Alba

Doing Drugstore

Doing Drugstore: Alba Kona Coffee Hawaiian After-Sun Lotion

I really, really can't stand synthetic scents.

I really, really can't stand synthetic scents. That's why Alba's Kona Coffee Hawaiian After-Sun Lotion ($8) was a delight to use. I picked it up after accidentally getting a sunburn on my ankles (Bella can miss a spot, too), but quickly realized that it was much more versatile than its name would suggest.

It smells like a fresh cup of vanilla hazelnut roast — nice early in the morning when I'm still a little bleary-brained — and my skin soaked it up almost instantaneously. There was no standing around in my necessaries waiting endlessly for my lotion to dry, and the scent lingered pleasantly but unobtrusively on my skin until after lunch. If you're in the mood to luxuriate in lotion, this isn't the product for you. But on days when you need to get out the door, I highly recommend it. It's a light, caffeinated lift when you need one most.

Facial Cleanser

Reader Review of the Day: Alba Pineapple Enzyme Facial Cleanser

The enzyme that gives pineapples their zing in beauty products is called bromelain, as it works to help dissolve impurities.

The enzyme that gives pineapples their zing in beauty products is called bromelain, as it works to help dissolve impurities. It's been a while since we've heard from Hippiecowgirl, so let's find out what she had to say about Alba Pineapple Enzyme Facial Cleanser ($13), a beauty product that contains this skin-smoothing enzyme in the ingredients:

This is a truly great facial cleanser. The pineapple scent makes me feel like I'm taking a tropical vacation every time I wash my face. Thankfully, it isn't too strong and doesn't linger so I'm not left smelling like a fruit tray. The pump dispenses a smooth, light gel. It doesn't foam up like some other cleansers because it isn't loaded down with artificial junk. This product leaves my face feeling silky and smooth all day. I have mostly oily skin and have found this cleanser to work wonders with keeping that at bay.

Now, it's your turn to share your likes and dislikes on the Product Reviews site, where your review could make it on this daily feature!

Sunscreen

Alba: Sunscreen That Actually Smells Good

Since my sunscreen from last year expired, I had to pick up another bottle.

Since my sunscreen from last year expired, I had to pick up another bottle. I happened to be at the health food store and saw the Alba Sunscreen on sale, so it peaked my interest. I'm not a huge fan of how sunscreen usually smells, but when I took a whiff, it actually smelled wonderful. It had a light, refreshing, floral scent, which must have been from the lavender, chamomile, and calendula I saw in the list of ingredients.

I bought some of the Green Tea SPF 30, which is part of their Hawaiian line, made from tropical botanicals, green tea antioxidants, and aloe vera. It's perfect for wearing everyday - not greasy at all, and soaked instantly into my skin, leaving it soft and smelling sweet. You can even go in the water with it on, and it'll keep protecting you for up to 40 minutes.

It worked perfectly while in the sun for 3 hours, and my skin felt soft all day. I'd definitely pick some of this up if you're looking for a new sunscreen that smells great and is also paraben and cruelty-free. Look for it in the beauty section of your health food store or you can order it online from Alternative Outfitters for $8.95.

Fit's Tips: Remember to apply sunscreen at least 20 minutes before heading outside, and reapply it every 2 hours.