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JUN 12 2017

My Green Beauty Essentials for Summer

Now that sunny days are finally here, it’s time to adjust your beauty routine - think laid-back and outdoorsy. Keu is here to help you make the transition using green beauty products. Here’s how to look hot - not bothered - during the stickiest, most Instagrammed season of the year.

And since we’re feeling extra patriotic with Canada’s 150th birthday coming up, most of the products recommended below are Canadian-made!

1. SKIN
Tinted Sunscreen
The right sunscreen is key when you’re spending a lot more time outdoors. Look for mineral filters, a matte finish, and a subtle tint. A mineral sunscreen uses titanium dioxide and/or zinc oxide rather than potentially harmful chemicals like oxybenzone (for all the deets on mineral vs. chemical sunscreens, see my blog post here). A matte finish formula has more staying power and won’t make you look all sweaty by midday. And sunscreens that are tinted will even out your complexion and avoid the dreaded white cast.

Keu’s favorites: W3LL People Bio Tint Multi Action Moisturizer SPF30 (1.2oz - US$28.99), Josh Rosebrook Tinted Nutrient Day Cream SPF 30 (2oz - US$95.00), and Consonant Skincare The Perfect Sunscreen SPF 30 (50ml - CAD$45.00) [Canadian product].

 

 

BB for the body 
When you’re showing so much skin - hello shorts, tanks and bikinis! - it’s hard not to feel self-conscious. Enter the Beauty Balm for body: a multi-tasking cream that not only moisturizes, but improves your skin’s texture and elasticity so that bumps are smoothed out and stretch marks become less visible. Your legs, arms and butt will thank you.

Keu’s favorite: Mereadesso Beautiful Body Balm (6.8 fl oz - CAD$54.00) [Canadian product].

 

Self-tanner
We all know that self-tanner is the safest way to achieve a bronze goddess glow. But the active ingredient in most sunless tanning products, dihydroxyacetone (“DHA”), may not be that safe. DHA is what reacts with dead cells on the skin's surface to temporarily darken the skin. The problem with DHA is that it has the potential to cause genetic alterations and DNA damage, according to the most current scientific studies on DHA (read more about the research on DHA here).. Thankfully, a lovely little Canadian company has developed a non-toxic self-tanning cream that’s DHA-free and all-natural!

Keu’s favorite: Caramel Tan by Haut Cosmetics (1 oz - CAD$64.95) [Canadian product].

Insect repellant
Summer = bugs. Enough said. The active ingredient in most insect repellants is DEET, a synthetic chemical that can irritate the eyes, cause skin rashes, and gives off a distinct odor. In intense doses it may also induce neurological damage. Opt instead for products that use essential oils that repel buzzing insects: the two listed below are super effective, safe and actually smell good.

Keu’s favorites: Erbaviva Organic Buzz Spray (4fl oz - US$21.00), Repel Plant-Based Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellant (4 fl oz - US$5.00).

2. MAKEUP
Red Lips
Celebrate Canada’s milestone birthday with some maple leaf-worthy red lips. Green beauty brands are offering up all shades of red, made from food-grade ingredients that are much safer than conventional lipsticks. These natural formulas deliver antioxidants, hydrate with butters and plant oils, and heal with anti-inflammatory compounds.

Keu’s favorites: Clove + Hallow Lip Creme in ‘Damsel’ (US $19.00), Bite Beauty Matte Creme Lip Crayon in ‘Rose Hip’ (US $24.00) [Canadian brand].

Bronzer
This is THE summer must-have to add healthy color where you need it, without the damaging effects of a real tan. Choose products that can be applied with your fingers for easy-breezy summer looks, and pots small enough to carry in any size purse. The products below tick both those boxes, plus they’re made with mostly organic ingredients.

Keu’s favorites: Da lish B04 Bronzer (CAD $15.00) [Canadian product], RMS Beauty Buriti Bronzer (US $28.00).

3. HAIR
Beach spray + anti-frizz
Keep things casual with some natural beach waves, a fun braided crown or a messy bun. The extra humidity this time of year means you need the right products on hand: a beach spray to create effortless-looking texture, and an anti-frizz product to prevent your hair from frizzing up in the humid heat. Make sure to choose products that are free from parabens, phthalates, sulphates, silicones and fragrance, like the ones below.

Keu’s favorites: WORLD Hair and Skin ‘Ocean’ Texturizing Salt Spray (118ml - CAD $56.00) and ‘Believe’ balm to tame frizz and add polish (56.7g - CAD $29.00) [both Canadian products].

When your skin, makeup and hair are summer-proofed, you'll be able to make the most of these precious sunny months. So grab my must-have beauty products and enjoy every patio, pool and beach day that lies ahead. And to my Canadian friends, happy 150th Canada Day!