Summer is Here!

Even though I am an adult and technically don’t get a summer break anymore, there is nothing more exciting than when the temps begin to rise and you know summer has officially arrived. I’ve had my fair share of trial and error (pls see pic above for failed zinc sunscreen trial). when it comes to effective summer essentials that aren’t toxic and enhance one of the best seasons of the year.

Bug a Boo

Primally Pure Insect Repellent — This insect repellent smells more like a perfume than it does repellent! I love it. It’s DEET free (obvs), is great for the whole family, and surprisingly effective even with its sweet scent.

Earthley’s Pest Aside— I love that this is a stick formula that can be easily concentrated in certain areas, like ankles, arms, etc. You’re also not inhaling a bunch of bug repellent with each application.

Plant Therapy’s Nature Shield— This is an essential oil blend you can add to a carrier oil or favorite lotion to add some bug protecting benefits. I’ve used this oil in my sonic diffuser in place of a citronella candle to help keep the bugs away.

Hydration Nation

Earthley’s Electrolyte Powder—Hydration is key for summer. We need more mineral during this time of year thanks to sweat, higher activity, and warmer temps. This is the CLEANEST electrolyte powder I have found. No stevia, dyes, or funky synthetic vitamins and minerals. That means it’s also easily DIY-able, but I know some appreciate the convenience of a prepackaged supplement that they can throw in their bag.

Harmless Harvest’s Coconut Water— AKA nature’s Gatorade. Chock full of potassium and easily digestible carbs to continue to fuel your fun in the sun without that dreaded dehydration headache.

Here Comes the Sun Protection

Beautycounter’s Counter Sun— Cleaner, non-nano zinc sunscreen is a must for summer, but finding one that blends well is always a challenge (again, pls refer to title pic). Beautycounter has cracked the code on exactly this, and makes using safer sunscreen fun and effective.

Beautycounter’s Dew Skin— If you’re looking for a sunscreen addition to your makeup bag, look no further than Dew Skin. This moderate to light coverage is perfect for an outdoor event or activity where you want that added glow (with protection).

Pipette Sunscreen— If you’re looking for a PUFA-free zinc sunscreen this is your gal. I have not personally tried it (yet), but I’ve heard rave reviews.

Earthley’s Sun Shield— If you’re not a fan of traditional sun protection (we don’t judge here, we provide solutions), try Earthley’s Sun Shield. Made with many fruit and plant oils, this helps enhance your skin’s innate defenses to protect itself from the sun.

Kossma’s Nilotica (KKM10 gets you 10% off)— This exclusive shea butter has some sun protecting elements to it, with a natural SPF 4. Which is a nice add on for protection. It’s also great to soothe post-sun skin.

North American Herb & Spice Vitamin E— Some call Vitamin E an internal sunscreen. It helps with inflammation (sunburn) and free radicals, and gives the skin nourishing vitamin E fatty acids to help it repair and recover from sun exposure and beyond.

Comfort City

Natalie Martin Sundress— Okay. Okay. Not exactly essential, but kind of necessary for a relaxed summer. (And a fashionable way to cover up from the sun if needed). I love my Natalie Martin dress. (You may recognize it, Busy Phillipps calls her’s Mr. Nightgown). It’s the perfect amount of a tailored and flow-y fit. It is a bit pricey, but I will admit I’ve had mine for almost 6 years and it still looks and feels new. I also love the Amazon Nightgown for a more affordable option with a similar style and feel.

Straw Sun Hat—The more research I read about the benefits of not wearing sunglasses (sunglasses impair and mess with your body’s internal awareness to the amount of UV rays you’re in, because they’re altering what your eyes can see/absorb), I’ve been eyeing (pun intended) a sun hat to help protect my eyes, but still give them the information needed to relay to my skin/internal defenses with sun exposure.

After Sun Care

Beautycounter Charcoal Mask—Pro tip: store this mask in the fridge for an extra cooling treat. I use this mask on bug bites to help draw out the nasties, on my face after a long day outside to help soothe and remove all the dirt/dust, and on my armpits if I need some extra support with mitigating BO.

Alitura Clay Mask— This bentonite clay mask is another great drawing mask. It has the added benefits of pearl powder and colostrum to help nourish and soothe angry skin.

Rose Water Mist/Splash— Another beauty product I love to store in the fridge. I use this as a refreshing mist to revive parched skin and frizzy hair. It’s also a soothing mist to use on sunburned skin.

Manuka Honey— This is one of my favorite remedies for cuts, scrapes, and sunburns in summer time. Just make sure you’re in for the night, because you can attract mosquitos and bees with this stuff. Manuka Honey is made from the pollen of Tea Trees in New Zealand, so they have added medicinal and anti-bacterial properties. It’s also great if you’re nursing a summer cold, just take a big spoonful.

(If you’re looking for allergy support, I’d head to your farmer’s market and find a local beekeeper with locally made honey and pollen to support you.)

Aloe Vera Gel—Aside from buying an aloe vera leaf and filleting and applying it to your skin (which you totally can do!) this is the "cleanest” gel I could find. Obvs, this is the OG sunburn support and it holds up.

I hope this helps! Happy Summer!