Hey Jamie,

I’ve been having REALLY BAD cystic acne breakouts lately(the large, painful kind)…and I’m in my 30s, by the way. Awesome.  I tried using over-the-counter acne stuff but nothing is working. Do you have any ideas?

Thanks,

“S”

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Hey Jamie!

Ok, so I know that we all have to wear sunscreen but there’s so much info out there and it’s really overwhelming to understand. Can you tell me exactly what I need to know? Sunscreen for dummies?

Thanks!

“K”

Hi “K”!

I hear you…it’s definitely a lot.  Here’s a quick break down of what you really need to know, bottom line.

1. Don’t just wear it on your face: It’s important to wear SPF all over, even if you plan on being outside for most of the day.  If you’re skin is exposed (e.g. you’re wearing a tank top, dress, shorts, etc.), then you ARE getting sun damage. I can personally attest to this since my left arm has way more freckles than my right (hello, driving arm).

2. You MUST re-apply: Sunscreen should be re-applied every 2-3 hours or anytime after you swim or sweat a lot.  I can’t even tell you how many friends are all “I put on SPF and I still got burned!” My first question is always “did you re-apply?” Their answer is always a definitive NO.

3. Using makeup with SPF is NOT enough: Sure, any SPF is great but, ideally, you want to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen (it will say “broad-spectrum” on the packaging) so that you’re getting protection from both the UVA and UVB rays- most makeup is not broad-spectrum.

4. Choose an SPF product specifically for your skin: One of the most common sunscreen complaints I get is that it’s “too greasy” or that it “gets chalky.” Guys, there are TONS of different sunscreens on the market- you can find a lotion, spray, cream, wipe, etc. Find one that works for you and your specific needs.

Those are the basic rules! #noexcuses

xo,

Jamie

Hi Jamie,

I gotta say, I’m pretty lazy and I hate cleaning my makeup brushes…how often do I REALLY have to wash them in order to not be disgusting?

Thanks!

“L”

Hi “L”!

Totally get it – I’m lazy as well but, yes, you should definitely be cleaning your makeup brushes at least once a month.  When you use your brushes, makeup, oil, dirt, and even bacteria can get trapped in the bristles. So while it might seem basic, skipping this step can lead to clogged pores and breakouts – YUCK.

You can clean your brushes with a makeup brush cleaner, a clarifying shampoo or even shampoo for babies!  A few of my favorites are below.

xo,

Jamie

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