Summer is here and in full force! To make your life easier I’ve compiled a list of my top absolute must haves to get you through the summer time heat/activities with ease 😎 I’ve also partnered up to get you guys some really great discount codes but act quick because they’re only up for a limited time!
1. ORGANIC SUNBLOCK
This one is numero uno for obvious reasons. I live in Florida so it’s especially important that I keep my family and I’s skin protected & nourished. Conventional sunblocks are filled with tons of terrible chemicals and environmentally damaging ingredients but not to worry! Here is a list of safe Choose Love approved companies for you to pick from 😊. I provided a few options due to the fact that each contain different ingredients and some of you (or your children) may have allergies or sensitivities.  I’ve personally used all of these and not only do they all work GREAT but they are safe for our ocean’s reefs as well! I’ve listed them in order from lightest to thickest, meaning the thicker ones take a little more effort to rub in to get rid of the “white”.
Click on the brand names below to be redirected to their stores and use my discount codes for $$ off! Each brand also offers more than just sun block so be sure to shop around their sites 😉
CURRENTLY ON SALE – no code needed.
DISCOUNT CODE: “Chooselove” saves you 20% off
DISCOUNT CODE: “Chooseloveart” saves you 20% off
DISCOUNT CODE: chooselove15 saves you 15% off
**The Laguna Herbals also offers a face sun screen tin that is perfect for travel and goes on thinner than the stick formula.
2. ZEB’S BUG SPRAY
Not sure where you live but summer adventures in Florida means one thing – bugs. These annoying critters are relentless so my second must have in my summer bag is Zeb’s Organic Bug Spray. It is one of the cleanest non toxic bug sprays I have found with only 8 legit ingredients! I gave it the ultimate test for our Fourth of July night festivities and I didn’t get bit ONCE! This stuff WORKS.
Shop for bug spray here –>Â Bug Spray
3. EVOLVH LEAVE IN CONDITIONER / STYLING CREME
Again, not sure where you live but straightening/blow drying my hair in the Florida heat is seriously pointless…. like POINTLESS. This is why the Evolvh leave in conditioner spray and styling creme are my go to for the summer! All you have to do is wash your hair, spray the formula in damp hair, comb it through and let it air dry. DONE. You can honestly just use that product and be out the door but if you’d like a little more curl/wave, use a small amount of their styling creme in your palm and scrunch your hair with it. Let it air dry and you’re good to go! Not only do these products really work but they also contain UV protectant ingredients like Rice bran & Cumin Seed Oil to keep your hair safe from sun damage making it a double win.
Stay tuned for a full review on this line that also includes their shampoo and conditioner!
Shop Evolvh styling products here –>Â Evolvh
4. LUNCHSKINS
Have a beach day planned or an outdoor adventure? Lunch Skins are my new favorite way to pack our snacks and meals on the go! Ditch the plastic ziplock bags and try these 100% eco friendly pouches. They come in two forms – washable velcro or compostable paper in a variety of adorable patterns. The washable bags are dishwasher safe and come in two sizes while the paper option is a standard size that comes with a small adhesive tab to seal your food in tightly. For every LunchSkin you use, you are saving 500 plastic bags from sitting in a landfill so why not make the switch to these amazing products?!
DISCOUNT CODE: “3GM20” saves you 20% Off + Free Shipping
Shop for LunchSkins here –>Â LunchSkins
5. PACIFICA UNDERARM WIPESÂ
These are pretty much self explanatory as to why they made the cut! They are the perfect size for travel and come in an even smaller travel size if you don’t carry a huge purse like me. My favorite scent is the Pineapple but they have tons to choose from and they really do work. These are perfect for hot summer days when you need a quick refresher and don’t want to carry around a deo stick that can potentially melt in your bag.
DISCOUNT CODE: “PacificaLove” saves you 15% off
Shop under arm wipes here –>Â Wipes
6. Z SKIN SUNDOWN LOTION
We all want that summer tan but sometimes we get a little toooo much sun trying to get it. For these times I grab for my Z SKIN Sundown lotion. This lotion is made with simple organic ingredients (like all of their awesome products!) and helps to soothe dry, burnt, itchy and irritated skin. It has a soft minty/herbal smell and leaves the skin feeling refreshed and hydrated after being in the sun all day. This would also be a good option for your kids if they are sunburned and doubles as an aid for bug bites! Some of the ingredients include: Aloe, flaxseed, geranium, lavender, clove and grapefruit.
DISCOUNT CODE: LOVEARTZ20 saves you 20% off
Shop Sun down lotion here –>Â Sun Down
7. SPF LIP BALM
Often times are lips can be neglected during the summer but the truth is sun exposure can cause serious damage if they aren’t properly protected. One balm I use when we’re out hiking, at the beach or just experiencing the summer heat is my Laguna Herbal lip balm. They come in a variety of scents like Coconut, Chai (my favorite) and Spearmint that are made without any tint. They’re non gmo, made with certified organic ingredients and are oxybenzone free which is a popular toxic ingredient found in SPF’s. They are also safe for our ocean’s reefs!
If you prefer something with a little tint then my second suggestion would be the new Pacifica Mineral tint balm. It has the perfect touch of color (I use the “Nude” Shade) to give you that subtle natural makeup look while protecting your lippies. It also comes in a clear and pink shade as well.
(Pacifica “nude” shade pictured below)
LAGUNA HERBALS DISCOUNT CODE: “Chooseloveart” saves you 20% off
Shop Laguna Balm –>Â Lip Balm
** Pacifica Balm available in store only.
8. PACIFICA WATER RESISTANT MASCARA
Wearing tons of makeup outdoors or to water activities is obviously not realistic but mascara for me is a must to keep me from looking like a complete zombie hahaha. My go to for this is Pacifica’s Aquarian Gaze Mascara because it is water resistant and long lasting. It’s perfect for the sweaty outdoors since you don’t have to worry about smudging or raccoon eyes. I use mine in the shade “Abyss”.
DISCOUNT CODE: “PacificaLove” saves you 15% off
Shop Pacifica mascara –>Â Mascara
9. HYNT BEAUTY CONCEALERÂ
Like I mentioned above, wearing tons of makeup when heading outdoors isn’t realistic or advised but if you’re like me and prefer to at least cover up your circles or any scarring, then Hynt beauty concealer is for you. Its a full coverage cream based concealer that really gets the job done! It comes in a range of shades but I use the “light” option. A little bit of this goes a long way and is perfect to even out any darkness or spots without having to put on a full face of foundation. If you are looking for a light affordable summer bb cream though, I’d recommend trying out the Pacifica one & code PacificaLove will save you $$ 🙂
10. ROSE WATER SPRAY
Rose water spray is great as a toner after cleansing or under your favorite moisturizer. If I’m at the beach or outdoors for long periods of time I also use this to refresh my face and body. I alternate between my Herbivore Rose Hibiscus and Kali Rosewater Mist for a quick pick me up and hydration to my skin/face. Rose water has great benefits like helping to reduce redness, de-clogging pores and aiding sensitive skin.
**The Kali spray was featured in my luxury organic tampon subscription box which I have a full blog post about here –>Â Kali Boxes: organic tampon/pad subscription box |discount inside!|
And there you have my top ten picks to help you breeze through the summer heat and the activities that come with it. I hope you found this list helpful and I would love to know if you decide to try any of these out! Just a reminder most of these codes expire at the end of the month so don’t wait to shop 😉
Til next time,
~ Chantel
Any issue with items falling out of the lunch bags?
Not at all! The Velcro holds everything in place and the paper bags have the adhesive tab that also does the same 🙂 Seriously love these things!
Is there an recommend age minimum for the bug spray?
Nope! It would just come down to if your child has any sensitivity to any of the essential oils used & just be sure not to put on their hands of course. I use it on my 3 yr old just fine 🙂 here’s a complete list of ingredients for you to check through:
Active Ingredients: 30% Eucalyptus citriodora (Lemon Eucalyptus Oil),15% Ricinus communis (Castor Oil), 5% Azadirachta indica (Neem Oil), 4% Cymbopogon Winterianus (Citronella Oil), 3% Mentha Piperita (Peppermint Oil), 3% Cymbopogon Flexuosus (Lemongrass Oil) Inactive Ingredients: 20% water, 20% witch hazel.