Summer Organic Beauty Tips

Summer time may mean beautiful blue skies, sun filled days, and tons of outdoor fun; however, it can also mean oily skin, frizzy hair, and sunburns! So what can you do this summer to help ease the pain and deal with the hot weather? 

Here are a few tips:


Soothe Sun Exposure
I recommend a 30 SPF non-toxic sunblock for daily use and a 45 SPF when your at the beach or park. (Badger makes a great USDA organic sunblock, available at any Whole Foods or Back to Basics in East Greenwich) If for some reason you forget your sunblock and are feeling the burn, have no fear, OB makes a super nourishing Cucumber & Aloe Mist ($16) that combines the healing properties of pure aloe vera with the soothing benefits of cucumber and other botanicals


Or reserve an appointment at OB for a Cucumber & Aloe Vera Herbal Body Wrap ($99) to deeply heal, hydrate and soothe skin


On a tight budget? Here is a simple Aloe Vera Toner recipe you can make at home:


Yields: approximately 16 oz 
Application: Use morning to refresh before moisturizing and at night after cleansing
Storage: 16 oz glass bottle
Shelf Life: 3 months


12 oz pure, organic aloe vera juice
2 oz distilled water


1. Pour aloe vera juice and water into glass bottle and gently shake.


2. Store in fridge.


How to use: When ready to use, soak an organic cotton pad with toner and gently wipe over entire face and neck


Reduce Oily Skin
I recommend starting a daily skin care routine (if you don't already have one) especially during the summer months. Keep it simple with OB's Chamomile Herbal Cleanser ($22) and Green Tea Herbal Toner ($18) to leave skin fresh and clean


Another budget friendly and super easy skin care recipe:


Chamomile and Aloe Cleansing Cream
This is a wonderfully creamy, soothing concoction that will completely remove all traces of grime and make up (even stubborn mascara)


Yields: Approximately 2 oz cream
Application: Use every night to remove make up and the day's dirt
Storage: 2 oz dark glass jar in the fridge
Shelf life: 3 months


1/4 cup sweet almond oil                         1 tbsp vegetable glycerin
2 tbsp organic coconut oil                       1/4 tsp borax (cosmetic grade)
1 tbsp organic beeswax                           1 tsp vitamin e oil
1 tsp 100% pure anhydrous lanolin*      15 drops lavender essential oil
1/4 cup aloe vera juice                           10 drops rosemary essential oil
3 tbsp chamomile infusion**                   8 drops chamomile essential oil


*substitute an extra 1 tsp of coconut oil (if allergic)
**Chamomile infusion is made by pouring 1/2 cup of boiling water over 1 tbsp of dried chamomile flowers. Leave steep for 30 minutes.


1. In a small bowl set over a large saucepan of boiling water (or use a double boiler), melt the base oils, beeswax and lanolin until wax has just melted. Remove from heat.


2. In another pan, heat aloe vera juice, chamomile infusion, glycerine, and then stir in the borax until it dissolves in the liquid. Remove from heat.


3. Pour or spoon the beeswax mixture into a blender and leave it to cool 5 minutes or until it begins to thicken. Stir the mixture, loosening from sides of blender with spatula.


4. Turn blender on high, remove lid, slowly pour the aloe and chamomile liquid. Blend 30 seconds or until cream is smooth.


5. Add vitamin e and essential oils and blend for 5 more seconds.


6. Pour or spoon the cream into glass storage jar. Screw on cap when cream has completely cooled.


Control Frizzy Hair
Massage 2-3 teaspoons of organic coconut oil into your scalp and hair, leave on for 2-3 hours then wash out... For the ultimate treatment, leave oil on hair overnight. Your hair will look and feel super soft and healthy while frizz free and manageable!


Want more tips, recipes or information on organic beauty? Let us know!