A: SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. SPF value refers to a product's ability to block the sun's UVB rays. It is measured by the amount of solar energy necessary to cause a noticeable sunburn. This means that when you use products with a high SPF, more solar exposure is required to induce sunburn than when you use a product with a low SPF.

Q: What is the difference between UVA and UVB rays?

A: UVA and UVB rays are two types of ultraviolet radiation from the sun. UVA rays penetrate deeply into your skin and cause photodamage and skin aging. UVB rays are responsible for sunburn and are a major cause of skin cancers.

Q: Do higher SPF values provide more protection?

A: Interestingly, SPF protection does not actually increase proportionately with a designated SPF number. For example, SPF 4 blocks 75 percent of sunburn damage; however, it may not provide broad-spectrum protection. An SPF 15 screens 93 percent of sunburn damage; and an SPF 30 screens 97 percent of sunburn damage. Most products with an SPF 15 or greater will provide broad-spectrum protection against both UVB and UVA damage, such as our Mary Kay® SPF 30 Sunscreen*. And remember, UVA radiation causes photodamage and skin aging. Higher SPF sunscreens should be used to avoid sunburn; however, they should not be used to prolong sun exposure.

Q: If I apply an SPF 15 product and follow that with another SPF 15 product, will that give me an SPF of 30?

A: No. SPF values are not additive. If you use two SPF 15 products together, you get an SPF of 15. Remember that all sunscreen products should be applied liberally to obtain the labeled SPF value.

Q: Is it true that regular use of sunscreens leads to decreased vitamin D levels causing osteoporosis and even cancer?

A: No. Adequate vitamin D levels are easily maintained with a normal diet and minimal sun exposure.

Q: What can I do to protect my skin from sun-induced damage?

A: The best way to protect your skin is to minimize your sun exposure. Practice sun-safe habits by applying a skin care product daily with an SPF of 15 or higher, wearing clothing with a tight weave, a hat with an extended brim to shade the face and neck, and sunglasses to protect the eyes. All of these steps can help reduce the potential for sun damage.

Q: What is the proper way to apply sunscreen?

A: Always follow the manufacturer's directions. Most recommend applying a generous amount of product to dry skin 15 to 30 minutes before going outside to allow time for it to dry onto your skin. When applying it, pay particular attention to your face, ears, hands and arms, and generously coat the skin that is not covered by clothing. If you're wearing insect repellant or makeup, you should apply sunscreen before those products.

Be generous. You should use about one ounce or a "palmful" of sunscreen to cover your arms, legs, neck and face. For best results, most sunscreens must be reapplied at least every one to three hours and even more often if you are swimming or perspiring. Remember that some sunscreen can rub off when you dry yourself with a towel.

For those who stands a lot, always on the go, and are looking to revive tired feet and legs

Mint Bliss™ Energizing Lotion for Feet & Legs

A: Environmental Exposure

Everyday environmental exposure to sun, smoke and other pollutants can cause the skin's network of collagen and elastin fibers to deteriorate. The delicate undereye area is often the first place you see signs of damage. Left untreated, skin beneath the eyes can slacken, becoming more vulnerable to puffiness.

UV Damage

Chronic environmental exposure to free-radical damage caused by UV rays can increase the size and number of the blood vessels underneath the eye. This proliferation can lead to visible dark circles.

Aging

As part of the natural aging process, the layer of support under the eye – an area known as the infraorbital fat pad, essential for maintaining a youthful look – begins to break down. The result can be a shadowy, sunken look in the undereye area.

External Irritants

A number of external irritants – among them allergens, dust and pollutants – can cause the undereye area to swell, resulting in puffiness. Rubbing only makes the problem worse and is even thought to contribute to the appearance of dark circles.

Excess Melanin

Often caused by hereditary factors, excess melanin in the skin can appear as dark circles.

Q: How does the TimeWise® Targeted-Action® Eye Revitalizer help reduce the appearance of dark circles and puffiness?

TimeWise® Targeted-Action® Eye Revitalizer

A Beautiful Defence Against the Sun

Mary Kay® Sun Protector SPF 35/PA+++ is formulated to protect your skin from uneven tone, age spots and other sun damage. It delivers broad-spectrum protection – PA+++ is the highest UVA protection rating – in a lightweight formula just for the face. It can be worn with or without foundation or other color products.

Make Mary Kay® Sun Protector SPF 35/PA+++ the last step in your skin care regimen to power up your protection and help maintain a flawless complexion.

The

Essential

Makeup

Brushes!

Mary Kay® Brush Collection

– Professional-quality brushes

– For the perfect application

– Includes the must-have brushes for at-home makeup artistry:

Powder Brush – For dusting powder all over the face and décolleté.

Cheek Brush – Specially-designed brush for cheek color application.

Eye Definer Brush – Designed to apply the right amount of eye color.

Eye Crease Brush – Great for applying accent color to eyes and for blending.

Eyeliner/Eyebrow Brush – Perfect for grooming and for applying mineral eye color as an eyeliner accent or brow powder.

Comes in the Mary Kay® Cosmetic Organizer Bag, which has room for your Mary Kay® Compact, lip gloss, mascara and other makeup applicators.