This Summer We #ChooseSkinHealth With Simple Tips For Sensitive Skin!

I participated in an Influencer Activation on behalf of Influence Central for Neutrogena. I received samples to facilitate my review and a promotional item to thank me for my participation. All photos contained below are copyright Momma Told Me Blog 2015.

Momma Told Me: Cover up!

Have you ever heard the expression "You're going to catch your death out there?" It's an adage many of the women in my family have used for generations, but one we most often associate with cold weather and the Winter. As grim as it sounds, you're actually more likely to compromise your health during an unsuspectingly gorgeous day outside, rather than in gloomy weather when you're naturally more aware of the risks. Why? Because 1 in 5 adults will be diagnosed with skin cancer, and an overwhelming number of those cases can be attributed to unprotected UV exposure from the sun. Going outside during the sunny months without your 'coat' of UV protection sunscreen, and proper hydration can be just as dangerous as walking into a snowstorm in a tank top and flip flops.

Having been raised in SoCal, and by Momma herself, I was constantly being educated and reminded about two major 'invisible' health risks, sun exposure and smoke. We'll save the smoking lecture for another day. Today we're going to talk about skin health and your Summer life plans. You see, unless you quite literally live in a rock, or a cave- and yes, even (especially) those who live in continually cold climates such as Alaska, you should be using SPF protection daily. UV rays travel through materials, reflect off surfaces (such as water and snow), and are always present when the sun is out (even if you can't see the sun because of clouds and such.)

In fact, you are being exposed to UV rays even when you are taking shelter in the shade, as shade offers only about 5-7 SPF protection; lower than even the lowest commercial sunscreen, and most tanning lotions. And external factors, such as medications and beauty care products can actually make your skin more absorbent and responsive to the impact of UV rays! That means you may actually be making yourself more susceptible to sun exposure risks AND forgoing any preventative measures like sunscreen, effectively doubling your risk of skin cancer. It may be scary stuff but I'm glad to share that the art of active sun protection doesn't have to be scary.

You may have noticed, through the years, I'm sort of an unofficial brand champion for Neutrogena products. Neutrogena is a brand I've trusted my haircare and skincare routines to for years thanks to their conscious product formulations that are sensitive skin considerate and ingredient intelligent. Their Triple Repair haircare collection single handedly brought my hair back to life after a very unfortunate run-in with professional grade bleach chemicals, and their Cleansing Towelettes consistently remove full face costume makeup without any irritation. So, it's easy to see why I haven't needed any convincing in trusting their sun protection line.

However, if my testimonial isn't quite enough, Neutrogena sun care products now boast another credit, with 5 products recently having received the National Eczema Association's Seal of Acceptance for their extra gentle formulations perfect for eczema prone and sensitive skin. Neutrogena® Pure And Free® Baby Faces Ultra Gentle Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 45, Neutrogena® Pure And Free® Baby Sunscreen Stick Broad Spectrum SPF 60, Neutrogena® Pure And Free® Baby Sunscreen Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 60, Neutrogena® Sensitive Skin Sunscren Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 60, and Neutrogena® Pure And Free® Liquid Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50 have all recieved this prestigious nod. The formulations and products themselves have not changed, they are just as awesome and gentle on skin as ever, but now are simply recognized for their superior skin protection with gentle application.

You know I, myself, have very fair and sensitive skin (I have to use fragrance free detergents and break out with contact to several common skincare ingredients,) but baby Nathan, 10 months, is exceptionally sensitive with his read hair and fair genes. This Summer he'll be hitting the pool (he really is a little tadpole, and just loves the water) with UV protective swimsuits and Neutrogena® Pure And Free® Baby Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 60. Water resistant and with a suggested 80 minute application life, this simple stick applicator makes SPF protection a breeze on baby's face and ears, and is entirely fragrance free for gentle application. Here Nathan is seen styling in his UV protective Coolibar swimwear, paired with Neutrogena skincare protection. For more tips on simple sun care for infants and children stay up to date with the brand on their Facebook page.

In fact, the Neutrogena sun care lineup has not only traveled up the coast and back on our Road Trip through national parks and along the Pacific Coast beaches, but recently accompanied me to Mudderella NorCal 2015. If there isn't a better test of a suncreen's resiliency than direct sunlight at high noon and consistent exposure to muddy water and make-shift rivers, I don't know what is. Neutrogena®'s Sensitive Skin Sunscreen with Broad Spectrum SPF 60 made sure the only discomfort I experienced after this day long event was seriously sore muscles. Though, I do have to warn the product itself is quite thick and requires diligent application- so always enlist the help of a partner to ensure full coverage. Upon first rub in, there was a thin white residue, which made coverage tracking a bit easier.

No matter your skin's complexion or age, it's important to observe safe sun exposure, and proper hydration, throughout the Summer and entire year. Don't let sensitive skin, or eczema, keep you from properly protecting your skin. Choose dermatologist recommended and National Eczema Association accepted Neutrogena® sun care products for easy to wear protection with a powerful punch. You'll find these skin health much haves at national drug and grocery chains near you (I usually grab mine at Walmart and CVS.) Have you used one of the 5 NEA Accepted Products before? Why not help let the world know how simple sun cae can be by leaving a review on one of the seal accepted products product pages!  Now, be honest, how often do you apply products with SPF protection?

What Daughter Says: You put on a coat in the Winter, now don't forget to put on some SPF protection in the Summer (and all year, too!)

Pop Art Makeup Tutorial And The Neutrogena Must Have For Costume Makeup

DISCLAIMER / FTC: This post is sponsored by NEUTROGENA® I only recommend products I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions (FTC) guidelines concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. Some of the products mentioned were purchased by myself AND/OR some were provided by NEUTROGENA® for this post. #CollectiveBias

Momma Told Me: I need to take my face off!

Beauty has always been a ritual. For many women the process of applying makeup, even a neutral or natural look, is therapeutic; and equally beneficial the satisfaction of removing it at the end of the day. Many of us have rituals, we get up in the morning, throw the foundation on, sweep mascara on our lashes, puff some blush on our cheeks. Putting makeup on is fun- taking it off, not so much. In fact, when I was a little girl, I learned quite quickly to steer clear of Momma as she disappeared into the bathroom each night, usually a half an hour or more, to 'take off her face.' If only she has Neutrogena cleansing towelettes to get the job done!

I discovered this beauty box staple last year, searching for a solution to remove costume makeup and colored corn starch after the annual fun run. Walking the streets of our town covered in patches of food color and dye is a badge of honor after one of those events, and we usually wind up walking into the retailers located near by. On one of the forums for color event participants someone had suggested bringing makeup remover wipes to clean up (or at least be presentable in a dining establishment) after. We were sure to grab a few packages of the Neutrogena makeup remover towelettes when we popped into Walmart. Not only did the facial wipes work impressively to pull off loose corn starch and bled colors, but they were more than efficient at removing oil based facial paints.

So, when I heard Neutrogena was challenging their customers to get in the festive spirit with facial makeup and the #NeutrogenaFaceOff challenge, I was excited to really put these wipes to the test. What I didn't know about the wipes I used every night was the number of varieties I had to choose from- I always made a beeline to the blue refill pouches and never thought anything of it! As it turns out, Walmart has several Neutrogena cleansing towelettes varieties on hand so you can choose the right one for your needs. I'll be working the Night Calming wipes into my nightly makeup removal regimen, and plan on trying the oil free wipes next Summer when the nights begin to get humid again.

I'll be participating in a few events at the end of the month that will require me to wear a costume- but I detest having to spend lots of money on an actual costume. The solution? Stick to my retro-loving roots and whip up a costume out of a full-face makeup. I knew the graphic style of Pop Art makeup (think old school comic books) would really read well in a large crowd and be easy to wear throughout the night. You really only need white, black, blue and red face paint. You can use your existing makeup to accent and style the look for extra drama. (I actually have several rainbow eyeshadow palettes, and used some aqua eyeshadow for my 'tears.')

This makeup will look best with a white bottom coat- for those with naturally dark complexions simple begin with a base 2-3 shades lighter than your natural skin tone. If you are going the 'white' base route apply a thin layer over your entire face and 'pat' the paint even with the palms of your hands. Having a great makeup remover wipe on hand is a must here! Next, using a brush/makeup applicator/your finger, daub on a bright eyeshadow up to your brow line, and some bright blue 'tears.'

Next, take an eyeliner pencil or brush and black paint, and outline your tears, and all the way around your eyeshadow. Accent your eyes with any eyeshadow, fake lashes, and mascara to help make them really pop. If you choose to apply fake lashes make sure to go big to exaggerate the graphic appearance of the look. Once your eyes are done you will want to paint your brows. Draw or paint them on so that the lowest dips of your brows just overlap your natural brow line. Having them a little higher than your actual eyebrows will make the look more visually dramatic.

If you wish to add blush, do so now. Next, using a bright color of lipstick (I chose to match my pink eyeshadow), paint your lips. Daub a little white on the outer edge and press your lips together to add a comic 'sheen' and line your lips with black. After your lips you will want to continue outlining with the black- trace a thick line along the outside of your face, adding visual notes near your eyebrows to aid the appearance of a static expression. Lastly, taking a Q-tip, daub red dots across your face paying special attention to scattering each row so that the dots fall below the spacing of the rows above them. It's really that easy!

I like to try out my makeup before actually getting dressed up- it takes the pressure out of rushing to meet a party kickoff, or dealing with an unexpected complication. I wore my Pop Art makeup to bowling last week, and it was just close enough to Halloween that no one found me crazy- in fact, they all loved it and wanted to know just how I did it! By the time I got home it was almost midnight and I simply wanted to get to bed. The Neutrogena cleansing towelettes did not disappoint- just one wipe fully removed an entire face of costume makeup; and a second made sure my face was perfectly refreshed and ready to hit the pillow! Find more makeup removal tips on the Neutrogena Facebook page today.

I've shown you my look- now it's your turn to share your makeup ideas and looks with the hashtag #NeutrogenaFaceOff so we can all take note of great ideas for next year! And don't forget to tweet or Instagram a photo after the big night, sharing your #NeutrogenaFaceOff results too!

What Daughter Says: Stop spending hours taking off your face- get the modern woman's secret to fuss free facial cleansing!

My Hair Had Triple The Damage- Now It's Triple Repaired, My Secret

Momma Told Me: I think the bleach has gone to your brain.

Have you noticed my new haircut? Some of you may recall me saying, adamantly, how I have not cut my hair in length since becoming an adult. I've told the story of the 'bowl cut' incident several times here on Momma Told Me; the event which set the tone for my hair styles over the next 15 years. So, it goes without saying, the Trimpocalypse of 2014 was not intentional. In fact, it was much more of a breaking of hair than a manual trimming. In just an hour, with a friend I still wholly trust to color my hair, we both had missed a crucial timing point that turned a lightening into a 'thinning.' She has just found out, quite surprisingly, that she was pregnant 11 years since her first child, and I was not being as studious as I should have about the treatment time. We have almost all been there. Even professional screw up, and even you, with ordinary cleansing and styling can put excess stress and damage on your hair.

As soon as I realized the timing was running too long I run to the shower to rinse the frothy bleach off the tips of my hair, but all hope was lost. Almost a foot of my prized locks were damaged so bad they only curled up in knots against each-other. There were tears shed, then I picked up the scissors, put on a brave face, and watched as I lost 7" of hair. At the time, I was unwilling to loose all of the lightened hair, so I left 2" of blonde to try and build up with treatments of color. The first week was dubious; I'd lose dozens of strands in my hand washing and draining the water from my hair, even gently. When the hair would dry it would kink on the ends and tangle.

Many of my readers see me discuss a product and assume I am under an obligation to do so. I receive many items to try for free, yes, but many of them I am only compelled to provide the company with direct feedback and share consumer reviews and social media shares. What makes it to my blog is only the best of the best. Make no mistake, I am telling you about Neutrogena's new Triple Repair (3 part) System because I have been blown away by my hands on experiences.

Intended to mend split ends, strengthen brittle hair, and prevent damage such as breakage, the Triple Repair system consists of a fortifying Shampoo and Conditioner paired with a Leave-In Treatment. All three products have a very light fragrance that is salon inspired and natural. The Leave-In Treatment is lightweight and easy to apply and does not interfere with styling or leave hair 'gunky.' In fact, it protects hair during styling practices that reach temperatures up to 400F!

Neutrogena claims that their Triple Repair Shampoo and Conditioner repair up to 97% of split ends within just one use of using the products together. That advertising claim is a bit hard to believe, and not something I can speak to as I had to trim my hair after the lightening fiasco. However, I noticed an immediate difference in the texture of my damaged hair (tips) within 3 days, and an immediate increase in volume and vibrancy on the remaining 'healthier' hair in just 1 use. Within a week of using all three products together I stopped seeing hair loss in my palm, pillow and towel all-together.

I can't speak to the studies and claims but I can tell you, without a doubt, I would recommend this system to anyone with moderate to severely damaged hair, from chemical or heat treatment. I have been thoroughly impressed with the transformation of my hair's volume, manageability, and strength and intend to continue using the system once my initial product has run out.

What Daughter Says: Don't let damaged hair defeat you, if my hair can come back, so can yours!