#LongLiveSkin with Neutrogena & CVS

This post is sponsored by Neutrogena. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

PHOTOGRAPHY // Christopher Jamar Payne for Mattie James

This past weekend was especially warm and I made sure, me, Hubs & Maizah were all slathered in sunscreen. In my 20’s, I couldn’t care less about skin care. But now that I’m older, it’s what I care about most in my daily beauty regimen. So much now that I even harass my family about it. When I was younger, having picture perfect makeup (or what I considered it anyway) was my goal. I wanted to look cute in pictures and impress the outside world. Things are much different now. The condition of my skin is what really makes me “beat” and while I’m still fairly young (hey 33!) I want maintain the good parts of my skin as much as I can. Staying out of the sun or making sure my skin is protected should I be in it is a priority. Long Live Skin is sort of my motto.

CVS is currently running their Long Live Skin campaign encouraging customers to protect their skin with sunscreen products from CVS stores which are all SPF 15 or higher. It’s all about protecting your skin to stay fresh, young and healthy.

I’ve been a fan of Neutrogena since I was a teenager (literally, their Oil Free acne Wash was the first cleanser I ever used) and have found myself using the Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Moisturizer with SPF 30 during the summer. Sometimes moisturizers with SPF can leave your face feeling greasy (which is the worst!) But I’m happy to say this moisturizer is not one of them. Leaves your face feeling light and refreshed.

If there was anything I’d tell my younger self, it’s that skin care is self care. Taking those extra 5 minutes to wash that makeup off your face is worth it and to drink lots of water. Those really beautiful women whose skin you admire – they wear sunscreen (like Neutrogena Visibly Even Daily Moisturizer SPF 30 Sunscreen). And no, sunscreen doesn’t have to be thick and pasty. Do your due diligence and find the formula that works for you. And in the summer, you don’t have to cake on loads of foundation. When you take care of your skin, especially around your eyes in the early days, you won’t have to worry about things like crow’s feet for a while. For summer (because that SPF is necessary) the Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Eye Cream with SPF 30 is perfect. It’s light and a little goes a long way. It even makes concealer go on smoother. And yes, you’re young, Self, but it’s totally fine to take create a preventative skin routine. It’s better to prevent, than fix. A good moisturizer, sunscreen and eye cream creates a skin concoction that’ll have your skin glowing & healthy during the entire summer.

What are your go to beauty commandments when it comes to making sure your skin flourishes in the summer?

Let me know in the comments below!