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

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

Stopping coloring my hair was one of the most personal decisions I have ever made.

And honestly?

As I approach the one-year mark, my only regret is not doing it sooner.

At first, it felt terrifying.
Then empowering.
Then emotional.
Then freeing in ways I never expected.

What began as a clean living decision slowly became something much deeper.

It became a relationship with myself.

Why I Decided To Stop Coloring My Hair

Years ago, after my diagnosis with multiple sclerosis, I began looking at every area of my life differently.

Food was the first thing that changed.
Then skincare.
Household products.
Beauty products.
Daily habits.

Little by little, I began reducing my toxic load where I could.

Not perfectly.
Just intentionally.

And eventually, that led me to hair color.

Once I started learning more about conventional dyes and ingredients, I knew deep down it was something I would eventually have to face.

But honestly?
It took me a full year to mentally prepare myself.

Because if I am being real…
hair color felt like my one “give me.”

The thing I was not ready to release yet.

Until one day, I was.

The Emotional Side Nobody Talks About

Choosing to stop coloring my hair was not just about hair.

It challenged the way I viewed aging,
beauty,
womanhood,
and myself.

Because somewhere along the way, many of us absorbed the message that aging was something to hide.

Something to fight.
Correct.
Cover.
Delay.

Gray hair became tied to fear instead of wisdom.

And letting mine grow in forced me to sit with all of that emotionally.

There Were Hard Days

I wish I could say it was effortless and empowering every single day.

It was not.

There were moments I almost gave up.

Moments I stared in the mirror feeling unsure of myself.
Moments I questioned whether I would still feel beautiful.
Moments I almost ran to buy hair dye again.

But those hard days ended up teaching me the most.

Because every time I stayed committed to myself, something inside me softened and healed a little more.

Something Beautiful Happened

Over time, my relationship with myself began changing.

The gray hairs I once feared slowly became something I appreciated.

I started calling them my sparkles.

I became more comfortable in my skin than I had ever been before.

Not because I suddenly looked younger.
But because I stopped viewing aging as something shameful.

And honestly?
That shift changed everything.

The Beginning Of The Graceful Aging Conversation

This journey also deeply shaped the direction of Love + Be Well.

It became part of why we moved away from harsh “anti-aging” messaging entirely.

Because I no longer wanted to fight myself.

I wanted skincare to feel:
supportive,
nourishing,
healthy,
and graceful.

Not fear-driven.

The goal became helping women feel beautiful at every age —
without apology.

My Mother Helped Shape This Too

Watching my own mother embrace her gray hair after her cancer journey impacted me deeply too.

She survived so much with incredible strength and softness.

And seeing her step into herself naturally reminded me that beauty does not disappear with age.

If anything, it deepens.

There is something incredibly beautiful about women who stop hiding themselves and begin fully inhabiting who they are.

Graceful Aging Is Personal

One thing I want to say clearly:

This was my personal decision.

There is absolutely no judgment toward anyone who colors their hair.

None.

That is the beauty of all of this —
we each get to decide what feels aligned for us personally.

And that freedom matters.

Looking Forward

This journey surprised me in the best ways.

What began as a wellness choice slowly became:
self-acceptance,
confidence,
freedom,
and peace.

And honestly?
I think that kind of beauty radiates differently.

So if you are somewhere in the middle of your own gray hair journey —
hang in there.

The emotional transformation happening underneath it all may become the greatest gift of all.

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

Vitamins.
Minerals.
Probiotics.
Fruit enzymes.

Honestly?
The line between skincare and nourishment is becoming beautifully blurred.

And at Love + Be Well, we absolutely love that.

Because feeding the skin should feel just as intentional as feeding the body.

The skin is living tissue after all.

So it only makes sense that ingredients sourced from nature can support it beautifully.

Skincare Is Beginning To Look More Like Nutrition

Over the years, skincare trends have started sounding more and more like wellness conversations.

Collagen.
Coconut oil.
Probiotics.
Antioxidants.
Superfoods.

And honestly?
That shift makes sense to us.

At Love + Be Well, we have always believed skincare should focus on:
nourishment,
support,
hydration,
and feeding the skin what it truly needs.

Not stripping it raw.

What Are Fruit Enzymes?

Fruit enzymes are naturally derived exfoliating compounds found in certain fruits and plants.

When used in skincare, they help gently loosen and dissolve dead skin buildup sitting on the surface of the skin.

Think:
smoother texture,
brighter tone,
and fresher-looking skin —
without the aggressive feeling harsh exfoliants can sometimes create.

Why We Prefer Plant-Based Enzymes

One thing we especially love about plant enzymes is how gentle they can be on the skin barrier compared to more aggressive exfoliating methods.

Fruit enzymes help encourage natural exfoliation while still supporting the skin’s protective barrier and microbiome.

That balance matters deeply to us.

Because healthy glowing skin is not about damaging the skin into submission.

It is about supporting it intelligently and consistently.

The Problem With Overdoing Acids

At Love + Be Well, we personally believe many people are over-exfoliating their skin.

Strong acids,
aggressive peels,
harsh scrubs,
and treatments that leave the skin burning or irritated can sometimes weaken the skin barrier over time.

And honestly?
Anything causing significant burning, irritation, or chronic inflammation should always be approached thoughtfully.

The skin thrives when supported gently.

Not constantly stressed.

Enzymes Help Reveal Fresh Healthy Skin

Fruit enzymes work by helping dissolve the “glue” that keeps dead skin cells clinging to the surface.

This allows dull skin buildup to shed more naturally, revealing:

• smoother skin
• brighter tone
• softer texture
• healthier radiance

Many people also find enzyme-based skincare supportive for:

• congestion
• uneven texture
• dullness
• breakouts
• graceful aging support

Supporting The Skin Barrier Always Comes First

At Love + Be Well, protecting the skin barrier is one of our biggest skincare philosophies.

Because glowing skin is often balanced skin.

Calm skin.
Supported skin.
Hydrated skin.

And when the microbiome and skin barrier stay healthier, the skin naturally tends to function better overall.

Fruit Enzymes + Probiotics = A Beautiful Pairing

One thing we especially love is combining:
plant enzymes,
probiotics,
hydration,
and nourishing botanicals together.

That synergy creates skincare that feels supportive rather than aggressive.

The goal is not stripping the skin raw.

The goal is helping healthy skin emerge naturally.

A Gentler Path To Radiance

At Love + Be Well, we believe skincare should feel nourishing, grounding, and supportive.

Not punishing.

And honestly?
Some of the most beautiful results often come from gentler consistency rather than aggressive treatments.

So if your skin has been feeling stressed, overworked, or reactive —
it may simply be asking for a softer approach.

Love + Be Well,
Natalie

There are moments in business that feel almost impossible to process while they are happening.

This was one of them.

When we first started Love + Be Well, everything was handmade in small batches with a very simple goal:
create products that genuinely helped people while staying true to the slower, more intentional life we believed in.

No giant investors.
No massive corporate teams.
No elaborate launch strategies.

Just heart, persistence, and a skincare studio filled with ingredients, ideas, and a lot of late nights.

So receiving the news that The Best Deodorant had been shortlisted for the Pure Beauty Awards UK honestly felt surreal.

A Small Brand From Virginia… Standing Beside Global Beauty Brands

Out of hundreds of entries submitted from beauty brands around the world, The Best Deodorant was selected as a finalist for Best New Natural Product.

And yes…
standing alongside major industry names felt both wildly exciting and slightly unbelievable.

Especially considering this product began as a personal mission to solve a problem so many people quietly struggled with:
finding a natural deodorant that actually worked comfortably in real life.

Without irritation.
Without staining.
Without overpowering fragrance.
Without disappointment.

The Product That Changed Everything For Us

The Best Deodorant became one of those products that customers could not stop talking about once they tried it.

The messages started almost immediately:
people saying they had finally found a natural deodorant they could trust,
people who had given up on clean deodorants entirely,
people shocked they no longer felt self-conscious halfway through the day.

As a founder, there is something deeply meaningful about creating a product that genuinely becomes part of someone’s everyday life.

Especially something as personal as body care.

Recognition We’ll Never Forget

The Pure Beauty Awards are known within the beauty industry for recognizing innovation, efficacy, and thoughtful formulation.

To see our small handmade brand included in that conversation meant more than we can properly put into words.

Not because awards define success.

But because moments like this quietly remind you that thoughtful products, created slowly and intentionally, still matter.

Most Of All, Thank You

None of this would have happened without the incredible support of our customers, community, ambassadors, and longtime supporters who believed in this brand from the beginning.

Every order.
Every review.
Every message.
Every person sharing our products with a friend.

You helped build this.

And whether we win awards or simply continue creating products people genuinely love using each day, that will always be the part that matters most to us.

Love + Be Well,
Natalie

Winter can be especially tough on the skin.

Cold air outside.
Dry indoor heat.
Hot showers.
Less humidity.
Less hydration overall.

And suddenly the skin starts feeling:
tight,
dull,
dry,
sensitive,
or simply “off.”

At Love + Be Well, we believe winter skincare should focus less on aggressive treatments and more on nourishment, hydration, and barrier support.

Because healthy glowing skin begins with supporting the skin gently — especially during colder months.

Why Skin Gets Drier In Winter

As temperatures drop and humidity levels decrease, the skin naturally loses more moisture.

Indoor heating systems can make this even worse by drying out the air around us constantly.

And when the skin barrier becomes compromised, it can lead to:

• dryness
• irritation
• flaking
• redness
• dehydration
• dullness

Winter is really the season of protecting and replenishing the skin.

1. Stop Over-Stripping The Skin

One of the biggest winter skincare mistakes?

Over-cleansing and over-scrubbing.

Harsh soaps,
foaming cleansers,
strong exfoliants,
and alcohol-heavy products can strip the skin barrier and leave the skin even more dehydrated.

Instead, winter is the perfect time to lean into:

• oil cleansing
• gentle exfoliation
• nourishing creams
• hydrating oils

Gentler skincare often creates healthier skin long term.

2. Turn Down The Water Temperature

We know.
Hot showers feel amazing in winter.

But excessively hot water can strip the skin of its natural protective oils very quickly.

Try keeping showers warm rather than scorching hot whenever possible.

And if you love baths, consider adding:

• magnesium salts
• nourishing oils
• skin-softening botanicals

to help support hydration while you soak.

3. Moisturize Damp Skin

One of the easiest ways to boost hydration?

Apply moisturizer or body oil onto damp skin immediately after showering.

This helps trap moisture into the skin rather than allowing it to evaporate away.

Winter skin especially loves:

• body oils
• nourishing creams
• balms
• richer textures

that help cushion and protect the skin barrier.

4. Focus On Barrier-Friendly Ingredients

Winter is not the season for overly harsh skincare.

At Love + Be Well, we personally gravitate toward skincare that supports the skin gently with:

• botanical oils
• probiotics
• hydrating ingredients
• soothing ingredients
• barrier-supportive formulations

Avoiding overly drying ingredients like heavy alcohols and harsh synthetic fragrances can make a huge difference during colder months.

5. Add Probiotic Skincare

One thing we especially love during winter?

Supporting the skin microbiome.

The skin barrier works hard during colder months, and probiotic skincare can help support a healthier, more balanced environment on the skin.

At Love + Be Well, barrier support has always been one of the foundations of our skincare philosophy.

Because calm, balanced skin tends to glow differently.

6. Hydrate From Within Too

Skin hydration is not just topical.

Your skin reflects what is happening internally too.

Winter is often when people unintentionally drink less water overall, which can show up quickly in the skin.

Simple supportive habits matter:

• drink more water
• eat healthy fats
• prioritize mineral-rich foods
• nourish the body consistently

Glowing skin is always an inside-and-out process.

7. Add Moisture Back Into Your Environment

Indoor heating can seriously dry out the air around us.

One simple winter upgrade?

Adding a humidifier to:

• bedrooms
• offices
• living spaces

especially where you spend the most time.

Even small shifts in your environment can help support healthier skin during winter.

Winter Skin Needs Gentleness, Not Punishment

At Love + Be Well, we believe winter skincare should feel comforting.

Less attacking the skin.
More supporting it.

More hydration.
More nourishment.
More slowing down.

Because healthy radiant skin is not created by stripping it raw —
it is created by consistently feeding the skin what it truly needs.

Love + Be Well,
Natalie

We polled approximately 500 of you on which natural deodorants you have tried and failed you. A total of 44 brands were reported, now that may sound ludicrous, but we certainly believe you, as every single natural deodorant we tried failed us too.