A Few of My Favorite Things: Beach Edition

I lived in Kansas City, Missouri for 7 years. I loved so many parts of the city and my husband loved that you could go to a major league baseball game for $9 (insane right?). While I lived there, what I missed about New England the most was the coast. I grew up 2 blocks from the shoreline and when I moved back to New England, that was one of the things i was most excited to be close to again. 

I don't live to blocks from the shore any longer, but I do live within an hour of some of the most beautiful beaches in New England. After the Fair Trade styled shoot, I had a few people ask me about my go-to brands for items like sunscreen or sandals. So, I decided to share a few of my favorite fair trade and sustainable summer essentials. These are products that feel like summer to me and are made by organizations and companies I love.

1. Favorite Sunscreen: Beautycounter Countersun Mineral Sunscreen 

I have a tendency to fall in love with brands. Beautycounter is one of them- I think I own about a dozen of their products. They have the cleanest, chemically free products you can find. And no I am not a consultant. But I do know an awesome one. (And this isn't some secret online party. I don't get anything if you order something.)

Also their sea salt spray is great for after a day at the beach (or if you are like me, and don't feel like doing your hair most days.)

2. Favorite Sunglasses: Proof Eyewear

I can't express how hard it is to find sunglasses that look good on my face. Most look absolutely enormous. The Ada Eco sunglasses actually look like they fit my face and that I'm not just a 5 year old wearing my mom's sunglasses (even though she never wore sunglasses.)

Also, Proof is an intentional company all about sustainability--from the way they make their eyewear to how they choose to give back. I think I would purchase from them even if their sunglasses made me look like my head was too small for my body.

3. Favorite Flip-Flops: Feelgoodz

These should win some kind of magic comfort award. Once you wear Feelgoodz you will wonder how you walked in those $5 flip-flops. Yes, these are a bit more than $5, but they use conscious materials crafted by artisans and cooperatives all around the globe--so thats why they are more than $5. I have them in black and in blue/gray. I also own there Oasis sandal--so clearly I like them. They are definitely a staple for me in the summer.

4. Favorite water bottle: Lifefactory

This is the product I have used the longest. I own a few Lifefactory water bottles and use them, not only for the beach, but also when I am shooting a wedding. The reason I love Lifefactory water bottles is they are made of glass but are somehow so, so durable. I know because i have dropped each of mine about 100 times. And glass in the hot sun is so much better than plastic. 

5. Favorite Beach Tote: Terra Thread Lupa Tote

I have two kids so I need a tote bag that will carry... everything. When we go to the beach, we look like we are moving there. I don't need something cute, I need something functional. I love that the Lupa bag is both.  And it's fair trade certified and made with organic cotton! 

That's it--a few of my absolute favorites. I have so many other products I love but these are my staples, my go-tos for a day in the sun. What are some of your must-haves?