Summer calls for a refresh of our daily routines, and I'm excited to share my carefully curated list of products that have become absolute essentials in my everyday life. These aren't just random recommendations – they're products I use daily and have discovered through wonderful connections in the small business community. Each brand represents quality, authenticity, and the kind of innovation that comes from passionate entrepreneurs who truly care about their craft.

My personal stash of summer beauty products!

1. Start Your Day Right: The Perfect Shower Combo

Natural Soap by Hemlock Springs Herbal
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There's nothing quite like starting your morning with a soap that transforms your shower into a spa experience. This handcrafted soap delivers everything you want: amazing scents that wake up your senses, luxurious lather that feels indulgent, and most importantly, it won't leave your skin feeling tight or dry. Made with fresh-from-the-farm goat milk and loaded with skin-loving olive oil and shea butter, it's the kind of product that makes you look forward to your morning routine.

2. Chemical-Free Hair Care That Actually Works

Flourish Beauty Lab - Honey Blossom + Marshmallow Root Gentle Shampoo & Conditioner
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Finding a shampoo and conditioner that keeps hair soft, clean, shiny, and healthy without harsh chemicals can feel impossible – until you find the right one. This gentle duo has become my go-to summer hair routine. The honey blossom and marshmallow root combination provides the perfect balance of cleansing and nourishment, leaving hair manageable even in humid weather.

*Flourish Beauty Lab - Hair Care systems for every hair type*

3. Game-Changing Natural Deodorant

pH Balance Natural Deodorant from Apothekari
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Let's be honest – natural deodorants can be hit or miss. This one is definitely a hit. The performance is top-notch, lasting all day even in North Carolina's notorious summer humidity. The spray format is genius – no marks on clothes and easy application. I keep an extra one in my travel bag because it's that good. Pro tip: it's also perfect for other sweaty situations – spray it in your bra area after workouts or on the bottom of your feet to prevent sweaty sandals. Summer humidity requires these kinds of life hacks!

4. Summer Dresses with a Purpose

Mata Trader Dresses
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I'm all about flowy cotton dresses in bold prints for summer, and Mata Trader has mastered this art. Not only do their dresses fit perfectly and feature eye-catching designs, but they also have the ultimate feature – pockets! Even better, every purchase supports fair trade and ethical manufacturing practices, so you can feel as good as you look.

5. Sunscreen That Doesn't Feel Like Sunscreen

Skinbuzz Bee•Safe Organic Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30
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I never leave the house without applying sunscreen, and this is hands-down the best I've ever tried. This mineral sunscreen feels and smells like a luxurious moisturizer – no sticky residue, no white cast, just smooth, protected skin. It's become my forever sunscreen, and that's saying something coming from someone who's tried countless formulas.

6. Bug Spray That Actually Works (And Smells Great)

Haywood J. Buzzoff Spray
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Outdoor walks, park visits, and weekend hikes require serious bug protection, especially when you're allergic to mosquito bites like I am. This spray is a game-changer – it smells amazing (no harsh chemical odor) and truly repels mosquitoes. The days of incessant itching, rashes, and welts are over. Simply apply to exposed skin and rub in. The beautiful blue glass bottle packaging is an added bonus that makes it feel more like a luxury product than bug spray.

*Bug spray that works and smells good too!*

7. Hot Flash Relief in Your Purse

Relief Elixir from Opal and Joy
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For those unexpected hot flash moments – you know, the ones that hit right as you're walking into an important meeting or trying to concentrate – this organic hemp oil elixir is a lifesaver. Keep it in your bag for quick relief when you need it most.

8. Nighttime Skincare Ritual

Bee•Witched Organic Toner from Skinbuzz
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My nighttime routine wouldn't be complete without this facial spray. The scent is absolutely amazing, and it keeps my skin hydrated and fresh before bed. It's the perfect way to end the day and prep your skin for overnight renewal.

9. Better Sleep, Naturally

Rest & Relax CBD Sleep Supplements from Opal and Joy
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Say goodbye to middle-of-the-night racing thoughts and difficulty falling asleep. These CBD sleep supplements have transformed my bedtime routine, helping me drift off peacefully and stay asleep through the night.

Why These Brands Matter

Each like, follow, subscribe, and purchase not only supports a woman and her business dream but also makes your life a bit better. These are truly innovative, made-with-love products that work. Authenticity is one of my core values, and I wouldn't share anything I didn't use or love myself.

These small indie brands represent the best of entrepreneurial spirit – they're creating products that solve real problems with genuine care and attention to detail. When you choose to support them, you're not just buying a product; you're investing in someone's passion and contributing to a more diverse, creative marketplace.

Happy shopping, and here's to a summer filled with products that actually deliver on their promises!

– Tina

Summer Must-Haves: My Favorite Small Indie Brand Discoveries