From Natalie

“Thoughts on skincare, wellness, graceful aging + living well.”

Reading Ingredient Labels Changed Everything For Us

Reading Ingredient Labels Changed Everything For Us

One of the biggest shifts we made over the years was becoming more intentional about reading ingredient labels.

Not from fear.
Not from perfectionism.
And definitely not from trying to live in extremes.

Simply from wanting to feel more informed about what we were using on our bodies every single day.

At Love + Be Well, we believe education matters.

Because once you begin understanding ingredients and how frequently personal care products are used throughout daily life, it becomes much easier to make choices that feel more aligned with your own standards and values.


Modern Life Comes With Constant Exposure

Every day we are exposed to products through:
skincare,
body care,
hair products,
cleaning products,
laundry,
fragrance,
makeup,
and household items.

Most people are not using just one product daily.
They are layering dozens.

And honestly?
That realization alone made us slow down and start paying closer attention.


Ingredient Awareness Is About Empowerment — Not Fear

One thing we feel strongly about is this:

Ingredient awareness should never become fear-based living.

The goal is not panic.
The goal is not obsessiveness.
The goal is not perfection.

The goal is simply becoming a more informed consumer.

Reading labels.
Asking questions.
Understanding ingredients.
Choosing products more intentionally when possible.

Small awareness shifts can create meaningful long-term changes.


Clean Beauty Looks Different For Everyone

At Love + Be Well, we understand that everyone’s comfort level, budget, lifestyle, and priorities are different.

And honestly?
That is completely okay.

We are not interested in judgment-based wellness.

We simply believe people deserve transparency and the ability to make educated choices for themselves and their families.

Because what we repeatedly place on our skin matters too.


Simpler Formulas Often Feel Better To Us

One thing we continually found over the years was that simpler, more thoughtfully formulated products often left our skin feeling healthier and more balanced overall.

Especially products focused on:

  • botanical ingredients
  • nourishing oils
  • probiotics
  • plant-based support
  • barrier-friendly formulations
  • gentle cleansing

Instead of formulas overloaded with unnecessary fillers, overpowering fragrance, or harsh stripping ingredients.

Skin often responds beautifully when routines become calmer and less overwhelming.


Learning To Read Labels Changes The Way You Shop

Once you begin understanding ingredients, shopping changes.

You stop focusing only on marketing promises and start paying attention to:

  • ingredient lists
  • formulation quality
  • how products actually feel on the skin
  • whether your skin barrier feels supported afterward

And honestly?
That awareness becomes incredibly empowering.

Because beautiful packaging does not always equal beautiful formulation.


Progress Over Perfection

At Love + Be Well, we are not interested in impossible standards.

We are interested in:
better choices,
more awareness,
healthier routines,
and creating products that feel supportive to the skin and body over time.

Not fear.
Not guilt.
Not overwhelm.

Just more intentional living.


Your Skin Deserves Thoughtful Care

One thing we always come back to is this:

Your skin is with you for life.

Caring for it should feel:
grounding,
supportive,
healthy,
and sustainable.

And part of that care sometimes means slowing down enough to ask:
“What am I using every day?”
“How does it make my skin feel?”
“Does this align with how I want to care for myself?”

Those small questions matter.

And honestly?
Awareness itself is one of the healthiest things we can cultivate.

Love + Be Well,
Natalie

Skincare Myths We’re Leaving Behind

Skincare Myths We’re Leaving Behind

The skincare world can feel very loud sometimes.

Every week there seems to be:
a new miracle ingredient,
a 12-step routine,
a product everyone suddenly “needs,”
or a trend convincing us we’ve been caring for our skin all wrong.

And honestly?
A lot of it leaves people feeling more confused than supported.

At Love + Be Well, we have always believed skincare should feel a little simpler than that.

Less panic.
Less perfection.
More listening to your skin.

So today we’re slowing things down and talking about a few skincare myths we think are worth leaving behind.


Myth: Oil Is Always Bad For Oily Skin

This one has been around forever.

But the truth is, not all oils behave the same way on the skin.

In many cases, lightweight botanical oils can actually help support balance rather than disrupt it. Stripping oily skin too aggressively often causes the skin to overcompensate by producing even more oil.

Skin tends to respond best when it feels supported instead of constantly attacked.

We prefer nourishment over punishment.

Always.


Myth: Oily Skin Doesn’t Need Moisture

Every skin type needs hydration.

Even oily skin.
Even acne-prone skin.

When skin becomes dehydrated, it can sometimes become more reactive, irritated, or unbalanced. The goal is not to dry your skin out completely — it is to help it function well.

Healthy skin usually looks calm, supported, and comfortably hydrated.

Not tight.
Not stripped.
Not stressed.


Myth: More Active Ingredients Means Better Skin

Somewhere along the way, skincare became very aggressive.

People layering acids over retinol over exfoliants over treatments until their skin barrier quietly waves a white flag.

More is not always better.

Sometimes better looks like:
consistency,
gentleness,
rest,
hydration,
and giving your skin enough time to actually respond.

Your skin does not need to be in a constant state of “fixing.”


Myth: You Need To Wash Your Face Constantly

Over-cleansing is incredibly common.

Especially when people are trying to “control” oily or breakout-prone skin.

But skin has its own protective barrier and natural oils for a reason. Cleansing too often can leave the skin feeling irritated, dry, and unbalanced.

We love a simple rhythm:
a gentle cleanse in the morning,
a more thorough cleanse at night,
and skincare that supports the barrier instead of constantly stripping it down.


Myth: Expensive Always Means Better

Beautiful packaging does not automatically equal beautiful formulation.

Some expensive products are wonderful.
Some are mostly marketing.

The real magic tends to live in:
ingredient quality,
thoughtful formulation,
consistency,
and choosing products your skin genuinely responds well to.

Not chasing price tags or trends.


Skin Usually Responds Well To Simplicity

One thing we have noticed over the years is that skin often becomes calmer when we become calmer too.

Less overdoing.
Less switching products constantly.
Less fear around every line, pore, or texture change.

More consistency.
More nourishment.
More listening.

Healthy skin is not about achieving perfection.

It is about supporting your skin gently enough that it can function beautifully over time.

And honestly, that approach feels much more sustainable.

Love + Be Well,
Natalie



Quiet Little Habits That Might Be Stressing Your Skin

Quiet Little Habits That Might Be Stressing Your Skin

By now, most of us know the basics.

Wash your face.
Brush your teeth.
Clean your hands.
Try to drink enough water.

But sometimes the small everyday habits we barely think about are the ones quietly impacting our skin the most.

The makeup brushes.
The harsh body washes.
The buildup sitting on the scalp.
The products loaded with fragrance that our skin tolerates… until eventually it doesn’t.

At Love + Be Well, we believe healthy skin is often shaped by the tiny rituals repeated daily — not just the expensive serum sitting on the counter.

And honestly?
A few simple shifts can make a surprisingly big difference.


Overly Harsh Body Washes

There is something undeniably comforting about heavily fragranced body wash.

The giant bubbles.
The perfume-like scent.
The “squeaky clean” feeling afterward.

But many traditional body washes can leave skin feeling stripped, tight, or irritated over time — especially sensitive skin.

Skin tends to thrive when cleansed gently rather than aggressively.

That is one reason we personally gravitate toward simpler cleansing rituals using nourishing oils, artisan soaps, probiotics, and plant-based ingredients that help support the skin barrier instead of constantly disrupting it.

Clean skin should still feel comfortable afterward.


Makeup Brushes Need More Attention Than Most Of Us Give Them

This one is not glamorous…
but it matters.

Makeup brushes quietly collect:
oil,
dead skin,
makeup buildup,
bacteria,
and environmental debris.

And then we repeatedly press all of that back onto the skin.

Regularly washing makeup brushes is one of the simplest ways to help support clearer, calmer skin — especially for breakout-prone or sensitive complexions.

(And yes… your phone screen deserves attention too.)


Dry Shampoo Overload

We understand the appeal completely.

Dry shampoo can feel like a lifesaver some weeks.

But when overused continuously, buildup can begin sitting heavily on the scalp and around hair follicles, leaving the scalp feeling congested and uncomfortable over time.

Sometimes the healthiest thing for the scalp is simply allowing it to breathe again.

Not every beauty shortcut needs to become an everyday ritual.


Conventional Deodorants + Underarm Irritation

One thing we became increasingly aware of over the years was how sensitive the underarm area truly is.

And honestly?
Many conventional deodorants can feel incredibly harsh long term.

Synthetic fragrance,
alcohol,
heavy irritation,
constant dryness,
or formulas designed to completely overpower the body rather than support balance.

That realization became part of what inspired us to create The Best Deodorant in the first place.

A gentler, more microbiome-friendly approach that still actually works in real life.

Because body care should feel supportive — not punishing.


Strong Fragrance Is Everywhere

One thing modern life quietly overloads us with is scent.

Candles.
Laundry products.
Body products.
Cleaning sprays.
Perfumes.
Air fresheners.

And while scent can absolutely be beautiful and comforting, many people are beginning to notice how sensitive their skin and nervous systems become when constantly overloaded with synthetic fragrance.

At Love + Be Well, we personally lean toward softer, more botanical experiences whenever possible.

Less overpowering.
More grounding.


Healthy Skin Often Comes Back To Simplicity

One thing we have learned over the years is this:

Healthy skin rarely needs constant extremes.

More often, it responds beautifully to:
consistency,
cleanliness,
hydration,
rest,
gentleness,
and thoughtful daily habits.

The small things matter.

The everyday rituals matter.

And creating a lifestyle that supports your skin tends to feel much more sustainable than endlessly chasing the next beauty trend.


A Softer Kind Of Wellness

At Love + Be Well, we are not interested in perfection.

We are interested in helping people feel:
comfortable,
supported,
healthy,
and at home in their routines again.

Because wellness is rarely built through dramatic overhauls.

Usually, it is built quietly —
through small choices repeated consistently over time.

And honestly?
Those tend to be the habits that glow the longest.

Love + Be Well,
Natalie

 

Your Soap Might Be Doing Too Much

Your Soap Might Be Doing Too Much

Most people think carefully about what goes on their face.

Serums.
Moisturizers.
Facial oils.
Masks.

But body soap?
That usually gets grabbed quickly without much thought at all.

And honestly, we used to be the same way.

Until we started paying closer attention to how skin actually felt after cleansing.

Tight.
Dry.
Itchy.
Overly stripped.

That “squeaky clean” feeling we were taught to love?
It often meant the skin barrier was struggling.


Cleansing Should Not Leave Skin Feeling Depleted

One thing we believe deeply at Love + Be Well is this:

Healthy skin rarely needs aggression.

Especially when it comes to cleansing.

Many conventional soaps rely heavily on:
strong detergents,
synthetic fragrance,
sulfates,
and harsh cleansing agents designed to remove absolutely everything from the skin.

The problem is…
skin still needs some of its natural oils and protective barrier to remain healthy and balanced.

When we repeatedly strip the skin, irritation and dryness often follow.


Plant-Based Soap Feels Different

Switching to plant-based soap is often one of those subtle changes people do not realize they needed until they experience it.

The skin feels:
softer,
calmer,
less reactive,
and more comfortable afterward.

Not coated.
Not tight.
Not overly perfumed.

Just clean in a gentler, more nourishing way.


Ingredients Matter More Than Fancy Marketing

One thing we have learned over the years is that skincare labels can be incredibly misleading.

A product may highlight one beautiful “hero ingredient” on the front…
while still being filled with harsher fillers or synthetic additives throughout the formula.

That is why we always encourage reading ingredient lists slowly and thoughtfully whenever possible.

At Love + Be Well, we personally gravitate toward ingredients like:

  • shea butter
  • olive oil
  • coconut milk
  • botanical oils
  • probiotics
  • plant-based butters

Ingredients chosen not only for how they cleanse — but for how they support the skin afterward too.


Supporting The Skin Barrier

One of the biggest reasons we love probiotic and plant-based cleansing rituals is because they work alongside the skin barrier rather than constantly disrupting it.

Healthy skin has its own delicate ecosystem.

And when we support that ecosystem gently, skin often becomes:
less reactive,
more resilient,
better hydrated,
and more balanced overall.

That matters even more for:
sensitive skin,
mature skin,
or anyone whose skin already feels overwhelmed.


Luxury Is Not Just Packaging

Sometimes people wonder why artisan or plant-based skincare products can cost more than mass-produced drugstore products.

The reality is simple:
quality ingredients cost more.

Small-batch production costs more.
Botanical oils cost more.
Thoughtful formulation costs more.

But honestly?
There is a noticeable difference in how the skin feels when products are created with nourishment in mind instead of simply creating foam and fragrance.

And we think skin deserves that level of care.


Cleaner Choices Extend Beyond Skin

One thing we think about often is what eventually goes down our drains too.

The products we use daily do not disappear once rinsed away.

Plant-based products tend to align beautifully with a slower, more mindful approach to living:
less excess,
simpler ingredients,
more thoughtful choices.

Not perfection.
Just awareness.


The Softest Skin Usually Comes From Gentleness

At Love + Be Well, we are much more interested in skin that feels:
healthy,
comfortable,
balanced,
and nourished…

than skin that has been aggressively over-cleansed in pursuit of perfection.

Because glow rarely comes from stripping the skin down.

More often, it comes from supporting it consistently and gently over time.

And honestly?
That softer approach tends to feel much more luxurious anyway.

Love + Be Well,
Natalie

Once You Start Reading Labels, Everything Changes

Once You Start Reading Labels, Everything Changes

There comes a point in wellness where you start reading labels differently.

Not fearfully.
Not obsessively.

Just more consciously.

And once you begin noticing what is inside many conventional body care products, it becomes surprisingly difficult to ignore.

Especially when it comes to deodorant.

Because unlike products we occasionally use, deodorant is something most of us apply every single day — often for years and years without thinking much about it.

That realization is part of what pushed us to create The Best Deodorant in the first place.


Why We Became So Passionate About Cleaner Deodorant

Our underarms are a sensitive area of the body with delicate skin, sweat glands, and constant daily exposure to whatever we apply there.

And honestly?
Many conventional deodorants rely heavily on ingredients we personally became less comfortable using over time.

Things like:

  • aluminum compounds
  • synthetic fragrance
  • parabens
  • phthalates
  • harsh preservatives

At Love + Be Well, we are not interested in fear-based beauty messaging. But we do believe people deserve transparency and the ability to make informed choices about what they use daily.

Reading labels matters.


Natural Deodorant Had Problems Too

That said, we also quickly realized many natural deodorants came with their own frustrations.

Burning.
Rashes.
White residue.
Staining.
Formulas that stopped working after a few weeks.
Heavy essential oil overload.
Baking soda irritation.

We heard these stories constantly because we experienced them ourselves too.

And honestly?
We were tired of choosing between “natural” and “actually wearable.”


We Wanted Something Smarter + Gentler

When we started developing The Best Deodorant, our goal was never to create another trendy clean beauty product.

We wanted to create something people could genuinely rely on daily.

Something that:
worked consistently,
felt comfortable,
supported the skin microbiome,
and avoided many of the ingredients that commonly caused irritation.

A formula that felt cleaner, but also smarter.


Supporting The Skin Instead Of Fighting It

One thing we believe deeply is this:

The skin usually responds better to support than aggression.

Especially sensitive areas like the underarms.

That philosophy is what led us toward ingredients like probiotics and more microbiome-friendly formulations that work alongside the skin instead of simply trying to overpower odor with stronger fragrance.

Because body care should feel good on the skin long term — not just temporarily.


Awareness Over Perfection

At Love + Be Well, we are not interested in making people feel afraid of every ingredient or product.

We are interested in helping people become more aware, more intentional, and more connected to the choices they make daily.

Small changes add up.

And sometimes switching something as simple as your deodorant becomes part of a much bigger shift toward caring for yourself more thoughtfully overall.


Natural Products Should Still Work Beautifully

One thing we refused to compromise on was effectiveness.

Clean products should still feel elevated.
Natural products should still perform beautifully.
And deodorant should simply let you live your life comfortably without constantly thinking about it.

That was the standard we held ourselves to while creating The Best Deodorant.

And honestly?
We still feel incredibly proud of it.

Love + Be Well,
Natalie



 

What We Personally Look For In SPF

What We Personally Look For In SPF

SPF is one of the most important parts of a healthy skincare routine.

And honestly?
It can also be one of the most confusing.

Between marketing claims, ingredient lists, reef-safe conversations, mineral vs chemical formulas, and endless conflicting information online…
it becomes difficult to know what actually matters.

At Love + Be Well, we do not currently create a dedicated SPF product —
but we do believe strongly in helping people make more informed choices for their skin.

Because protecting your skin matters.


Why Sun Protection Matters

One thing we can all agree on is that excessive UV exposure impacts the skin significantly over time.

Sun exposure can contribute to:

  • premature-looking aging
  • dehydration
  • uneven tone
  • loss of elasticity
  • hyperpigmentation
  • skin damage

Supporting healthy skin includes protecting it consistently.

Especially when spending time outdoors regularly.


Mineral Sunscreen vs Chemical Sunscreen

There are two main categories of sunscreen:
mineral and chemical.

At Love + Be Well, we personally gravitate toward mineral-based options.

Especially those using zinc oxide.

Why?

Because mineral sunscreens work differently than many chemical formulas.

Instead of heavily absorbing into the skin, mineral SPF sits more on the surface and helps reflect or scatter UV rays.

That gentler approach aligns more closely with our skincare philosophy overall.


Why We Prefer Zinc Oxide

Zinc oxide is one of the most widely respected mineral sunscreen ingredients available today.

We especially appreciate it because it offers broad-spectrum support while generally feeling gentler for many skin types.

At Love + Be Well, we personally prefer:

  • mineral-based SPF
  • zinc oxide formulas
  • non-nano options when possible
  • simpler ingredient lists overall

Because ingredient transparency matters to us.


What “Non-Nano” Means

One thing people often see on sunscreen labels is the term “non-nano.”

In simple terms, non-nano zinc oxide refers to particles that are larger and designed to remain more on the skin’s surface rather than becoming highly absorbable.

Many people seeking cleaner beauty routines prefer non-nano mineral SPF for that reason.


Reading The Entire Ingredient List Matters

One thing we always encourage is looking beyond the front label.

Words like:
“natural,”
“clean,”
or “reef safe”

do not always tell the full story.

Reading the full ingredient list matters.

At Love + Be Well, we generally lean toward formulas with:
recognizable ingredients,
minimal unnecessary fillers,
and barrier-friendly formulations overall.

Simpler often feels better to us.


Ocean + Reef Awareness Matters Too

One thing many people are becoming increasingly aware of is how personal care products impact the environment too.

Especially when products wash into oceans and waterways.

At Love + Be Well, we love seeing more people becoming thoughtful not only about what goes onto their skin —
but also how products impact the world around us.

That awareness matters.


SPF Is Part Of A Healthy Routine — Not Fear

We also believe it is important to approach sun exposure with balance rather than fear.

Fresh air,
movement,
sunlight,
and time outdoors matter deeply too.

The goal is not avoiding life.

The goal is supporting healthy habits while protecting the skin thoughtfully.

And one very important reminder:
SPF should always be your final skincare step before makeup.


The Kind Of Skincare We Believe In

At Love + Be Well, we are not interested in fear-based beauty.

We are interested in:
healthy skin,
thoughtful ingredients,
barrier support,
hydration,
and helping people feel empowered in their choices.

Because skincare should feel supportive —
not overwhelming.

And honestly?
Healthy glowing skin usually comes from consistency, balance, and thoughtful care over time.

Love + Be Well,
Natalie

The Skincare Chef Philosophy

The Skincare Chef Philosophy

Creating recipes to nourish the body came first for me.

Long before skincare…
there was food.

Real ingredients.
Whole foods.
Simple nourishment.

When I began learning how deeply the body responds to what we consume daily, it completely changed the way I viewed health and wellness overall.

And eventually, I began asking myself:

Why should skincare be any different?


Feeding The Skin Like We Feed The Body

At Love + Be Well, I approach skincare very similarly to the way I approach food.

I think in terms of:
ingredients,
nourishment,
balance,
support,
and how things work together synergistically.

Not just trendy actives or marketing claims.

Every formula begins more like a recipe than a product.

What ingredients support hydration?
What ingredients calm inflammation?
What ingredients help support the microbiome?
What ingredients work beautifully together?

That philosophy became the foundation of everything we create.


Simpler Ingredients Changed Everything For Me

Years ago, I began looking more closely at the ingredient labels lining my bathroom shelves.

And honestly?
It was overwhelming.

Long lists of ingredients I could barely pronounce.
Heavy fragrance.
Fillers.
Harsh preservatives.
Complicated formulations that often left my skin feeling reactive instead of healthier.

The more I learned, the more I felt pulled toward creating something simpler and more intentional.

Skincare that felt nourishing instead of overwhelming.


Why We Focus On Recognizable Ingredients

One thing that became deeply important to me was transparency.

At Love + Be Well, we aim for ingredients that feel familiar and recognizable whenever possible.

Botanical oils.
Probiotics.
Plant-based ingredients.
Hydrating ingredients the skin naturally responds beautifully to.

Because skincare should not feel mysterious.

It should feel supportive.


The Skin Absorbs More Than We Realize

One thing I became increasingly aware of over time was how frequently we use skincare products throughout daily life.

Morning.
Night.
Repeatedly.
Year after year.

That awareness changed the standards I personally wanted for my own products and routines.

Not from fear.
But from intention.

Because what we place on our skin matters too.


Skincare Should Work Together Synergistically

One thing I love most about creating skincare is designing products that support one another beautifully.

Like a thoughtfully prepared meal, skincare ingredients work differently when paired intentionally.

Hydration paired with moisture.
Probiotics paired with botanical oils.
Barrier support paired with antioxidants.

That layered nourishment creates a healthier, more radiant kind of glow over time.

Not overnight perfection.
Just healthier skin consistently supported.


The Glow We Believe In

At Love + Be Well, we are not interested in aggressive beauty standards or impossible perfection.

We are interested in helping people feel:
comfortable,
healthy,
radiant,
and supported in their skin.

The kind of glow that comes from:
hydration,
nourishment,
rest,
consistency,
and thoughtful rituals.

The kind of beauty that still feels human.


What Can I Make For You Today?

Every product we create begins with the same intention:

To nourish the skin gently and thoughtfully using ingredients chosen with care.

Because skincare should feel less like chemistry…
and more like feeding the skin something beautiful.

And honestly?
That softer approach has always felt the most magical to me.

Love + Be Well,
Natalie
Founder + The Skincare Chef

Why Handcrafted Still Matters

Why Handcrafted Still Matters

 


Why We Believe In Pit Detoxing

Why We Believe In Pit Detoxing

Let’s talk about something very normal that nobody really wants to talk about:

Pit stink.

Honestly?
Body odor happens.

And despite what perfectly polished beauty marketing may try to convince us otherwise, every body is different.

Stress,
diet,
hormones,
sweat,
environment,
genetics,
hydration,
and even alcohol can all influence how our body smells.

That is simply part of being human.

At Love + Be Well, we have always believed the goal is not obsessing over perfection —
it is supporting the body more naturally and gently instead.


Why Natural Deodorant Can Feel Different At First

One thing many people notice when switching to natural deodorant is that the transition period can feel… frustrating.

Especially if they are used to conventional products that rely heavily on:
aluminum,
heavy fragrance,
or pore-blocking ingredients.

Natural deodorant works differently.

Instead of aggressively shutting down sweat, many plant-based formulas focus more on supporting balance while helping manage odor naturally.

And honestly?
That adjustment period is very real for some people.


Why We Believe In Pit Detoxing

Just like pores on the face can become congested, underarm pores can experience buildup too.

Think:
product buildup,
sweat,
dead skin,
oil,
and environmental debris.

Over time, all of that can leave the underarm area feeling imbalanced.

A pit detox helps refresh the skin by supporting:

  • gentle exfoliation
  • pore cleansing
  • removal of buildup
  • healthier skin balance overall

Not harshly.
Not aggressively.
Just supportively.


Step One: Exfoliation

One of the most important parts of pit detoxing is gentle exfoliation.

Dead skin buildup can trap sweat, oil, and debris against the skin, which can contribute to odor and congestion.

Gentle exfoliation helps refresh the skin surface while supporting smoother, healthier-looking underarms overall.

At Love + Be Well, we always lean toward exfoliation that feels nourishing rather than abrasive.


Step Two: Detox Mask

After exfoliation, detox masks help support a deeper reset by helping draw out buildup and impurities from the pores.

Especially when paired with probiotics and barrier-supportive ingredients.

One thing people often notice afterward is that the underarm area simply feels:
fresher,
cleaner,
lighter,
and more balanced.

Not because the body stopped functioning naturally —
but because the skin feels less congested.


Why Probiotics Matter

One thing we continually return to is supporting the microbiome.

Your skin contains beneficial bacteria that help maintain balance naturally.

At Love + Be Well, we especially love probiotic deodorant because it works with the skin rather than constantly overpowering it with harsh ingredients or excessive fragrance.

That softer approach aligns beautifully with how we believe skincare and body care should feel overall.


Sweat Is Not The Enemy

One thing we always want to remind people:

Sweating is normal.
And honestly?
It is healthy.

The goal is not to completely stop the body from functioning naturally.

The goal is helping support healthier balance while feeling fresh and confident at the same time.

There is a big difference.


Lifestyle Plays A Role Too

One thing many people notice is that body odor changes depending on:
diet,
stress,
hydration,
alcohol,
hormones,
exercise,
and overall wellness.

The body is constantly responding to what is happening internally and externally.

That is why we believe wellness and skincare are always connected.


The Kind Of Body Care We Believe In

At Love + Be Well, we are not interested in overly harsh body care routines that leave skin irritated or stripped.

We are interested in helping skin feel:
healthy,
balanced,
comfortable,
supported,
and naturally fresh.

Because caring for the body should feel grounding —
not punishing.

And honestly?
That softer approach usually works far better long term anyway.

Love + Be Well,
Natalie

Why I Created The Best Deodorant

Why I Created The Best Deodorant

Naming a product “The Best Deodorant” is admittedly a bold move.

But honestly?
After years of researching, testing, reformulating, failing, and trying nearly every natural deodorant available at the time…
the name finally felt earned.

Because this product was never created casually.

It came from necessity.


The Beginning Of The Journey

Back in 2014, after my diagnosis with multiple sclerosis, my entire life changed.

I began looking at wellness through a completely different lens.

What started with food slowly expanded into every area of my life:
household products,
beauty products,
skincare,
and personal care.

I began paying attention to ingredients.
Reading labels differently.
Questioning products I had trusted for years.

And honestly?
Finding truly clean products that actually worked felt almost impossible at the time.

Especially deodorant.


The Natural Deodorant Struggle Was Real

I tried everything.

Natural deodorants that:
stopped working after two weeks,
left rashes,
stained clothing,
burned,
irritated,
or simply did not work at all.

And after enough failed attempts, I kept coming back to one question:

Why do we actually stink in the first place?

Because once I understood the “why,” I realized the solution had to work with the body —
not against it.


We Are Supposed To Sweat

One thing that became very clear to me during my research was this:

Sweating is normal.

The body is designed to sweat.

Many conventional deodorants focus heavily on blocking sweat and overpowering odor with fragrance.

But I wanted to create something different.

Something that supported the skin naturally instead of constantly fighting it.


The Microbiome Changed Everything

The breakthrough came when I began studying the skin microbiome and bacterial balance.

Underarm odor is heavily connected to bacteria balance on the skin.

When the skin’s natural environment becomes imbalanced, odor can increase.

That completely shifted my approach.

Instead of trying to simply mask odor, I focused on supporting healthy bacteria balance using:
live probiotics,
mineral salts,
botanical ingredients,
and pH-supportive formulations.

That became the foundation of The Best Deodorant.


What Makes The Formula Different

At Love + Be Well, we intentionally formulated The Best Deodorant without many of the ingredients people commonly struggle with in natural deodorants.

No baking soda.
No aluminum.
No alcohol.
No heavy residue.
No overpowering fragrance.

Instead, we focused on ingredients that support the skin gently while helping maintain freshness naturally.

The formula includes:

  • mineral salts
  • rose water
  • alcohol-free witch hazel
  • cold-pressed aloe
  • live probiotics
  • essential oils

Simple ingredients working together intentionally.


Why People Connected With It

What surprised me most after launching The Best Deodorant was how many people shared the exact same frustrations I had experienced myself.

People were exhausted from:
constant irritation,
wasted money,
failed natural deodorants,
and products that made them feel uncomfortable in their own skin.

That is why this product became so much bigger than deodorant for us.

It became about helping people feel confident again while still aligning with cleaner living choices.


The Philosophy Behind Everything We Create

At Love + Be Well, every product begins with the same intention:

Create something supportive, nourishing, and thoughtfully formulated without compromising on performance.

Because clean beauty should still work beautifully.

And honestly?
People should not have to choose between effectiveness and ingredients they feel good about using daily.


The Kind Of Wellness We Believe In

One thing I have learned throughout this journey is that wellness is deeply personal.

For me, ingredient awareness became non-negotiable.

Not from fear —
but because I know firsthand how deeply the body can respond to what we consume and surround ourselves with.

That awareness shaped this entire company.

And it continues guiding every formula we create today.

Love + Be Well,
Natalie

 

Our Thoughts On Natural Sunscreen

Our Thoughts On Natural Sunscreen

We get asked about sunscreen often.

What do we personally use?
What do we recommend?
How do we approach sun exposure overall?

And honestly?
We believe this is one of those very personal wellness choices where education matters far more than fear.

At Love + Be Well, we always encourage people to research, learn, and decide what feels best for their own body and lifestyle.

Because informed choices matter.


Our Philosophy Around Sun Exposure

We believe healthy sun exposure has value.

Fresh air,
natural light,
time outdoors,
movement,
and daily sunlight all play important roles in overall wellness.

Modern life keeps many of us indoors far more than previous generations.

So rather than fearing the sun entirely, we personally believe in practicing mindful, balanced sun exposure.

Seeking shade when needed.
Avoiding excessive burning.
Supporting the skin consistently.
And using protection thoughtfully when spending extended periods outdoors.


Mineral Sunscreen Is What We Personally Gravitate Toward

When choosing sunscreen, we personally lean toward:

  • mineral-based formulas
  • zinc oxide
  • non-nano options
  • simpler ingredient lists overall

Why?

Because mineral SPF sits more on top of the skin and helps physically reflect UV rays rather than heavily absorbing into the body like many chemical sunscreens.

That gentler approach aligns more closely with our skincare philosophy overall.


Ingredient Awareness Matters

One thing we always encourage is reading the full ingredient list.

Not just the front label.

Words like:
“clean,”
“natural,”
or “reef safe”

can sometimes be misleading without understanding the full formulation.

At Love + Be Well, we personally appreciate formulas with recognizable ingredients and fewer unnecessary additives whenever possible.


Many Botanical Oils Naturally Support The Skin

One thing interesting about plant-based skincare is that many botanical ingredients naturally help support and protect the skin barrier.

That was always intentional in our formulations.

Our skincare philosophy has always focused on:
hydration,
barrier support,
antioxidants,
and nourishment.

Because healthy skin is often more resilient skin overall.


Sun Protection Is About Balance — Not Fear

We are not interested in fear-based beauty or wellness.

We believe in balance.

Supporting the skin.
Protecting the skin.
Enjoying life outdoors responsibly.
And making thoughtful choices where we can.

Because healthy skin should still feel connected to real life.


Things We Personally Keep In Mind

When spending longer periods outside, we personally focus on:

  • seeking shade when needed
  • wearing hats or protective clothing
  • staying hydrated
  • using mineral SPF
  • avoiding excessive burning
  • nourishing the skin afterward

Simple supportive habits consistently matter more than perfection.


The Goal Is Healthy Skin For The Long Run

At Love + Be Well, our approach has always been rooted in supporting healthy skin gently and consistently over time.

Not harsh extremes.
Not panic.
Not impossible standards.

Just thoughtful care,
ingredient awareness,
and nourishing rituals that support the skin beautifully through every season of life.

Love + Be Well,
Natalie

Your Skin Probably Wants Less

Your Skin Probably Wants Less