That said, many times when I go away, I don’t bother shaving my legs – bringing my fancy shave gel and razor along can add bulk to an already crowded suitcase.

Target.com

However, this time around, I was stylish in smooth legs.

Diva 6 rocks. It’s the only razors on the market that come with real shaving cream INSIDE the handle!!! Just press the bottom of the razor handle, and a stream of foamy shaving cream dispels.

There’s enough shaving cream inside each razor for approximately 10 smooth shaves.

Why is this perfect for vacationing? Well, it’s super easy to carry, takes up no space, and has several “parts” incorporated into one. And, so, I have smooth legs on the beaches of Cabo…no overpacked suitcase required!

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Image: Sxc.hu

We have high hopes of hitting the beach – I have not one but TWO hot new swimsuits with me – but as of now, storm clouds are a-brewing.

If by some miracle, the sun comes out tomorrow, I shall still have ridiculously fair skin – and need to be well-prepared. I consulted with Dr. Ronald Moy, newly elected as president of the American Academy of Dermatology, and he gave me some awesome advice for surviving the sun – and maintaining my great skin while I’m at it!

Here’s some guidelines for your next sunny day – if you manage to find one!

1. Wear protective clothing and a broad-brimmed hat.
2. Avoid the sun between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
3. Apply sunscreen before getting into your car. Long-wavelength UVA rays from the sun can penetrate car windshields and damage the skin.
4. Use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 when you spend any time in the sun. The sunscreen should block both UVA and UVB rays.

Dr. Moy recommends the following types of sunscreens (the first two being more effective):

Avobenzone (Parsol 1789)

Neutrogena Helioplex

One that contains Titanium Oxide or Zinc

5. An over-the-counter antioxidant pill with vitamins also works to protect skin from the sun.
6. Dr. Moy strongly recommends going to the dermatologist for annual exams to guard against skin cancer.
7. Even if you tan easily, the sun can contribute to skin cancer in two ways. First, the sunlight damages the genes that control cell growth, and second sunlight damages the body’s immune system so that early cancers grow unchecked by normal immune defense.
8. Do not stay outdoors unprotected on cloudy days since the ultraviolet light penetrates easily through the clouds.
9. Exfoliate regularly to remove damaged cells.
10. To lighten dark freckles, he uses an over-the-counter bleaching agent that contains 2% hydroquinone.

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However, my job (woe is me!) is taking me to both southern California and South Beach during the month of January – and despite my exclamations otherwise, pale is NOT the new tan. I must be prepared.

Or at least be able to fake it well.

Whether you are looking for a healthy “Hawaiian” glow all year long or just searching for an ideal solution for fast getaway, Booty Butter Tanning Lotion by Bikini Kitchen is an option you may want to consider.

Booty Butter Tanning Lotion is a browning lotion (no innovation there!), but it contains 100% all-natural ingredients from the islands of Hawaii which combine to accelerate the tanning process while keeping the skin moisturized. The lotion glides on golden brown and goes to work. It also works fast – use it right, and we’re talking a noticeable difference in your tan in about an hour.

Ingredients include:

· Kona coffee extract accelerates the tanning process and gives the butter its mocha fragrance. The extract comes from the Kona coffee plant which is renowned for its ability to mend broken skin, soothe irritation and revitalize cells.

· Kukui Nut Oil, Macadamia Nut Oil, and Aloe Vera moisturize the skin.

· Antioxidant Vitamins A, E & C. Vitamin A helps to form new blood vessels which give the skin an attractive rosy glow. Vitamin C fends against damage caused by the sun. Vitamin E protects the epidermis from early stages of ultraviolet light damage and reduces the severity of sunburn.

· Bug-repellent quality keeps insects away. (Bug-phobes like me relish this.)

Please not: This is for tanning purposes only, and does not include UVA or UVB protection. You should probably, if you do use this, use it in conjunction with an SPF. (Nothing sexy about a burn.)

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I learned a few things on this cruise:

1.  You really can find incredible jewelry bargains in the Caribbean.  But the bargains still aren’t cheap.  Gamble well.

2.  I really don’t care if I go back to Jamaica again.

3.  Don’t buy YSL mascara in the duty free store and think you’re gonna like it.  Two tubes for the price of one is only good if the mascara isn’t old (don’t tell my hubby I wasted 50 bucks).

4.  Buy all the Touché Eclat you can find at a 2 for 1 price.

5.  Don’t ever ride a Sea Doo in the ocean – it is just not fun.

6.  I super duper love the sunscreens from Ahava!  Keep them around in all SPF ranges from 15-50!

7.  Definitely take the opportunity to swim with the dolphins if you find one.  It is well worth the price. 

8.  Do not think you can wrap your digital camera up in a Ziploc bag and have it survive anywhere near the ocean.

9.  I *heart* all of my wonderful coworkers in the Beauty & Style channel.  Thanks so much for everything!  xoxox (I didn’t really learn this, but it seemed like a good time to give thanks)

Ill leave you with that, as I batten down the hatches for the anti-dolphin swimming people to come by.    And Ill get right on back to beauty and to some better blogging habits if it kills me (or causes me to lose my other job!!)!

Hope you all are doing great and having a lovely summer!  xoxox

Image: © 2008 Christina Jones

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Not much beauty was had at SXSW, I must admit – it was a geekfest with the men vastly overwhelming the women (I hate it when that happens…lol), and we were all in a scramble to get in at night, squeak out a little sleep, then be back *on* first thing in the morning til late at night.  Sort of like rush week, I would imagine, had I been the *rush* type.  Yep, I’ve been a geek for a long time.

I did bring along a few new goodies to try while I was gone (brave soul that I am after trying a few new things in NY last month with poor results!), so I did find some stand out goodies to talk about, and have even more stuff sitting around here to pour through as I can get to it.  So yes, I’m behind (story of my life), but yes, will be getting caught up soon.  I’m back, and I’m thrilled!! 

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