Rake Me Over The Kohl's

Happy Spring!! Ah, the lovely breezes. The longer days. The hot, warming sun! As y’all know really, really friggin’ well, I have a passion for skin care. And it’s not just—"protect your skin against the sun, take good care of yourself, blah blah blah." Ok, sure it’s that. But it’s also just the sheer onslaught of companies trying to sell you gagillions of products. I mean, with gorgeous, sparkly, yummy makeups, we’re usually not spending that much loot—and it’s usually a lot more straightforward whether the product works or doesn’t. With skincare, you both a) are often paying a lot more, and b) possibly won’t know whether the product “works” for decades! Tough, indeed.

But Real Girl likes a challenge.

So for all you sparkly yummy makeup goodie lovers out there (holla! I’m with ya!), hang tight. Because this here is a field in which I do feel I’m needed—as someone who’s not motivated or impeded by ad revenue, I enjoy being able to tell you guys like it is.

And here’s what it is.

It’s time for me to whine.

WHAT IS THIS THING CALLED KOHL’S AND WHY DO WE NOT HAVE IT IN NEW YORK CITY!!??

Wah.

Wah!!

I would have never, ever found this brand if it weren’t for Real Mom’s dermatologist. She’s a consultant for Kohl’s beauty line and is therefore partly responsible for creating this line I’m dying to try more of. And CAN’T. Because WHERE ARE YOU KOHL’S? I smell a sample-begging call coming soon, my friends.

In the meantime, I’ll tell you about the one Kohl’s beauty product I’ve tried: Kohl’s All Calm Gentle Sunscreen SPF 25. First of all, this product has loads of my favorite sunscreen ingredients, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Also? Antioxidants Vitamins E and B. But what’s more? The line is created for people with sensitive skin. Let me tell you—we can all benefit from that. Whenever you find a product for sensitive skin that has decent anti-irritants in it, your face will be happier. Do I have sensitive skin? Nah, not really. But your skin can be irritated by the littlest things, and often without you even knowing it—and that can cause damage. So any ingredients to combat wear and tear are always a good, good thing.

Finally, the fact that we’re working with SPF 25 here instead of SPF 15 is excellent. There’s nothing wrong with SPF 15—if that’s what you prefer, you can get away with it. Maybe. Because if you’re not using a tablespoon’s worth on your whole face? You ain’t getting the full SPF 15. I have tried using a tablespoon of sunscreen. What happened? I was in white-face. No, really. The white-face minstrel show tried to recruit me. So…um…I’m not convinced that a tablespoon of sunscreen is realistic. My solution? Up the SPF. I’m pretty sure I’m not getting my full SPF 25 with this product, but I’m probably getting SPF 15 with the generous amount I use.

But enough about ingredients, right? Let’s talk experience. Love!! The product is lightly tinted, which diminishes the white tinge of zinc oxide/titanium dioxide slightly. Also, there’s quite a pleasant scent here—a tinge of coconut, a whiff of something not too beachy yet still rather tropical. The finish isn’t matte, but it’s not as shiny as more moisturizing sunscreens can be. Although this isn’t a moisturizer, my combination skin is completely satisfied by this product in the moisture department. If yours is on the dry side? You may need something moist-ier.

Has this sunscreen made me break out? No! Am I surprised about that, given the high amount of sunscreen, which can possibly clog pores? Yes! Am I thrilled nonetheless? What do you think!?

If your skin is truly, unbelievably sensitive, this product may not be the best for you. Unfortunately, it didn’t work well with Real Mom’s rosacea. Perhaps the slight scent irritated her, or more likely the higher concentration of sunscreen ingredients.

But overall, I give this Kohl’s product a huge thumbs-up!

Now…get your ass on over to NYC, okay Kohl’s??

(Real Girl’s next sunscreen challenge? Find a tinted moisturizer that contains zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Because the darker skinned gals might not be able to take that slight white tinge...Any suggestions, Real Girlettes??!!)

So, which ones of you out there have this magnificent thing called Kohl’s? Any other obscure lines I should be trying? Anything to share at all?

Love ya!
xx
Real Girl