With the semester coming to end, we are all looking forward to longer and sunnier days and getting to bask in the sweet, warm splendor that is summer. Whatever your summer plans may be, whether you are traveling, working or even just spending time at home, here are some all-natural and cruelty-free beauty products that should definitely be apart of your essentials this summer.
The first ‘essential’ that often comes to mind when you think of summer is sunscreen; it’s basic but oh-so-important to protect your skin! A while back as I was just mindlessly scrolling through my Twitter feed, I saw a tweet about sunscreen that does not damage sea-life. Up until that moment, I had never even thought twice about the sunscreen I was applying and then going into the water with and how it might be affecting the sea-life, especially our reefs. A National Geographic piece detailed how when you swim with sunscreen on, “chemicals like oxybenzone can seep into the water, where they’re absorbed by corals. These substances can disrupt coral’s reproduction and growth cycles, ultimately leading to bleaching.” So, if you know you will be purchasing sunscreen ahead of your summer plans, consider brands that are committed to protecting the ocean’s reefs! A couple of these brands include The Honest Company, SunBum and the Package Free Shop (which has the added bonus of being zero-waste as well).
Summer makeup looks are the best looks, minimal, effortless and all about embracing your natural and sun-kissed glow. There are a lot of amazing companies out there that are devoted to approaching beauty and lifestyle products as ethically and eco-consciously as possible, promoting natural, cruelty-free and zero-waste products. Moisturizers and/or face oils (depending on your preference) are essentials for any skincare routine, especially during the summer! Package Free and Pure Anada are two companies dedicated to producing products that are not harmful and toxic, as well as affordable. While the motive to be as mindful to our environment is undeniably significant, these companies actually do make a difference by staying so committed to a limited waste, natural and cruelty-free lifestyle. On their website, Package Free states that they have been able to keep “an estimated 4,025,600 plastic straws, 3,061,240 plastic bags and 1,419,260 non-recyclable bottles and cups out of the landfill.” So not only would you be doing better for your skin by using natural and non-toxic products, but you would also be doing more for the environment by considering purchasing from companies such as these.
When it comes to makeup during the summer, less is definitely more, but that does not mean you can’t beat your face to the gods. Elate Beauty is all about cruelty-free products and sustainable ethics, they also have an incredible makeup line. Even though we tan during the summertime, bronzer is truly a year-round essential, Elate has a variety of bronzers and stunning creme blushes for that extra rosy touch of color! Another year-round essential is highlighter, never let anyone tell you that you are wearing too much highlighter!
Elate has both gorgeous pressed highlighters as well as crème highlighters depending on your preference.
Considering alternatives to harmful and toxic beauty products on the market is always a step in the right direction. Simply being more mindful and conscious with our consuming, will have a greater effect on our environment for the better. There is a multitude of reasons why we love summer, so show your skin the same kind of love this summer with these products!