Healthy Pregnancy

The 6 Beauty Items You Shouldn't Live Without This Summer

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Summer is one of my favorite seasons because it’s low key and so much fun! This summer we don’t have any big trips planned so I have high hopes of spending my days in the pool with my family, friends and their littles, soaking up all the vitamin D, chili seasoned mangoes and laughter I can handle!

But what I’ve realized is that being pregnant during the summer months can definitely be a challenge–our Southern California heat seems even hotter and the sunscreen ingredients just make me cringe! I am really careful about the products I use day to day, but I am especially careful while I’m pregnant. All those chemies can make their way into mama AND baby's bloodstream. No thank you Coppertone.

Choosing safe skincare and beauty products is everything to me. But it's not really about me, it's about protecting my family (those born and unborn) from the harmful effects of the toxic ingredients used. 

Plus, summer products are so important! They help protect you, nourish your sun-kissed skin and make you feel beautiful.

I like to keep things quite simple during the summer–it never feels good to me to cake on makeup or use greasy, stinky sunscreens. So as the temps rise and pool time becomes part of our daily routine, I’ve found myself turning to a few simple products and not a whole lot more. I wanted to share these beauties with you in hopes to encourage you on your non-toxic living journey and just share some tried and true favorites.

Each of these beauty and skincare products are as clean as they come, leaving out any toxic or questionable ingredients. This is so important, especially as women and mothers, because we tend to be the ones lathering our bodies in harmful products on the daily with potentially hundreds of toxic chemicals (and sometimes sharing them with our little ones). Swapping out your makeup and skincare products for cleaner, safer options can help improve your hormone health, fertility, weight, energy and so much more!

Beautycounter’s Countersun Spray

I just purchased the Countersun line a few weeks ago and have used it almost every day since, either on myself or on our daughter. This is not a chemical based sunscreen that filters the suns UV rays and uses skin irritating ingredients that have been linked to the collapse of coral reefs around the world, not to mention ocean pollution. Countersun is a mineral-based sunscreen that actually blocks the sun’s UV rays and is much safer for our bodies (and our oceans). Mineral-based sunscreens are also perfect for those with sensitive skin as well as babies and kids. Countersun also uses a non-nano zinc oxide which is basically larger particles of the mineral so there is no risk of absorption into the skin and therefore the sunscreen...it’s better to get zinc from oysters anyway!

Primally Pure Eucalyptus + Lavender Body Butter

This is the best post-swim/beach/river/sun-soaked day moisturizer you’ll find. Period. It’s thick and super hydrating and smells incredible. I’ve been using PP’s body butters for years, but this newer scent is my go-to these days. This is also the only thing I use on my growing preggo belly! I used it with my first full-term pregnancy and not one stretch mark!

*Side note–the sweet ladies over at PP shared a little discount code for my readers to use through June! Enter “ALO10” at checkout to get 10% off your purchase through June 30!

Primally Pure Charcoal Deodorant

Aka God’s gift to armpits...and to anyone close enough to smell you. I have been using natural deodorant for about 10 years and none of them ever worked the way I wanted (I’m talking rashes, funny smelling BO, itchiness, etc.) until I met Primally Pure’s deodorant. Instant chemistry, instant love. Sure they smell good, but most importantly their deodorant actually performs. Recently they added the Charcoal deodorant to their lineup (among a few other delights like geranium and tea tree) and I’ll just say this–I never leave home without a few good swipes (or the whole tube!). Deodorant can be one of the most toxic everyday products you use on your body so if you haven’t made the switch, let this be your sign! And don't forget to use promo code "ALO10" for 10% off your order through June!

Beautycounter’s Rose Lipsheer

My go-to makeup routine lately has been Tint Skin Foundation, Volumizing mascara, Rose Lipsheer and ta-da! Done! What I love most about the Lipsheers are that they are so moisturizing while still sticking around, unlike lipgloss. Rose is my fave, everyday (and night) color...little pink-little red perfection. I honestly never leave home without it!

Body Deli Cucumber Juice Elixir

Sunburn remedy extraordinaire! This toner is full of living ingredients like fresh greens, kombucha, chlorophyll and chlorella. Because of its fresh ingredients, you keep this little love in the fridge which makes it that much more wonderful when you spray it on sun-kissed skin. I also love to use it in the morning with a fresh face while I’m making breakfast (since it’s in the fridge!). It’s cool, smells so stinking delicious (like can we use this as a cocktail mixer!?) and super clean–perfect for that accidental sunburn!

Primally Pure Cleansing Oil

Have you ever heard of oil cleansing? It’s so awesome and the perfect night-time routine to begin this summer. Oil cleansing helps to pull out impurities while purifying and nourishing your skin. It’s good for all skin types and I’ve heard from so many women that after the initial adjustment (about a week or so), their skin balanced itself out! I’ve been using the Dry Skin Cleansing Oil for a few weeks and I am loving the nightly routine and what it’s doing to my skin! Here is a great “how-to” post written my dear friend and the creator of Primally Pure, Bethany.

*Don’t forget about that 10% off promo code for all Primally Pure purchase in June! Use promo code “ALO10” at checkout through June 30!

What are some of your go-to summer faves? Have you tried any of these ones? Share the love in the comments!

xo

Justine