop off a well-read favorite and pick up a new title. Also, customers who purchase a Kiehl’s sun preparation will also receive a Limited Edition “Safer Fun in the Sun” bookmark, to further remind them of the importance of sun protection.

At Kiehl’s, they hold firm in the knowledge that the regular use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen is a vital aspect of any daily skin care regimen and the key to healthy, protected skin. Kiehl's strongly recommend the consistent use of sun screens for the face, eye area and body on a daily basis throughout the year, even on cloudy, seemingly “sunless” days. Because summer days are the longest of the year, and there’s greater interest on outdoor activities, it’s even more important that the face and body be fully protected.

Here is a list of the sun protection products in the Kiehl's line up. 

• UV Protective Everyday Facial Moisturizing Sunscreen Cream SPF 15 uses Mexoryl SX to offer the face broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection from the sun.
• UV Protective Suncare Sunscreen Cream For Face and Body SPF 20 also uses Mexoryl SX for broad-spectrum protection; water-resistant after 40 minutes of water activity.
• Vital Sun Protection offers very waterproof formulas with specific products for children’s sensitive skin.
• Ultra Facial Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15 features lightweight color coverage with SPF protection, perfect for every day.
• Facial Fuel SPF 15 -daily SPF protection, formulated with men in mind.
• Lip Balm SPF 15 -available clear, and in tinted formulas.

And, if you MUST wear a tan:

Sun-Free Self Tanning Formula -lightweight formula dries in 1 hour. (Still wear your sunscreen!)

My skin is so picky with sun screens, so I usually stick to what I know does not cause me to break into the hives. As I have found that Mexoryl SX work well for me with no adverse reactions, I look forward to trying out the face and body formulas.

"plan you summer spa vacation on spas of america"

It is officially Summer. I am so excited that it is finally here. Except for the hotter than hot and humid days, I mostly love the Summer.

While outside enjoying the Summer fun, you must be sure to do one extra thing. Wear sunscreen.  You are wearing sunscreen. Right? Every day? Not just on your face, I am talking on your whole body. Not only does it help prevent skin cancer, it protects you from the rays that make you look older, faster. If that is not reason enough, than I don't know what is. 

Sun and Sunscreen tips: 

• Use a sunscreen that is factor 15 or over for adequate protection from UV.
• Reapply sunscreen throughout the day.
• Go into the shade between 12 noon and 3pm, as this is when the sun is at it's most damaging.
• Don't binge tan (sunbathing for intense periods). A tan will build up gradually through normal sun exposure.
• Don't intentionally try to get burnt - a lot of young people believe that burning = tanning. But sunburn is not necessary for your skin to get a tan.

"plan you summer spa vacation on spas of america"

I am so excited to be on my way to LA for Total Beauty and their first beauty blogging summit. I know I will find at least a few minutes to dip my toes into the Pacific for the first time, and I have my sunscreen ready.

I wish I saw this kit a few days ago so I could have ordered it up in time. The kit I am speaking of is this beauty, Sephora's Sun Safety Kit.

This kit contains 11 travel-sized sunscreen and skincare for the face and body that are a definite must-have for the Summer season. And what a great way to try out a new brand before investing in full-size too.

In the great pouch are the following: Korres Natural Products Watermelon Sunscreen Face Cream SPF 30, Peter Thomas Roth Max Sheer All Day Defense Moisture Lotion SPF 30, DDF Daily Protective Moisturizer SPF 15,  Cosmedicine Medi-Matte Oil Control Lotion SPF 20,  Juice Beauty Green Apple Moisturizer SPF 15,  Murad Firming Bronzer SPF 15, Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion SPF 55 PA + + +, six single-use packs of MD Skincare Powerful Sun Protection Pads SPF 30, Clarins Sun Wrinkle Control Cream Ultra Protection SPF 30, Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer SPF 15, Tarte 24/7 Lip Sheer SPF 15.

Shop Sephora and Sephora.com for this $25 sun-spectacular kit. Separately, these beauties would run you $87.

I have been spending so much time outdoors, and do everything I can to protect my face form the sun. I always wear a wide brimmed hat and sunglass in the sun, but that is simply not enough. Thank goodness for Sôleil Ultra Expert Sun Care SPF 50 Sunscreen Face Cream for Sensitive Skin from Lancome.

This face cream has been a savior for my sensitive skin. I am so sensitive when it comes to many sun screens, and this has not bothered my face at all. In fact, I love the hydration.  This cream is formulated with SunCalm Complex that is made with rose extract to help soothe sensitive skin,  Collasôme, an advanced formula that helps boost skin’s elasticity, along with the broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection, while 100% botanically pure Vitamin E helps to strengthen the skin’s natural defenses by neutralizing free radicals.

This cream goes on my face first thing in the morning after cleansing, and is re-applied if I am going to the beach or pool. A must have for any beach or cosmetic bag - especially if you are sensitive to sun screens as I.