We live in Texas and spend big chunks of the year at the beach. Both of these places can be so unbearably hot and humid during the summer that the only sensible thing to do is sit on the front porch and drink (meebe that's why we all talk so slow y'all). As any southern Boomer brother will tell you, the weather and sun can play hell with your skin. By Labor Day, I usually look like 40 miles of bad road.
That's why I was happy to test Jack Black's Performance Remedy Skin Care line. I figured if it could protect me from an active summer spent in North Central Texas and the Alabama Gulf Coast it deserved a place on your bathroom shelf.
What I Tested
I tried four Jack Black skin care products: Turbo Wash Energizing Cleanser for Hair & Body; Body Rehab Scrub & Muscle Soak; Friction-Free Powder and Sun Guard Sunscreen SPF 45.
How They Performed
Turbo Wash Energizing Cleanser for Hair & Body
I'm not typically a big fan of "combo" products (you won't find any weed & feed in MY garage). Any product that says it can do two things, usually can't do one very well. Jack Black's Turbo Wash for Hair & Body has made me re-think that whole combo product idea. It actually works and works very well. As a shampoo, the cleanser left my hair clean and had almost a conditioner effect (does that make it a triple threat?). The body wash gave me a wake-up call the first morning I used it. It was invigorating and didn't leave any oily residue on my skin.
Body Rehab Scrub & Muscle Soak
I'm not really a "bath" guy, but I used this in the shower after a long day at the beach. The Scrub easily took the layers of sunscreen off my skin and it had a cooling effect (very nice after a long day in the sun).
Friction-Free Powder
Jack Black must believe in truth in advertising because it really does feel "friction free". The powder is light and goes on almost like a dry lubricant for your skin. It kept me cool and dry even in the heat and humidity of the Gulf Coast.
Sun Guard Sunscreen SPF 45
This sunscreen is promoted as being oil-free and very water resistant - again it worked great. I really put it to the test by applying it in the morning before some heavy landscape work - then cooled off in the pool later in the day. It worked so well that when Charlotte's sunscreen failed her, I applied a dose to her red shoulders for added protection. Jack Black saved her afternoon in the pool and kept her from a nasty burn. We'd give it 4 Thumbs Up.
What I liked
Each of these products lived up to all of their claims and - best of all - the scent isn't "girly" or overpowering. It reminded me of fresh cut grass with notes of spearmint, eucalyptus and juniper. The scent has a "clean" smell that's just light enough and very refreshing.
On the Shelf
Nordstrom, Bloomingdale's, Neiman Marcus, Sephora, Saks Fifth Avenue and www.GetJackBlack.com
Out of Pocket
Turbowash - $22; Scrub & Muscle Soak - $35; Powder - $18; Sunscreen - $20
Prepare your own Mexican quick fix with this Chipotle-inspired bowl. Carbs are moderated by filling the bowl with beans, extra veggies and chicken. No need for rice, since the beans count as carbs.
Tips:
If you love tomatoes, increase the quantity to 1/2 cup, but note that the carbohydrates will also increase.
If preparing this recipe for one person, cut all of the ingredients in half. Or simply prepare the full recipe up to the end of step 2 and store leftover chicken and vegetable-bean mixture in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave on High for 1 to 2 minutes, or until heated through, and continue with step 3.
Health Bite: The iron, calcium, magnesium, manganese, copper and zinc in black beans help to keep bones strong and healthy.
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