I have to be really honest here... I've actually been meaning to review the Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50 PA++++ for almost a year now. Last summer, when my cousin's wife's parents were coming to visit Canada from Japan, they were kind enough to bring me a tube of this sunscreen that I had been DYING to try for ages but had yet to pull the trigger on. 

The reason that I really wanted to get my hands on this is pretty simple - it's one of the most talked about and widely lovely Japanese sunscreens that I'd seen and I really, really wanted to try a Japanese sunscreen. Why, you ask? Well, it's pretty simple. Here in Canada, as well as the US, our options for chemical filters are limited and, in my opinion, pretty outdated. Because sunscreen is treated like an OTC drug rather than a cosmetic, it has much stricter regulation and it really isn't easy to get new filters approved. For me, finding a chemical sunscreen option here in Canada is pretty difficult because the more common filters tend to cause irritation and break outs in my skin, so I tend to just stick to mineral sunscreens. Mineral sunscreens, though they do offer broad spectrum protection without irritation, can be tricky formulawise as well and can be an absolute nightmare for people of colour due to their strong white cast. Seriously, sunscreen is a bit of a minefield for me, which is why there aren't a lot that really stick in my collection. 

Like I said, I've been using this for nearly a year now (almost exactly, actually) so I've definitely put it rigorously to the test and am ready to give my review. Keep reading for more!

Any regular readers of this blog know that sun protection is really important to me and one of the issues that I push pretty strongly - both here on the blog and in my real life with my friends and family. There is no question (regardless of the internet trying to create some) that the sun can be dangerous and that we need to protect ourselves from it, not just for beauty purposes but for health. A year ago today I did a super post that is filled with information about the different types of sunscreen, why it's important and the myths about it. If you're interested in reading that, you can check it out here. For the first day of summer this year, I wanted to focus on sun protection again with Live Clean, one of my forever go to brands, and I've got a sweet little GIVEAWAY for you guys as well!

Keep reading for more!

Once upon a time, I pretty much avoided going out in the sun like it was my job, but this summer has turned a bit of a corner for me and I've been itching to go hang out at the beach or the pool or on the boat pretty much every chance I get. Of course, because I'm pasty pale to begin with and the only part of my body that's actually gotten a tan in a last... probably 5 years has been my left arm while driving to and from work in the summer, I can't just wander out into the sun like it ain't no thing. Nope, I need to be prepared, so I decided to dump out my backpack and show you guys exactly what I've been carting to the beach/pool/lake/boat/etc. this summer!

Keep reading to check out the products that are literally already back in my bag and ready for the weekend!

Are you guys getting sick of me telling you just how much you need to wear sunscreen? With a long weekend in front of us, both us Canadians and our American friends, I know a lot of people will be spending some time in the sun this weekend. I know I will be! And with the sun comes the absolute, unquestionable need for sun protection so I wanted to lay out another option that I've been testing out for you guys. I got the opportunity to try out the Coppertone CLEARLY SHEER Sunscreen Spray SPF 30* recently and I wanted to tell you guys my thoughts on it!

Keep reading for more.

I've said it before and I'll probably say it about a million more times - IF YOU'RE GOING TO BE OUT IN THE SUN, IT'S VERY IMPORTANT TO WEAR SPF. Like Baz Luhrmann said, "If I could offer you one tip for the future, sunscreen would be it. The long term benefits of sunscreen have been proved by scientists." I've gone on before about why it's important to wear sunscreen, so I'm not going to do it again. Besides, we all know! Luckily for us, there are a lot more options on the market for SPF products with different levels of protection, different formulas, and different intended uses. Today, I wanted to give you guys a little look at two great options from Live Clean*, which you all know is one of my personal favorite brands!

Keep reading for more!

I'm a pretty massive advocate for wearing sun protection whenever you're going to be leaving the house, really, but when you're going to be spending the day outside it's doubly important. Protecting your skin is important for your immediate comfort - I've never met anyone who actually enjoys a sunburn - as well as for the appearance of your skin, since sun damage is incredibly hard to reverse and can prematurely age you. But the more important thing is that it's important for your health. I mean, we all know this by now, so there's no need for a sunscreen soap box.

Instead, check out these sunscreens I've been trying out recently from Alba BOTANICA*!