a melanoma survivor's guide to sunscreen.

Full Body Coverage Lotion: Clarins Sun Care Milk Lotion Spray with SPF 50+
I normally hate spray lotions, but this lotion makes solo application nearly foolproof. It sprays out as a lotion, not an oil, so there isn't any weird mess. It won't blow away in the wind and it smells fantastic.

Summer Daily Moisturizer: Clarins UV Plus HP Multi-Protection Day Screen with SPF 40 (tinted version here!)
The summer sun demands a higher SPF for daily use and this moisturizer did the trick for me. Not only is it super light, it didn't cause me breakouts like some facial moisturizers with SPF do.

Winter Daily Moisturizer: Clarins Multi-Active Early Wrinkle Correcting Lotion with SPF 15
I discovered the multi-active lotion {without SPF 15} in 2010 and fell in love. The incredible smell accompanies this impressive moisturizer, so it was a no-brainer to make the move to the SPF version when it was released.

Lip Protection: Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment with SPF 15 (eight other colors also available!)
Prevent the lobster lips with this easy, smooth lip treatment from Fresh. It is lightweight but provides fabulous coverage, which lasted much longer than other SPF lip protection I've tried.

Six years ago this month, I picked up the magazine which would forever change my relationship with the sun. With the help of Glamour, I spotted what a dermatologist would later confirm was a melanoma. {Read the full backstory here.} Since May is Skin Cancer Awareness month, I figured there was no time like the present to share a few of my favorite sunscreens.

Before I found my melanoma, I was an avid sun worshipper. I never burned. I wore SPF 4 {at max} when I was out in the sun. I went to the tanning bed regularly. I thought my olive skin was immune to skin cancer. After my diagnosis, I was shocked and scared about my future. I had to redefine my perception of beauty. Above all, I realize I was dead wrong about the sun in my teens and early twenties. 

My diagnosis meant I had to take a hard look at my sun care choices. It took some time to find products which made me feel safe and confident in the sun. I'm here today to share my field test. Though this post may look like it is sponsored by Clarins, I can assure you it is not. I simply think their products are worth the investment. I discovered the Clarins sun care line in 2012 and have been a loyal user for the last two years. I don't see that changing any day soon. Not only do I have sensitive skin, I have a sensitive sniffer--and Clarins passes both my tests. With their coverage and consistency, I'm easily Clarins number one fan.

If you're looking for something a bit more cost-friendly, the Neutrogena line is a trusty old favorite. My dermatologist carries samples of their products in her office, so it is nice to know proper sun care doesn't have to be expensive. If you're looking for ways to get the sun-kissed glow without the harmful rays, these self-tanners are just the ticket.

As a disclaimer, I am NOT a doctor or dermatologist. These sunscreens are simply my personal favorites. The one thing I can say with confidence is this: do not consider yourself immune to the dangers of the sun. If you haven't had a skin check recently {or ever}, do yourself a favor and book one before the summer sun really hits. 

Do you have any favorite sunscreens? Share what you love--and why you love it. I'm all ears! xoxo {av}

P.S. Don't forget about the sun savvy pledge Danielle and I created three years ago. You can decide today to change your habits!

good day sunshine.

Nearly three years ago, I made a happy {and pricey} discovery while roaming the makeup aisle in Nordstrom: the Clarins counter. Though I am far from a beauty product junkie, I fell head over heels for their products. The pricetags may be steep, but I include it in my beauty budget. Why? I'm considering it a long-term investment in my skin and a short-term investment in my happiness.

Last week, I ran out of my Clarins Multi-Active Early Wrinkle Cream, so I knew a trip to Nordstrom was in order. This cream has been my go-to for years now, so I knew right where to find it. Imagine my surprise when I found a much taller, slimmer bottle to the right of it which also had SPF! I was ecstatic. Cue the entry of Clarins Multi-Active Early Wrinkle Correcting Lotion with SPF 15 in my daily routine. 

Many moisturizers with SPF cause me to break out, so I was anxious to see how my skin would respond. After a week, I am happy to say this $58 investment was worth every cent. I haven't had any blemishes {outside of the "ohmygoshwe'removing" ones}. Because of the pump feature, I find this lotion bottle much easier to "ration" than the cream jar. The amazing smell remained the same in both formulations, so color me happy yet again. Above all, the SPF on a daily basis is absolutely essential for me. Eliminating a step by combining my daily moisturizer and an SPF will save me time in the mornings--and keep me safe at the same time. It's a definite win-win.

What investments do you make in your beauty routine? Do you have another favorite lotion with SPF in it? Share your secrets, friends! xoxo {av}

#sunsavvy.

In honor of National Skin Cancer Awareness month, Danielle and I thought it was only appropriate to offer a sun savvy reminder as we approach the sunny summer months. When I shared my skin story two years ago, I was anxious to do it. Today, I stand firm on my choice to share my experience with melanoma in the hopes that someone else can avoid this scary ride.

When Danielle and I concocted the idea of sun savvy, we did so because knew our generation was at risk. With images all around us portraying tans as beautiful, being the pale one isn't easy. I still miss feeling tan, though I no longer miss looking tan. Though my family and friends never escape my sun savvy PSAs, I do quietly wish I could tell super tanned strangers the risk they're taking. Thankfully, this blog {and this recent article in Cosmo!} give me the chance to share my story with people who care to listen.

Being sun savvy isn't hard. In fact, it is one of the easiest adjustments you could make to your daily beauty routine. Adding sunscreen to your morning routine adds all of 30 seconds to your day. These fabulous bronzers and self tanners can also help you achieve the perfect faux glow--without suffering from the sun's harmful rays. Years from now, you'll be so grateful you took that time. In the five years since I stopped tanning, I can already tell a difference in the health of my skin. It doesn't take away the years of damage I did to my skin, but it will absolutely make a difference in my future health.

I count my blessings every day I took the time to go to a dermatologist five years ago. I shudder to think what my life might look like if I hadn't. If you have any spots you're questioning, call a dermatologist today. The peace of mind in knowing you're safe is more than worth it.

How are you being extra sun savvy this year? Share how on twitter with the hashtag #sunsavvy--or with a comment below! Danielle and I can't wait to see what you're doing to stay #sunsavvy. xoxo {av}

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bronze(r) beauties.

As the temperatures slowly start to creep up this spring, getting a little color becomes a big priority. Thankfully, we can now get that color without hitting the tanning bed. Being sun savvy is incredibly important to me as a skin cancer survivor. Last spring, I pulled together a massive list of self tanners {or for the full-length pin here}. This year, I went a similar route and compiled 29 different facial bronzers in a variety of formulas and budgets. If you don't see your favorite below, be sure to leave it in the comments! I would also love your feedback on bronzers you love and loathe...

My favorite bronzer {as of late} is this one from Bobbi Brown. In my earlier days, I loved this very cost-effective one from Bonne Bell. One thing I've learned over the years is that the brush you use really does matter. I treated myself to this one with a giftcard this Christmas--and love it!

first row: Bobbi Brown Bronzing Powder - Buxom Hot Escapes Bronzer - Smashbox Fusion Soft Lights Baked Starburst  //  second row: Rimmel Natural Bronzer - Neutrogena Healthy Skin Blends Natural Radiance Bronzer - Lorac TANtalizer Baked Bronzer // third row: per-fékt Cheek Perfection Gel in Bronzed - Tarte Bronze & Glow Matte Bronzer & Cheek Tint  //  fourth row: Clinique True Bronze Pressed Powder Bronzer - NARS Bronzing Powder - Stila Sun Bronzing Powder  //  fifth row: Josie Maran Bronzing Argan Oil - Stila One Step Bronze - Clarins Liquid Bronze Self-Tanning for Face & Decollete - Estée Lauder Bronze Goddess Luminous Liquid Bronzer - Sephora Collection Instant Airbrush Body Bronzer  //  sixth row: Urban Decay Baked Bronzer - Clarins Bronzing Powder Duo SPF 15 - Too Faced Sun Bunny Natural Bronzer  //  seventh row: Bonne Bell Bronzing Gel - Lancôme Star Bronzer Magic Bronzing Brush - Mai Couture 2-1 Blotting & Bronzing Paper - Physician's Formula Mineral Wear Bronzing Talc-Free Veil  //  eighth row: Laura Mercier Bronzed Pressed Powder - Cargo blu-ray High Definition Bronzer - Tarte Mineral Powder Bronzer  //  ninth row: Stila Set & Bronze Baked Powder Trio - Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick Compact - Guerlain Terracotta Light Sheer Bronzing Powder

The biggest takeaway is that getting a faux glow doesn't have to be expensive. Being healthy is the most important. Using a bronzer with an SPF is the best plan. Your face will thank you when you're 60, I promise. I can't wait to hear your feedback on this bronzer debate :) xoxo {av}

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the c word.

It's been a long time since I posted about the c word. I don't like it, but then again, I don't know anyone who does. So when skin cancer became a part of my life in July 2008, I became all too acquainted with that ugly word. Thankfully, I've had some time to process it--and while it's never "normal" to say I had skin cancer at age 23, I don't hide it like I did in the early days.

Since my melanoma was removed that summer, I have visited my dermatologist every few months without fail. After a biopsy at a routine visit in July 2011, my dermatologist removed a precancerous mole from my abdomen. For the first three years after my initial diagnosis, some part of me believed my melanoma was an isolated event. When I went into surgery for the second time, I quickly realized I would be fighting a lifelong battle with the c word. 

Let's face it: celebrating our third anniversary in April will be infinitely more exciting than my fifth melanoma "anniversary" in July. In my book, the word "anniversary" should never be used with sad events because it takes away from the good ones. As that fifth year mark came into view this year, I received another reminder that the c word will always be in my vocabulary.

Two weeks ago, I went to my dermatologist for my six-month check-up. I don't think I'll ever grow to love the process, but I slipped into my gown so she could do an examination of everything. {In the chill of winter, it feels slightly like you're in a bad dream in which you wake up in the middle of a football game without your clothes. Lots of fun, right?} One mole on the right side of my chest had been worrying me and she affirmed those worries. She wanted a biopsy. Though I have never much cared for the b word, I had mentally prepared myself for this one.

What I wasn't prepared for was the biopsy she wanted to take from a mole on my back. My back has always been a scary place for me because a) I can't really see it and b) I can't keep close tabs like I can everywhere else. {cv} keeps an eye on my back, but with my sea of moles, it is tough to pinpoint new ones. After a few quick swipes of a scalpel, it was all over. I just hated the odds that something might come back cancerous. All of my previous biopsies had.

I left the dermatologist's office feeling deflated, anxious, and seriously ticked at myself for ever caring about being tan. As life would have it, these biopsies kicked off a week of pure craziness in my personal and professional lives. The chaos helped keep my mind off of the impending news, but it didn't always do the trick. I've never been good at the waiting game. 

After eleven days of waiting, many prayers were answered when I heard my dermatologist say I was in the clear. I walked out of the office with an enormous smile on my face. I climbed into my car and cried a few happy tears. Though I know melanoma will always be a part of my life, it isn't time for me to fight it again. My relief can scarcely be put into words.

I may not blog about it often, but the sun savvy pledge that Danielle and I created in June 2011 is still very much alive. If you have any stories to share about how you've changed your sun habits, I am all ears. Please email me and they might find their way into a future post. 

If you're still reading, thank you. I choose to share this experience with you because I feel an obligation to confront the c word head on. The sun is still shining and it means we have a responsibility to take care of ourselves. I pray this post might encourage one of you to make an appointment about your mole that looks funny. I cross my fingers that it reminds you to wear your sunscreen--all year round. Above all, I desperately hope this post will serve as reminder that being tan isn't everything. Being healthy is. xoxo {av}

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friday's fancies #83.

Happy Friday, friends! With June nearly in the books, it is only appropriate to devote a week to being beachy chic for #FridaysFancies :) I crafted this sassy ensemble with my sun savvy pledge in mind. After a few years out of the sun, I have finally found a happy medium and this outfit showcases it!

Since my bout with melanoma, bathing suits scared me a bit. When I realized that covering my stomach, where the melanoma had appeared, would help eliminate that fear, I felt loads better. I now swear by La Blanca suits, and only wish this One Piece Bandeau Swimsuit were in my beach bag.

I discovered this Clarins Sun Care Milk Lotion Spray SPF 50+ in April--and will likely never buy another sunscreen ever again. Not only does it smell good, it provides fantastic coverage. It really is a 'lotion spray' and is incredibly easy to apply. The pricetag is a bit steep, but it's worth it in my book.

I've fallen head over heels for Mott 50, a brand which weaves UV protection into their clothes. This Christine Sleeveless Shift Dress would work as a cover-up or a fun sundress, so it's a winner to me!

Jack Rogers require little explanation. These Rio Navajos are bold, beautiful, and perfectly beachy.

I've been dying to own a Sea Bag for as long as I can remember and this Whale Tale Tote might need to be my first purchase. It's functional and fashionable, which makes it ideal for the sun and sand.

For an extra ounce of protection, I always pack a floppy hat. This sunhat from Hat Attack provides just the right amount of shade for reading in the bright sun--and staying protected.

---

If you haven't seen it yet, I wrote an article all on my love affair with sunscreen in the current issue of Sweet Lemon! It starts on page 63 :) {Shout-out to one of my bloggy besties, Jenna, for taking the photos!} Endless thanks to those of you joining in the beach party today--I wish you all could join me in Laguna Beach with my besties! You can follow me on Instagram to feel like you're there. Want to join in the #FridaysFancies fun?? Click here to join the Friday's Fancies mailing list! I'll see you on Monday!

P.S. See more of yours truly today over on Schue Love and The Urban Slant :)

cover it up.

Happy Tuesday, everyone! With my work trip to Miami on the horizon this week, I wanted to do a little research on sassy beach cover-ups. In true sun savvy fashion, here are eight fabulous numbers which I'd be more than happy to sport this summer...

{find them: purple - red - green - cobalt - gray - white - navy - yellow}

I always have my eye out for a great cover-up, so I know these beauties only touch the tip of the iceberg. The brand Mott 50 takes it to another level and creates clothing with UPF50 to help block out the sun's harmful rays. I've learned to take my cover-up seriously. There are plenty of options which can keep you looking fabulous while you're being sun savvy at the same time. 

I'm excited to hear about all the places you find your best cover-ups--because goodness knows, I can't fork out $200 for a cover-up, even if they're pretty ;) In the past, my best finds have come from Target, Old Navy, and eBay {yes, eBay! Think Shoshanna at a super discount!}. Many thanks for the advice, friends! Have a fantastic Tuesday!

the great {self tanner} debate.

Since tomorrow's Friday's Fancies is centered on spring break, I thought it would be very important to revisit the sun savvy pledge that Danielle and I shared with you last June. After having a melanoma removed in 2008, I have completely changed my sun habits. Though I sport sunscreen on a daily basis, I will admit that I sometimes miss the glow from a few hours in the sun. I've been scared of self tanner in the past, but I think it is time to conquer my fears of turning "oompah-loompah orange" to get a safe glow. 

{find them here: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10 - 11 - 12 - 13 - 14 - 15 - 16 - 17 - 18}

Though I wish I could afford to try each and every product below, I haven't--but the best part about blogging is that many of you probably have :) I'd love to hear what products you love {or hate} when it comes to a self tanner and why you keep coming back to them. 

{find them here: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10}

I have only heard fabulous things about the Clarins line of self-tanners--and as a recent Clarins convert, I am sure those are not just rumors. My bestie, {kj} swears by tantowels, but I don't really know where to begin! Before I head south in April and May, I need to find something, so I'd love your input :)

P.S. Get your spring break looks ready for tomorrow's Friday's Fancies! Join the mailing list here!

fashionably safe.

For those of us in New England, the disappearance of summer signals the reemergence of colder temperatures {and what will all too soon turn into the winter chill--eeks!}. Even though summer is winding down, it doesn't mean that we should stop being sun savvy! Julie and Lauren from Born & Bread alerted us to a new clothing line called Mott 50. The whole idea behind their line is to create pieces which can help you make sun savvy decisions just by slipping on one of their pieces below. Each garment they make has a UPF of 50, which is ten times the sun protection you get from a white t-shirt!

{where to find these pieces: 1 - 2 - 3}

Sure, you'll still need to apply the sunscreen elsewhere, but these dresses {and their other clothes too!} help make it easy to protect yourself from the skin's deadly rays. Though I don't own any of Mott 50's pieces this season, you better believe I'll be adding some to my collection for next summer!

To see more of their clothes in action, check out this little clip
from the Today Show with Kathie Lee and Hoda...

Want to see more of Mott 50? I highlighted a few more of my favorite pieces over at sun savvy today!
If you haven't already, be sure to join with the 131 other bloggers who have made the commitment to being safer in the sun. It takes a minute to post a comment, but that minute can help save your life...

What changes have you made since you signed the sun savvy pledge?

Comment below {or email me!} and tell us how you're living out the sun savvy pledge--and you just might be featured in an upcoming post. Many thanks to those of you who have shared your story with us. We're thrilled to see so many of you taking care of yourselves and to have your help in spreading the word! 

Have a happy Tuesday! xoxo {av}

psst: don't forget to enter my fab bag giveaway...just four more days to get your entries in!

my {r}evolution.

Happy Tuesday! I am still reeling over the fantastic response to our sun savvy pledge!

With my bestie {ah}'s birthday in mind, I thought the easiest way to see how I've changed over
the years is to share some photos from my own sun savvy {r}evolution. You'll see the rapid uptick
in my tan in 2007 when I bought a tanning membership--and then the gradual decline after my melanoma diagnosis in mid-2008. It was my wake-up call to stop damaging my body and wasting my money in the tanning bed...and channel those funds into better things, like visiting {ah} in Texas and now in NYC.
In the first picture, I'm on the left, {ah} is in the middle, + {ch} on the right on the night {ah} first introduced me to {ch}!

Spanning seven years, these photos show my gradual change from "too tan" to healthy.

{These photos are also a disturbing reminder of what I used to consider fashion. OY!}
I definitely am learning to embrace my natural color...which isn't so bad after all ;)

All these things aside, it's also a fabulous reminder of my beautiful friend {ah}'s presence in my life in the last 84+ months. I'm so grateful to have friends like {ah} who stand by me in the happiest {and the hardest} of times. I look forward to adding photos from 2054 and beyond because my diagnosis in 2008 opened my eyes to sun safety. 

I'm definitely happier in my paler skin because I know that {God-willing} I'll be around to see
that 50th anniversary of our friendship. Join me in taking the sun savvy pledge...so you can

keep making memories with your own friends and families many years into the future,

without the ever present worry of skin cancer because you have better sun safe habits.

What are you doing to change your skin care routine?
Can you identify when your skin consciousness shifted?


Thank you again for all of your support and encouragement!
Each and every day is a blessing...and we should all live with that in mind :)
Until tomorrow! xoxo {av}

P.S. And {ah}--thank you for being an unending source of love and support. Your friendship means the world to me and it always will! You deserve every happiness in the world for the kindness you always show to those around you. I love you for always!

P.P.S. Peek at my travel-inspired guest post on Bloom!

sun savvy.

I promised big news on Friday--and I meant it. Today marks a big day for the blogosphere...

Along with Danielle from {breakfast at toast}, I am pleased to introduce:

Many of you read my skin story back in May. I am so glad I finally shared my story because it
helped me really come to terms with the changes I have made in caring for my skin in the last
three years. When I read Danielle's story a few weeks later, I commented on her post...
and a few short days later, an idea was born.

Sun Savvy is all about changing the mindset of a "tanner is better" generation. When I was 16, I started going to the tanning bed. Growing up, I never burned and I never thought about the repercussions of those ten minute bursts of "sun". When I was 19, I first noticed the mole which the dermatologist identified four years later as melanoma. That was my wake-up call. I cancelled my tanning membership and decided to embrace the olive skin my father gave me...without a tan.

Today, I'm having another suspicious mole removed. Though it isn't a melanoma yet, it has all the same characteristics my first melanoma did. I now know I'm at risk for the rest of my life.

Once every six months, you'll find me in my dermatologist's office for a check-up.
Every day, you'll find me applying sunscreen--even if it's raining.
This year, I finally decided to buy one pieces {since all of my suspicious moles have been on my belly}. Today, I'm hoping you'll join me in making changes in your sun habits and sign our pledge for safe sun.



Trust me: I didn't share my story to scare you. I shared my story to empower you.
Danielle and I are just hoping to encourage those around us to make smarter choices.
We're only given one body--and we should definitely respect that gift!

Remember: being sun savvy doesn't mean wearing long sleeves in the summer time...
it simply means that you're taking a moment every day to be aware of your skin.

Thank you all for taking a moment to sign the pledge over on Sun Savvy and for spreading the news about this sun safe revolution! Even if you're just an avid blog reader {and not a blogger yourself}, we want you to kickstart this movement in your own circle. Thank you so much for your support!
Have a very happy Monday! xoxo {av}

P.S. We're also on twitter and facebook!