An active life brings many things with it: joy, more energy and livelihood, improved health, a sense of community and socialization to name a few. Unfortunately, it also brings sweat and body odor, sun damage and dry skin. It can be challenging to balance an active lifestyle with our beauty routines. I can’t even tell you how many times I’ve almost not done a certain activity because I just washed my hair haha. Luckily we live in a time when there are so many good products to ease some of the pain so that we can continue to gain.
I have been through my share of product testing and I know that many of you, like myself, are also looking for clean, low to non-toxic products that actually work. This is where the challenge lies because unfortunately many of the chemicals that make a product last longer or smell better are often times the ones that aren’t good for us. So without further ado, below are some of my favorite products and the reasons why they have made it onto my all-star list.
Necessaire The Suncreen 100% Mineral Suncreen for Face and Body SPF 30
This one is a fairly new discovery for me and has quickly become a daily staple of mine. Fragrance-free, rubs in nicely and leaves very little white cast, which is usually a major deterrent for me when it comes to a mineral sunscreen. It is non-nano zinc oxide mineral based and non-toxic, infused with skin hydrators like hyaluronic acid and panthenol and bonus, comes in a really chic bottle. This sunscreen is perfect for outdoor sports or just for day to day use, but it is not water-resistant, so if you plan to go swimming etc, you may want to use my next product on the list. Retails for only $35, which is, in my opinion a really great price since you get 150ml out of it.
Salt & Stone Natural Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30
Also 100% mineral, non-nano zinc oxide and non-toxic, but has the added benefit of up to 80 minutes of water resistance. This one goes on much thicker than the Necessaire sunscreen and does leave a white cast, but if your main concern is actually non-toxic sun protection during water activities, this product is for you. It has a really light but very pleasant botanical smell and is also infused with antioxidants like green tea extract and ashwaganda as well as hydrators like hyaluronic acid to keep skin from completely drying out. Also comes in really cute packaging, (which clearly I’m a sucker for) and retails for $24 on Amazon.
Jan Marini Physical Protectant Tinted SPF 45
This might be one of my favorite products period, but definitely during those summer months when the SPF 45 rating comes in handy. Jan Marini is known for her incredible skin care products and this is no exception. Comes in a non-tinted version, but I specifically love how the tint looks amazing and helps to blur the skin and even everything out. I do not wear face makeup on a daily basis due to my active lifestyle, but with this product I really don’t feel like I need to. It is a completely zinc and titanium based physical sunscreen infused with green tea and CoQ 10 for added antioxidants and skin benefits. It is fragrance free, water-resistant and smooths over the skin to create the perfect glow. I can not say enough good things about this product, so just do me (and yourself) a favor and try it out. Retails for $59 for 2oz on Jan Marini’s website.
e.l.f Cosmetics Sun Boss Gloss SPF 25
Comes in 5 flattering shades ranging from peach to dark berry and has zinc oxide in it for a sun protection rating of SPF 25. I love how you get to have your cake and eat it too with this product, which is a great color payoff and sun protection. It also doesn’t hurt that it is only $7 a tube. Also, even though e.l.f is a “drugstore” brand, they are known for making vegan, clean low-toxin products as well, so you can feel guilt free about slathering on this buttery gloss.
Salt & Stone Extra-Strength Aluminum-Free Deodorant
This has been an amazing discovery for me I have to say. It seemed like such a futile effort to find an aluminum free deodorant that actually worked that 9 years ago I gave up wearing deodorant altogether, until two months ago when I decided to start trying some again because I figured, “things had to have improved over the last 9 years right?” Well, after a few fails, I finally found this one and I am forever changed. Smells amazing and yes, it works! I am no longer the stinky kid in my pilates class. It has super simple and chic packaging (obviously) and doesn’t leave that weird chunky white stuff under your pits. One swipe has carried me through 2 hours of tennis, multiple trainings and a 3 mile walk without so much as a whiff of body odor. Best $20 I have ever spent.
This non-benzene, talc free, vegan dry shampoo is a real life saver for anyone who doesn’t want to spend the greater portion of their life washing and styling their hair, or use clean hair as an excuse not to exercise (guilty as charged, formerly…) Vegamour is known for their scalp serums and shampoos and conditioners for not only being effective, but non-toxic and amazing smelling (orange creamsicle anyone?), so why would their dry shampoo be any different. Infused with phytonutrients and plant actives, it helps to support scalp health, soak up sweat and oil and extend the life of your hair, all while adding volume. I mean, is there a downside? No. The answer is no. $32-$36 depending on where you purchase, but worth every cent.
BONUS – Apparel and accessories for extra sun protection
Helen Kaminski Kirsten Wide Brim Raffia Visor
I purchased this visor (pictured at top of page) last summer and let me tell you, that thing has gotten more use than every other hat I own combined, and I have a LOT of hats. Made from sustainably harvested raffia, it is the perfect and chicest way to protect your face from the sun. With it’s extra large brim and curved sides you really get that extra coverage where many other hats fall short. It also has an adjustable elastic strap so it’s stays snug through wind and activities like, say, playing tennis or paddle boarding. Goes with everything, and bonus, rolls up or lays flat for easy travel and packability. Little bit on the pricey side, but that’s literally the only less than ideal thing about it. Retails at helenkaminski.com for $210 USD.
And if you’re looking for a cheaper option…
This version available on Amazon might be all you need. LA CARRIE Straw Wide Brim Visor
For under $20, you really can’t go wrong.
Free Fly Apparel Womens Bamboo Lightweight Hoodie
For a little extra coverage and sun protection (has a UPF rating of 20+) I love this lightweight and uber-soft hoodie by Free Fly. It is so comfy and breathable and comes in so many great color options. Comes with a hood for extra coverage, a high criss cross neck and thumb holes if you also want to protect your hands. Seems like overkill? Well when you spend as much time outdoors as I do, you need all of the help you can get. The bamboo origin of the material also makes it more resistant to odor, always a plus. Retails for $68 at freeflyapparel.com.
Kreedom Titan Polarized Sunglasses
I purchased these shades recently with the intention for them to be my “tennis” sunglasses, but they are quickly becoming my favorite summer sunglasses period. They are super lightweight, have a rubber nosepiece that sits high on the bridge of your nose and keeps them from slipping, even during a good sweat sesh. The wrapped design helps to keep you protected from the sides and they are polarized to reduce glare, which comes in super handy for those water sports. And also, hello… they look super cool I’m not gonna lie. For $35, you really have no good reason not to get these
Below, I am wearing multiple products on this list as proof that I am not just blowing smoke up your a$$. (Pictured: Kreedom Titan Polarized Sunglasses, Free Fly Bamboo lightweight hoodie, Jan Marini Physical Protectant Tinted SPF 45 and the e.l.f Sun Boss Gloss SPF 25. Also wearing the Salt & Stone deodorant and Vegamour Gro Dry Shampoo by the way, but you’ll have to take my word for it that I smelled amazing.) This picture was taken post 2.5 hours of tennis, so be kind haha. And as always, stay fit my friends.
