No matter your age, this list is for everyone. Everyone should be thinking about protecting their skin during the summer months when the sun is extra intense. The following “essentials” are tried-and-true favorites that I have spent my hard-earned money on. I suggest these products because they work well for me. I’ve found these products through lots of trial and error and also suggestions from my esthetician (if you’re local I go to Beauty Bungalow–Denise is amazing and has helped my skin tremendously over the years) and other skincare professionals.

8 Natural Skincare Essentials for Summer

1. Whole Body SPF by Suntegrity 

I live in Florida, which means the sun is particularly intense here (scorching). When we’re out and about for long hours, on a walk, doing yard work, or at beach or park, I always use this sunscreen stick. It’s the perfect travel size for my bag and easy to apply throughout the day. This particular brand is non-toxic and rates incredibly well with the Environmental Working Group who puts out a non-toxic sunscreen guide each year. (Check out the other sunscreen options I like in this post.)

2. Tinted Sunscreen from W3LL People 

Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall: it doesn’t matter the season, this is my go-to daily makeup/sunscreen. A few years ago, my favorite esthetician, Denise, told me, “The best thing you can do to prevent premature aging of the skin is to wear sunscreen. It’s a must, an essential!” Ever since, I’ve been diligently wearing this sunscreen on my face every single day. I love that this sunscreen is tinted and feels thick like a foundation but doesn’t feel thick once on the face. I don’t wear any other makeup with this, except a translucent setting powder, a bronzer, and some blush on days when I want more of a “finished look.” (Check out my natural makeup favorites in this post.) Fair warning, this stuff tends to run pretty dark and orange. I use the lightest shade, even during the summer (I tend to have a lighter **read pale** skin tone. It’s the Swedish coming out).

3. Hats from Tula

I’ve become a summer hat girl. Not only does a good hat add great style to a summer outfit and covers up my 5-day old hair (I do eventually get around to washing it with my favorite non-toxic shampoo and conditioner), it also protects my face from the sun. I found this brand of hats from a farmer’s market vendor last year and I’m obsessed. The hats are great quality, are stiff and easy to clean, and have an SPF 50 rating.

4. Natural Deodorant

No one can live without deodorant during the summer. Deodorant should do two things: allow the body to sweat and keep icky odors at bay. If deodorant doesn’t allow your body to sweat (a very important detox path for the body–I recorded a whole episode on detoxing here), it’s time to ditch what you’re currently using and embrace the sweat without the funky odors. I love and use Schmidt brand (I like lavender), it works best for me and is easy to find. Piper, my 11 year-old, is getting near the deodorant phase and he’ll be using the same brand. I wrote a whole post on the best non-toxic deodorant options here. During the summer, you’ll probably need to reapply natural deodorant a couple of times to keep things fresh. It’s just part of the natural route. Embrace the sweat and reapplication this summer, your body will thank you!

5. Masks for Summer Breakouts

Sweating can equal in an increase in breakouts but so can harsh cleaners and exfoliators that strip the skin and disturb the skin’s natural microbiome and barrier function. I love this exfoliator/mask from Josh Rosebrook and this algae mask from OSEA (I have a coupon code for OSEA, live simply takes $10 off $90. I am obsessed with their face cleanser as well which I share about below.). If you want to go the DIY mask route, a simple betonite clay mask or yogurt mask are perfect for a summer skincare routine. I mask once a week during the summer months. I find this works best for my skin and keeps breakouts away and my pores clear.

6. Laurel Sun Serum for a Daily Moisturizer 

A few years ago, I switched from using lotion to an oil for my daily moisturizer, and I’m obsessed. My skin loves the richness of the oils and no, oil doesn’t make you breakout (well, some oils will make you breakout, like coconut oil, so this is why it’s important to use quality, nourishing oils that won’t make your skin breakout). I love True Botanicals True Radiance Oil and Laurel Skin. I use Laurel mostly these days and during the summer exclusively use Laurel’s Sun Serum as my daily morning and evening moisturizer as it “addresses the symptoms of overexposure to the sun.” All of Laurel’s skin oils are amazing. Just a couple of drops is all you need so one bottle will last all summer long.

7. Homemade After Sun Spray

There’s definitely a theme going here: the sun is not your skin’s BFF. The sun is amazing and has so many benefits but spending time in the sun can also lead to some unwanted skin situations both right now and in the long-term. When we’ve been in the sun too much, whether from a lack of sunscreen or forgetting to apply a sunscreen a few times in the day (after a long day at the beach), this homemade after-sun spray is soothing and takes away the sting of red skin.

8. OSEA Ocean Cleanser (or a good natural cleanser)

Wash your face daily during the summer, before heading to bed. We all need to be doing this all year long, but particularly during the summer when we spend more time outdoors in the heat and tend to sweat with makeup or sunscreen. I love this ocean cleanser from OSEA (pair this with the algae mask above and my coupon code live simply takes $10 off $90), it’s hands down the BEST face cleanser out there. It gently exfoliates and cleanses, without stripping the skin. The seaweed in the formula provides essential hydration for “clear, radiant skin.” If you want to go the homemade route, try this honey cleanser. And I share more natural cleanser options in this post.

What are you go-to summer skincare essentials?

The post 8 Natural Skincare Essentials for Summer appeared first on Live Simply.

I want to help you do the same.

I personally believe the best products to start with are the ones most often used. For me, this meant first swapping out my daily face cleanser, toner, moisturizer, deodorant, body soap, toothpaste, all-purpose cleaner, dish soap, and eventually makeup for more natural options. Slowly, as my old (toxic) products ran out, I would search for more natural replacements.

So far, as a community, we’ve talked about making the switch to natural toothpaste, dish soap, and all-purpose cleaner spray. Three products that many of us use on a daily basis.

This time we’re going to talk about one of the most important swaps: deodorant.

Most store-bought deodorant options contain less-than-desirable ingredients, including parabens (look for: methyl, ethyl, propyl, benzyl and butyl) and aluminum. Parabens and aluminum may mimic estrogen and disrupt hormones. According to Cancer.gov, “Because underarm antiperspirants or deodorants are applied near the breast and contain potentially harmful ingredients, several scientists and others have suggested a possible connection between their use and breast cancer. However, no scientific evidence links the use of these products to the development of breast cancer.”  

I would rather take the safe approach and limit my use of ingredients that may cause harm versus wait for any further evidence. The European Union takes the same stance, leading to the ban of over 1400 chemicals and ingredients in personal care products, including some parabens.

This is why deodorant is one of the most important swaps we can make. Deodorant is used in close proximity to a woman’s breasts, and it comes in contact with the skin on a daily basis. Why not take the safe approach and switch to a deodorant that uses safer ingredients?

There are two things to keep in mind when using a natural deodorant: 1. Do not apply deodorant after shaving if baking soda is used to make the deodorant (check the ingredient list). 2. Natural deodorant is meant to be used as a deodorant (used to mask odor and absorb wetness), not an antiperspirant (prevents sweating). Sweating is 100% natural and good for the body.

A good deodorant should allow the body to sweat without an accompanying odor. Natural deodorant doesn’t and shouldn’t equal body odor. A good deodorant should also absorb wetness, but shouldn’t prevent you from sweating. Also, staining can be an issue for some people, particularly if you wear white shirts often. If you find this to be an issue, try an unscented version of the deodorant. 

The deodorant I love may not be what you love and vice versa. Every person is different and it’s important to find what works best for you. That’s the amazing thing about community. We can all share what’s working for us and even what’s not.

Also, as of 2018 I no longer work with sponsors on the blog (to guarantee trustworthiness and authenticity). The products mentioned during our chats are based on what I’ve purchased with my own money and tried for my own personal use.

Homemade Deodorant

Deodorant is fairly easy to make. If you’ve made any natural products before, you probably already own the ingredients needed: shea butter, coconut oil, beeswax, arrowroot starch/flour, baking soda, essential oil.

Price: varies depending on ingredient sources.  

Primal Pit Paste

This is the store-bought deodorant I’ve been using for years. It’s easy to find (health food stores, Whole Foods, and Amazon) and affordable. It comes in both stick and jar options. I prefer the stick option.

Price: $8-$11

Lavender Deodorant Ingredients: organic shea butter, non-aluminum baking soda, organic coconut oil, organic beeswax, organic arrowroot powder, lavender essential oil, non-GMO vitamin E derived 100% from sunflowers

Schmidt’s

When I’m not using Primal Pit Paste, I usually go with Schmidt’s (if I’m not making my own deodorant). This deodorant can be found at most retailers, including: Walmart, Costco, Whole Foods, Target, and Amazon. Schmidt’s was acquired by Unilever in 2017. At this time, the ingredient list hasn’t changed. Schmidt’s makes a number of different scents, baking-free options, and stick and jar options.  

Price: $9

Rose and Vanilla Deodorant Ingredients: maranta arundinacea (arrowroot) powder, cocos nucifera (coconut) Oil, euphorbia cerifera (candelilla) Wax, butyrospermum parkii (shea butter), sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), caprylic/capric triglyceride (fractionated coconut oil), simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) seed oil, natural fragrance, tocopherol (vitamin E)

Primally Pure

This deodorant differs from the other two in that the company adds tallow from grass-fed cows. Non-nano zinc and kaolin clay are also used in this deodorant. Primally Pure also makes a charcoal deodorant. The only downside to this option is the accessibility. The deodorant can only be purchased from the company’s website. This is my current favorite! 

Price: $12-14

Lemongrass Deodorant Ingredients: arrowroot powder, organic extra virgin coconut oil*, tallow from grass-fed cows, organic beeswax, baking soda, non-nano zinc oxide, white kaolin clay, organic lemongrass essential oil *FAIR TRADE

Meow Meow Tweet

I’ve used the Meow Meow Tweet stick deodorant in the past with good success. I also recently tried the grapefruit baking soda free cream option, and was pleased with the performance. They also make the baking soda-free option in a stick form. 

Target just started selling Meow Meow Tweet (both the baking soda free option and regular option). The deodorant is also available through Amazon.

Price: $20-25

Baking Soda Deodorant Ingredients: *helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil, *maranta esculenta (arrowroot) powder, magnesium hydroxide, *+theobroma cacao (cocoa) seed butter, *+butyrospermum parkii (shea) fruit butter, helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed wax, sodium bicarbonate, *lavandula angustifolia (lavender) oil, citrus aurantium bergamia (bergamot FCF) peel oil, *cymbopogon flexuosus (lemongrass) oil, *mentha piperita (peppermint) oil *certified organic / +fair trade

Baking Soda-Free Deodorant Ingredients: *manihot esculenta (arrowroot) powder, magnesium hydroxide, *+cocos nucifera (coconut) oil, *+butyrospermum parkii (shea) fruit butter, *simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) seed oil, *citrus sinensis (sweet orange) peel oil, *citrus paradisi (grapefruit) peel oil, *citrus limon (lemon) peel oil, *citrus bergamia (bergamot FCF) peel oil *certified organic / +fair trade

Piper Wai Activated Charcoal Deodorant

If this deodorant was easier to find in stores (I’m a sucker for convenience), I would probably use it regularly. I’ve been super impressed with how well this deodorant works. The deodorant combines the power of activated charcoal, tapioca starch (instead of arrowroot), and baking soda. The deodorant is available on Amazon, the company’s website, and green beauty stores (like Follain).

Price: $16-20

Ingredients: cocos nucifera (Coconut) Oil, tapioca starch (Non GMO), euphorbia cerifera (candelilla) wax, butyrospermum parkii (Shea) butter, stearyl alcohol, sodium bicarbonate (aluminum-free), D-alpha tocopheryl acetate, magnesium hydroxide, activated charcoal, mentha piperita (peppermint) oil, eucalyptus radiata Leaf/Stem Oil, citrus reticulata (tangerine) leaf oil, citrus aurantium bergamia (bergamot) peel oil, salvia sclarea (clary) Oil, cymbopogon citratus (lemongrass) leaf oil, melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) leaf oil, thymus vulgaris (thyme) oil, eugenia caryophyllus (clove) leaf oil, lavendula augustifolia (lavender) oil, rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) leaf oil

Green Tidings

This deodorant reminds me a lot of Primal Pit Paste. The biggest difference is the use of vegan wax and magnesium in the formula. The deodorant is available on Amazon. 

Price: $7-14

Lavender Deodorant Ingredients: virgin coconut oil, shea butter (unrefined, fair trade), magnesium oil, manuhot esculenta (tapioca) starch, aluminum-free baking soda (sodium bicarbonate), wildcrafted candelilla wax (euphorbia cerifera), 100% pure lavender essential oil

Native

When I shared this list over on Instagram Story, reader friends reached out to share their obsession with Native Deodorant. I’ve tried Native and haven’t had great success with it compared to the other options on this list, but a lot of people absolutely love this brand. This deodorant is only available via the company’s website.

Price: $12

Ingredients: caprylic/capric triglyceride (fractionated coconut oil), arrowroot powder, stearyl alcohol, baking soda, shea butter, coconut oil, hydrogenated castor oil, polyglycerol-3 beeswax (cera bellina wax), jojoba esters, tocopherol (vitamin E), L. acidophilus (natural bacteria found in your body already), maltodextrin, glyceryl caprylate, glyceryl undecylenate. Scented deodorants include a proprietary blend of oils. Due to FDA recommendations, we use the term “fragrance” to refer to these oils.

Have you found a natural deodorant you love? What are you currently working on swapping out? What do you want to talk about next in the make the switch series?

The post Switching to Natural Products: Deodorant appeared first on Live Simply.

If you’ve been around Live Simply for long, then you know that I’m not much a frivolous kind of gal. I’m a lover of blue jeans and cute flats, simple homemade meals and easy natural solutions. Practical is the name of the game when you’re a mom living with two kids, six chickens, two dogs, and one patient man.

For this reason, most of the DIYs around here are practical–dish soap, laundry soap, glass cleaner, face soap, body wash, etc. I love a good pampering, but 99.9% of my life right now is about practical necessity, maybe with an occasional lip scrub or massage mixed in–every few months.

With that preface, let’s talk about a practical, fancy, and pampering DIY. Think of this little DIY, which takes an entire 30 seconds to make, as a little touch of summer pampering with multiple practical uses. Let’s talk about DIY Rose Moisturizing Spray , shall we?

Summer is the time of year when my skincare needs drastically change. My skin quickly shifts from a desire for thick moisture in the “winter” months (Florida winter) to hydration throughout the humid summer. I usually switch from my heavier skin and body lotion to a simple facial serum for light moisture. The serum sinks into my skin and provides the hydration my skin so desperately seeks.

I also add a moisturizing spray to my homemade beauty/self-care regime. A special spray sounds fancy and a bit frivolous, but it’s super practical. Homemade rose spray provides my skin with daytime hydration in the warmer temperatures, along with neutralizing body odor and freshening my skin. My moisturizing rose spray is made with just three simple ingredients, let’s take a look…

Rose Hydrosol: A hydrosol is the aromatic water that is leftover after steam distilling a plant. Hydrosols, unlike essential oils, are safe to use directly on the skin and offer many therapeutic and cosmetic benefits. Rose hydrosol may be used as a skin toner, room freshener, deodorant, and a calming or sensual spray. This floral hydrosol is suitable for all skin-types, making it the perfect spray ingredient to freshen the skin during the hot (and sweaty!) summer months.

Glycerin(e): Glycerin is a thick, colorless liquid used in many of my DIY recipes (for example: bug spray and body wash). Cosmetically, glycerin may be used a cleanser, toner, or moisturizer. Glycerin is added to this recipe for both toning and moisturizing benefits.

Witch Hazel: Witch hazel is a natural astringent. When mixed with aloe it may be used to soothe a sunburn, or by itself to help tone the skin. Witch hazel is added to this recipe to help tone the skin and provide a cleansing solution.

I called this recipe “practical,” so let’s talk about practical application. You know, the good stuff–how to use this floral spray.

My favorite uses for this spray include: a hydrating deodorizer after a sweaty workout (I started Insanity a few weeks. This is my post-workout skin freshener), a cooling mist after spending time in the sun, or a skin freshener/spray cleanser while traveling and my skin just feels dirty and oily. This spray may also be used as a moisturizing toner during the summer, which means you may be able to skip the toner/astringent and lotion or serum. Finally, this spray may also be used to freshen your armpits…I know, TMI, but it’s true. Moving on…

DIY Moisturizing Rose Spray is my go-to moisturizer/freshener all summer long. Go ahead, pamper yourself, practically. It feels good!

Print

DIY Rose Moisturizing Spray

Homemade rose spray provides my skin with daytime hydration in the warmer temperatures, along with neutralizing body odor and freshening my skin. My moisturizing rose spray is made with just three simple ingredients…

Course DIY

Cuisine Beauty, Body

Keyword Rose Moisturizing Spray

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 5 minutes minutes

Servings 1 /3 cup

Author Kristin Marr

Ingredients

• 3 TB rose hydrosol
• 1 TB vegetable glycerin
• 1 TB witch hazel

Instructions

• In a spray bottle, pour the rose hydrosol, glycerin, and witch hazel. Shake the bottle to combine the ingredients.
• Shake the bottle prior to application. Spray your face and body. This spray may be used as a facial toner (after cleansing and before a moisturizer), skin refresher during the hot summer months, and even a mid-day underarm deodorizer.

The post DIY Rose Moisturizing Spray (Toner or Skin Freshener) appeared first on Live Simply.

True friends care about the way you smell, which is why I’m writing today– I care about you! 

For many years, I was hesitant to stray away from commercial deodorant (think: Dove and Secret). My hesitation was rooted in two main issues: my physical address and a deep commitment to avoid body odor at all costs. When you put the two together–Florida and body odor– the results are far from lovely.

A couple of years ago, as I sat on my living room couch nursing my second child, my new mama alarm sounded. Now, this alarm wasn’t of the panic variety. More like a good alarm that triggers great change.

I had known for many years that most commercial deodorants were loaded with less than ideal ingredients, particularly formulas with aluminum, but due to the two factors we talked about earlier, I was hesitant to try alternative choices. My thinking changed as I sat staring into the blue eyes of my nursing baby. I thought about the number of times Londyn nursed a day (too many to count…she was quite the milk drinker) and the deodorant that was applied close to my breasts, and therefore, my nursing babe. Change had to be made!

Research commenced. I knew a natural, effective deodorant must exist, and making my own was definitely out of the question at the moment. After much research, I discovered a brand called Primal Pit Paste.  The ingredients were super clean and the deodorant was produced in Tampa (AKA: a Florida deodorant!). I purchased my first bottle of lavender deodorant and instantly fell in love. For over two years now I’ve been faithfully purchasing Primal Pit Paste from my local health food store or online.

Since my first natural deodorant purchase, I’ve learned how to make many (not all, but many) homemade products. After my latest jar of deodorant ran out, I decided to take a look at the ingredient list before tossing the bottle in the trash: shea butter, coconut oil, beeswax, baking soda, arrowroot powder, lavender, vitamin E oil. The “I can do it” spirit burned within my body as I read each ingredient. Because I make lotion, toothpaste, and bake muffins/bread, I already owned every single ingredient needed to make a copycat of my favorite natural deodorant.

The thought of conquering an activity I once deemed impossible was such a huge celebration (once the recipe was perfected) that I couldn’t just stop with one jar. Oh no, I created deodorant for family, friends, and neighbors. Yea, don’t make your neighbors deodorant; they will think you’re crazy!

“True friends care about the way you smell, which is why I’m writing today– I care about you!” Drumroll….

And now for the homemade recipe that says, “I want you to smell amazing, naturally. I love you!”

Print

DIY Homemade Deodorant with Lavender

DIY deodorant that makes you smell nice!

Course DIY

Cuisine Body

Keyword Homemade Deodorant

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes minutes

Total Time 15 minutes minutes

Servings 4 ounce jar

Author Kristin Marr

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup shea butter
• 2 TB coconut oil same oil used for cooking
• 3 TB beeswax pellets
• 3 TB baking soda
• 2 TB arrowroot flour starch
• 20 drops lavender essential oil
• 10 drops tea tree essential oil Substitute additional lavender in place of the tea tree, if desired.

Instructions

• In a double broiler (or a bowl placed over a pot filled 1/4 way full with water), over medium-high heat, bring the water (underneath the bowl) to a slight boil.
• Add the shea butter and coconut oil to the top bowl. Once the shea butter and coconut oil melt, add the the beeswax and stir frequently until all the ingredients are liquid. Remove the bowl from the heat.
• Quickly add the baking soda and arrowroot powder/flour. Stir the baking soda and arrowroot into the liquid ingredients. Add the essential oils, stirring to combine all the ingredients.
• Pour the deodorant into a 4-ounce Mason jar. The deodorant will solidify as it cools.

Notes

To Use: Scoop a small amount of deodorant from the jar and apply to your armpits. I avoid using this deodorant after shaving due to the baking soda. I opt to shave at night so I can use my deodorant in the morning.

The “where to buy” links provide links to the actual products I use. As always, I recommend shopping around online and at local stores for the best prices and products you love. Find my favorite DIY ingredients and tools, here.

Adapted from Primal Pit Paste.

Baking Soda Note: I’ve been using a baking soda deodorant (Primal Pit Paste) for over two years without any issue. My homemade copycat recipe also includes this ingredient. If you’re concerned about irritation, replace the baking soda with additional arrowroot powder/flour. I personally need the extra “protection” baking soda provides thanks to my extra sweaty and stinky genes and the Florida heat.

More DIYs You May Like:

DIY Homemade Bug Spray

DIY Honey Face Wash

DIY Homemade Peppermint Lip Balm

The post DIY Homemade Deodorant with Lavender appeared first on Live Simply.