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

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

For years, natural deodorant felt like one of those products people wanted to love… but quietly struggled with.

Too irritating.
Too drying.
Too heavily fragranced.
Too inconsistent.
Too many white stains on black clothing.
Too many products that worked beautifully for a week… until suddenly they didn’t.

And honestly?
We were frustrated too.

So instead of continuing to search for the perfect natural deodorant, we decided to create it ourselves.

The Goal Was Never Just “Natural”

When we began formulating The Best Deodorant, we were not interested in simply making another trendy clean beauty product.

We wanted to solve the actual problem.

A natural deodorant that:
worked consistently,
felt comfortable on sensitive skin,
did not sting,
did not stain clothing,
and fit seamlessly into everyday life.

Simple goals.
Surprisingly difficult to achieve.

A Different Approach To Odor

After years of researching ingredients and testing formulas, founder Natalie Shultz realized something important:

Most natural deodorants focus heavily on covering odor after it already exists.

But what if the focus shifted toward supporting balance on the skin instead?

That change in perspective became the foundation for The Best Deodorant.

Instead of relying on overpowering fragrance or harsh ingredients, the formula was designed to work more intelligently and gently with the body.

Two Years Of Formulating

This was not an overnight product launch.

The formula behind The Best Deodorant took nearly two years of testing, reformulating, refining, and real-life wear testing before Natalie felt confident enough to release it.

Because at Love + Be Well, products are never rushed simply to follow trends.

They are created slowly, intentionally, and only released when they genuinely feel ready.

The Response Was Immediate

Shortly after launching, messages began pouring in from customers who had nearly given up on natural deodorant completely.

People who had tried everything.
People frustrated by irritation.
People tired of products that stopped working after a few weeks.
People who wanted something that felt both effective and gentle.

Hearing those stories has remained one of the most meaningful parts of creating this product.

Natural Products Should Still Feel Luxurious

One thing we believe deeply is this:

Choosing natural products should never feel like settling.

Natural skincare and body care can still feel elevated, beautiful, effective, and thoughtfully made.

That philosophy lives inside every product we create — especially The Best Deodorant.

Because caring for yourself should feel simple, supportive, and quietly luxurious.

Not complicated.

Not irritating.

Not overwhelming.

Just beautifully functional.

Love + Be Well,
Natalie

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 absorbs more than most people realize.

And in a world where we are already constantly exposed to noise, stress, pollution, and overwhelm, we became increasingly interested in simplifying what we were putting on our skin each day too.

That curiosity is part of what led us toward natural and organic skincare in the first place.

Not perfection.
Not fear.
Not obsessively reading every label under a microscope.

Just a slower, more intentional approach to caring for ourselves.

Simpler Ingredients Feel Better To Us

Have you ever picked up a product and barely recognized a single ingredient on the label?

We’ve all been there.

One thing we love about many plant-based and organic skincare products is how grounding the ingredients often feel:
botanical oils,
aloe,
honey,
herbs,
plant butters,
minerals,
probiotics.

Ingredients connected to nature rather than overly engineered formulas trying to aggressively “fix” the skin overnight.

That softer philosophy has always felt more sustainable to us.

Supporting The Skin Gently

Over the years, we have learned that skin often responds beautifully to gentleness.

Especially sensitive, reactive, or mature skin.

Many conventional products can leave skin feeling:
tight,
over-exfoliated,
inflamed,
or stripped.

And while aggressive skincare can sometimes create fast visible changes temporarily, long-term skin health usually benefits from nourishment, consistency, hydration, and barrier support.

Healthy skin should feel comfortable to live in.

Organic Skincare + Sensitive Skin

One reason many people gravitate toward organic skincare is because simpler formulations can sometimes feel more supportive for easily irritated skin.

Of course every person’s skin is unique, but many people appreciate avoiding unnecessary fillers, overpowering fragrance, or overly harsh ingredients whenever possible.

At Love + Be Well, we formulate with the mindset that skincare should feel calming rather than stressful.

Real Skin Needs Nourishment

We think about skincare similarly to the way we think about food.

Quality matters.
Consistency matters.
Gentleness matters.

And while there is no such thing as a miracle product, supporting the skin with nourishing ingredients over time can absolutely make a difference in how skin looks and feels.

Beautiful skin is usually built slowly.

A More Thoughtful Kind Of Beauty

One thing we care deeply about is creating products that align with a slower and more intentional way of living.

Cruelty-free products.
Thoughtful ingredients.
Handmade formulations.
Less excess.
Less overwhelm.

Because skincare is not just about appearance.

It becomes part of your everyday rituals.
Your mornings.
Your evenings.
Your quiet moments.

And we believe those moments should feel good from beginning to end.

Progress Over Perfection

At the end of the day, wellness and skincare do not need to become all-or-nothing.

You do not need a perfectly “clean” bathroom cabinet to begin making more thoughtful choices.

Sometimes it simply starts with paying a little more attention.
Reading labels.
Choosing gentler products.
Listening to your skin.
Slowing down enough to care for yourself consistently.

Those small choices add up beautifully over time.

Love + Be Well,
Natalie

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

Not because we were chasing perfection.
Not because we wanted fear-based wellness.

But because once you begin learning more about skincare ingredients, it becomes difficult not to pay attention.

At Love + Be Well, we believe knowledge is empowering.

Because skincare is something most of us use every single day —
sometimes multiple times a day —
for years and years over a lifetime.

And honestly?
That matters.

Clean Beauty Changed The Conversation

Over the past decade, more people have started asking better questions about the products they bring into their homes.

Questions like:

• What ingredients am I using daily?
• How does this product make my skin feel?
• Is this formula supportive to the skin barrier?
• Does “natural” actually mean natural?
• Am I choosing products intentionally or just trusting marketing?

That awareness shift has been incredibly important.

Because consumers deserve transparency.

Ingredient Awareness Is About Empowerment — Not Fear

One thing we always want to emphasize is this:

Ingredient awareness should never become fear-driven living.

The goal is not panic.
The goal is not obsessiveness.
The goal is not impossible standards.

The goal is simply becoming more informed and intentional.

Reading labels.
Understanding formulations.
Learning what works for your own body and skin.

That awareness alone changes the way people shop.

Why Simpler Formulas Often Feel Better

At Love + Be Well, we personally gravitate toward skincare that feels:
gentler,
more nourishing,
less overwhelming,
and more supportive to the skin barrier overall.

Especially formulas focused on:

• botanical oils
• probiotics
• hydration support
• barrier-friendly ingredients
• plant-based nourishment

Rather than harsh, overly complicated routines that leave skin constantly reacting or recovering.

Healthy skin rarely thrives under constant stress.

Ingredients Many People Choose To Avoid

As clean beauty awareness has grown, many consumers have become more mindful of ingredients often associated with irritation or unnecessary formulation fillers.

Some commonly discussed ingredients include:

• heavy synthetic fragrance blends
• harsh alcohols
• aggressive foaming agents
• certain preservatives
• overly stripping ingredients
• unnecessary dyes or fillers

At Love + Be Well, we always encourage people to do their own research, ask questions, and choose the standards that feel right for them personally.

Because informed choices matter more than trends.

Healthy Skin Starts With Supporting The Barrier

One thing we continually come back to is protecting the skin barrier.

When skin feels:
stripped,
tight,
inflamed,
chronically dry,
or reactive…

it often struggles to function optimally.

That is why we focus heavily on:
hydration,
nourishment,
probiotics,
gentle cleansing,
and supporting the microbiome.

Healthy skin tends to glow differently when it feels balanced and supported.

Marketing Can Be Misleading

One thing we learned quickly is that words like:
“natural,”
“clean,”
or “organic”

do not always tell the full story.

Beautiful packaging and trendy marketing do not always equal thoughtful formulations.

Which is one reason reading ingredient labels became such an important part of our own wellness journey.

Small Choices Add Up Over Time

At Love + Be Well, we believe wellness is built slowly through daily choices.

Not perfection.
Not extremes.
Not fear.

Just becoming a little more intentional over time.

Choosing products that feel supportive.
Choosing routines that feel calming.
Choosing skincare that helps your skin feel healthy, comfortable, and nourished long term.

Because your skin is with you for life.

And honestly?
It deserves thoughtful care.

Love + Be Well,
Natalie