At the beginning of December, I wrote about W. S. Badger Company’s line-up of holiday products. I’m happy to say the Dublin company is at it again; I recently received a box of summer products to test, and, as usual, they did not disappoint.
Now more than ever consumers are focused on buying the best, most naturally derived products in all aspects of their lives, but when it comes to products we’ll put on our skin, or on our children’s skin, that focus is even more important. Because of this, Badger’s philosophy to always use “botanical ingredients that are grown in healthy soil and processed simply without the use of chemicals” is music to our ears.
Here’s a run down of the products we tried. You can find them at local retailers where Badger products are sold or online at badgerbalm.com.
The tinted sunscreen was my favorite product to arrive this time around. The slight tint helps to even out skin tone while offering full sun protection with zinc oxide. The sheer tint comes from iron oxides and will blend with most skin tones. It goes on very light in color, and takes a little rubbing in, but it blends wonderfully on my fair skin. The only drawback is that when I first put it on it feels slightly heavier than its chemical counterparts. That weightiness soon fades, however. The scent is fantastic, and I haven’t had a sunburn on my face yet. ($19.99 for a 1.6-ounce tube)
You’ve covered your face, now for the rest of your body. This light lotion offers broad spectrum protection with non-nano, uncoated zinc oxide. It’s been tested to be noncomedogenic, which meants it won’t clog your pores; and hypoallergenic, which means it’s safe for even the most sensitve skin. I had a friend whose skin is reactive to most drug-store sunblock products give this lotion a whirl during her vacation to Bermuda, and she had no reaction whatsoever.
I don’t know what bugs are thinking, because this bug balm smells fantastic, but they sure do stay away when you’re wearing it. I love that my kids can apply it themselves without breathing in giant, cough-inducing clouds. Dab a little on your wrists, ankles and behind your ears and you’re good to go. The balm uses citronella, cedar and lemongrass to repel insects. It goes on smoothly, doesn’t feel sticky and absorbs quickly into the skin. ($6.99 for a 0.6-ounce travel stick or $11.99 for a 1.5-ounce stick)
No matter how well protected we think we are when we head outdoors, bug bites are an inevitable part of summer. Enter After Bug Balm to soothe the itch of this summer plague with colloidal oatmeal and cooling menthol. I have one child who is very dramatic. Her bug bites are the worst bug bites ever suffered by humankind, and this balm has consistently quieted her whines. ($6.99 for a 0.6-ounce stick)