Favs: A Summer Solution

A few daily essentials.

This month's Favs post is dedicated to my favorite new summer makeup solution: Neutrogena Healthy Defense tinted daily moisturizer. I discovered this product last year after attending a little facial care presentation from a friend who sells cosmetics. She made me realize at my age, I needed to use moisturizer whether I had dry skin or not. So off I went in search of the best product for the best price that wouldn't harm my complexion.

At 43, I've reached a time of my life where less is more. That doesn't just include accessorizing, that means makeup, too. While I've never worn a lot of makeup, except for Sundays and going out, I won't be caught dead without either mascara or eyeliner. But eye makeup alone can leave me a little pale and washed out sometimes, especially without a tan.

Neutrogena has a line of tinted moisturizers that are also SPF 30 sunscreens. You get a little color, moisture and sun protection all in one step. Perfect solution! This moisturizer acts like a sheer foundation, but rubs in like a lotion. A little blush or facial powder if you need a matte finish works perfectly fine over it, giving you a natural look without all of the effort and cosmetics.

This past weekend I ran my first 5K and chuckled when my husband teased me about putting on

First 5K. Not easy, but I survived.

makeup. Not so. I'd skipped the shower since I was going to get sweaty anyway, and just applied a little of my tinted moisturizer with a few strokes of mascara before heading out.

I use the light tint for my fair to medium complexion, and it gives me plenty of color. The best part is, I can wear it every morning as a moisturizer, whether I plan to put on any other makeup or not. A little mascara and lip balm, and I'm presentable enough to go for the day in a matter of minutes. There's no worry about dangerous UV rays zapping my laugh lines either.

So, if you're looking for a good tinted sunscreen, a moisturizer with SPF or just a sheer foundation for your daily summer routine, I can highly recommend this product. This past Sunday, I used it lieu of wearing foundation to church, and it wasn't even noticeable. Hope it works as well for you as it does for me!

Stay Balanced!
~Danielle Thorne