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The Daily Face SPF I Actually Want to Wear

After years of blowing off the sunscreen (in my teens), I now know the importance of protecting our skin from the sun's powerful rays. My tanning days are behind me — now, I'm covering myself from head to toe in protection. Being a huge fan of the outdoors, it's especially important to me to avoid premature aging, hyperpigmentation and skin cancer. 

I've tried just about every facial SPF under the sun, and many leave much to be desired. I recently was introduced to Elizabeth Arden Great 8 Daily Defense Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 35, $42 and it's been my go-to ever since. I'm in an office most days from 9-5 and spend my weekends hiking, kayaking and hanging out around water so my face is always in need of some form of protection. First thing I noticed about this product was the light, almost-translucent gel texture that simply melts into my skin. The second thing I noticed was the light, refreshing fragrance — much like the brand's classic White Tea fragrance. 

This product is amazing because it can be used as a makeup primer and has a mattifying effect on the skin (which my combination skin just loves!). It protects my skin from a slew of aggressors like blue light (hello computer screen!), sunlight, infrared light and pollution, while also keeping me hydrated and helping my makeup stay in place. 

The tube is small enough to keep on hand, anywhere I go, but it's also lasting a long time. I've taken it on two weekend trips thus far, and experienced no signs of burning or sun damage. I am taking it to hot, sunny Dallas Texas this weekend and I know it will be a welcome addition to my makeup routine in the humid, Southwestern sun. — Hannah Savin

To see more of my makeup must-haves, follow me on Instagram: @the_beauty_whoreder

Cover image via @elizabetharden

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This Is the Best (Cruelty-Free!) Brow Pencil for Blondes

Sometime last year, I decided to switch my beauty routine to cruelty-free products only. It's been simultaneously easy and hard — easy because there are a lot more cruelty-free beauty brands than I initially realized, hard because it takes trial and error to find products that are worth finishing. (I'm probably one transaction away from being on the no-fly list of Sephora's return policy.)

The hardest product to replace was my trusty brow pencil. Cool blondes know that a natural-looking, ashy blond brow pencil is a near-impossible find; most blond pencils have a strangely warm, red tinge. But Kat Von D's Signature Brow Precision Pencil in Light Brown, $21, is a winner. This cruelty-free pencil has the perfect grayish undertone and lasts all day. And the tip is a game-changer: It's shaped like a little dash, so adding hairlike strokes to brows has never been easier. — Katie McCarthy

Cover image via Imaxtree 

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The Mascara That Gives Me Crazy-Thick Lashes

I haven't had lash extensions in a few years now, and I totally miss them! I'm thinking about getting them again, but until I do, I'm relying on great mascaras like this one: Urban Decay Perversion Mascara, $24. The big bushy brush deposits a hefty amount of product (but still manages to never clump!), and leaves my lashes long, super thick, and intensely black. It basically gives me the lashes I wish I was born with in just a few swipes. Hmm. Maybe I can put off those lash extensions for a little longer... — Alyssa Hertzig

Cover image via @urbandecaycosmetics

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The Lip Balm I'll Be Taking Everywhere This Summer

I'm what you would call a lipstick junkie... lip products are definitely my favorite type of beauty product to test! Sweeping on a new lip color can totally switch up you look, make you appear put-together and lend an instant confidence boost. I have drawers of colorful lippies — and I love them all (each, for their unique qualities). But recently, I discovered a lip product that checks so many boxes for me and I just can't put it down.

Kosasport Lipfuel, $18, is that product: It's part of the new capsule collection by Kosas Cosmetics, which produces chic, minimalist products with comfy formulas, excellent shades and beautiful pigmentation. The first thing I noticed when I picked up the balm was the mod, oblong tube in the brand's signature black and white (think an elevated, ultraglam chapstick).

Lipfuel comes in clear, plus two your-lips-but-better hues. My fave is Rush, a cool, sheer rosy shade that gives me the perfect pop of color! What's more, the formula feels absolutely decadent when I swipe it on. It contains soothing vitamin E, naturally emollient and occlusive konjac root (the same that's used to make konjac sponges!) and hero hydrator/plumping agent, hyaluronic acid. It also has the faintest kiss of mint, which I love since it's very refreshing in the sun, the pool or in a killer spin class.

Typically when I go on vacation, I return with parched lips. I just took this with me to Puerto Vallarta for a long weekend and wore it every day — and my lips feel amazing. If you're looking for the perfect summer balm that feels like buttah and gives you a hint of tint, I highly recommend you give this one a go! — Hannah Savin