These beeswax candles are really easy to make yourself, non-toxic, and have a delicious honey smell. I love them!

Related: How to Make Candles – Beginner’s Guide

Supplies for Beeswax Candles:

-1/2 pound beeswax pellets (filtered beeswax is best)
-1/4 cup coconut oil
–cotton candle wicks
–wick stickers
–4 ounces glass or ceramic jars for the candles
–large glass jar 
–bamboo skewers (or something to stir the wax with)

How to Make Them:

First, you’ll want to put your beeswax pellets into your large glass jar.

Fill a large pot with enough water to cover the height of the beeswax (but won’t spill out when the water starts to boil). Place your jar into the pot and heat the water until it reaches a low and gentle boil.

Allow the heat from the water to melt the beeswax, giving it a stir with a wooden skewer every few minutes. Beeswax is potentially flammable, so keep an eye on it while it’s melting, and make sure no wax pellets have scattered onto your hot stovetop.

One sign the wax is getting too hot in the jar is that it will start to smoke, so watch for that, too.

While your wax is melting, prepare your candle jars by adding a wick sticker to the bottom of your wick and placing it in the center of the bottom of your jar.

You could also use a wood wick for these. Wrap the wick around a skewer and lay it across the top of your jar to keep the wick in an upright position. You can tape the skewer in place (if needed) while it sets.

Once the wax is melted, turn off the heat and add in your coconut oil, stirring to combine. Adding some coconut oil to your beeswax helps the candle burn more consistently, and avoid tunneling. But, you can also make a 100% beeswax candle by omitting it.

Pour the wax and coconut oil into your candle containers and let them set for 1-2 days before using. Trim the wicks to 1/2″ long, and you’re ready to use your candle!

Yay!! They work! Depending on the kind of beeswax you use, the size of the wick, and the size of the jar, you may have to do some troubleshooting the first few times you make your candle.

How Do I Keep My Candle From Sinking in the Middle?

If you have a candle that tunnels down the middle and never reaches the sides, try a larger/thicker wick to get more heat to melt the wax more evenly.

Depending on how bad your candle is sinking (especially if it’s only doing it a little bit), you may decide to leave your recipe as is. You can scoop out and reuse the leftover wax around the edges each time.

If your candle is melting too fast and your flame won’t stay lit because the wax is drowning out the flame, try a smaller wick instead.

What if My Candle Cracks?

Some people report cracking problems at the top of their beeswax candles, or the candle might fall a bit in the center as it cools.

If that happens, you can reserve a bit of the wax/oil to remelt later and pour another thin layer (once it has cooled) for a smooth looking top.

If you want all the beeswax candle benefits without the work, you can buy some and support another candlemaker. It’s also fun to get some pretty candle accessories, and they make great gifts with a candle.

Can I Add Essential Oils to My Candle?

While the beeswax does have a light and pleasant honey smell when burning, it’s rather faint. So you can experiment with adding essential oils to your candles if you want a more noticeable scent.

Try 1/2-1 ounce of a stronger essential oil (like lavender or vetiver) per 8 ounces of melted wax, or even more for a lighter scented essential oil. I left my candles unscented, but I love the warm glow they put off and the faint honey smell.

Hope you have fun making your own beeswax candles! xo. Laura

Looking for more candle DIYs? Check out …

• Flower Pillar Candle DIY
• How to Make Soy Candles
• Striped Candlesticks
• Wood Wick Candle DIY

Print

Make Your Own Beeswax Candles!

Easy beeswax candle DIY

Keyword beeswax candles, candle making

Servings 2 4 oz. candles

Ingredients

• ½ pound beeswax pellets filtered beeswax is best
• ¼ cup coconut oil
• cotton candle wicks
• wick stickers
• 4 ounce glass or ceramic jars or leftover vessel
• 1 large glass jar
• bamboo skewers or something to stir the wax with

Instructions

• Fill a large pot with enough water to cover the height of the beeswax (but won’t spill out when the water starts to boil). Place your jar into the pot and heat the water until it reaches a low and gentle boil.
• Allow the heat from the water to melt the beeswax, giving it a stir with a wooden skewer every few minutes.

  Beeswax is potentially flammable, so keep an eye on it while it’s melting, and make sure no wax pellets have scattered onto your hot stovetop.

  One sign the wax is getting too hot in the jar is that it will start to smoke, so watch for that, too.
• While your wax is melting, prepare your candle jars by adding a wick sticker to the bottom of your wick and placing it in the center of the bottom of your jar.
• Once the wax is melted, turn off the heat and add in your coconut oil, stirring to combine. Adding some coconut oil to your beeswax helps the candle burn more consistently and avoid tunneling.

  But, you can also make a 100% beeswax candle by omitting it.
• Pour the wax and coconut oil into your candle containers and let them set for 1-2 days before using. Trim the wicks to 1/2″ long, and you’re ready to use your candle!

Notes

• This DIY makes two 4-ounce containers.
• If you have a candle that tunnels down the middle and never reaches the sides, try a larger/thicker wick to get more heat to melt the wax more evenly.
• Depending on how bad your candle is sinking (especially if it’s only doing it a little bit), you may decide to leave your recipe as is. You can scoop out and reuse the leftover wax around the edges each time.
• If your candle is melting too fast and your flame won’t stay lit because the wax is drowning out the flame, try a smaller wick instead.

These are items I use daily and religiously. I am dividing them up by morning and night routine. The night routine is, of course, much more important! I hope you enjoy a peek into my medicine cabinet.

Related: Emma’s Skincare Routine

When recently asked to describe my skin type, my reply was “old.” Haha. I was joking, of course! I know that I’m still young(ISH). But being 40 years old means taking great care of my skin morning, noon, and night.

If you’re reading this and you’re 22, trust me when I say—the earlier you start, the better. Just simply removing ALL your makeup every night and keeping your skin toned and hydrated can make a huge difference.

And you don’t need a bunch of expensive products. Toner and coconut oil could get you pretty far if you’re on a small budget and don’t know where to begin.

In my opinion, the most important element of a skincare routine is consistency.

Morning Routine:

Toner

Each morning I wake up, splash some water on my face (and towel dry), brush my teeth, and then immediately reach for my Thayer’s Toner. It’s one item in my routine that I never leave without. I prefer the unscented version.

You can swipe toner on your face using a cotton pad or your hands to press it into your face. During the winter, I tend to have more dry skin—I use toner often to keep my dry skin at bay.

Face Mist

Next, I spritz my face with a mist. I am currently using and loving the Sea Vitamin Boost by Osea. Mists make my skin feel fresh and it’s a part of my morning routine that actually helps me wake up. I wake up very early currently with two kids, so it’s not always pretty.

Moisturizer

When I’m not wearing makeup, I will put on some Summer Fridays Cloud Dew. It’s a great texture and a nice, natural scent. When I’m not wearing makeup (which is often), I still try to keep my skin highly moisturized.

Love a good toner? Check out 3 Easy Hydrating Toners You Can Make At Home!

Night Routine:

Cleanser

I use Leahlani Bless Balm as my oil cleanser pretty often. Oil cleansing is my favorite. All you have to do is rub the product into your skin (you can use pretty much any kind of face oil for this).

Then, run hot water onto a fresh washcloth and press it into your skin for 5-10 seconds. Repeat this a few times if you’re wearing a lot of makeup. It melts right off.

When I’m not oil cleansing, I use Honest Gentle Gel Cleanser. It’s great for all skin types.

Exfoliant

I am LOVING Moon Juice Acid Potion as my exfoliant. A few months back, I was experiencing a lot of breakouts around my mouth area. It was getting worse and worse.

After not having any facials or skin treatments for a year, my skin was generally just not at its best. I read a review for Acid Potion on another blog and ordered it right away. It has done wonders for me.

At first, I used it every day. Then when my skin cleared up, I started using it every other night or a few times a week. I will definitely keep it in my routine as it’s one of the first times a product has created an immediate result for my skin.

Night Cream

I absolutely love Osea’s Atmosphere Protection Cream. I was looking for a night cream with great ingredients, and this one smells and feels amazing.

I’m also obsessed with their Vagus Nerve Pillow Mist. It has so many incredible five-star reviews. I have found that sticking to a night routine has greatly improved my sleep quality!

One last thing that I forgot to include in a photo (but use every single night) is a lip sleeping mask. It’s super thick and the ultimate remedy for dry lips, which I often have. I love it and use it every single night right as I hop into bed.

Links: Thayer’s Toner / Sea Vitamin Boost / Acid Potion / Bless Balm / Cloud Dew / Atmosphere Protection Cream / Vagus Nerve Pillow Mist / Lip Sleeping Mask / Honest Gel Cleanser

I’d love to hear if there are any skincare products that you use and love, especially in the clean skincare category! xx- Elsie

With this update, I finally am using both a clean foundation and concealer (which in the past was an area I had trouble making clean swaps).

I also found some really amazing brow products recently that have made a big difference!

I am a true fan of using clean beauty whenever possible, and I think this is the cleanest my routine has been so far!

OK, ready to jump in? I tried to minimize this as much as possible, so what I am showing here is my favorite (or most used) product from every category. I could definitely do it twice as big, but these are my absolute favorites!!!

I am going to note the exact colors I use in case you are curious or you happen to be in the market for something similar.

Primer: I am loving Vapour Essential Daily Primer. I can tell a big difference when I use it (and when I don’t) for how smooth my makeup goes on, so I never skip it anymore.

Foundation: This past year I tried SO many foundations. I became obsessed. I really wanted one that makes my skin feel glowy and had SPF built in, since I tend to be lazy on SPF.

I used to say I wore sunscreen, but after having two children with albinism I now realize I BARELY wore sunscreen. It’s like when you say you drink green juice, but really you have one glass a month.

Anyway, Super Serum Skin Tint by ILIA has nice coverage and blends so well with my skin. I use shade ST5.

Concealer: Kosas Revealer Concealer. I have under eye circles, and this does the trick without being too heavy or fake looking.

Over time, I have been embracing the less is more makeup mentality. I am leaning more on products that create a more natural effect. I use shade 03.

Side note: Kosas has my other favorite foundation, as well. It’s very oily so I usually mix it with another brand. But I like the moisture.

Concealer brushes: I wanted to try these oval makeup brushes for a long time and I LOVE THEM. To me, they are even better than beauty blenders. I feel like my makeup is the most blended it’s ever been!

Here’s a swatch so you can see the texture of the three products. I use these every day.

Vapour Essential Daily Primer / ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint / Kosas Revealer Concealer

Brows: For my brows, I am loving KUSH Fiber Brow. I use it to create a bit more volume. My brows are pretty small, so the products that add fake little brow hairs (like this teeny little wand does) are great for me! It looks real. I use the color Herb.

Next, I use Anastasia Brow Wiz to fill in my brows “bald spots” and darken them overall.

I have been using the method of adding lots of little lines and it does create a more realistic effect, especially since my brows need to be lengthened on the ends. I use the color Auburn.

Mascara: I haven’t had eyelash extensions since last March. However, I have had time to try out every single clean mascara, and I have to say—ILIA Limitless Lash Mascara is IT for me. You can see the wand in the photo above.

For whatever reason, this helps my lashes not get clumpy like the fuller wands can. I do a LOT of layers of mascara (3-4, drying between each layer) to get my lashes as dark and full as I can.

Eyeshadow: I don’t use eyeshadow every day, but when I do I prefer warm colors and a light shimmery color, and ILIA’s Necessary Eyeshadow Palette does the job for me! I use the Warm Nude palette.

Eyeliner: For the first time in my ENTIRE adult life, I am not wearing much eyeliner. And when I do wear eyeliner, I have not been doing gigantic cat eyes (which used to be my thing).

I’m sure I will go back to that look eventually, but for now I’m enjoying a natural look. Anyway, Clean Line Gel Liner from ILIA is really nice for a natural look! I use the color Twilight.

Bronzer: This is just a good, classic bronzer for doing a teeny bit of contouring or trying to get your neck to match your face. I don’t use bronzer every day—just on a need-to basis. I use the color Golden Hour.

Liquid Blush: I am obsessed with liquid blush—it’s definitely my go-to. I love how it blends. If I had to cut it down to only blush, I would keep Cloud Paint from Glossier. I really like the shade Dusk, as it works well for my skin tone.

Peachy Blush: This blush by Beautycounter makes me feel like I look “more awake,” so I use a ton of it, especially when I’m sleep deprived. With certain outfits, I think it’s really pretty. I use the color Nectar.

Lip Crayon: I use Bite’s Creamy Matte Lip Crayon to line my lips. Sometimes I put on lipstick after, or I just gloss. It make my lips look more defined and bigger. I don’t do heavy or dark lipstick, so this is the darkest color I wear. I use the color Hard Cider.

Lipstick: Color Block Lipstick by ILIA is my favorite—I wear it often. It’s really pretty and natural. I use the color Amberlight.

Lip Gloss: I love Bite Plumping Lip Gloss. It’s a bit shimmery, but doesn’t look like full ’90s glitter (don’t be scared). It says it’s plumping, but I don’t notice anything in that department.

The color is really nice and it looks pretty as it wears off. I use the color Cider Donut.

ILIA Color Block Lipstick / Bite Creamy Matte Lip Crayon / Bite Plumping Lip Gloss

Vapour Essential Daily Primer / ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint / Kosas Revealer Concealer / Anastasia Brow Wiz / KUSH Fiber Brow / ILIA Limitless Lash Mascara / ILIA Necessary Eyeshadow Palette / ILIA Clean Line Gel Liner / LAWLESS Velvet Matte Bronzer / Glossier Cloud Paint / ILIA Color Block Lipstick

OK … I know that probably felt like a lotttt of products, but I tried my best to minimize it. If you have any questions, I will answer them in the comments! And be sure to check out my clean skincare routine, too! xo Elsie

P.S. If you’re unsure about when to get rid of makeup, check out our tips to know when to know it’s time to throw it out!

Rosemary essential oil helps your hair grow faster and can even lead to thicker/fuller hair, so it was a great way for me to support my thinner hair (and help my awkward hair growth areas grow out faster).

Related: Pink Salt Hairspray Recipe

This study showed that rosemary essential oil worked just as well as a leading hair growth drug without some of the side effects that the drug produced in users. I think it’s such a cool finding to be able to go a more natural route (with even better results) than a drug.

Anyway, here’s the easy recipe for rosemary hair growth spray that I’ve been using in case you want to try it for yourself!

Supplies:
-10 drops rosemary essential oil
-1/2 teaspoon Solubol or a carrier oil
-4 ounces distilled water
–4 ounces spray bottle (amber bottles like this will keep the essential oil potent longer)
–mini funnel (optional but helpful)

Looking for more spa DIY’s?

• Make Your Own Relaxing Massage Oil
• Make Your Own Minty Cooling Body Mist
• Eucalyptus Cold + Flu Shower Melts
• Epsom Salt Bath Soak

Add 10 drops of rosemary essential oil to a 1/2 teaspoon and fill the rest of the teaspoon with Solubol or a carrier oil.

Pour your oils into your bottle and fill the rest of the bottle to the top with water.

Give your bottle a shake and spray directly into roots and then rub it in with your fingers a bit. It makes my hair look a little wonky when it dries (it kind of gives it that wet look even when dry), so I tend to do it before bed and then fix my hair again the next day.

Spray into hair once a day.

It’s true that it’s a little hard to tell for sure how much this works unless you only did it on half your head and compared it to the half you didn’t do it on.

But, I will say that I have always had trouble growing out my hair and I definitely noticed it growing way faster than usual.

How Long Does It Take to See Results?

This study says that the results were much more visible six months after starting treatments versus three months in, so I would stick with it a bit before giving up if you don’t see a difference right away.

And with any essential oil recipe, stop using it if you notice any adverse reactions.

Hope this simple recipe helps your hair look its best, too! xo. Laura

Print

Rosemary Hair Growth Spray

an easy way to make your own hair growth spray using rosemary essential oil!

Keyword essential oil, rosemary

Author Laura Gummerman

Equipment

• 1 mini funnel optional
• 1 amber glass spray bottle

Ingredients

• 10 drops rosemary essential oil
• ½ teaspoon Solubol or carrier oil
• 4 ounces water distiled

Instructions

• Add 10 drops of rosemary essential oil to a 1/2 teaspoon and fill the rest of the teaspoon with Solubol or a carrier oil.
• Pour your oils into your bottle and fill the rest of the bottle to the top with water. Give your bottle a shake and spray directly into roots and then rub it in with your fingers a bit. 
• Spray into hair once a day.

I LOVE diffusing oils (these are my favorite ones to use for sleep), and I like having a variety of diffusers for different rooms, so I thought I would share a roundup of my favorites today.

This is my all-time favorite diffuser, but I like having a variety for different rooms.

Beyond diffusing, here are a few ways I use oils in my everyday life:

Skincare. I like to mix one drop of frankincense oil in with my face oil as a booster. Frankincense is amazing for skincare.

Cleaning. You can make cleaning sprays using essential oils, distilled water, and soap. They are so simple to make, smell amazing, and work just as well as stuff I used to buy at the store!

Laundry: I use wool dryer balls with lavender or fir needle essential oil instead of dryer sheets for my laundry every day.

Relaxation. I mix a few drops of essential oils in with bubble bath or liquid soap (in a small dish) and add them to my bath water. Do this after the bath is done running, after you are already in it.

There are a hundred more uses for oils, but this is just what I do in my day-to-day life.

I use this holiday season blend year-round. It’s really cozy and it smells amazing.

Some other favorites: Blood Orange / Allspice / Bergamot / Nutmeg

Supernova Diffuser

I love the Supernova ceramic diffuser. My favorite thing about it is the glowy cutout stars. It has changeable colors, but I tend to leave mine on the warm white light setting.

It’s a nice, subtle glow for any room. One thing to note: I don’t use this diffuser for bedrooms because it’s too bright. It’s best for living spaces. I have one in our entry, kitchen, and my office.

Gold Flower Diffuser

I’m always a fan of a gold accessory and this diffuser looks more like a pretty candle that blends with decor.

Woodgrain Diffuser

The woodgrain look of this diffuser is great to “blend” into any room, and it has great reviews.

Cordless Diffuser

This cordless diffuser has a pretty iridescent sheen and it’s perfect if you want a rechargeable option.

Stone Diffuser

I love these stone diffusers—mine is in pink. This is an excellent bedside diffuser, and it can also work in any room of the home. The earthy ceramic feel is so nice.

Travel Diffuser

I like to diffuse oils when I travel, and this is my go-to diffuser for that. It also comes in blush pink.

Honeycomb Diffuser

This diffuser is made by the company who makes the supernova diffuser. The honeycomb cutouts are really pretty!

TerraFuse Diffuser

I love these stone-look diffusers. They are beautiful and function so well. I have been using mine in my bedroom recently.

Bamboo Diffuser

I love a simple diffuser, and this bamboo diffuser is budget-friendly and great for any room.

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9

Looking for DIYs that use essential oils?

• Cinnamon Spice Sugar Scrub
• Eucalyptus Cold and Flu Shower Melts
• Rosemary Hair Growth Spray
• 3 Easy Hydrating Toners

If you have kids, check out Kid-Friendly Diffuser Blends for kid-safe blends or Spring + Summer Diffuser Blends. Let me know in the comments if you have any favorites diffusers I should know about!  xo. Elsie

I’m guessing we all have. So today, I wanted to share a few of the dreamiest eco-friendly soaps I’ve picked up over the last few months that keep my hands and body clean (while also supporting BIPOC-owned businesses).

Shima’ of Navajoland carries soaps handmade by artisans of the Navajo Nation. Each soap honors the earth and includes ingredients found in the Southwest like piñon and juniper ash.

The Navajo Tea Soap Bar has a beautifully mild sweet scent. It is made using the flowering greenthread herb, otherwise known as Navajo tea, and infused with carrot and calendula oil, as well as lemon and meadow flowers. Each soap comes with a beautiful Navajo blessing prayer reminding us to “walk in beauty.” 

Erica Robinson is a yoga teacher and the creator of the body care line Asali Aromatics. All of the soaps in her line are made with natural ingredients like coconut oil, cupuacu butter, and clay—all of which highlight its star ingredient, raw unrefined honey (which is said to have antimicrobial properties).

This adorable soap comes in a reusable tin and in six different scents. I picked up the vetiver scent because this essential oil has grounding properties and, as the seasons change, I find that I need a little more calm in my life. 

The confetti soap, made by black-owned brand Rustic Glory Soap Company, caught my eye because it reminded me of terrazzo tile. This cold-pressed soap is made using a powerhouse mix of ingredients like avocado, colloidal oats, and turmeric.

It also utilizes soap shavings from past products so nothing ever goes to waste. It’s scented with lavender and invigorating eucalyptus, so it’s a lovely soap to use in the morning when you need a little pick-me-up. 

Nothing says fall like cinnamon and allspice, amiright? This cinnamon soap, made by the husband-and-wife team known as Bison Star, is a perfect option as the seasons begin to change. This soap reminds me of fall, campfires, and sugar cookies!

The soap comes in a cute heart shape, celebrating one of the founder’s Taos Pueblo heritage, and in the more traditional bar soap with the Bison Star logo.

I talked about Nopalera soap in my favorite bath products post, but I had to include it again because it’s one of my go-to’s.

The unique cactus paddle-shaped soap is infused with hydrating nopal cactus oil and comes in three distinct scents that celebrate Mexican culture. This is a must-have for all of the plant lovers out there. 

These are just a few of my favorites—feel free to leave your recommendations in the comment section below. xo, Amanda

P.S. If you’re feeling inspired to make your own soap, make sure to check out these DIYs. Pumpkin spice soap, anyone?

Big sun hats, rash guards, etc., are my best friends. BUT, I miss the glow and even skin tone that a tan could give.

I remember getting my first spray tan in maybe 2002? Wow, things have come a long way since then. The orange-tinted nightmare has now become, in some cases, a very convincing substitute for the real deal! So grateful for that.

My favorite kind of tan is an airbrush tan where someone has the spray machine and they do it manually.

Related: Check out our skincare archive for more!

It’s usually not cheap, but proper preparation can have a major effect on how long your spray tan investment lasts. Here is the timeline I follow that’s given the best results:

Five days to 8 hours before your spray tan:

I like to start my exfoliating/hydrating routine about 3-5 days before my spray tan and carry it through until the night before—this way your skin is really optimally exfoliated and moisturized instead of a “last-ditch effort” the night before.

I absolutely love this scrub from First Aid Beauty. I have keratosis pilaris and this really helps with that as well as being a great physical exfoliant.

My favorite “scrubbing” tip is to actually exfoliate in gentle circles—this works just as well as a firm touch. Scrubbing hard is only going to inflame your skin, so be sweet to it.

My custom lotion from Function Of Beauty (use that link for 20% off your first order) is my favorite for quick and easy hydration.

I’ve recently started incorporating dry brushing into my routine again after years of not doing it, and I feel like dry brushing before your shower really helps to exfoliate even further.

Twenty-four to 12 hours before your appointment:

If you wax, wax at least 24 hours before your appointment. I shave, so I normally do that the night before my spray tan—at least 12 hours before.

Day of spray tan:

Take a shower so your skin is clean (remember, do not shave or wax!), and do not put any oil or lotion on your skin afterward. Anything on your skin could lead to the tan not developing correctly or getting streaky/blotchy.

If you’re worried about certain areas being too dry and taking on too much of the tanning solution, your salon should have a special oil-free lotion that you can apply to places like your nail beds and knuckles.

Be sure to wear loose clothing! Anything that rubs against your skin right after your spray tan will disrupt the tan’s development—I even go so far as to not wear a bra because I know that will leave marks.

Avoid sweating after your appointment. I usually wait until I wash off the tan for the first time to exercise or do anything I know will make me really sweaty.

Be sure to wait the appropriate amount of time before showering. Depending on what type of spray tan you get, there will be a period of time you’ll need to wait while the tan fully develops. Your esthetician/tech will tell you this info!

After your spray tan:

Hydrating is going to be key to prolonging the life of your tan—the dryer your skin, the more it’s going to flake off and disrupt your tan. This gradual tanning lotion from Vita Liberata made a spray tan I had last for 12 days—it was incredible and I swear by it!

Obviously, you have to shower, but the more you shower or are in the pool, you are shortening the life of your tan. I find that using a gradual tan lotion like the one above helps so much if you’re on a beach vacation or something where you’re in the water a lot.

I hope this was helpful, and if you have any favorite spray tan prep/maintenance tips, please share them below! xo Keely

1. Nopalera Moisturizing Botanical Bar: This lotion bar not only smells like a creamsicle, but is made with 100% natural ingredients including prickly pear oil and cocoa butter—AND comes in the prettiest aluminum tin that can be recycled or reused to store things like trinkets, spices, or candy.

2. Axiology Balmies: These lid-to-lip crayons come in tons of beautiful shades. I have the champagne color that I like to use on the inner corner of my eyes for a pop of highlight. What’s awesome about this product is that it comes in zero-waste packaging, meaning that it was made without a plastic tube or cap. Instead, the crayon is wrapped in paper and comes in a fully compostable box.

3. Kjaer Weis Powder: I’ve long considered Kjaer Weis the Rolls Royce of the green beauty world because their products are so luxurious. Not to mention their sustainable packaging is absolutely swoon-worthy. Their refillable powder and cream products come in sleek metal packaging or a show-stopping red case that is 100% recyclable and made from paper. You can order a refill when you run out.

4. Ere Perez Tapioca Blush: Ere Perez is another makeup brand that I really love. Their mascara and cream color pots are always in my makeup bag. I also frequently use the Tapioca Blush which now comes in a refillable package, making repurchase that much easier—and more cost-efficient.

5. Cheekbone Beauty Sustain Lipstick: I’ve raved about Cheekbone beauty before because the shade Kéyah is one of my go-to lip colors. Not only does the company make stunning products, but they are also committed to becoming a carbon-neutral beauty brand. All of the lipsticks in the Sustain range are packaged using 85% less plastic and biodegradable paper, with goals to make the products completely zero-waste by 2023.

6. LastSwab Basic: I use a lot of Q-tips so I was excited when I learned about LastObject, a brand committed to ending single-use items. The LastSwab is meant to be reused up to 1,000 times and can be cleaned with soap and water. I’ll admit that it did take some time to get used to the new texture of the swab. But once I did, it felt nice to know that I was helping to minimize my trash consumption. These swabs come in a variety of colors and are packaged in a biodegradable carrying case made from corn.

7. Myro Deodorant: Myro deodorant may just be the prettiest deodorant on the market. This aloe-based deodorant comes in a variety of colors and scents, so there are lots of options to choose from. Plus, the customizable and recyclable refill system helps keep single-use plastic out of landfills. The brand is helping people take care of their bodies and the world—one deodorant stick at a time. Pro tip: Make sure to read all of the ingredients before trying a new deodorant to make sure the formula is right for you.

This is just a small list of my favorite low-waste beauty brands to support, but you can make an impact in any area of your life. From buying vintage clothing to using reusable straws, or even bringing your own coffee cup to a café, there are so many simple ways that we can start to be more mindful of our consumption. 

I read this quote by the zero-waste Chef Anne-Marie Bonneau that says, “We don’t need a handful of people doing zero waste perfectly. We need millions of people doing it imperfectly.” Every little bit makes a huge impact, even starting with a low-waste approach. What’s your favorite way to be a more thoughtful consumer? 

Credits // Author and Photography: Amanda Lopez.

Since we’re in a new season, our skincare and makeup routines have changed, and today, we’re sharing our favorite clean products that we swear by this time of year. If you’re looking for an everyday sunscreen to use (so important, especially now!), we love this one. It’s lightweight, invisible on your skin, and acts as a primer for your makeup. If your hair is feeling extra dry or frizzy, this prickly pear hair oil is a cure-all—and Elsie’s favorite.

If you don’t want to skip foundation because of the heat, this tinted serum is packed with antioxidants and ingredients that will make your skin happy (it also has SPF 40). It’s a favorite among our team! And, we also love this budget-friendly eyeshadow palette—it doesn’t crease and it’s long-wearing despite warmer temperatures. You can shop all of our favorites below!

You can check out this post for more of our fave summer clean beauty or our Five Clean Bath and Body Product Swaps From Target and if you have any go-to summer products, we would love to hear about them in the comments! xo, The ABM Team

P.S. If you like to make your own clean beauty products, check out Our Best Clean Beauty DIYs (and Tips!)

Sunscreen is one of those products we should be using all year round, especially if you spend a lot of time outdoors. But, not all sunscreens are the same. Chemical and mineral SPFs are different in one major way—chemical sunscreens absorb into the skin to help neutralize UV rays while mineral sunscreens sit on top to deflect UV rays. I like to use mineral sunscreen because they don’t absorb as easily and are generally kinder for folks with sensitive skin. However, in the past it was challenging to find options that didn’t feel heavy or leave a white cast. For context, I have oily skin and a medium-light tone with neutral to yellow undertones. After trying my fair share of sunscreens, I found six that work well for me. So today, I am sharing my go-to mineral sunscreens for all skin types. 

Vivaiodays Turmeric Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 30

This sunscreen caught my eye because it’s water-resistant and made with 100% natural ingredients like calendula, jojoba, seabuckthorn, and turmeric, which, according to the brand, can help protect skin from long-term damage caused by UV radiation. Out of all the sunscreens on this list, this formula is the most hydrating and has a slightly thicker texture than the others. I recommend applying a little bit at a time so you can really blend it in. This oil-based SPF is a great option for folks with dry skin or anyone looking for some extra moisture. 

ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40

The ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint is a fan favorite with the ABM team. After giving it a go, I can totally see why. The SPF serum is lightweight, oil-free, fragrance-free, and non-comedogenic so it won’t clog pores. It blends in seamlessly and comes in 30 different shades (and counting). I find this formula to be very sheer. It helps to slightly blur imperfections, yet keeps your skin looking natural, which I love. This is a nice option for a no-makeup, makeup look.

Eleven by Venus Williams Unrivaled Sun Serum SPF 35

I’ve talked about this sunscreen before and I still really enjoy it. Created in partnership with tennis champion Venus Williams, this sunscreen was specifically formulated to be inclusive and meet the needs of many different skin types and tones. The formula has a water-like texture that dries down to a demi-matte finish and leaves your skin feeling smooth yet hydrated. I’ve worn this alone, but it also works well under makeup. 

Unsun Mineral Tinted Face Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30

This formula was created by Katonya Breaux (who, fun fact, is the mother of musician Frank Ocean!) to provide women of color with sunscreen options that blend seamlessly without leaving a white cast. The formula comes in three shades. I picked up the light/medium option which worked perfectly on my skin tone. This formula is slightly dewy and unscented; it also helped to neutralize some redness on my face.

MD Solar Sciences Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Mineral Crème

What I like about this sunscreen is that it has a sheer, slightly mousse-like texture that dries completely matte. It actually reminds me of a makeup primer because it has an ever-so-slightly blurring effect and leaves my skin feeling very smooth. According to the brand, even those with the most sensitive skin can use it. 

Hynt Beauty SUN PREP Broad Spectrum SPF 25

This award-winning sunscreen might just be my absolute favorite in the bunch. The formula is out of this world. It doesn’t feel like sunscreen at all. It feels like a lovely, lightweight moisturizer. It absorbs quickly, doesn’t leave an oily residue or white cast, and smells like a dream. It is on the pricey side though, so I try and pick up a bottle when it’s on sale. 

As the saying goes, the best type of sunscreen is the one you will actually wear. Feel free to share your favorites in the comments below! xo, Amanda

Credits // Author and Photography: Amanda Lopez. Photos edited with A Color Story Desktop.