Summer Means Clean Sunscreen: Part Two

Welcome to the Summer Means Clean Sunscreen series! As we enter the warmer months, I’ve declared it my duty to keep you up-to-date on all of the best clean, non-toxic sunscreens. Whether they are new releases or old favorites, I will detail them all so you can make an educated decision on which sunscreens to purchase for you and your family!

Today we’ll be looking into two fantastic brands, Kimberly Sayer and Badger. I am LOVING these two sun protection brands so much this season and can’t wait to give you all the details.

BADGER SUN PRODUCTS

Badger is a small, family-owned and family-friendly company nestled on the banks of the Ashuelot River in rural Gilsum, New Hampshire. They blend organic plant extracts, exotic oils, butter, and beeswax to make healing balms, lip balms, safe mineral sunscreens and other personal care products that work well and feel great on the skin.

I have three personal favorites.

Badger SPF 30 Clear Zinc Sunscreen Lotion

This is a brand new formula and technology! Badger SPF 30 Clear Zinc Sunscreen Lotion is a lightweight, easy to apply, non-greasy, everyday sunscreen lotion. Blocks the sun’s harmful rays with clear zinc oxide, a specialized zinc oxide powder with high transparency and low whitening. This is huge, obviously, as I hate looking like a pasty, sickly ghost when I apply many natural sunscreens.

The product acts like a non-nano particle in that it stays on the surface of your skin, however, it is actually made up of smaller nano-sized particles that are fused together into larger clumps so that no detectable nanoparticles exist in the product. The clumps are porous, like sea sponges, and their structure allows them to appear clear on the skin, making them a safe, effective and aesthetically pleasing option.

More details:

84% organic base ingredients and Clear Zinc Oxide
Super moisturizing base with 56% Organic Fair Trade Aloe
No added fragrance
Excellent UVA and UVB protection
Non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic – safe for sensitive skin
Reef friendly and biodegradable, no oxybenzone, no octinoxate
Certified cruelty-free and gluten-free
Non-GMO certified by NSF to NSF Non-GMO True North

However! I must point out that this product is not waterproof nor water resistant. If you are going to be in the water, definitely opt for the Badger Sport Sunscreen.

Bottom line – this soaks right into the skin and there is no whitish cast. It’s all I’m looking for when spending the day outside.

Badger Kid Sport Sunscreen

Another new formulation, the Badger Kid Sport Sunscreen is now SPF 40 and made with the same clear zinc mentioned above. Smells exactly like a creamsicle and it’s water resistant to 80 minutes. It’s hypoallergenic so safe for the most sensitive skin and the light fragrance is made with non-photosensitizing essential oils of Tangerine & Vanilla in a gentle Sunflower Oil base.

This is great for little kiddos!

Badger Aloe Vera Gel

Oh, how I LOVE Badger’s Aloe Vera Gel. It’s the cleanest gel out there – made with 96% pure, organic, fair trade aloe juice. It’s truly as close as you can get to breaking a leaf off an aloe plant. With its amazing moisturizing benefits, it delivers that feeling of instant relief we remember from our childhood days at the beach. Not sticky and NO ADDED SCENT – So good!

This also works so well while massaging your face Gua Sha-style AND I love using it as my conductor gel with my Nu Face device. More on that later. ;)

Okay, now let’s talk face! I’ve got some goodies for you.

KIMBERLY SAYER SUN PRODUCTS

Kimberly Sayer Ultra Light Facial Moisturizer SPF 30

Described as a product for oily or acne-prone skin or anyone that desires a very lightweight SPF for face, Kimberly Sayer Ultra Light Facial Moisturizer SPF 30 is my new favorite for the face. It is SO GOOD. In fact, I don’t know many skin types that wouldn’t love this lotion. This stuff soaks right in yet makes my face feel super hydrated at the same time. The scent is lightly citrus – not overpowering in the least, and it looks great under makeup. No sunscreen cast on the face at all, even in photos!

You know I love both the Hynt Sun Prep SPF and the Honua Malu, but this one has just rounded out my trifecta of face sunscreens. And the price? $33 which is fantastic for the full 4 ounces. I definitely recommned this product to anyone looking for a great facial sunscreen that doesn’t feel greasy or heavy in the slightest yet still feels hydrating on the skin!

Kimberly Sayer Anti-Oxidant Daily Moisturizer SPF 30

This award-winning protective SPF day cream absorbs easily and won’t clog pores or cause breakouts. It’s made with natural and organic ingredients including lemon oil to detox the skin, minimize oil production and help dry up acne. If you have super dry skin, this is the one I would go for.

The formulation contains live organic extracts, anti-oxidants and organic sunscreen to protect against free radical damage and aging. The anti-oxidant Beech Bud Extract helps to repair damaged cells deep within the skin and cold-pressed Borage Oil fortifies cell growth and provides anti-aging benefits. An excellent choice for dry or sensitive skin types.

A GREAT GIFT WITH PURCHASE

All of these products can be bought at The Choosy Chick and they are honoring a great deal for you all. From now until Sunday, May 5th, spend $50 or more at The Choosy Chick and get a free Badger Aloe Vera Gel! Your total can include any brands or products and don’t forget to use the code WHOORL for 10% off your order too! Bomb dot com.

Want more sun protection? Check out Part One of the Summer Means Clean Sunscreen series!

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My Favorite Kitchen Tools and Gadgets

Welcome to the #betterforyoucrew series! I’ve teamed up with my girls Lisa, Suzi, Kate, Kristina, and Caroline to highlight green, yet effective food, beauty and lifestyle products that are rocking our natural mama worlds. This series will publish the last week of every month so check back for the latest. You can also search #betterforyoucrew on our blogs and Instagram to access the entire series. Wanna join in? Tag #betterforyoucrew on social with your picks. We want to see your faves, too!

There are a lot of tools in my kitchen that get plenty of use, but these four are tops in my books!

Big Berkey

My Big Berkey water filter is the one thing I simply could not live without in terms of my kitchen and my family’s health. I started using a Big Berkey two years ago and have never looked back. It serves as our drinking water, our cooking water, and even our puppy drinks water from the Berkey.

Water quality is so vital to your health, and when I found out that my city’s water quality was questionable, I did tons of research on water filtration devices and systems. Berkey was consistently rated the highest so for me, it was a no-brainer.

The Berkey Water Filter is the world’s most effective (and most cost-effective) personal water purification system available. It uses gravity water filtration technology to remove toxic elements, parasites, bacteria and hundreds of other contaminants from water without removing the beneficial minerals, and without the use of any electricity.

I wrote in detail about love for The Big Berkey here, and I would still recommend it to anyone. Tons of my friends have made the switch in the past couple of years and they all love it as well. Once you know exactly what you are drinking, you will wonder what took you so long!

Rice Cooker

We are a rice-eating family. (Dear Paleo, it’s not you, it’s me.) Taco night, red beans and rice, grilled fish bowls…my rice cooker gets a TON of use at dinner time, but before we go any further, I have to ask. Do you like rice? Are you still preparing it on the stovetop? MY FRIENDS, listen to the voice of reason here. Get thee a rice cooker – it makes absolutely perfect, fluffy rice every time without doing anything but measuring the rice, pouring it in the cooker with water, and pressing a button. Seriously, what are you waiting for. #thatsnotaquestion

There are a lot of rice cookers out there, but the reason I love this one by Aroma is that the insert is stainless steel. No Teflon or non-stick surfaces to be found, which is important to me since high temperatures are involved. If stainless steel is an option, I will choose it every time. (And don’t worry about a mess! I just pour a little water into the insert at clean-up and let it sit there for a few minutes before cleaning it out. Easy peasy.)

Large Dutch Oven

At least two times a week I make stews and/or soups and my 5.5 qt Le Creuset Round Dutch Oven is always simmering on the stove. In fact, it’s so dang pretty that even when it’s not in use, it always sits on the stove in plain view. I personally have the Caribbean (aqua blue) color and it’s just lovely.

If you’ve never used Le Creuset before, the enameled cast iron is such a treat to cook on. It heats so evenly and I love being about to saute veggies in the pot before adding in my liquids. So good for braising and slow-roasting too! It is worth every penny.

Electric Milk Frother and Warmer

It’s been about twenty years since I’ve consumed caffeine, so coffee is out of the picture, but I certainly love a caffeine-free tea latte! Well, I leveled up this past year when I purchased this Electric Milk Frother and Warmer and started creating my own. While steeping my tea, I just pour a little bit of this or this in my milk frother, and in less than a minute, I have the frothiest, warmest non-dairy milk in town. I normally use gluten-free Oat Milk but will use Almond Milk in a pinch.

Looking for other kitchen tools and gadgets to add to your arsenal? Be sure to check out these posts as well!

Suzi from Gurl Gone Green’s Favorite Kitchen Tools and Gadgets
Kate from Root & Revel’s Kitchen Essentials
Caroline from Olive You Whole
Lisa from This Organic Girl’s Favorite Kitchen Gadgets
Kristina from Love & Zest

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Odds and Ends

1. What’s your creative type? I loved taking this quiz and my result (The Maker) was SPOT ON.

2. People wearing their inner thoughts on their skin. Incredible project.

3. LEGO creations inspired by classical art pieces.

4. How patriarchy is spoiling America’s next election

5. This lady really didn’t want to pay the baggage fee.

6. Best everyday cotton panties. Can’t believe how inexpensive they are.

7. Loving Aunt Fannies cleaning products for my house. Get 30% off your purchase with code WHOORL.

8. Can you imagine if Instagram photos didn’t have likes?

9. What’s the deal with Daenerys in Game of Thrones this season? Caution: be sure you are caught up with the episodes before reading.

10. Fitglow just released their Spring collection and it’s gorgeous. Today’s the last day to enter my giveaway!

11. Studies show mothers of tweens are more depressed than mothers of babies. Do you agree?

12. Have you tried Counterman for the guy in your life? I’m eyeing the Exfoliating Cleanser.

13. Trump isn’t too happy he has fewer followers than Obama and he’s taking action. #megaeyeroll

Happy Friday! May is just around the corner!

image credit: tracie andrews

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Summer Means Clean Sunscreen: Part One

Welcome to the Summer Means Clean Sunscreen series! As we enter the warmer months, I’ve declared it my duty to keep you up-to-date on all of the best clean, non-toxic sunscreens. Whether they are new releases or old favorites, I will detail them all so you can make an educated decision on which sunscreens to purchase for you and your family!

Today, I want to introduce you to a line that was one of my first clean sunscreen purchases years back and continues to be a favorite, Suntegrity Skincare.

Suntegrity Skincare was created by Tricia Trimble, in memory of her mother who lost her life to skin cancer. After losing her mom to melanoma, Tricia became a big advocate of wearing sunscreen and after several years of research and investigation, decided to develop her own sun care line.

Suntegrity Face and Body SPF 30 products use only the best known physical block ingredient (non-nano size zinc oxide) to provide broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection and super anti-oxidants and amino acids to enhance that protection and help with skin repair. Suntegrity was also awarded “Champion” Status by the Environmental Working Group.

MY FAVORITES

Impeccable Skin Broad Spectrum SPF 30, $55 – I have to say that my favorite of all the Suntegrity products is the newest release called Impeccable Skin. Now, if you are familiar with Suntegrity you might know that they have carried a tinted facial sunscreen for years. This is a great product, but I always wanted a little bit more coverage.

Well, Impeccable Skin is fantastic. It’s like skincare, sunscreen, and makeup all in one. It’s described as medium coverage, although I would call it light-to-medium. It’s really just that perfect amount to buff out the skin and give it a smooth, glowing appearance. Formulated without oils or silicones, this vitamin and peptide-rich technology visibly reduces the signs of aging while non-nano zinc oxide and melanin provide Broad Spectrum SPF 30 and blue light protection to help prevent any future damage.

wearing Impeccable Skin in the shade Buff

I love that this formula contains Vitamin C + E for brightening, as well as Hyaluronic Acid for long-lasting hydration. It’s free of Silicones, Oils, Parabens, Phthalates, Propylene Glycol, Mineral Oils, Synthetic Dyes, Sulfates, Paba, Nano-Particles & Chemical UV Absorbers. It’s Vegan and Reef Friendly too!

swatch of Impeccable Skin in Buff

The best thing for me is that it leaves a nice glow to the skin, but does not look greasy at all. Plus, it’s unscented for those of you who are sensitive to scents.

All in all, I deem this product #1 Overall in Tinted Facial Sunscreen. If you are looking for an all-in-one product (foundation + sunscreen), I highly recommend it!

Natural Mineral Sunscreen for Body SPF 30, $36 – This sunscreen for my body has been in my bag for years. It soaks in quickly and leaves my skin feeling hydrated, not greasy. It has a great citrusy, bright scent and never irritates my skin. However, if scents aren’t your thing, it comes in an unscented version too.

Moisturizing Face Sunscreen & Primer SPF 30, $45 – Finally, this is my recommendation for my dry-skinned gals out there. This SPF 30 Face Sunscreen is a rich, non-greasy, “UV chemical-free” sunscreen that offers Broad Spectrum Protection against damaging UVA & UVB rays. Infused with youth promoting antioxidants, this 3 in 1 Suntegrity Skincare product functions as a face moisturizer, sunscreen and make-up primer all in one. Hyaluronic acid, astaxanthin, red algae, aloe vera, jojoba, sunflower, pomegranate, cucumber, and green tea help rejuvenate, moisturize and hydrate the skin while non-nano size zinc-oxide protects the skin from the damaging UVA and UVB rays, as well as reduces the appearance of redness.

It is super hydrating and would be perfect for ladies looking for more moisture without getting into greasy territory!

GREAT DEAL THIS WEEKEND

Since today is Earth Day, Citrine Natural Beauty Bar is doing the best promotion! Starting today April 19th through April 22nd, for every $100 spent, you will receive a $20 credit towards your next purchase after May 22nd. This can add up quickly, so take advantage of it for sure! Here are a few of my favorite products from Citrine to get you moving in the right direction. Phosphene Highlighter | The Problem Solver Mask | Maya Chia Supercritical Oil | Fitglow Lip Serums | Kosas Lipsticks | Vapour Deodorant | Tata Harper Clarifying Mask | Tata Harper Regenerating Cleanser

psst – Also, on April 20th Citrine is doing a Tata Harper Gift With Purchase. Spend $200 or more on Tata Harper, and you will get a FULL SIZE 50 ml Hydrating Floral Essence. This can be combined with the Earth Day offer, so you could really get some bang for your buck!

As always, let me know if you have any questions in the comment section!

 

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Odds and Ends

1. Fashionable outfits for working from home. I can relate.

2. Love this new Do Not Disturb iPhone update.

3. How to pretend you aren’t high. Focus, buddy!

4. YES, it’s still expensive BUT IT’S 65% OFF HOW FABULOUS IS THIS BAG. Also, I love this bag by Rag & Bone and it’s 40% off.

5. While we’re on the subject of bags, do people really wear belt bags in this position? COME ON.

6. I think this is how zombies begin.

7. Millennials are the therapy generation. Gen Xers need to get with the program.

8. Newsflash: self-care is not an indulgence, it’s a discipline.

9. In the wake of Notre Dame, millions have been donated to burned Louisiana churches. Love it.

10. If women completed work based on their percentage of wages compared to men.

11. When classical art and graffiti come together.

12. Funny fashion fails. I’m partial to #5, #11, and #13 because of the sense of humor of a 13-year-old boy.

Happy Friday! Enjoy your weekend!

image credit: wicked good

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Best Clean Beauty Picks for Spring

Welcome to the #CleanOver40 Series! After MANY conversations about the unique challenges women over 40 experience in terms of beauty and wellness, my good friend Lisa from This Organic Girl and I are teaming up to bring you the most effective clean skincare, makeup, and lifestyle products for those of us fortysomethings. This series will publish the second Monday of every month so be sure to stop by for the latest. You can also search #CleanOver40 on our blogs to access the entire series. Be sure to tag #CleanOver40 on social with your favorite picks as well…we ladies of a certain age need to stick together!

wearing all the products listed below (except the exfoliator, of course)

Although these five products are great for just about anyone, my ladies over 40 will especially love them because they wear so well on the face. No creasing, no streaks…just honest to goodness glow! Here are my five must-haves for Spring.

Leahlani Honey Love Exfoliator – Look out, there’s a new (to me) exfoliator in town. Honey Love is a triple-threat 3-in-1 beauty, taking skin exfoliation to the next level. A potent blend of superfood maqui berry, tonifying hibiscus, anti-inflammatory noni fruit, stimulating clays, sweet Hawaiian nectars and microdermabrasion crystals, it gently yet effectively exfoliates the skin so good. Tone and texture are amazing after a go-round with this. And the scent, you guys? DELICIOUS.

Plus, I’m always a fan of Organic raw honey since it’s naturally antiseptic and antimicrobial, helping to thoroughly cleanse the skin and dissolve bacteria. A little Spring cleaning, if you will.

W3ll People Concealer in Light – I’ve loved this concealer for years. It’s lightweight, hydrating, and never looks patchy or cakey on my undereye area. The shade Light works very well on my light-to-medium complexion, especially in the warmer months. In fact, many days I blend it sparingly around my face and skip foundation all together.

Lily Lolo Bronzer in Honolulu – My favorite pressed bronzer! Honolulu gives me a lovely depth and the shade looks exactly like my skin when tan. Great for contouring as well –  not orange at all which is of the utmost importance. #nocheetoplease

RMS Champagne Rose Luminizer – This highlighter is so natural looking and doesn’t seep into the fine lines around my eyes. It’s the most subtle opalescent sheen on the face with just a hint of rose iridescence. Gorgeous.

Kari Gran Lip Whip in Cora Gold – I think I’ve talked about this shade 1,000 times in the past month, but it is so pretty! I’m not usually one to wear lip products in pots, but the color and texture are so unique, I am literally obsessed.

What products are you loving this Spring? Be sure to check out Lisa’s Spring picks too!

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Decorate To Sell Your Home – Brilliant Decor Or A Disaster?