Best Sunscreens: A Consumer Reports Ranking

May 25, 2010 — A major consumers’ group has rated the sunscreens it says work best at blocking harmful ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B radiation that cause sunburns, wrinkles, and certain skin cancers.

Consumer Reports Health tested 12 products and found four it says protect a touch better than the others.

The top four are:

• Up & Up Sport Continuous SPF 30, by Target. It is administered by spray and costs $0.88 per ounce.
• Walgreens Sport Continuous SPF 50. Also a spray. Cost, $1.33 per ounce.
• Banana Boat Sport Performance Continuous SPF 30. Spray. Cost, $1.60 per ounce.
• Aveeno Continuous Protection SPF 50. Spray. Cost, $2 an ounce.

The products were tested in an outside laboratory, which checked product claims of how well their sun protection factor, or SPF, lasted on volunteers who soaked in water for 80 minutes. SPF rates the level of UVB protection.

The FDA has proposed a UVA star rating system for sunscreen labels of one to four stars to indicate the level of UVA protection. Currently there is no protection factor for UVA radiation on any labels.

The top four sunscreens provided “very good” UVA protection and “excellent” UVB protection, and met their SPF claims even after treated skin was in water for 80 minutes.

Each of the sunscreens had a moderately intense floral or citrus scent and left little residue on the skin.

Up & Up also received a “best buy” ranking from Consumer Reports Health. All four of the top brands cost a lot less than La Roche-Posay, which costs $18.82 per ounce.

Ranking below the top four were:

• Coppertone Water Babies, with an SPF of 50 and a cost per ounce of $1.38. It is a lotion.
• Coppertone UltraGuard Continuous rated a 70+ in SPF, costing $1.62 per ounce. Spray.
• No-Ad with Aloe and Vitamin rated 45 on the SPF scale, costing $0.59 per ounce. Lotion.
• Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist with Helioplex had a 45 SPF, costing $1.90 per ounce. Spray.
• Badger scored a PDF of 30, costing $4.83 per ounce. Lotion.
• La Roche-Posay Anthelios 40 with Mexoryl SX, scored a 40 SPF, costing $18.82 per ounce. Cream.
• Avon Skin-So-Soft Bug Guard Plus IR3535 Expedition scores a SPF of 30, costing $3.50 per ounce. Pump spray.
• Burt’s Bees Chemical-Free with Hemp Seed Oil got a 30 SPF, costing $4 per ounce. Lotion.

Consumer Reports Health says the active ingredient in Burt’s Bees, titanium dioxide, does not absorb the entire UVA spectrum as effectively as alternatives like avobenzone.

Avon, Consumer Reports Health says, makes no claim about protection from UVA rays, but the product doubles as a bug repellent.

Tips for Avoiding Sunburn

The report says sunbathers should buy sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, which it says is enough for most people, and that sunscreens also should be water resistant.

Adults looking for full-body protection should apply 2 to 3 tablespoons of lotion 15 to 30 minutes before going out into the sun. The screen should be reapplied every two hours or after swimming or sweating. It says putting on sunscreen spray when it’s windy can be a tricky proposition.

• Don’t spray or rub sunscreen on clothes, because the products can stain.
• People should wear tightly woven clothing and a hat, limit exposure in the sun, and seek shade during the hottest parts of the day.
• If the sunscreen you buy has no expiration date, write down when you buy it with a permanent marker. Discard at the expiration date, or when you’ve had the product for more than two years, when potency is often lost.

 “A top-performing sunscreen isn’t going to give you any protection if its smell or the way it feels on your skin is so offensive to you that you won’t use it,” Gayle Williams, deputy editor of Consumer Reports Health, says in a news release. “The Aveeno Continuous protection spray is one of the mildest in terms of scent and leaves a bit of a greasy residue that is mild compared to some others. But if you prefer that beach scent, you might try the Up & Up by Target or the Walgreens Sport Continuous.”

The article is published in the May 25, 2010 issue of Consumer Reports.  Tip:  Purchase sunscreen prior to traveling to Costa Rica.  Sunscreen in Costa Rica is really expensve!

Haute Living, the lifestyle publication for the super-rich, recently published an article about Mead Brown Costa Rica.  The magazine will be featured at a party given by Candy Spelling in December.  Mrs. Spelling’s Holmby Hills home, The Manor, is offered for sale at $150 million.

Costa Rican Luxury Adventure of a Lifetime

By Erika Thomas

Mead Brown has answered the call for a vacation experience that truly delivers in this gem of a country bridging North and South America.

Villa Firenze at Los Suenos Golf Resort and Marina

Created by vacation connoisseurs Mark Mead and Michael Brown, Mead Brown strives to create unforgettable, luxurious ravel experiences. The cofounders, who once enjoyed successful careers in the U.S. working with princes and presidents, diplomats and debutantes, are quite the duo that, as Brown explains, “perfectly balance one another. We are completely different in personality, but we have wholly complementary skill sets.” Those impressive skill sets are what have made them the go-to guys for Costa Rican travel.

Their inventory of properties in the land of la pura vida includes everything from condo units in the über-posh Vista Las Palmas, villas at Manuel Antonio National Park or in Los Sueños Golf Resort & Marina, and remarkable grand estates. The crown jewels of the property portfolio includes Punto de Vista, a 10-bedroom, all-inclusive event manor situated on an acre of tropical rainforest.  As Brown divulges, “The owner conceived it as a yacht on land. It’s perfect for a wedding, special birthday, corporate group function, or large family gathering.”

But what really catapults Mead Brown into a category all their own is their commitment to over-the-top concierge services. “We are so much more than just a vacation rental firm,” Brown says, explaining that if a client can imagine it, they can make it happen.  From personal chefs and Dominican cigar rollers to scheduling spa appointments and arranging yachting excursions, Mead Brown attends to virtually any desire with over-zealous attention to detail. “Once a guest called and requested a case of Cristal.  There was none in the whole country, so we had it helicoptered in from Panama,” says Brown.

Their ability and commitment to over-deliver on their promises to guests and owners is what has allowed the company to grow leaps and bounds, despite the global economy in 2009. “Our success is driven by our ability to fulfill the needs and expectations of the sophisticated North American traveler that had previously been unmet in this market.”  He explains that when traveling to Costa Rica, the American luxury connoisseur wants to be enveloped in the natural beauty of the country, but still wants the creature comforts of the modern lifestyle to which they are accustomed.

According to Brown, the draw to set up shop in Costa Rica was “the awe-inspiring landscape, stable democratic government, and the high literacyrate, which at 96 percent is higher even than in the U.S. People here are educated and genuinely friendly,” Brown points out.

“Americans are attracted to Costa Rica specifically for the adventure,” he says, “the monkeys the flora, the fauna.  Think of the migration patterns of animals such as birds and whales between North and South America; because they all pass through or by this very narrow bridge of a country we have an incredible abundance of nature all around.” Brown is dead on; Costa Rica boasts more than 1,000 species of butterflies, 1,300 types of orchids, and is a world-class sport-fishing destination for sailfish and marlin.

Mead Brown clients can fly private into San Jose, where they are then transported to a tropical vacation oasis by helicopter or Mercedes shuttle.

Our friends at Luxury Latin America wrote, “In just a few short decades, Costa Rica has gone from some little backwater that nobody visited to being the most popular destination in Central America by far. Costa Rica has some decent beaches, but the main draws here are activities in the great outdoors.

“Costa Rica has long been a beacon of stability in the region, with a democracy that’s over 100 years old, a literacy rate of 95 percent, and the highest standard of living in Central America. There are a lot of natural superlatives in this country as well. Arenal Volcano is Central America’s most active volcano. Some five percent of the world’s species are found on this small plot of land, including more species of birds than the U.S. and Canada combined. A quarter of the country is devoted to protected lands and parks and the government here has been far more enlightened about environmentally friendly tourism than most other countries anywhere.

“Don’t plan on having the whole place to yourself though. The secret has been out for ages and this is one of the most popular destinations for North Americans, drawing over 1.5 million total visitors per year. A fair number of those visitors never made it back home: this is a popular place to retire to and buy or build a dream home.

“The good side of all this traffic is that upscale facilities are quite good, the better guides speak English well, and staffers aren’t just figuring all this out as they go along. Some of the eco-tourism pioneers are based here, so eco-friendly lodges and hotels that “think green” are more prevalent than those that are not–a welcome change in the luxury market.

“Don’t plan a Costa Rica trip around colonial history and sightseeing. Instead come here to find jungle adventures, white-water rafting, hiking, mountain biking, and then a bit of beach living” in a luxurious vacation rental villa, private home or condominium on Jaco Beach, at Los Suenos Golf Resort and Marina on Playa Herradura, or Manuel Antonio.

Follow Mead Brown on Twitter (@MeadBrown) for special deals available only to followers.  Offers may include accommodations, meals, clubs, tours, transportation, lessons, chefs, plus inside info on what’s happening in Jaco Beach, Manuel Antonio, Los Suenos Resort and other vacation hotspots in Costa Rica.

Casa Mono Loco is perched above Los Suenos Resort, Herradura Bay and the Pacific Ocean

Designed by Ronald Zurcher, Costa Rica’s most esteemed architect, Casa Mono Loco is a distinctive rental villa within the Los Sueños Resort & Marina, yet it offers secluded splendor. With dramatic, spectacular vistas of Bahia Herradura, the resort and the surrounding rain forest and nature preserve, Casa Mono Loco also affords maximum privacy. Recently upgraded, redecorated and refurbished by the new owners who pay homage to the architectural integrity and beauty of the original. 

 The open and clever design of Casa Mono Loco allows one to experience the monkeys, toucans, scarlet macaws, other sights and the sounds of the surrounding lush, tropical rain forest from the comfort of your private Shangri La. Satellite TV and VOIP with free telephone calls to the U.S. and Canada.Three air-conditioned bedrooms with private en suite bathrooms. The master with king-sized bed is a detached pavilion, providing maxium privacy. The Dome Room bedroom has two full beds and a domed ceiling. The Coral Room bedroom also has two full beds. Every room has a spectacular ocean view. The living area is an open air rancho beyond which is the pool with an infinity edge that melds into the blues of Herradura Bay.

Casa Mono Loco is the only house on the very quiet road; you’ll have no human neighbors! If you seek tranquility and to be at one with nature but desire comforts that are more than civilized, this is the home for you. Yet you’ll have access to all the amenities of the Los Suenos Resort, including the spa, marina, shops, restaurants, golf course, room service from the Marriott Hotel, casino and more just two minutes away by car. The blossoming beach town of Jaco is 10 minutes away and Manuel Antonio National Park is about 75 minutes away.

A proud mother who's just laid a nest of Olive Ridley turtle eggs

Last night my buddy Raul and I met up at the Back Yard Bar and Grill and then drove the six or so miles to the south end of Hermosa Beach (Playa Hermosa) just 10 minutes from Jaco; the last five miles were all within the Tulin Playa Hermosa Refuge, a nature preserve established by the government about eight years ago. The north end of this beach is where the World Surfing Games were held during the first week of August 2009.

Four of the world’s seven species of marine turtles nest on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica — the Pacific Green, Leatherback, Hawksbill and the Olive Ridley.  Forty-seven beaches on the Pacific Coast have been identified as having turtle nesting activity

The Olive Ridley turtle lays 70-120 eggs at a time, and typically lays two-three batches per year. This is one of the many interesting bits of info shared by Raul, a Costa Rican who knows so much about his beautiful country, including its history, flora and fauna. 

Tulin Playa Hermosa Refuge on Costa Rica's Pacific Coast

Our mission was to walk the beach looking for turtle tracks, which lead to nests of just-laid eggs. Mostly we walked by moonlight; it’s easier to see the tracks. Occasionally we turned on our red-light flashlights to check out whatever dark mass was in our path (always just a large log or beautiful piece of driftwood, typically from an ancient growth tree struck down by age and the elements).  Artificial light disorients the turtles; they navigate by the light of the moon.

Raul has experienced so much of Costa Rica. While walking toward the mouth of the Tulin River and the 100 or so crocodiles who call it home, he told me about fishing in there and catching rooster fish and huge snook.  At a river further south, he met an old guy in an ancient canoe who had told Raul about the crocodile who ate his dog.  Enraged at losing a loved companion, the old guy killed the 12 foot long croc with a grappling hook.  When Raul expressed disbelief, Cocodrilo Dundee took Raul to his hut and pulled the croc skull with teeth out from under his bed.  Sr. Dundito had eaten the dog-eating croc!

I asked Raul what croc tastes like and his response was the one heard the world over, “Like chicken!”  My high school chum Tammi Mclaughlin wrote on Facebook, “I’ve actually had crocodile and I think it tastes like not much of anything with a nice rubber texture to boot!”.

Olive Ridley turtle laying eggs

Once at the river, we shined our flashlight across the broad waters and were met by the reflections of about 20 red dots. Each dot represented one eye of a croc hunting in the river (the second eye of each was on the other side of their head and not seen by us).

We walked back to the nursery where about 100 nests are covered by protecting wire mesh (to help keep raccoons and other predators out) and surrounded by a wire mesh fence.  We found that one nest had been destroyed by ants and all the eggs had been ruined.  Better luck at the next nest, where one baby turtle had hatched and was somewhere in his hour-long process of waking up and gathering energy for his journey to the sea. With a gloved hand (to protect him from our insect repellant and other forms of contamination), the tortugito (baby turtle) was carried to the water’s edge, where he was gently washed out into the Pacific with the next small wave. 

I said a silent prayer for his health and well-being and imagined what changes the world would see during his lifetime, which could be 70 years. (Another Bush presidency? China’s world domination? Scott Miller becomes house trained again?)

We then walked up the beach in the other direction, looking for a momma turtle making her way to lay eggs.  What we found were fresh turtle tracks.  She had made a roundtrip, which means the eggs had been buried above the high tide mark.  We found the nest, dug up the eggs, counted and placed them in a plastic grocery bag.  Turtle eggs—Olive (so named for their color) Ridley turtle eggs—do not have a hard shell.  The eggs are squishy, softer even than a hard-boiled egg that’s been peeled. 

Turtle eggs being laid; think "squishy ping pong ball"

I carried the eggs to the nursery and re-buried them in the sand, within the protective enclosure. Of the 106 eggs, 85 or so will likely hatch. Those nearest the top of the nest (a hole dug in sand, elbow deep) will likely be female, those on the bottom will likely be male. Gender is determined by the temperature during an early developmental stage (eggs nearer the top are made warmer by the sun).

With our one hatchling safely launched and our eggs buried, we called it a night. I cannot wait to return; Raul is a terrific guide. Easy company and very knowledgeable.  His family has grown coffee in the San Ramon area of Costa Rica for generations and Raul sells it via a web site he built.  Check out the site; better yet, order a few bags for yourself and friends; Finca Rica (rich farm) ships to the U.S., Canada, Europe and elsewhere.

A just-hatched Ridley turtle making its way to the Pacific Ocean

When you come to Costa Rica for an adventure vacation off the beaten tourist path, let me know and I’ll hook you up with Raul.  His specialties as a guide are outings that are “non-touristy” and include surfing, fishing, waterfalls, coffee farm tours, snorkeling and this hands-on turtle tour at the Tulin Playa Hermosa Refuge.

This weekend Raul is heading to Playa Camaronal in the Guanacaste region on the Northern Pacific Coast for “arribada” (mass arrival) of Ridley turtles. Check out Christopher P. Baker’s blog for an excellent description of this wonder of nature.

"Mass arrival" of Olive Ridley turtles coming to lay eggs

Casa Playa Vista is available for vacation rental. The location next to Manuel Antonio National Park and guest access to a semi-private beach make this home an ideal holiday retreat.

Casa Playa Vista is a remarkable, contemporary luxury home located in the heart of Manuel Antonio with access to a secluded beach. The villa’s prime location provides tremendous privacy, stunning views and a beach below the house that awaits just you. With more than 6,000 square feet of air-conditioned living space on three levels and four bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms, this spacious retreat provides ample room for gathering as a group and for quiet time away to read, nap and relax.Casa Playa Vista is rented by the week, from Saturday-Saturday. Please call or email Mead Brown Costa Rica Vacation Rentals directly to inquire about a shorter stay in this rental home.

The unique floating bridge entrance along with the media room that has a full wall projection TV, full bar, wine refrigerator, ice maker and complete entertaining area that opens to a water feature are just a few of the many custom touches that makes this villa stand out from all of the others (plus access to your semi-private beach!). Every room of this fabulous retreat is wired with an iPod-compatible touch pad stereo system.

Granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and almond wood floors are just a few of the deluxe finishes in this home. The massive master suite features a mini bar, refrigerator, coffeemaker, Jacuzzi tub, dual shower heads, double sinks and a walk-in closet. Each guest room has a private terrace. The open floor plan with floor to ceiling sliding doors surround the main living area and 10 foot ceilings throughout, provides fantastic scenery from every angle, including the infinity pool with a sit down bench to watch the vibrant sunsets.

This fantastic home has both ocean and mountain views. Wildlife including monkeys, exotic birds, sloths and domestic ox are frequent visitors to the property. The villsa is located on virgin land that the owners have had in their family for decades, which makes it one of the most special and desirable spots in Manuel Antonio.

Hotel-like services and amenities at this luxury estate include daily maid and personal laundry service (regular wash items only and minimal weekend hours), 24-hour security guard and your personal concierge manager to assist with planning your exciting vacation prior to your arrival, coordinate your transportation from San Jose Airport and arranging car rental, scheduling spa treatments and tour reservations, and any other request you may have to ensure your stay is relaxing and stress free. Mead Brown would be delighted to arrange for a private chef to shop, prepare, serve and clean up for one, all or as many meals as you desire.

Other vacation rental homes in the Quepos and Manuel Antonio areas available through Mead Brown Costa Rica include Casa de Frutas (3 bedrooms), Casa Maravilla (6 bedrooms), and Punto de Vista (10 bedrooms, all inclusive).

A Trip to Costa Rica is Good for your Health

Love nature, food and art? Monte Azul is perfect for you.

This past weekend I re-charged at Monte Azul Boutique Hotel + Center for Art & Design near Chirripo, the tallest mountain in Costa Rica at 12,228 feet (as a frame of reference, Mt. Rainier in Washington state is 14,441 feet). Fishing and swimming in the really cold and beautiful river, hiking and seeing many species of birds, the community dance on Saturday night, amazing meals in the organic Cafe Blue, a really comfortable and thoughtfully designed casita decorated with world-class art, and goat cheese from the resident herd were all highlights. 

Casita Amarilla was my comfortable home for the weekend

All of the casitas have first-class original art, really comfortable beds and bed linens, a spa-like bath with watery Italian tile and hand-made soap, a kitchenette perfect for brewing a cup of the organic coffee grown on the preserve, plush robes and lots of light.  Each casita is situated for maximum privacy.  I left my windows and doors open for most of my stay for the full effect of being in nature.  No worries about creepy crawlies here!

The staff at Cafe Blue–led by Sherry Lee West–lovingly, artfully and professionally prepared and served some of the best food I’ve had the pleasure of tasting in Costa Rica.  Much of it was grown, raised or made on site.  Randy, the many-talented visionary-host-owner (there are 3) of Monte Azul, made the goat cheese served with fruit and a glass of wine in my casita just after arrival.  Randy also made a pumpkin pie that rivals any made by my grandmothers!  The bar in Cafe Blue is a “must see”; much of it is a beautiful work of art created by Alvaro Gomez.  Cheese-making in the Swiss style with a local family is one of many offered activities.  This is on the list of “to experience” for my next visit!   

The light, trees, orchids and bromeliads all combine for maximum lushness

Carlos Rojas Jara is another of Monte Azul’s visionary owners with many talents.  He’s an artist and host with something interesting to say about many topics.  His Monte Azul creation delights one’s senses of smell, taste and sight.

Cafe Blue at Monte Azul features locally-produced, organic food perfectly prepared and attentively served

The climate at Monte Azul is perfect for me (I’m from the Pacific Northwest of the U.S.); it’s considerably cooler than Jaco, Los Suenos Resort, Manuel Antonio, Dominical, Tamarindo and other popular beaches along the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica.  The topography, scenery, flora and fauna are all quite different, too.  A perfect vacation for someone visiting Costa Rica for a week or more would be to stay at one of the beaches mentioned and then at Monte Azul.  It’s about 2 to 2.5 hours from Manuel Antonio, 1 to 1.5 from Dominical and 3 from San Jose. 

Activities in the immediate area of Monte Azul include whitewater rafting, horseback riding, cooking lessons, cheese-making lessons, yoga and massage, hiking, birding, trekking, swimming and fishing in the river (I did both and found the really cold water invigorating; the current is swift and the fish are impossible to catch, but what a way to spend an afternoon!).

For families or small groups, the newly completed Villa Palo Alto is a really special place to spend a week.  The contemporary design fits perfectly into the land; the 1,100 square foot great room opens to a magnificent view of the valley with the rain forests and cloud forests above and beyond.  The home is filled with art from some of the most talented artists active today.  (The owners have art galleries in New York City and San Francisco and Monte Azul has a an artist in residence program.) 

I could go on and on.  The bottom line is that Monte Azul provides all the comfort in a stunningly beautiful setting that anyone who loves art, food, nature and life needs to create memorable experiences they’ll remember for a lifetime.  I hope to make this my home away from home, with a retreat to the mountains every couple of months.  It’s that special and that restorative.

(CNN) — Forget Disneyland! Costa Rica is the happiest place in the world, according to an independent research group in Britain with the goal of building a new economy, “centered on people and the environment.”

Costa Rica is known for its lush rain forests and pristine beaches.

In a report released Saturday, the group ranks nations using the “Happy Planet Index,” which seeks countries with the most content people.

In addition to happiness, the index by the New Economics Foundation considers the ecological footprint and life expectancy of countries.

“Costa Ricans report the highest life satisfaction in the world and have the second-highest average life expectancy of the new world (second to Canada),” the organization said in a statement.

They “also have an ecological footprint that means that the country only narrowly fails to achieve the goal of … consuming its fair share of the Earth’s natural resources.”

The Central American country, tucked between Nicaragua and Panama, touts its lush rain forests and pristine beaches. Its president, Oscar Arias Sanchez, won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1987 for trying to help end civil wars in several Central American countries.

This year’s survey, which looked at 143 countries, featured Latin American nations in nine of the Top 10 spots.

The runner-up was the Dominican Republic, followed by Jamaica, Guatemala and Vietnam.
Most developed nations lagged in the study.

While Britain ranked 74th, the United States snagged the 114th spot, because of its hefty consumption and massive ecological footprint.

The United States was greener and happier 20 years ago than it is today, the report said.

Other populous nations, such as China and India, had a lower index brought on by their vigorous pursuit of growth-based models, the survey suggested.

“As the world faces the triple crunch of deep financial crisis, accelerating climate change and the looming peak in oil production, we desperately need a new compass to guide us,” said Nic Marks, founder of the foundation’s center for well-being.

Marks urged nations to make a collective global change before “our high-consuming lifestyles plunge us into the chaos of irreversible climate change.”

The report, which was first conducted in 2006, covers 99 percent of the world population, the statement said.