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Cotz mineral sunscreen. From Cotz Skin Care.

Living in sunny Southern California, it’s a must to wear sunscreen daily. And since this stuff is going on your face, you want to ensure it’s good for you, right?

Check out Cotz mineral sunscreen, which uses zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to protect skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays. While I still love Jan Marini face sunscreen, Cotz is great because it’s tinted with a non-greasy, matte finish, making it ideal for everyday wear.

And even though Cotz mineral sunscreen is tinted, the pigment is darker coming out of the tube than when it goes on your face. It also feels really thick on your fingers, but it goes on smooth and light.

Cotz products range from 30 SPF to 58 SPF. The one I’ve been using, Cotz Face for Natural Skin Tones, has 40 SPF. Cotz mineral sunscreens differ from chemical sunscreens by creating a physical barrier reflecting harmful UV rays. When you slather on a chemical sunscreen, your skin absorbs laboratory-made carbon compounds that absorb UV rays and release their energy in ways that don’t harm the skin. Read about some of the debate between using chemical and mineral sunscreens.

Cotz mineral sunscreen is perfect for Angelenos commuting to and from work, whether it’s in the car (those UV rays are getting you through the window) or while walking to and from the Metro, like I do. I’ve also worn it to the beach, and it holds up just as well in lots of direct sunlight for an extended period of time. It’s my new favorite face sunscreen.

Note: Cotz mineral sunscreen was provided complementary in a gift bag given out at an Organic Spa Magazine event held at the Beverly Wilshire hotel.

Origins GinZing moisturizer. From Origins.

I think I’ve found a new favorite moisturizer in Origins GinZing moisturizer. Formulated with ginseng and coffee beans, this creamy gel provides a get-up-and-go kick beyond just hydration that makes my skin look brighter and more alive.

But let’s talk about that hydration, shall we? For my oily-to-combination skin, Origins GinZing moisturizer provides near-perfect coverage. My skin feels hydrated without feeling greasy, and unlike my previous favorite moisturizer, Origins GinZing doesn’t leave my skin wanting more in its drier places. This is all kinds of amazing.

Origins GinZing moisturizer doesn’t include sunscreen, but since it’s not oily, it layers nicely with my still-favorite Jan Marini Antioxidant Daily Face Protectant.

I’ve also been using Origins GinZing eye cream with favorable results, so I think I’ll be sticking to this skin care line for a while.

Beauty and fashion blog Hello, Pretty! had a launch party, and I got one of the coveted VIP gift bags reserved just for bloggers (yes, I am special). There’s a ton of stuff in there, so I haven’t had a chance to try all of it out, but a couple of beauty products have produced satisfying effects so far.

Jan Marini’s Antioxidant Daily Face Protectant is a 30 SPF, waterproof sunscreen that Hello, Pretty!’s editor, Bren Lee Gomez, personally recommended after I complained about a different brand’s sunscreen clogging my pores and making me break out. As I have oily skin, finding any kind of sunscreen or moisturizer that won’t make me greasier is next to impossible — until now. Jan Marini’s face sunscreen is not greasy at all and gets as close to a matte feel as you can in a sunscreen. And it smells nice!

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