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. 

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

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

There are so many wellness trends floating around these days.

Morning routines.
Supplements.
Protocols.
Powders.
Potions.
Wellness hacks layered on top of more wellness hacks.

And honestly?
It can become overwhelming trying to figure out where to even begin.

But one thing we continue coming back to over and over again is surprisingly simple:

Drink more water.

Not glamorous.
Not trendy.
Not complicated.

Just foundational.

Why Hydration Matters So Much

Water plays a role in almost everything happening inside the body.

Healthy circulation.
Skin hydration.
Nutrient transport.
Temperature regulation.
Energy.
Digestion.
Detoxification.

Your body depends on it constantly.

And your skin notices when you are not getting enough.

One of the first places dehydration often shows up is in the skin:

• dullness
• tightness
• dryness
• fatigue
• puffiness
• lack of glow

Hydrated skin simply looks healthier, softer, and more radiant.

The Glow Starts From Within

At Love + Be Well, we believe skincare works best when paired with supportive daily habits.

Because glowing skin is not created by products alone.

It is also:
rest,
hydration,
nutrition,
stress support,
movement,
and consistency.

And hydration is one of the simplest places to begin.

Easy Ways To Drink More Water Daily

One thing we know for sure:
busy days make hydration easy to forget.

So here are a few small habits that help make it easier naturally.

Keep Water Beside Your Bed

A glass bottle or carafe beside the bed makes hydration effortless first thing in the morning and throughout the night if needed.

Sometimes the easiest habits are the ones placed directly in front of us.

Start The Morning With Lemon Or Apple Cider Vinegar Water

Many people enjoy beginning the day with:

• fresh lemon water
  or
• apple cider vinegar diluted in water

Especially before breakfast.

It can feel refreshing and grounding first thing in the morning.

Some people also enjoy adding vitamin C powder or minerals for extra support.

Carry Water Everywhere

The biggest game changer honestly?

Always having water nearby.

In the car.
At your desk.
At the gym.
Running errands.

Because when water is accessible, you naturally drink more of it without overthinking it.

Dehydration Impacts More Than Skin

Hydration impacts far more than appearance.

When the body becomes dehydrated, it can affect:

• energy
• focus
• digestion
• regularity
• stress response
• circulation
• recovery

And if you are sweating more than usual —
through exercise, heat, sauna use, or massage —
your body often needs additional hydration support.

Choosing Better Water Bottles

One small switch we personally love?

Choosing glass or stainless steel water bottles whenever possible.

Simple.
Reusable.
Durable.
Less waste overall.

At Love + Be Well, we love wellness habits that feel sustainable and realistic long term.

Wellness Does Not Need To Be Complicated

Sometimes the healthiest habits are still the simplest ones.

Drink more water.
Get outside.
Move your body.
Sleep more.
Feed yourself nourishing foods.
Support your skin gently.

Not every wellness habit needs to be extreme to be effective.

And honestly?
Hydration may still be one of the most underrated beauty rituals there is.

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

At Love + Be Well, we talk a lot about nourishing the skin from the outside.

Hydration.
Barrier support.
Botanical oils.
Probiotics.
Healthy rituals.

But glowing skin does not begin and end with skincare products.

What we feed ourselves daily matters too.

Because skin is constantly being built from within.

And honestly?
Some of the best skincare ingredients are sitting in your kitchen already.

Feed Your Glow From The Inside Out

The foods we eat impact:
hydration,
inflammation,
cell turnover,
collagen support,
and overall skin vitality.

At Love + Be Well, we believe beauty and wellness work together.

The goal is not perfection.
It is nourishment.

And when we consistently feed the body supportive foods, the skin often responds beautifully over time.

Antioxidants: The Glow Protectors

One of the biggest skin-supportive categories of foods are antioxidants.

Antioxidants help support the body against oxidative stress caused by free radicals —
things like pollution, stress, UV exposure, and environmental damage.

Think of antioxidants as part of your skin’s daily support system.

Some beautiful antioxidant-rich foods include:

• blueberries
• kale
• spinach
• broccoli
• strawberries
• papaya
• tomatoes
• watermelon

The more colorful the plate, the better.

Vitamin C For Radiance + Collagen Support

Vitamin C is one of the biggest stars when it comes to healthy skin.

It helps support:

• collagen production
• brightness
• skin repair
• overall radiance

Some of our favorite vitamin C-rich foods include:

• kiwi
• strawberries
• oranges
• sweet potatoes
• broccoli
• blueberries

Simple foods with powerful support for the skin.

Healthy Fats Matter More Than People Realize

For years, healthy fats were unfairly demonized.

But healthy fats are incredibly supportive for:

• skin softness
• moisture
• elasticity
• barrier function

Foods rich in nourishing fats include:

• avocado
• olive oil
• nuts
• seeds
• wild salmon

Skin tends to look healthier and more supple when the body is nourished consistently with supportive fats.

Omega-3s For Calm Happy Skin

Omega-3 fatty acids are especially supportive for inflammatory skin concerns.

They can help support calmer, more balanced skin overall.

Some excellent sources include:

• wild salmon
• walnuts
• flaxseed
• chia seeds

At Love + Be Well, we are huge believers in supporting inflammation gently from both inside and out.

Water Still Matters Most

Sometimes the most underrated beauty habit is still hydration.

The skin needs water to function beautifully.

Dehydration can often show up as:

• dullness
• tightness
• dryness
• lack of glow

Supporting hydration consistently throughout the day matters far more than chasing trendy quick fixes.

Yes, Dark Chocolate Made The List

Good news.

Dark chocolate actually contains antioxidants and minerals that support overall wellness too.

The key?
Choosing higher-quality dark chocolate with higher cocoa content and less sugar.

Because balance always wins around here.

Beauty Is A Daily Ritual

At Love + Be Well, we believe glowing skin is rarely created by one miracle product alone.

It is usually the result of:
consistent nourishment,
hydration,
rest,
stress support,
healthy habits,
and gentle skincare rituals layered together over time.

Real beauty tends to grow slowly and naturally.

Just like health does.

Eat Beautifully. Glow Naturally.

The next time you grocery shop, think beyond calories or trends.

Think:
“What foods are feeding my skin?”

Because glowing skin is not just created in the bathroom mirror.

It begins long before that —
at the table,
in the kitchen,
and in the small nourishing choices we make every single day.

Love + Be Well,
Natalie