Summer is FINALLY nearing and I can’t be more excited than I already am! With all the traveling, career opportunities, and simple leisure that come with our summer months, it is important to remain conscious of our beauty regimen and health. However, there are tons of chemical and animal based products on the market that will do you more harm than good. Therefore, I have listed five summer essentials that are perfect for the earth conscious beauty! Everything mentioned are products I have used and bought myself. By no means am I a beauty/health guru so don’t worry about this being some sponsored article, just an average gal who loves natural beauty!
1) Coconut Oil
We all know of the health benefits and multi-use of coconut oil, however what many people don’t know is that it great for SUN PROTECTION! For years I have used chemical sunscreens and I hated the way they felt, smelled, and how they prevented me from getting a healthy sun kissed glow. Contrary to popular belief, many commercial sunscreens contain chemicals that can harm your body and prevent you from absorbing Vitamin D, which is essential in preventing skin cancer and overall well being.
This summer, try to switch over to a natural sunscreen or go with the pure route of using organic, unprocessed coconut oil. My personal favorite brand is the Trader Joe’s Organic Virgin Coconut Oil, but any organic one shall do. Coconut oil has a natural SPF that block 75% of UV rays (75% = 45 minutes in the sun). It also allows the skin to tan beautifully which is a plus if you love the bronzed look! If you are in intense sun exposure, make sure to reapply and to use a floppy hat and a long silky wrap for extra protection.
2) Rosewater
If you are paranoid about smelling bad due to hot, sticky water, then rosewater will be your best friend! In addition to its beauty benefits, rosewater can be used as a natural body spray! Mix it in a spray bottle with water and other essential oils of your choice to create your own unique perfume. My favorite rosewater is from Heritage Store.
Hot, sticky weather can also lead to sweaty and greasy hair. Not only is rosewater an amazing natural fragrance, but it’s great as a hair refresher! I like to fill my spray bottle half way with water, and then add in rosewater and witch hazel. Witch hazel is a natural astringent so it will absorb excess oil in your hair. If you hair tends to be dry, make sure to add a few drops of jojoba or argan oil to keep your hair moisturized.
3) Tarte Amazonian Clay Powder Foundation
For those of you who love to wear makeup all year round, it’s important to have a foundation great for the hot summer months. Tarte Amazonian Clay Powder Foundation is not only a gorgeous makeup product, but it is vegan and free of harsh ingredients such as parabens, sulfates, and talc. This foundation is great for ANY skin type (especially for oily skin)! The formula is full coverage but for a sheer look, simply apply a small amount all over your face with a dense face brush. This foundation is breathable and looks better on your skin throughout the day. This is also a great time to use your rosewater as a makeup setting spray!
This foundation has great staying power so blot and touch up as needed. However, it is important to remember that foundation should never be worn for more than seven hours, as pollutants in the air can be trapped on the skin. If you are going out for a night of fun, make sure to remove all makeup from the day and reapply!
4) Protein Coffee
The words “protein” and “coffee” rarely ever go together, however this delicious recipe will curb all of your coffee needs! I’m a huge coffee lover myself, however the typical café mocha can be full of fat and sugar. Summer is a time where a lot of us will be more active than we normally are during others times of the year. Therefore, it is important to replenish our bodies and keep our energy levels high!
Garden of Life’s Organic Plant Protein in the flavor "Smooth Coffee" is a SUPER delicious coffee alternative. It contains 15 grams of protein as well as an enzyme and probiotic blend. It’s made with Marley Coffee and is a great supplement to a healthy diet. Now, if you’re like me and hate all protein powders for their texture, it is important to blend your protein powder in a Nutribullet or blender. I like to blend this protein with almond milk and natural cocoa powder for a delicious mocha taste. You can add agave or any natural sweeter of choice. Add ice to make it a frappe!
If this brand is too pricey for you, simply go with any plant based protein and add some chilled brewed coffee together with the above recipe. I suggest Whole Foods Market Plant Based Protein as an affordable alternative!
5) Bentonite Clay
With all fun summer adventures comes sweat and clogged pores. A face mask one to two times a week is essential in keeping your skin as clear as possible. You can pay for intensive masks at spas, but the best DIY face mask is simply pure bentonite clay! This clay can be bought on Amazon, Whole Foods, Ricky’s, and most beauty and health shops. It’s very affordable because it costs roughly 12 bucks and can last you a good year or two. Mix a tablespoon of bentonite clay with filtered water or lime juice to create an invigorating formula. Lime is antibacterial and can lighten hyper pigmentation on the skin. Once it's applied, you will literally feel your skin tighten and pulsate; it's crazy! Remove after 10 - 15 minutes and voila! Your skin will thank you.
Make this summer one of the best yet! Spend time with your loved ones and go on amazing adventures while feeling your best! More importantly, make sure to give your body the best quality and natural ingredients because...well...you deserve it!
