When SPF Does Double Duty (And Nobody Tells You...but then somebody tells you)

Sometimes the best beauty discoveries happen when you're not even trying

Hello, Gorgeous!

I’m kind of obsessive about reading skincare labels (well, it is my job). Sometimes, though I’ll give a quick scan to find the one thing I really care about. In this case, it was SPF 50. Sun protection? Check. Done. Moving on.

The Murad Resurgence Super Active Moisturizer had been sitting in my routine for a few weeks, quietly and efficiently SPFing (I know that’s not a thing) while I went about my business. Sure, I noticed it said "wrinkle fighting" on the tube, but when testing this one out, I was in Florida mostly concentrating on keeping my face from turning into a sun dried tomato.

Then something unexpected happened. Two people—people who have never willingly given me a compliment in my entire life— randomly mentioned how great my skin looked. Not glowing, not radiant, but specifically great. That's when I paused to retrace my steps.

When I’m away from home and not using my normal skin routine, my face isn’t always happy about it. And yet suddenly people who wouldn’t…