July 23, 2021
A sunscreen fiasco, keeping makeup brushes clean between washing and how to turn your shower into a spa.
Toss these sunscreens immediately!
Last month, news broke that 78 sunscreens and after-sun products (out of 294 batches from 69 companies) contained benzene, which is a carcinogen that has been linked to blood cancers like leukemia. I provided the full list of affected products here, but maybe you never saw that post—or maybe your ADD kicked in as you started to scroll.
Today, Johnson & Johnson finally spoke up and alerted consumers that they should dispose of these spray sunscreens ASAP:
Neutrogena Beach Defense
Neutrogena Cool Dry Sport
Neutrogena Invisible Daily
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer
Aveeno Protect + Refresh
My son’s camp already sent an email that they have tossed all Neutrogena and Aveeno spray sunscreens, so you may want to check in with yours if you haven’t heard from them.
On the home front, it only takes a minute to check your bathroom or beach bag, so what are you waiting for?
Keep makeup brushes clean between washes
Now that makeup is pretty much back in full effect, I kind of need to relearn the ropes. For example, I went to use my light-pink M.A.C. “All That Glitters” last week and totally forgot that I used the same brush to create a grey smoky eye the weekend before. (I obviously didn’t wash it in between.) The result was a color-mix disaster that forced me to wash my face and start all over again.
Reserving specific brushes for specific products (when you have multiple options) isn’t a practical solution, but the latest launch from Sigma Beauty, the Sigma Switch, is a genius quick fix.
This double-sided silicone mat may resemble one of those textured pads you use when washing your brushes with soap and water, but the Sigma Switch does it dry. With dedicated zones for eyeshadow, blending, cream, liquid, powder, blush, bronzer and highlight, just a few passes gently removes color from your brush so you can dip your bristles in another one immediately without worry. The only upkeep is washing the mat with soap and water once you can see a buildup of makeup residue—and you’re good to go.
I’m not saying this is a substitute for properly washing your brushes, but it can certainly help you keep them clear them of excess pigment until you get around to it. Even better, toss this mat in your makeup bag the next time you travel and you’ll only need to bring a few brushes with you!
Make any day a spa day
Even a quiet, relaxing weekend can’t change the fact that it’s Monday and I have a busy week ahead. Between my work to-do list, getting ready for three of my husband’s childhood friends coming to stay with us this weekend and the rest of our kid-free summer essentially being accounted for, a day (or two) at a spa sounds divine. I’d even just take access to a botanically-scented sauna or steam room for a quick, relaxing yet rejuvenating fix.
Unfortunately I don’t have either of these at home (we can all have goals), but there is a little hack that can instantly transform your shower into a spa-like oasis—and it’s J.R. Watkins Aromatherapy In-Shower Mist. Available in “Awaken” (coriander and bergamot), “Sleep” (lavandin, orange and cactus water), “Detox” (turmeric and citron) and “Love” (peony and patchouli), it’s a cinch to turn every day into a spa day. All you have to do is fire up the shower, add two to three sprays, step in and savor the aromatherapy benefits—and you can pick and choose based on your body’s needs or the mood you’re striving for. And at $15 a pop, they’re an inexpensive way to tide you over until the next time you have a chance to treat yourself to a spa day.