Hey Y’all! Today, I’m sharing some of the things I’ve really been enjoying during the Spring & Summer months this year, including some beauty items, food items, and even a couple of fashion items!
Lets get right to it!
#1 – Pacifica Natural Sunscreen
First off, if you’re still using sunscreens that contain harsh chemicals…. STOP. Many believe that the harsh chemicals in most sunscreens can actually cause skin cancer. But, even if they’re wrong, it’s still not healthy to put chemicals onto the skin since they’ll be absorbed directly into the bloodstream via the skin.
When searching for a natural sunscreen, look for the active ingredient of zinc oxide.
I’ve tried many natural sunscreens over the years and while some work pretty good, some don’t work at all! So, I’m always experimenting with new brands. And, this year I decided to try the Pacifica Sunscreen from Target.
It contains an SPF of 30 (they also have SPF 50) and its free of harsh chemicals. It’s also 100% vegan and cruelty free.
So, the real question is…. does it actually work??
I’m giving it a solid YES!
I’ve used it about 10-11 times this summer and didn’t get a sunburn all summer long. And, one of those times, we were at the zoo for 4-5 hours in direct sunlight…. and, I’m talking about Houston, TX heat!! And, I didn’t turn red or burn at all!
So, needless to say, I was impressed. I’ll definitely be using this sunscreen again next summer.
Do you have a favorite natural sunscreen?? Leave your favorite in the comments below!
#2 – Astaxanthin
Astaxanthin is a supplement I take every single summer and have been for the past 3 years or so. It’s a very powerful antioxidant that’s part of the carotenoid family (i.e. carrots, sweet potatoes, etc.).
It’s actually the antioxidant that gives things like lobster & salmon the reddish/pinkish color on their skin.
Astaxanthin is very good for your heart, brain, joint pain, and overall inflammation. But, it’s also VERY good for your skin health. In fact, after taking it for 2-3 weeks, you’ll start to notice a “glow” to your skin that you didn’t have before.
The reason I take this supplement every summer is because astaxanthin also acts as an internal sunscreen making your skin more resilient to the UV rays of the sun.
I haven’t had a sunburn in the past 3 years, and I definitely credit that to taking astaxanthin and a good natural sunscreen!
#3 – Fleur de Vie Smooth Operator
Fleur de Vie’s Smooth Operator is a primer, but don’t let the name fool you! In fact, it reminds me more of a tinted moisturizer but better. Here’s why…
The Smooth Operator contains color-encapsulated technology that takes on the color of your skin tone when you rub it onto your face. With a tinted moisturizer, you have to make sure you get the right tint in order to match your skin tone. With the Smooth Operator, you don’t.
I LOVEEEE this product because I’m able to wear it all by itself and it gives me a super even skin tone with nothing else added to my face. I’ve been wearing it to the pool, shopping, family get-togethers, etc.
Anytime I want a natural look that’s lightweight while also giving me an even skin tone, I use this. I love this so much that I’ve already gone through a whole bottle this summer!
To get 15% off, use code KAYLA15
#4 – Spindrift Sparkling Water
I actually found these at my local Costco. And, anytime I crave a carbonated drink, I reach for one of these!
I love the fact that these contain no artificial ingredients and they’re low in calories, carbs, and sugar.
For instance, the lemon flavored one contains only two ingredients and three calories! Personally, my favorite flavor is the grapefruit. It’s so refreshing on a hot summer’s day!
#5 – Just Thrive Soil-Based Probiotic
Okay, so this isn’t something that I’ll just be using during the summer months. But, I just discovered it a couple of months ago, and I wanted to share it with you because it has changed my life!
Because I have a very sensitive digestion system (allergic to gluten), I couldn’t tolerate the lactic-acid based probiotics, which are the ones you find in most stores.
After doing thorough research on soil-based probiotics, I decided to the Just Thrive brand and boy did it work wonders on my digestion system.
With the lactic-acid based probiotic, it was upsetting my stomach, gave me headaches, and it just didn’t feel right. On the other hand, with the Just Thrive soil-based probiotic, my digestion improved tremendously, my bloating was reduced after meals, and even my mental clarity was better.
If you find that you can’t tolerate the lactic-acid probiotics… maybe you have digestive issues, an autoimmune disease, histamine intolerance, etc…. you should try a soil-based probiotic.
And, Just Thrive is the highest quality one I’ve found. I’ll be using this product daily.
#6 – Tarte Rainforest of the Sea Water Foundation
If you’ve followed me for any length of time, you know I have acne scars left over from the hormonal acne I had years ago. And, acne scars make it tricky when it comes to finding a good foundation that doesn’t cause the scars to stand out and doesn’t make your skin look “cake-y.”
When I came across this foundation, they claimed that even though the formula was thin (water-based), it would still give you full coverage. So, about a month ago, I decided to give it a try, and long story short… I’M OBSESSED!
I apply two layers to achieve the full coverage look; however, it doesn’t look cake-y nor does it sink into my acne scars very much! The longest I’ve worn this foundation was for about 8-9 hours one day, and it still looked fantastic by the end of the day.
I also love the fact that this foundation is paraben free and cruelty free.
If you have textured skin or you live in a humid area like I do (Houston, TX!), you need this foundation!
#7 – Epic Grassfed Beef Bars
During the summer months, I’m always on-the-go visiting family, vacationing, etc. I’m sure you can relate! And, it’s so easy to get off track with healthy eating while traveling.
So, I like to stash these Epic Grassfed Beef bars in my bag to hold me over between meals without spiking my insulin or blood sugars.
These bars are great because they’re grass-fed, low carb, and full of healthy protein and fats, which is a much better option that snack on sugary granola bars that will only leave you more hungry!
The Epic brand also have difference flavors, including the pastured turkey, chicken, pork, and salmon bars. So far, my favorite in the grass-fed beef.
These are a MUST if I want to stay on track while traveling.
#8 – Leopard Flat Sandals
So, I found these sandals at Target for only $22 and I’ve been wearing them all summer long!
I love the neutral tones because they’ll go with pretty much anything. And, the leopard print makes it so stylish.
I’ve had so many people ask me where I got these sandals this summer, and they can’t believe when I tell them Target!
But, I will warn you…. the first 2-3 times I wore them I got a small blister on my pinky toe so they do need to be broken in.
Once I broke them in, they were super comfy!
Also, they do run a little small. I usually wear a size 6.5 but I had to get these in a size 7. So, just FYI in case you’ll be ordering these online.
#9 – Marc Fischer Nude Espadrilles
I’ve been wanting to invest in a good pair of nude espadrilles for the longest! And, I’m very impressed with the Marc Fischer brand. These espadrilles are not only super comfy, but they’ll go with literally everything.
A good pair of espadrilles are a necessary summer staple. So glad I found these!
Well, I hope y’all enjoyed me sharing my summer favorites. If you have any items you’ve been enjoying during the Spring & Summer months this year, feel free to comment below!
