A Little Bit of Sunshine

I’ve been listening to songs with the word sunshine in the title all morning. No particular reason other than it’s sunny outside today in my neck of the woods (Marin County), and the temperature is at that sweet spot where it’s warm enough to go outside in jeans and a t-shirt. It’s so nice!

If only it could always be just a little bit warm but not too hot – maybe I have to move to Hawaii for this? I’m still manifesting that one-story house in Kailua with a white picket fence and pink roses. LOL!

Anywho, if you have a pick-me-up playlist, add these three sunshiny songs stat.

Sunshine on me

A little bit of sunshine

I’ve got a pocketful of sunshine

While we’re on the topic of sunshine, I recently discovered the wonderful world of Korean sunscreen. They get so much hype amongst derms and skincare enthusiasts online, and now I see why they have such a devoted fanbase.

I’ve got three in my arsenal right meow: Innisfree Daily UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 36, Laneige Hydro UV Defense SPF 50+ and Etude House Sunprise Mild Watery Light SPF 50+.

Side note, all of these brands are owned by Amore Pacific, and I write for Innisfree and Laneige.

Some quick thoughts…

Innisfree Daily UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 36

The tube is decently sized and you get a good amount for $16. While all three sunscreens have a lotion-y and light texture compared to American sunscreens, this one is relatively thick compared to the other two and not as moisturizing. It doesn’t feel as weightless as the others, for sure. I wish the SPF was higher, but if I’m working from home, it does the trick. Oh, and this one smells the most sunscreen-y. I like it enough, but I probably won’t buy another bottle.

Laneige Hydro UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 50+

Oh my gosh, SO GOOD that I just put a jumbo-size tube in my cart! Absolutely lovely, and very much like the Shiseido sunscreen that I used and loved for years, but even better because it’s more moisturizing and feels even lighter on my skin. I love that I can reapply it throughout the day, and it doesn’t feel heavy or sticky. Layers well underneath makeup, too. I don’t mind the light, floral scent either. A pretty, dewy finish that’s not too shiny. My dry skin loves it. It’s currently on sale now on the Laneige website, by the way.

Etude Sunprise Mild Watery Light SPF 50+

Believe it or not, this was a Mother’s Day gift from El Hub and Connor! I love it, too. It’s the lightest and thinnest in texture of all three, almost like a gel, and it just melts right into my skin. Like Laneige, it’s a joy to reapply. Now, it’s not as intensely moisturizing as Laneige, but it should be enough if your skin isn’t excessively dry. The scent is kinda lemony and fresh. Very light. A perfect summer sunscreen for very hot days! You can find it on Amazon.

One last sunshiny-related bit. Cookbooks make my heart sing, and here is the latest edition to my library.

So, I’ve actually never made Korean food before, and I’m kind of intimidated by all of the elements involved in a Korean meal. Apparently there’s a lot of side dish action! While I live for a bevy of side dishes, especially ones involving veggies or various fried dumplings and whatnot, I don’t know if I could handle cooking an entire Korean meal with all the fixings by myself. It seems like a lot to juggle!

Have you cooked Korean food before? Where should I start?

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen