August 2, 2019
The only underwear you'll ever need again and sunscreen suggestions for replenishing your stash.
FOUND: The most comfortable underwear ever
Anyone on the north side of 40 (or getting close to this milestone birthday) is familiar with the whole giving less of a sh*t about what people think thing and feeling more confident and secure about yourself. Whether you’ve heard about this phenomenon from friends or experienced it first-hand, it’s totally true. In the two-and-a-half years since I entered my fifth decade, I definitely feel more comfortable in my own skin figuratively—and I’ve also come to prioritize physical comfort while making clothing choices. I can’t remember the last time I squeezed into a pair of skinny jeans, my “going-out” shoes are more block-heel than stiletto (thank G-d for that trend!) and my collection of Mrs. Roper-esque frocks has grown exponentially.
About a year ago I decided it was time to revisit my underwear drawer—which was primarily populated by thongs. All of them went in the garbage (except for the seamless nude and black Commando ones that are necessary for certain outfits). Then I went to the mall and bought about 10 different styles of bikini and hipster styles to test-drive. My main “musts” were that they didn’t give me a wedgie, they didn’t create VPL (visible panty line) and that they felt like I was wearing nothing at all (which has become a more common thing, too).
The clear winner was Chantelle’s Soft Stretch Bikini. It ticks all of my personal panty boxes and get this: They’re one size fits all!!! It really doesn’t get any better than that. AND, you can get them for a great price thanks to Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale. I bought five more pairs last week and my lingerie drawer is officially optimized for my comfort—and making my 40s even better than they already are.
It should be time to replenish your sunscreen supply
If you’ve been a good girl about applying your sunscreen this summer—both every day and when having fun in the sun—you should be due for restocking. I recently added two new sun-protection products into my rotation, and I’m enjoying them so much I figured they might be able to supplement your stash as well.
Eau Thermale Avene Tinted Mineral Sunscreen Fluid SPF 50+
No joke, this might be one of my favorite sunscreens ever, and I’ve lost count of the number of compliments I’ve received on my skin while wearing it (without makeup!). The universal tint delivers enough coverage to even out my skin tone and leaves my skin dewy and oh-so radiant to boot. In addition to 100% mineral UV filters (zinc oxide and titanium dioxide), vitamin E for an extra antioxidant boost and Avene’s soothing mineral-rich spring water, this featherweight formula is also water-resistant for up to 80 minutes while being super-gentle on the skin. If I had to rate it on a scale of 1 to 10, I’d give it an 11.
DermaQuest SheerZinc SPF 30
Another 100% mineral-based option (since I’m steering clear of chemical-based sunscreen ingredients), this is my go-to when I wear makeup, whether my AmorePacific Cushion Compact, It Cosmetics CC Cream or Charlotte Tilbury foundation. The hydrating lotion helps prep and plump my skin, requires zero extra rubbing to avoid the white cast associated with some zinc oxide sunscreens, and it absorbs so quickly that I’ve almost forgotten that I’ve already applied it on several occasions. I also like that it provides extra protection against infrared rays (the ones that cause the sensation of heat on your skin) because saying that it’s been hot would be an understatement. Best of all, it won’t bring on breakouts or irritate sensitive skin (and it’s ideal for those who use retinol or a retinoid at night). P.S. It’s so good that it’s currently out of stock on the DermaQuest website, but I tracked it down for you here.)