Tag: Travel

Why Wear Sunscreen in the Winter?

SURVIVING TILL SPRING – PART 1: SKIN CARE

Erin Leigh of She's Red Haute standing in snow wearing green coat

Most redheads are aware that although the warmth of Spring and Summer are absent, sunscreen is just as important in the winter.  When it comes to your face, the bitter air can have a harsh effect on the fragile skin that is left uncovered.  Finding the proper product for winter is key!  But why wear sunscreen in the winter?  There are a few great reasons:

Snow and Ice Reflect UV Rays  –  Similar to how you can burn easily when swimming in a pool, the sun reflects off the water onto your skin.  In the winter, you can be surrounded by snow and ice, which has the same effect.  Basically, it’s like laying in the yard with a vintage sun reflector from the 60’s.

Blond over tanned woman from the 60's using a tan reflector

Winter is Rough on the Skin  –   Cold wind and dry air results in skin being chapped over the winter.  Without the proper hydration and protection, your face will undoubtably take on a reddish hue and crack due to dryness.  Sunscreen creates a guarded barrier against these effects.   Like an umbrella for your face!

Baby with red face from cold and snow

Unfortunately, when it’s chilly outside, you don’t feel the sun’s cruel rays.  I kid you not, I was a Philadelphia Eagles game toward the end of the season where it was 38 degrees and SUNNY.  The sun was beating on us for a good portion of the game and my face got burnt!

However, I understand if you don’t want to feel greasy or smell like a pina colada all winter.  While Pina Colada’s are delicious, this is a valid complaint.

Coola Sport Classic Sunscreen on scarf She's Red Haute

I recommend using Coola Sun Care’s Classic Sunscreen.  It’s super thin and dries quickly.  I didn’t believe it at first since it is SPF 50, which is usually super thick.  But after I tested it for two weeks, I am a firm believer.  Also, you can try it in a clean White Tea scent... so bye bye coconut smell!  Some of their other sunscreen products also come in a fresh cucumber scent or you can go unscented.  A great winter perk: it’s also a moisturizer!  It protects and keeps your skin from drying out.   I recommend using it under your foundation.

This year, I have been making it a priority to use more natural products on my sensitive face.  What I love most about the Coola sunscreen is that it is certified organic and endorsed by the American Lifeguard Association!  It’s non-GMO, Vegan certified, and gluten and cruelty free!  Plus, it’s TSA size approved… so when you take that mid-winter island getaway, it can travel with you!

Coola Sunscreen in snow

No one wants a leathery face in 20 years due to lack of care year round.  Be good to yourself and keep those rays protected from your face!

Stay Healthy: Coola Sunscreen

CHECK OUT “SURVIVING TILL SPRING – PART 2: WHAT YOU WEAR“

10 Tips for Traveling to Greece – A Style & Travel Guide

Athens, greece, acropolis, outfit with brown skirt and black top, Santorini white houses,

Our trip to Greece was extremely memorable as it was my first time traveling to Europe!  I was left speechless at the views of Santorini and the historical significance of Athens.  I’m one of those travelers that likes to do a mixture of visiting tourist attractions, as well as assimilating with things the locals love.   Here are my Top 10 Tips for Traveling to Greece (Santorini & Athens)!

White houses in Santorini, Greece

1  GO TO SANTORINI IN THE FALL!!  –  Most people travel to the islands of Greece in the summer, which is fantastic if you want beach vibes.  However, in the early Fall, we experienced 68-72 degrees for our entire stay and it was PERFECT! We did quite a bit of walking up hill, and at that temperature, we were comfortable and could truly enjoy!  Plus there are less people, and in Santorini, that made a HUGE difference (see #2).  When planning outfits, wear a light shirt and jeans with a sweater easily accessible as some of the overlooks are breezy.

2  SANTORINI IS PACKED, BUT THE VIEWS ARE WORTH IT  –  Most of Santorini lies at the side of a steep mountain with narrow passages from one town to the next.  This creates a backup of people.  Fira, which is the town in the middle of the island, is a cruise line stop.  At a certain time of day, hundreds of people come off the ships and it gets crowded very quickly.  That being said, the views, especially from Oia, are absolutely breathtaking.

Stairs, black outfit with green jacket and over the knee boots, Amoudi Santorini, Greece

3  VISIT AMMOUDI… IT’S WORTH THE 300 STEPS!  –  Ammoudi, a fishing village tucked at the base of Oia, is worth every second.  There are a series of restaurants that have a more peaceful aura than the hustle and bustle of the city above.  Grab a glass of wine and enjoy.  The only issue? The 300 steps to get there… and yes, they are numbered.  Traveling down is fine, the issue is getting back up.  You have three options: 1. Walk back up (we took it as a challenge), 2. Pay for a donkey to take you up.  I kid you not, I tried but my boyfriend was not about it, or 3) Call a cab, which may take a while, I warn you.

4  SPEND MONEY EATING  –  The food in Greece is incredible!  As you are budgeting for your trip, save a hefty amount for eating!  Planning your meals is key for your trip.  Consistent walking = hangry quickly (…no, I don’t speak from experience).  I suggest getting a Donkey Beer by the Santorini Brewing Company and a Santorini Salad while on the island, which is traditionally tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, feta, and capers.  Naoussa is a great traditional Greek restaurant overlooking Fira. La Maison, a fine dining restaurant with a beautiful overlook, is expensive but delectable!  In Athens, EAT THE LOUKOUMADES!

Outfit with brown skirt and black top with over the knee boots Erin Leigh, She's Red Haute

5  PLAN OUTFITS WITHOUT HEELS  –  I can’t stress this enough!  In my brain, I was going to be a stylish fashion blogger and wear heels with my cute outfits. The look I’m wearing above depicts this, with my 70’s inspired skirt, H&M Top, and over the knee heeled boots.  But like I said, Santorini is on a very steep hill and you do a TON of walking in Athens.  So do yourself a favor and plan those cute outfits with flats!

6  ALMOST EVERYTHING IS WALKABLE IN ATHENS  –  When you gaze over Athens, the city looks so vast.  In reality, we found that almost everything is only a 20 minute walk away.  We saved a ton of money on cabs and enjoyed the walk in the 70 degree weather.

Redhead Erin Leigh standing in front of the Acropolis in Athens, Greece, She's Red Haute

7  STAY IN PSYRI  –  After Santorini, we were looking for a less tourist packed atmosphere.  We got an Airbnb in Psyri, which is home to a more local audience but only a 15 minute walk to tourist sites.  Also, the cost of the Airbnb was on point and we had a beautiful view of the Acropolis.

8  WALK TO THE TOP OF THE HILL OF THE MUSES  –  Of course visiting the Acropolis and many of the large attractions are 100% a must see! However, the Hill of the Muses, also known as Philopappos Hill, is so underrated!  It’s a bit of a hike, but at its peak, you’ll find the Philopappos Monument overlooking the best view of the city (in my opinion).  You can clearly see all the monuments, the Acropolis, and the entire city of Athens!

Theatre in Greece, jeans outfit with blue top, Vintage shop in Athens

9  EVERYBODY SMOKES… YOU’LL JUST HAVE TO GET OVER IT  –  While this is probably not news to most, I had no idea how common place smoking is in Europe.  I have become so accustomed to the non-smoking aura in the US.  My advice, get over it, it’s their way of living.

10  GO SHOPPING IN MONASTIRAKI –  Possibly my favorite part of the trip was  flea market shopping in Monastiraki.  This is not to be missed!  I recommend going on Sunday as there are a ton of extra sellers that come out to play!  And yes, you can negotiate prices.

Athen's City View

Overall, Greece is a beautiful country and I wish we had more time to explore.  It was a beautiful first visit to Europe with great food and nice people.  If you are traveling to Greece and you have any questions feel free to message me!