Sure, summertime can mean sticky, too-hot-to-think-days, but with these low-key summer essentials, you’ll be keeping your cool, no matter the weather!
Blue Heron Botanicals
Protect your pucker all summer long with Blue Heron Healing Lip Therapy. Made from deeply nourishing ingredients, these balms are like summer in your pocket (but guaranteed not to melt there!). Available in juicy berries, citruses, and mint, the totally adorable packaging is made from 100% PCW recycled paper and is home compostable! And with every purchase, a baby sea turtle is saved! True story! blueheronbotanicals.com
Pure Anada
We’re misting up over the nostalgic floral vibes of Pure Anada’s facial mists. Redolent of days gone by, one spritz and you’ll be transported to a deliciously-scented Victorian garden or sun-kissed meadow. Spray your way to bliss with rose-neroli or lavender-rose hydrosols that’ll help calm and hydrate your skin (these also serve double duty as an aprés-cleanser toner!) Made with certified organic ingredients, cruelty-free, and vegan. pureanada.com
Black Girl Sunscreen
Say ta-ta! to sunscreens that leave your skin looking pasty, ghastly, and flat-out frosted! Black Girl sunscreen protects your pelt without that messy white residue. Made with jojoba, avocado, and cacao, it’s reef-safe, vegan, paraben-free, and best of all, it dries clear! Made by women of colour for people of colour, BGS is working hard to raise awareness about the importance of sunscreen for all skin! (Psst! BGS has an SPF for kiddos too!) blackgirlsunscreen.com
River Organics
Organic, zero-waste, and summertime swoon-worthy? Take me to that river! River Organics has got low-key looks on lock with pared-down makeup sticks of goodness that rely on plant oils and organic ingredients. From their peachy, just slightly sparkly blush to their berry-rich-just-been-kissed lip stain, what’s not to love about these vegan, certified cruelty-and-conflict-free, cardboard-encased gems of purse-toting perfection?! riverorganics.org
Cheekbone
This Canadian, Indigenous-owned company has some serious zero-waste goals, recently launching SUSTAIN, a line of lipsticks light on waste but heavy on colour. Each tube uses 85% less plastic and is made from biodegradable paper (the whole tube is designed to come apart and be recycled!). Vegan, scent-free, and made by hand in small batches, swipe on the deepest of claret or the most vibrant of vermillion and take your look from day to allllllllright! cheekbonebeauty.com
Birch Babe
Up your wink game with Birch Babe’s zero-waste mascara. Buildable, lengthening, yet totally plant-based, toxin-free, and featuring organic ingredients, a few swipes with their plastic-free mascara will have you blinking à la Bambi! And while you’re at it, grab a Shampoo & Body Bar—embrace an end-of-day scrub-a-dub with one bar to rule them all and free that shower from plastic purgatory! birchbabe.com
