Get Your Snorkel On

Get Your Snorkel On by elbonner featuring paul mitchell

In Two weeks I jet off to sunny (hopefully) Oahu to spend some time in the sunshine and lots of time in the water. I plan on doing lots of snorkeling while I'm there and have a few little wants that can make my snorkel adventures a lot more fun. It beats having to rent equipment that numerous people have spat in to keep clean.

Roxy 2mm Wetsuit Jacket- It's summer, so I don't want a full suit, but when in contact with coral, some species can irritate your skin or you can cut yourself on its sharp edges. This super cute jacket will keep you from having a rash-filled vacation complete with open wounds. 

Color Correcting Snorkel Mask-The deeper you go, the more blue takes over. This mask has tinted lenses that keep the colors you see underwater vivid and true to life; like a color filter on a camera.

DaFin Kick Fins- You want to cover as much ground as you can and unless you were born with freakish human flippers, these adorable Kick Fins will help you move around better. They come in lots of different colors and are compact enough to fit in your luggage.

Sun Bum Pro spf 50- I've raved about this before. This mineral sunscreen is great for a day in crystal clear water where the sun still penetrates. So unless you want to spend the rest of the summer convincing your friends that a dive mask tan line is the cool thing to do, then slap on a high spf sunscreen like Sun Bum's. 

Paul Mitchell Sun Shield Conditioning Spray- Help out your poor hair; it's being dried out by the sun and salt and snagged on your mask. It needs all the help it can get. This conditioning spray contains UV filters that protect hair from sun damage and keep things smooth after a week in the ocean.

I'm so ready to see some beautiful tropical fish seeing as how the water here is full of churned up seaweed and millions of baby jellyfish at the moment. It's like swimming through half-hardened Jell-O. I'm positive these cool things would make for a great snorkel session. See you under the waves!

Instagram @e_bythesea

 

Suncare Basics: Sunscreens Explained!

Suncare Basics by elbonner featuring l'oréal paris

The sun has finally made its entrance and it's hot as balls outside right now! It's reminding me how important it is to keep my face protected during the sunniest parts of the day when I can't escape to some shade. Now, there are different products for different times of the day, and I think a reason why people shy away from wearing a designated sunscreen during the day is because they're using the wrong kind. If you don't like wearing sunscreens during the day because of the texture or feel, this little post might help you out to see if maybe you're over doing it or if you just need to try something new!

Everyday Basics: what one would wear to work, to run errands, to sit outside and have lunch; anything that doesn't involve strenuous activity that could sweat off your sunscreen.

1: Milky& Light
 Skinceuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 50- This is what I use daily in the summer time on work days and days where I won't be sweating or swimming. This sunscreen is light, non-greasy, mattifying, and broad spectrum. It is not water resistant, so not something you bring to the pool, but great for every day use.

 La Roche Posay Anthelios 50 Mineral sunscreen- Very similar to the Skinceuticals, but a bit cheaper and available at CVS! This sunscreen says that it is water resistant, but I tend to not use super light formulas when swimming because I feel like it comes off easier and I have to reapply more often. On the other hand, it is perfect for everyday use where you're not getting gross and sweaty!

2: Protective Moisture 
Origins "A Perfect World" Spf 25- A light, but powerful moisturizer, full of antioxidants that help keep your skin looking young for many years to come! They new make this moisturizer with an spf, so an extra sunscreen is not needed for non-water related activities. Good for people with dry skin.

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Moisturizer spf 30- Like the moisturizer above, this one has no scent and is gentle for sensitive skin. Because it has no scent, it's great for men and women and doesn't have an overly girly bottle. $20 and a high spf, you can't go wrong! This moisturizer in not formulated for use in the water.

Active Days: For days at the beach, long-haul outdoor runs, canoe trips, backpacking, hot beach volleyball matches, swimming, and all those fun activities you do during your time off that help you get your sweat on.

3: Moisturizing Outdoor
Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Cream spf 50- This is what I wear to the beach when my face is being especially dry, so it's good for mature and dry skin, but not so much oily or acne prone. It's mineral based so it doesn't irritate your face and stays on without running into eyes after water activities or sweating.

Sun Bum Pro Spf 50- My all-time favorite active, facial sunscreen. This is a little less moisturizing than the Shiseido (and cheaper) , but not totally drying. Also mineral-based, so it doesn't irritate your skin. Made for people who work and play outside, so great for the beach or cutting the grass on a hot day!

4: Mattifying Outdoor

Coola Face Matte Organic Cucumber Spf 30- Smells like juicy cucumbers and keeps the shine away so you're not blinding fellow beach-goers with your shiny-ass forehead! This formula was made especially for oily skinned people who want the protection of a rich sunscreen without the glare. A lot of mineral sunscreens are oily and this was one of the first to develop an effective matte formula. Plus the tube is super cute!

L'Oreal Sublime Sun Sunscreen for Face spf 50- A great drugstore buy that is similar to La Roche Posay in formula, but better at staying on during water activities. This stuff is like nine bucks and is great for oily or acne prone faces.


I hope this post helped to clear up any confusion about what to wear and when. There are so many different formulas out now and not all sunscreens are made to be water resistant, so be vigilant in your label-reading! If you have any questions, feel free to comment and I'll do my best to answer them!

Instagram @e_bythesea

Sun Savers: UPF Clothing

Sun Savers: UPF Clothing by elbonner featuring beach hats

To continue our sun safety series right before this ever-so-sacred Memorial Day weekend, I'm featuring something that you may not think about when working on your fitness outdoors. Not all clothing is created equal, sun protection-wise, so here are some really cute and functional pieces to keep you from becoming a wrankley old hag in your late 20s. 

Patagonia Draft Shirt- with a UPF 15 rating, you can wear this light, sweat-wicking, super shirt on even the sweatiest/stankiest runs. You won't come home with sunburned shoulders and also works for warm-weather hiking in the beautiful sunshine.

Roxy Up Wind Neoprene Capri- These capris have a UPF 50 rating and are super cute,as well as being amphibious. Like a hovercraft! Guaranteed to make your butt look good. 

Vans Blackout Spot Snapback- Hats are always a good idea whether out for a run or just sitting on the beach like a lump. Get a cute one that is fun to wear and not a chore, then you're more likely to protect your delicate scalp.

Sun Guard Laundry Treatment- When used in on cotton garments, Sun Guard ups the sun protection to UPF 30 instead of almost nothing. If you want to wear something and feel sun-protected, add this stuff to the wash before you wear it and baby, you got a stew going!

Zinka Nose Coat- I've talked about this stuff before. Slap on some zinc oxide before outdoor activities (especially on the thin skin on your nose) and rest assured that your nose skin won't peel off and leave you looking like the Crypt Keeper. 

Roxy Stand Up Shoes- Water shoes take the fear factor out of walking around in water you can't see clear to the bottom. These shoes keep you from screaming like a bitch, and also from burning your little feets! Made for stand-up paddle boarding, these shoes protect you from sun damage on a place we always tend to forget.

Roxy Dawn Run Shirt- This shirt, paired with some running shorts, makes for a great early morning, summer run outfit. It's a fun color, super flattering, and an excuse to buy new workout clothes. I need the sun protection damnit! I want cancer-free arms!

Roxy High Seas Spring Suit- Protect your body from the sun and a terrible jacked-hideous wax rash with a cute spring suit whilst out on the water. Wear it when you surf, jet ski, paddle board, just swim around. Spring suits are fun because they're not as restricting as a full wetsuits, but cover you enough to do raucous activities without the fear of flashing beach goers.

Billabong Wander Fedora- If you're not a baseball cap person, or don't want a hat for outdoor exercise, don't forgo one at all. Get a fun woven hat for the beach that is a little breathable so you don't suffer from head sweat which ruins everyone's day!

Hope this helps you make some smart outdoor clothing choice during this sunny season. You don't need fear the sun, just don't be a dumb ass about it! Happy Memorial Day!

Man Stuff!

Man Stuff by elbonner featuring baxter of california

Much to my surprise and delight, I've got some man readers! Never a bad thing, I just feel guilty that  a lot of what I feature on this blog is female-focused. I've decided to make this Sunday afternoon post just for the dudes. It's the manly thing to not care too much about what you put on your face and body to keep it rugged and majestic, but, you have to admit, this stuff is fun. Especially, all the cool shaving stuff that's coming out now. Being well-groomed doesn't make you less of a man, it makes you a much better looking one. Here are some of my picks to keep things simple, but to up your game a bit.

Skincare 
1. Cleanser: Earth-Tu Face Wash- Simple name, simple ingredients. My boyfriend, the product minimalist, likes products that don't have a lot of crap in them and this cleanser is as simple as they come. Gentle enough for sensitive skin, it cleanses without over-drying. 

2. Moisturize/Protect: Baxter of California Super Shape spf15: Guys, you need a sunscreen and you need to moisturize your face unless you want to look like a grizzled crab fisherman at 30. Keep it simple and get a moisturizer with an spf so it's done in one step. Baxter's of California makes some great stuff (they're cleanser was awesome) and has some of the simplest, classy packaging I've ever seen. 

3. Eye Care: Murad Essential-C Eye Cream spf15- Don't scoff at eye creams. Anyone can benefit to a little extra help around the most delicate part of your body. The spf keeps eyes protected during outdoor activities and vitamin helps counteract sun damage. 

4. Pores: Kiehl's Rare Earth Pore Cleansing Mask- the minerals in this mask help to calm skin whilst clearing pores of gross stuff and keeping you pimple free. Masks are fun and your face feels sooo much better after a nice mask! 

5. Exfoliation: Lush Ocean Salt- Men, you have to exfoliate. It is so important, especially if you shave. Exfoliation helps with ingrown hairs and helps get all the dirt, grime and stress off at the end of the day. Nothing makes my face feel better like a good scrub. Don't be to harsh, you don't want to damage your skin, but this scrub exfoliates with sea salt and soothes with avocado butter. A personal favorite! (Bonus: can be used for the body too!)

Shower Essentials 
1. Body Wash: Baxter of California Invigorating Body Wash- Uses the power of limes to wake your ass up in the morning! No more ugly drug store body washes or horrible AXE-like bro-fragrance. This nicely packaged, clean and simple wash is citrus infused to get you going and smell nice too. 

2. Hair Care: Bumble and Bumble Surf Foam Shampoo/Conditioner- This just came out and is a great everyday, gentle cleanser for your hair. The matching conditioner doesn't make hair greasy so you can go a few days between washings. Beach-inspired and made to give you some texture, this is great for the every-man. 

3. Styling: Woody's Grooming Clay- I think mens hair looks better a little more on the matte side (not so shiny). Unless you're going for a ultra-shiny, greased-back look, go for something that will give you more texture. Clay and cream pomades give you a softer finish and just look better.  No crunchiness, no nonsense! 

4. Soap: Saturdays Surf Pacific Beach Soap- Everyone needs a bar of soap. This one smells like a Drive down the Pacific Coastal Highway complete with herbal, citrus, and marine notes. A vacation in a bar. 

Shave 
1. Shave Cream: Jack Black Beard Lube- A good shave cream can make all the difference in the world to your shaving routine. I think the more emollient, the better. You're scraping razor blades against some of the most delicate skin on your body. It's going to get irritated. Try something that doesn't dry everything out afterwards. This stuff is always winning awards and is worlds away from your rusty-bottomed foam shave. 

2. Razors: Dollar Shave Club- A monthly subscription that gives you razor blades at a ridiculously low price? They're even delivered straight to your house? Surely you jest! Ranging from $1-$9/month, you initially get a handle and then receive blades once a month. SO CHEAP,  SO EASY, you can thank me later! (Boyfriend approved)

3. Shave Brush: The Art of Shaving Badger Brush- Make shaving fun again. Shaving brushes are all the rage and really help facial stand up so that you can shave them off better. It also looks like it just feels nice on my face. Almost makes me want a really embarrassing mustache problem (I don't).  

4. After Care: Kiehl's Ultimate After-Shave Balm- For those with dry/sensitive skin or those who just want to keep things smooth like Barry White, this balm goes on after you shave to calm everything the hell down. With ingredient like avocado oil, cocoa butter, and vitamin E your face will be softer than those microfiber blankets they have at Target all the time! 

Fun Stuff! 
1. A Good Comb: Baxter of California Pocket Comb- Something about a fancy comb just makes you feel like you've really made it in life. Maybe not as much as an Audi r8, but pretty close. Tortoiseshell (faux please!)  combs always look nice and will last you a lifetime of classy grooming. 

2. A Hardcore Sunscreen: Sun Bum SPF 50 Pro sunscreen- made with non-irritating mineral and chemical sun protectants, this stuff stays on throughout a multitude of activities and is small enough to keep in your pocket. Won't run into your eyes while working on your motorcycle on a hot day,  rock climbing solo in the desert, or playing a hot round of beach volleyball with Val Kilmer.

3. Home Fragrance: Sydney Hale Co. Sea Salt + Bay Rum Candle- Dudes love candles. I know a lot of guys who love candles more than I do and I think that's a great thing. This candle smells like sitting at a beach bar and drinking some Caribbean rum and boozing it into the sunset. Get some candles in your life, because no one wants to smell your steak 3 days after you've cooked it. 

Well gentlemen, I hope this satiates your wild, manly appetite for decent skin, body and hair care products catered towards you, the manliest (or gentlest) of men! I do think mens skin and hair care stuff is way fun and I really like learning about all the new stuff you guys get to have! Maybe I'll do this every once and a while to keep you all fresh to death. Party on, Dudes!

Instagram: @e_bythesea 

Saving Face: Favorite Facial Sunscreens

It was a beautiful weekend weather-wise and guess whose ass got sunburned? ME! I was out of town and forgot my usual facial sunscreen and was quickly reminded how important it is to protect your face! I'm "blessed" with the thinnest and most easily burnt facial skin on the planet. It gets dry and itchy if I get too much sun so sunscreen is my saving face (huh huh!) in the spring, summer and early fall. Here are a few of my favorites that I use interchangeably depending on the day and activity:

(photo: skinceuticals.com)

1. Skinceuticals Sheer Physical UV Defense SPF 50: This stuff is the BUSINESS. I love it; I've bought it a million times and I've never been burned when I've used it. It's great for normal-to-oily skin and has never made me break out. I use this sunscreen in conjunction with a vitamin CE Ferulic acid serum (super antioxidant!) to give my skin some serious protection while also reversing my past sun damage. This stuff is recommended by lots of dermatologists because it is gentle and gross-chemical free which makes this a good bet for everyone.

(photo: Coola.com)

2. Coola face SPF 30 Cucumber Matte Finish Sunscreen: If you tend to get shiny and greasy from other mineral sunscreens, this stuff will make your life a whole lot easier. Coola is a great company that focuses on keeping your skin protected naturally with mineral sunscreens and it's fancy "Plant UV" technology. They come in scented, tinted, and unscented varieties, but I like this cucumber one because it's very refreshing in hot weather! Great for sensitive and oily skin; it won't run in your eyes and stays put!

(photo: SunBum)

3. Sun Bum PRO spf 50 Premium Endurance Sunscreen: This stuff is what I use for strenuous outdoor activities that require the sun to be on my face for a long-ass time. I use this when I go backpacking, surfing, boat trips, long runs; anything where I'm going to be out and doing something sweaty. This won't get into your eyes which is a HUGE source of uncontrollable anger for me. Nothing makes me want to punch a stranger more than having my sunscreen burn my eyes like a thousand fiery volcanoes. It's a mineral and chemical sunscreen, but oxybenzone free, which is something I like to keep off of myself since it can irritate my face.

(photo: Sephora)

4. Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Cream SPF 50+: If my skin is being dry and finnicky, this is the stuff I go for. Asia is in love with sunscreen and, in my humble opinion, Shiseido has the best of the bunch. They come in very high spf's, they have stick sunscreen, high spf foundations, and even high spf eye creams; these people love their friggin' sunscreen. This stuff stays on really well and doesn't leave me with any post-sun exposure dryness that some mattifying mineral sunscreens can. 

Just For Fun

(photo: Zinka)

*Zinka Colored Nosecoat: Now, I use this stuff in the flesh/tan color to cover up my tattoos to keep them from fading in the sun, but if I wasn't constantly aware of people's judgmental stares,I would wear this in a fun color like hot pink or neon green. If you have giant, inconcealable balls and want to protect your skin beneath layers of neon sunscreen then go for it! I promise I won't make fun of you!

I hope this helps keep your face protected and fresh as a baby's. With the proliferation of bronzers and awesome facial sunless tanners, loading up on the sunscreen is inexcusable. You can make a lighter face match a bit of a darker body (that's usually my case). Try out some of these sunscreens and be forever young!

Make Me Beautiful: Monoi Oil

After my allergic reaction nightmare scab-face incident last week, I've been in tip-top form when it comes to skin care. And not just facial skin care, everywhere skin care. One of my very favorite ingredients for bodily skin care is monoi oil. Monoi is Tahitian gardenia flowers (tiare) that have been soaked in coconut oil. The flowers are then pressed, releasing their oils into the coconut oil created the ambrosia we call monoi. The best quality monoi is made in Tahiti where all the ingredients originated, and it is a wonderful thing. The best part is that it's pretty damn affordable and a little goes a long way. Monoi has just recently been recognized as a new skin care fad, but the practice of using monoi for massage and sun-damaged skin has been going on for hundreds of years by native Polynesians and Tahititans. There are a few products that are monoi based/centric that I totally love:

1. Monoi Tiare Tahiti: This stuff comes direct from Tahiti, costs $10 and even has a little tiare flower in each bottle. I use this on my hair as a mask when it's feeling dry and my skin when I need some serious moisture. Smells like a gardenia filled tropical paradise!

2. Carol's Daughter Monoi Hair Mask: Smells awesome and delivers some serious moisture. Great for after the beach or a cold day out.

3. True Blue Spa "Tahiti Sweetie" Body Lotion: Smells amazing and moisturizes really well. Great for after being out in the sun and before bed. I still feel moisturized when I wake up in the morning.

4. Hei Poa Lait de Monoi Tiare Spf 30: Don't smell like chemical laden sunscreen, smell like a Tahitian dream! This stuff protects and moisturizes so your day in the sun doesn't show up as premature aging or dryness. I love spray lotions too since they are much easier to absorb and this stuff has decent staying power.

Well, thats's my ode to monoi. I hope it gives you the extra push you need to try something new and natural that will do nothing but good for your skin and hair. There are a ton more products out there that contain this wonder ingredient and I can't wait to try more. Until then Vive le Monoi!

How I Look So Fabulous All The Time

I get so many questions about my skincare routine (not from you people!) and I decided to do a visual representation of what I use day and night to keep myself young forever. I try to use the most natural stuff I possibly can, but if I get something for free, I'm going to use it. We'll start with daytime: 

 1. Vichy Purifying Foaming Cream: from CVS, great cleanser for combination skins. It gets all of my makeup off and has fancy French mineral water in it to make me look fresh and fabulous.

2. Jason Naturals Hyper-C Serum: I got this because I had little money and it was cheaper than my regular CE Ferulic acid serum. I always use vitamin C serums during the day with sunscreen to reduce sun damage. I'm not trying to look like leatherface and this stuff is pretty damn good for $20!

3. Juara Sweet Black Tea & Rice Facial Moisturizer: This is my all-time favorite moisturizer. Using the same stuff that you find in kombucha, Juara (a brand based on Indonesian beauty ingredients) makes this light-but-super moisturizing lotion that I use all year round unless I'm out catching Alaskan King crabs. This is my third bottle and I frigging love it. Great for dry/combo skin.

4. Skinceuticals Sheer Physical Defense Sunscreen spf 50: I've talked about this stuff before and I will sing its praises again. This is great for any skin type and really keeps the sun off. Use sunscreen all year round, no matter what.  It's a physical block so no harsh chemical sunscreens and a high spf for great protection.

5. Roc Contour and Lift Eye Serum: Gotthis for freewith another Roc eye cream and I love it because it lasts forever and is applied with a roller ball. It's great on mornings when I just don't want to wake up; the cool metal ball rolls the sleepiness right out of me. Don't know if it has done a whole lot to fix my eye problems, but I figure it's better than nothing. Dude, it was free!

Now for nighttime. I have dry/combo skin and I like to exfoliate and deeply moisturize at night after work so here's what I use:

1. Yonka Masque No 1: Got this in a NewBeauty Test Tube and I love it! It's an anti-aging moisturizing mask that smells like jasmine and makes my skin clear, yet soft. I put this on and let it sit for like an hour and it can be used over night, but I'm afraid it'll make my bangs greasy. Super relaxing and a great surprise find!

2. Olay Pro-X Deep Wrinkle Treatment: Ok I'm not old, but I do like using retinol treatments to keep my face from being dull and uneven from acne scars. Retinol is the only scientifically proven ingredient other than vitamin C to do so, but mixing the two can really mess up your skin. I opt for the retinol at night because the exfoliation factors can make you more susceptible to sun damage if used during the day. Got this in a NBTT also and quite enjoy it!

3. Mario Badescu Seaweed Night Cream: for a $20 night cream this stuff is awesome! I love stuff with seaweed in it, don;t ask me why. It always calms down my redness so I don't look like a full-on alcoholic with hypertension. It's not greasy so good for combo skin.

4. Neo Strata Intensive Eye Treatment: Got this in a NBTT also (love that thing)and it's like a gel-creme eye serum that works like a retinol to keep things smooth and wrinkle free. I don't have any new ones so this must be doing something right.

5. Alpha-H Liquid Gold: This stuff is like nectar of the gods. Only available online and overseas, this glycolic acid liquid exfoliator keeps me breakout and crusty-patch free. I use it every other night by itself with nothing else on my face except eye cream. I wake up with bright skin that is a lot more even and soft.

Here are my secrets! Hope this helps someone!

Sun Care Wants: The Most Illusive Sunscreens Ever

Sun Care Wants by elbonner on Polyvore

I know I JUST posted something about vacations, but this really has little todo with that. After an unexpected trip to a French pharmacie in Saint Martin last summer, I was introduced to the wonderful and fabulous world of French sun care brands. Since I was dragging my boyfriend with me I didn't have the chance to look at every bottle in this tiny store, but it was seriously like I had died and gone to heaven. It had every product you could imagine and I even found a whole display devoted to the ever illusive Hei Poa sun care brand. I bought a bottle of monoi sunscreen, brought it home and cracked the bottle after dropping it on my tile floor. I saved as much as I could, but it was no use. I haven't been able to find any of the beautiful products I saw in that pharmacie and I'm asking the gods of the internet to help me find ways to have these products shipped to the US.

Soleil des Iles is a french brand that utilizes monoi (they all do) and I have barely seen an internet presence at all except another American begging French people on a message board to buy some and ship it to him. I want to try it SO BAD, but all I can find is the French online store that I can only translate so much with my high school French vocabulary.

Polysianes is one of the products I saw in the shop in Saint Martin that I kick myself daily for not picking up. Another monoi-based product that is very hard to find online and when I do it's always in Euros and way too expensive to ship.

Hei Poa is a little easier to find; their monoi is easily available on Amazon. Their sunscreen is another story; it's incredibly hard to find a US supplier and it makes me so sad because this stuff is an island in a bottle. It doesn't break me out and I never got burnt when I wore it.

IF ANYONE READING THIS KNOWS WHERE THIS STUFF IS PLEASE LET ME KNOW. I'm dead serious, I want to try this stuff so badly without having to travel to France to do so. Thanks a lot internets, all I can do now is sit back and wait.