More Than Makeup: Suntegrity

A few weeks ago my husband Nathan had a mole removed from his back. The doctor, after scaring me with facts and informing me that people with light eyes (like my husband) have a greater chance of getting melanoma, assuring me that is was probably nothing. We waited a week (why?!) for the results during which I silently worried and Nathan completely forgot about that little splotch being tested in a lab. Thankfully, it turned out to be nothing except an indication that he is capable of creating melanoma, which means being checked every 6 months. I had an uneventful checkup after pointing out every mole and freckle to my long-suffering doctor.

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. More than 3.5 million skin cancers in over two million people are diagnosed annually, meaning there are more new cases of skin cancer than the combined incidence of cancers of the breast, prostate, lung, and colon. As if this weren't bad enough, the most widely available sunscreens typically contain a combination of chemical filters that can penetrate the skin to the point where studies have detected them in breast milk. According to the Environmental Working Group, these chemicals can also cause skin allergies and disrupt hormones, raising toxicity concerns. The better choice is a mineral sunscreen that creates a physical, rather than chemical, barrier. I covered many of these in my Guide to Clean Sunscreen this summer.

Tricia Trimble created Suntegrity, her line of sun care products, in honor of her mom and others who have lost their lives to skin cancer. Knowing the importance of regular use, she created a mineral sunscreen that doesn't leave a white film and that is a pleasure to use daily. Suntegrity products contain UVA and UVB blocking zinc-oxide, anti-aging ingredients, and moisturizers that protect your skin.

I've been using the "5 In 1" Natural Moisturizing Face Sunscreen for a few months now and I truly love it. It's light like a BB or CC cream, but I find it still covers well. While it isn't exactly greasy like other sunscreens, it does leave me shiner than I would like; but I simultaneously cut down on shine and set the application with a light layer of pressed powder on top. My skin stays moisturized and the light application wears well throughout the day. I'll be interested to see how it performs during the winter months. If you don't want a tinted sunscreen, Suntegrity also carries a product that doubles as a primer, as well as mineral sunscreen for your body.

Please make mineral sunscreen like Suntegrity on your face and your most exposed skin a priority. Regular daily use of an SPF 15 or higher sunscreen reduces the risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma by 40 percent and the risk of developing melanoma by 50 percent. If you protect yourself and get checked annually you can catch problem areas early, which will significantly increase your survival rate. If you haven't been the the dermatologist for an annual skin cancer check, please schedule that now. 

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Ethical Writers Co. x Daniel Silverstein

The Ethical Writers Coalition are hosting our third event: a conversation with zero waste designer Daniel Silverstein. 

Daniel Silverstein is a NYC designer pioneering the art of zero waste fashion. The conventional fashion industry is incredibly wasteful with fifteen to twenty percent of fabric scraps ending up in landfills. Zero waste designers strive to use every scrap generated by their work. To that end, Silverstein recently completed The Piece Project, a limited-edition collection for this season using only what he had already in the studio. His sophisticated designs can also be found at Yoox, Bona Drag, and Saks Fifth Avenue.

If you are in NYC,  join the Ethical Writers Co. for a conversation with Silverstein over organic wine and cupcakes from Little Cupcake Bakeshop. Ask questions, get a peek at his studio, learn about his techniques, and educate yourself as a consumer on how you can positively impact the industry. Then, shop his latest collection with Silverstein on hand to answer all your questions!

Get your free ticket here.

Lauren of Trash is for Tossers modeling The Piece Project.

Even if you aren't in NYC, you can still check out Silverstein's unique collections on his website and on Yoox. 

Hover for information. Click to be taken to product.

This page contains affiliate links, which means I get a small commission if you sign up or buy something through the link (it doesn't change the amount you pay). I will only include brands that I believe in, that I would use myself, or think might be of interest to you.

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An Interview with Photographer Angela Lewis

Toronto photographer Angela Lewis reached out to me a few months ago and when I clicked through to her portfolio, I was blown away by her beautiful work full of candid portraits, fashionable shoots, and natural elements. Angela makes me want to be a better photographer and I admire her ability to capture the energy of her subjects, many of whom are female artists themselves. She takes great pleasure in photographing other women and has had that honor with Margaux Williamson, Sheila Heti, Margaret Atwood, and other women over the past year. What follows is a correspondence of questions and photographs that Angela and I exchanged over our shared love of photography.

Follow Angela Lewis on her website and Instagram, both inspiring outlets for her enviable talent.

When did you first become interested in Photography?

When I was younger, I would often ask my friends to stand in front of my point & shoot camera as they mimicked cheesy model poses. At the time, I didn’t think much about why I was getting satisfaction out of creating a set and dressing them up. For us, it was just a fun way to pass time in a small town. 

My grandfather had a darkroom where I’d watch him work; but again, I didn't necessarily think it’d be something I’d find passion for down the road. It wasn’t until I started working in the darkroom during high school, where I really began to enjoy photography and take it more seriously. All I ever wanted to do with my free time was to shoot and be in the darkroom learning, developing and printing.

How did you get started as a photographer? 

I attended Sheridan College for their two year, Applied Photography program. Before I started shooting full time, I assisted and produced for almost 3 years. It got me to meet people in the industry and see this time as an opportunity to acquaint myself with the workings of a photo job from start to finish. It allowed me to develop and accentuate my strengths, and discover solutions for my weaknesses. But at the end of the day, I always worked and pushed hard, while continuing to shoot my own work. Success in an industry like this is a relentless struggle, particularly in the beginning.

What is your favorite subject to shoot? 

I am incredibly curious about people, as they are the most intriguing to watch. When I take their portrait, I aim to get those ‘off’ moments, which in my mind, are their ‘on’ moments. Along with that, observing nature and objects captivates me just the same. In my photos, you will usually find I sync them all together.

Who has been your favorite person to shoot? 

There have been a lot of fond moments, but the shoot with Sheila Heti for The London Telegraph was first that came to mind. We shot in her home and shared homemade cookies, then ventured out to her front yard in Toronto during a snowstorm, with her dog running around us, as she wore a voluptuous and elegant vintage fur coat. 

What inspires you? 

I regularly look out the window watching the world and the moments within it. This is how I feel comfortable observing and fully taking in my surroundings. Seeing people interact with one another and being real is where I find most of my day-to-day inspiration.

What's your secret to making people comfortable for portraits? 

I'm able to read people easily, and quickly understand my boundaries within this newly formed relationship. Once I feel comfortable with them, they tend to feel comfortable with me and we can start relating to each other. It’s really important to me that I can connect with my subject and that they trust me. I often act a bit silly when I’m behind the camera, as that sort of thing comes naturally, but I also think it helps people feel at ease. I'm showing them I’m comfortable with being myself in front of them so they can too. 

In your experience, are male and female photographers treated equally?

It hasn't come to my attention that male photographers get treated differently than female photographers. I think a major element of my success getting editorial work in Toronto, was the fact that I am female. There was a not so discreet vibe that many photo editors were enthusiastic about the hiring of female shooters.

Tell us about your favorite project. 

I did a series for the Women by Women gallery during Toronto Fashion Week a few years ago. I combined young boys dressed in old school baseball uniforms with a female model wearing clothing and using props inspired by the sport. I’m very interested in creating a story within my fashion work, as well as combining contrasting roles.

What are you working on right now? 

I am working currently working on a photo postcard series with my friend Katie Lee to help raise money for our wonderful pal, Aaron Graves. He was recently diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor and many friends have come forward to help him and his family with medical expenses. We call it High Five Postcards, and it includes 6 different postcards with photos from our travels, including where we met Aaron in North Carolina. We started an Etsy shop and have had various Toronto stores carry the cards to show support. 

I especially like this project because it encourages snail mail, which is something I thoroughly enjoy and believe we’ve lost touch with in this generation. You may see the postcards and learn more about Aaron here: www.etsy.com/ca/shop/highfivepostcards

How would you describe your photography style? 

Calm, candid, real.

How do you improve your skills? 

Constantly be shooting and creating. If I haven't shot in a few days, I will walk around and try to find something to shoot. Even if I never look at the photos, it’s still important to exercise your craft. Also, communication with your subjects and having the ability to direct them is just as important and takes practice in itself.

Where do you like shooting best? 

I prefer shooting outdoors with beautiful scenery and light. The chances of natural elements from the world coming into play are the surprises I look for. Whether it be wind, water, light, strangers, animals etc. you’re always getting a little bit inspired each step of the way.

Do you have a favorite place to shoot in Toronto? 

I used to live right across from Trinity Bellwoods park, which is a cool destination for artists and dog owners in Toronto’s west end. I would often photograph friends and strangers here, since it was such a central location and had beautiful light throughout the day. Later on, I created a “street style-like” project called Woodies & Belles, which captured the fashionable people hanging around Trinity Bellwoods park.

Where is your favorite travel destination? 

I keep dreaming about going back to Budapest to see how the light changes throughout the year, but also really enjoy Berlin’s nightlife and New York City’s energy.

What do you like to do in your free time?

When I’m feelin' good, I like to explore the city and spend hours in magazine shops. On a day that doesn’t start right, I like to spend time close to any body of water. But most of all, cooking special meals with friends tops the list on any day.

All images by Angela Lewis.

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