I tried Origins Sunshine State  two weeks ago on vacation. I have to say that I liked it and will be buying more of it. It was an easy rub-in and smelled nice. I spent considerable amounts of time by the pool enjoying the sun and refreshing water. This sun screen did not fade and was not oily on my skin. It doesn’t leave a white-wash look to your face like some of the heavier zinc products. It contains mineral based products, vitamin E and Bisabolol, from Chamomile to soothe your sun exposed derma. With no harsh chemicals to react to, you skin will be soft, smooth and protected. Resistant to water and sweat, Origins is a great product that beckons you to try it out and do your part for our environment and yourself.

 Origins’  mission is to create quality natural skincare products using organic ingredients and 100% natural essential oils. It is their commitment to protect the planet.

In the spring, I was reading a website that had a sunblock rating test reviewing several natural sunblocks. One of the higher rated blocks that I decided to try was Aveeno Active Naturals Continuous Protection Sunblock.  Although this product contains one ingredient that isn’t necessarily the best, oxybenzone, it is missing its bosom buddy, octinoxate,  they are commonly found together. Instead, Aveeno Active Naturals contains Titanium Dioxide which is a white opaque pigment that is used to cover your skin and reflect the sun naturally as it is not a harsh chemical.

 When using these all natural sun protectors, I find that the apparent sticking point (no pun intended) is that they are difficult to rub into the skin and you feel like you stepped off the Twilight movie set! This sunblock however, is easier to rub in and smells good. It comes in a spray formula, a lotion and in all different SPF levels.

I love this product! This sunblock does not leave a film on your skin and it works. It’s safer for your skin and for our water. Contains Active Photobarrier Complex™ to provide long-lasting UVA/UVB protection from the sun. Plus, they include select ingredients such as natural soy and vitamins A, C, and E.

J.R. Watkins Aloe & Green Tea Hand & Body Lotion

This time of year seems to suck the life out of a girl’s skin! In the constant quest to find a lotion that holds up to our standards, we found J.R. Watkins Aloe & Green Tea Hand & Body Lotion. This is an intense moisturizer that truly helps aide in relief of dry, chapped, or chafed skin. No doubt you will be asking yourself how they achieve such a feat. Well, they use an array of 10 natural oils including avocado, coconut, apricot, babassu, and jojoba.

The Aloe & Green Tea Hand & Body Lotion has a fresh scent, and is 99% natural. The company commits to making it’s products free of the following harmful ingredients: sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate, parabens, phthalate, mineral oil, petrolatum, and dyes. This is a serious moisturizer that you want for winter, and it won’t break your budget at $10 for an 11 ounce bottle!

Check out J.R. Watkins Aloe & Green Tea Lotion now!

There are different types of parabens that you will see in the ingredient section of any product. Here are some to look out for: Methyl Paraben, Ethyl Paraben, Propyl Paraben, and Butyl Alcohol.

If you see these chemicals listed, we think it’s best to try to find a better product. So next time you need a product, take a closer look for these parabens, and stay away! This shouldn’t be too difficult, as most products that do not contain parabens clearly list so on the label.

Burt's Bees Milk & Honey Body Lotion

Moving into fall and winter is when every girl needs a little extra moisturizer. Burt’s Bees is a company known for their natural products, and wide popularity. Their Milk & Honey Body Lotion provides the perfect solution for the change-of-season dry skin. The sweet, clean smell reminds you of the warmth of the holidays, without being overpowering. The coverage is light, and not greasy once absorbed.

This lotion is 98.3% natural, and is certified by the National Products Association. It does not contain parabens, sulfates, phthalates or petrochemicals. It is simply a great moisturizer for everyone, from a company who brings us an array of natural products to choose from.

You can find this and all of Burt’s Bees products at www.burtsbees.com.