I think it’s safe to say I’ve been on a bit of a beauty kick recently.  While always on the hunt for a few great, safe makeup and skincare staples, I have been especially eager to try and find the best summer beauty products that will help me get closer to that coveted dewy summer glow.  And in the past few weeks, I’ve discovered a high-low mix of beauty buys that have me looking forward to getting ready (and unwinding) more than EVER before…and yes, some can be found down the drugstore beauty aisle.  From detoxifying face masks to handmade scrubs, essential oils and all-natural (and totally affordable) lipstick, here’s what I think is the best summer beauty products  Truly, MKR

No. 1…Luxe Apothecary Coconut Flower Scrub.  Handcrafted here in Atlanta, this mixture is my go-to when I want a long soak in the tub. The coconut milk is super moisturizing, and the floral essential oils create the most heavenly smell.  Not to mention, the picture-perfect packaging had me at hello. 

 No. 2…Smith & Cult Plastic Beach Warrior Nail Polish.  While you’ve heard me gush over the entire Smith & Cult line of nail polishes and lip glosses before, I’ve turned to the punchy pink shade Plastic Beach for my summer mani. 

No. 3…Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream.  I saw this body cream and honestly just had to see what the fuss was all about (with these reviews, the stuff sounded like a miracle cream).  First of all, it smells amazing.  But most importantly, it’s a fast-absorbing moisturizer that claims to tighten and smooth skin.  I especially love how it doesn’t feel too heavy or goopy as a moisturizer on my skin…which is key during this current heat wave we’re in.  Since using it regularly on my legs, arms and torso, I can’t say I’ve noticed tighter skin, but I have noticed a more even, improved overall skin tone. 

No 4…Nude Skincare Pro Genius Rescue Oil. I recently tried a few of this natural beauty brand’s products, and I’m a new big fan.  With a focus on all of the nutrients your skin needs (omegas, minerals, probiotics and antioxidants) each product helps you regain balance and fight signs of aging and stress.  I’ve applied the Pro Genius Rescue Oil at night and seen a huge improvement in my complexion.

No. 5…Revlon Colorburst Matte Lipbalm in “Shewy”. By now you’re no stranger to my signature pink pout, and when I find the perfect pink I have to stock up.  This is probably my favorite drugstore buy because it’s the best and brightest pink.  I’ve been impressed with its great pigment and moisture, and it doesn’t move for hours.

No. 6…Revive Bath & Body Peppermint, Rosemary & Lemon Loofah Soap.  This handmade loofah soap has become one of my favorite ways to exfoliate and keep my skin fresh this summer.  It’s made of plant-based oils, without all of those harmful chemicals, preservatives, parabens, or synthetics found in a lot of store-made soap. And I’ve found that it’s gentle enough for my sensitive skin.  My favorite part?  The soap is handmade by Atlanta small business Revive Bath & Body, and a portion of sales are donated to women exiting the trafficking trade here in Atlanta. 

No. 7…Luxe Apothecary Good Night Essential Oil. Another must-have from the small Atlanta shop, this roll-on essential oil uses a soothing mix of sweet almond oil, lavender and chamomile to help you unwind.  I apply the Good Night oil to my temples and neck before bed to help quiet my busy, busy mind once I hit the pillow.

No. 8…Burt’s Bees Lipstick.  I have to admit, I was a bit skeptical about trying a lipstick by Burt’s Bees.  I felt like all-natural lipstick would lack the pigment and lasting power of typical lipstick.  But the price was right, and I remembered that most of the brand’s products score relatively low on the Think Dirty toxicity scale. To my pleasant surprise, the lipstick held color and didn’t feel dry or cakey at all.  And in “Iced Iris”, it’s lightweight and subtle enough for everyday wear. 

No. 9…L’Oreal Paris Detox & Brighten Pure Clay Mask.  I am always, always on the hunt for a mask that claims to even my skin tone, and I was intrigued by this drugstore buy.  It left my face feeling super-clean and refreshed. 

No. 10…Caudalie Divine Oil. My favorite product to put on after a long day in the sun, Divine Oil is simply luxury in a bottle.  It smells amazing, has a subtle shimmer, and it absorbs quickly into sun-kissed skin.  It’s made up of grapeseed antioxidant polyphenols and it leaves my skin sooooo soft. 

No. 11…L’Oreal Paris Exfoliate and Refine Pores Pure Clay Mask.  Well to be honest, I’m always on the hunt for any mask that exfoliates and improves my skin’s texture, too!  This mask got my attention in the drugstore aisle because it addresses large pores, while and improving the overall look and feel of the skin.  Yes please to all of the above.  xo

I recently came across three new-to-me brands that I can’t get enough of! I’ve always felt very grateful for having the opportunity to discover new beauty and wellness brands through the blog, and I’m currently raving about these finds to all of my friends and family. 

Have you heard of The Seaweed Bath Co., Kindred, and Alora? They all offer nontoxic, effective and affordable skincare and self-care products that are worth trying ASAP if not. The Seaweed Bath Co. is available at Target and Amazon — hello, convenience! — and Kindred’s profits benefit Coalition Against Trafficking in Women. I love that I can feel good about contributing to such an important cause. 

Read about these new favorites below, and add a comment if any of them catch your eye, too! Truly, MKR

One. The Seaweed Bath Co. Whole Seaweed Detox Bath. I basically fly through bath salts and soaks in our house, so and I’m always eager to try new brands. I picked this one up on a recent Target run and couldn’t love it more. Don’t be surprised if you see me gifting it to friends and family soon too — it’s that good. 

Two. Kindred La Femme Body Oil. This luxurious, moisturizing body oil is perfect for everyday use; it absorbs quickly and leaves skin feeling amazing. With ingredients like almond oil, shea oil, coconut oil, rose geranium oil and lavender oil, it’s the perfect addition to your nontoxic beauty routine. Added bonus: a percentage of Kindred’s profits benefit Coalition Against Trafficking in Women.

Three. The Seaweed Bath Co. Exfoliating Detox Scrub. Another goodie by The Seaweed Bath Co., this scrub uses a super-find blend to gently exfoliate the surface of your skin with 65+ vitamins and minerals. It smells wonderful and feels amazing while it’s working its magic. 

Four. Kindred Polish Cleanse. I can’t rave enough about this product by Kindred Skincare Co. The blend of mango butter and green tea butter work together to soothe and moisturize my sensitive skin. It’s pretty versatile too; the citrus peel and fig seeds gently exfoliate the top layer of skin. Check the list of ingredients to believe it for yourself; it’s a gem of a product. 

Five. Kindred Bâton Rosé. This little stick can be used on the face and body for a little shimmer and color for the cheeks, lips, shoulders, decollete, arms, etc. It’s made of all organic ingredients and smells divine; mango butter, evening primrose oil, calendula oil, rose geranium oil and mineral powder.

Six. The Seaweed Bath Co. Firming Detox Cream. Always on the hunt for a good cellulite cream? Me. Too. This one boasts organic and sustainably harvested seaweed that helps skin’s elasticity. It’s rich in antioxidants and hyaluronic acid that locks in moisture and nourishes your skin all over. 

Seven. The Seaweed Bath Co. Micro-Scrub. This micro-scrub makes it easier to remember to exfoliate more regularly — it’s super gentle and gives me instant results. By sloughing away dead skin and evening skin tone, I’m one step closer to that glow I’m always striving for. 

Eight. The Seaweed Bath Co. Purifying Detox Facial Bar. If you want a 2-in-1 nontoxic cleansing bar, this is the product for you. It’s gentle enough for the face, yet nourishing enough for the entire body. I’ve stocked up on a few of these for the guest bathroom to pamper guests! 

Nine. Alora Bimbi Candle. Three of my favorite scents come together in a lovely, made-in-the-USA candle by Alora — lavender, chamomile, and bergamot. The result is citrusy and light, and it smells perfect in my kitchen while cooking. 

Ten. The Seaweed Bath Co. Day Cream. This lightweight face cream is the perfect addition to your daily beauty routine. It feels absolutely amazing while you apply it, offering a subtle, never overpowering scent. Again, this one’s available at Target — so convenient and affordable! 

Eleven. The Seaweed Bath Co. Detox Body Wash. Here’s a great daily wash that works to detox and cleanses — minus all the nontoxic additives that so many of the leading brands have. Thanks to green tea extract, French clay, spirulina, coconut oil and olive oil, your skin is left moisturized, fresh and squeaky clean.