Celebrate the Start of Summer with Five Rhody Beach Products
Your hair and skin will thank you for it.
There are only a few more days until Memorial Day Weekend and you know what that means — the unofficial start of summer! Burgers and dogs on the grill for every meal, sunshine streaming down and endless amounts of trips to the beach.
You’ll dig your toes in the sand, you’ll sit in the sun and you’ll frolic into the cold blue drink. My, how great you’ll feel — and look! It’s a veritable fact: Rhode Islanders rock the beach look best.
But then, you’ll go home, look in the mirror and wonder when, exactly, you transformed from a glowing beach god/dess to a just-boiled lobster in a seaweed wig. It doesn’t have to happen this way, friends. Rock reef-safe sunscreen, spritz your salty hair, keep the buggers at bay and more with these locally sourced products for summer.
Face and Body 30+ Tube
Photo from Raw Elements USA Facebook Page.
Who makes it: Raw Elements, developed by former Narragansett Beach lifeguard, Brain Guadagno.
Why it’s awesome: Not only does this tube pack some potent protection (SPF thirty; water resistant up to eighty minutes), it’s also “reef safe” (read about the havoc sunscreen wreaks on coral reefs here), is soy, gluten and nut free and doesn’t sting the eyes. The best part? It’s packed with biologically active antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and extracts making it great for kids and adults alike.
Where you can get it: On the website or at United Republic Affair, a swim shop in Warren.
Skin Soother Cream
Photo from Farmacy Herbs Facebook Page.
Who makes it: Farmacy Herbs, founded by herbalist Mary Blue, who sources her herbs from her West Greenwich farm.
Why it’s awesome: A day with a little too much sun is inevitable, and this blend of vitamin E, coconut oil, rose hydrosol, shea butter, lavender and other ingredients cools the skin and adds much-needed moisture.
Where you can get it: At the Farmacy Herbs shop, 28 Cemetery St., Providence.
Lavender Citrus Deodorant Cream
Photo from Sage and Sea Apothecary Facebook Page.
Who makes it: Sage and Sea Apothecary, a small-batch bath, beauty and home product line handcrafted by Kendalyn Eldredge in Exeter.
Why it’s awesome: If you’re not stinky in the summer, you’re not doing it right. Kendalyn’s creamy, easy-to-apply deodorant combats eau de beach volleyball without aluminum or animal products, and she’ll customize blends to omit baking soda if you’re sensitive to it.
Where you can get it: On the website or on Sage and Sea’s Etsy shop.
Tansynella Organic Bugspray
Photo from Farmaesthetics Facebook Page.
Who makes it: Farmaesthetics, a local brand with a national following that was founded by Brenda Brock.
Why it’s awesome: Citronella is a truly underrated scent. This fresh-smelling oil blends citronella, eucalyptus and rosemary to keep insects, mosquitoes and (harmless, but annoying) black flies away. The ingredients are organic and the product doesn’t contain deet, so it’s safe for the little ones, too.
Where you can get it: On the website or at the Farmaesthetics skin care boutique, 144 Bellevue Ave., Newport.
Atlantic Sea Spray
Photo from Shore Soap Co. Facebook Page.
Who makes it: Shore Soap Co., operated by Newport-based husband and wife duo, Jake and Stephanie Kopper.
Why it’s awesome: This glossy spray is perfect for the day trip-turned-night on the town. Keep it in your beach bag, spritz some on your salty hair and, voila: beach waves without the crunch.
Where you can get it: On the website or at the Shore Soap Co. storefront, 302 Thames St., Newport. Warning: You’ll want to buy one of everything.
