Staff Picks: SUMMERTIME Edition ☀️

Sharing our favorite products for this vibrant season of sunshine, picnics, beach days, ice cream, and so much more!

Rose

Ursa Major Spray Deodorant - Sublime Sage

I might lose my Cambridge Naturals employee card (not a real card, a hypothetical one) when I say this, but I have not made the switch to natural deodorant. However, I love this Ursa Major deodorant for when I'm on the go and feel the need to freshen up. It has a lovely smell that isn't overwhelming, which is good for folks that are sensitive to strong scents. In addition to the brightness from the sage, there are other nice additions like lavender, sandalwood, lemon myrtle, and frankincense. Perhaps someday I'll officially make the switch to natural deodorant, but for now I will keep my Sublime Sage in my bag and spray away when the mood (or smell) strikes!

Amber

Ethique Curliosity Co-Wash Bar

I discovered this product at EXPO West 2024, and it was a total game-changer for me. I'm the only person in my family with curly hair, so learning how to take care of it has been a journey! Co-washing, which is basically using a super-moisturizing conditioner to wash your hair, has done wonders for me. My curls are voluminous but defined, and they've never been softer. One Ethique co-wash bar lasts for 100+ uses, and there's no plastic packaging -- perfect for curly folks who want to reduce waste while having excellent hair. Bonus: it smells like lemongrass, one of my favorite summery scents! 

Mike

Casamara Club - Sera

It's Saturday night. I'm finishing my shift here, and I need something refreshing to kick off my weekend. This can right here glares at me from the cooler, knowing that I need it. What do I do?

I practically drown myself in this allspice/anise wonder, with notes of grapefruit that I so dearly love. Something about it calms both my stomach and my mind. With summer begging to take over, I can finally enjoy this with the windows open. The perfect little treat!

Victoria

Ere Perez Quandong Green Booster Facial Serum

Moisturizers and oils feel way to heavy for my face, so I'm super happy to have found this green booster serum that feels light on my face; goes on smoothly without me feeling like I am stretching my skin, and adds a tiny bit of moisture. It's packed with tons of antioxidants and this special Australian plant called Quandong - an amazing source of Vitamin C! Ask us for a sample to take home and try!

Zach

Aya's Tasty AF Green Garlic Oil

Garlic lovers rejoice and flavor fiends unite!   Aya's Tasty AF has heeded your call for zing with their wildly delicious Green Garlic Oil.  A mouthwatering amount of garlic meets parsley, coriander, Jalapenos, salt, and vinegar in this must try condiment.  I've already used this on just about everything - mixed in cream cheese for bagels, in marinades for vegetables, in salad dressing, and more.

Alexandra

Mountain Rose Herbs Calendula Hydrosol

Now that it's getting warmer out, all I want to do is be in the sun. Unfortunately, the hours of sunbathing can have consequences, as I often find myself with a bit of a sunburn. It's because of this, a staple of my summer skincare is the calendula hydrosol from mountain rose herbs. It's so soothing and healing! It always cools down the heat of my sunburn. I'll throw it into my bag when heading to the beach to use as a refresher throughout the day as well.

Dev

Bobo's Coconut Oat Bar

Dense, filling, tasty, and convenient....what more do you need in a breakfast or snack bar? I've recently gotten into Bobo's Oat Bars and it's truly the perfect time of year for them. I'm regularly fueled by them for breakfast, but they would also be a perfect companion on a hike or other outdoors excursion. Coconut is simply the perfect summer flavor, but there are other Bobo's bars to satisfy any palate!

Julia

Badger SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen

As someone who has sensitive skin, does not respond well to fragrances, prefers products with the fewest ingredients possible, likes to feel protected from sunburns, and has been looking for an non-chemical sheer sunscreen, Badger's new edible formula works super well for me. Although Badger offers a facial sunscreen with the same formula, I use the regular one on my face and am happy with the results. With just zinc oxide, coconut oil, sunflower wax, and sunflower vitamin E...Badger's new mineral sunscreen blends in immediately and my skin feels soft and protected. 

Caleb

Ursa Major Fortifying Gel Moisturizer

This lightweight moisturizer is perfect for summer. While deeply soothing, it is not oily so you can move and sweat with ease. And, the cooling aloe vera feels oh so good after a day in the sun. Pairs well with Ursa Major's Face Tonic for extra soothing hydration and their Daily Defense Lotion for all day weightless UV protection. 

Brenden

Badger SPF 50 Adventure Mineral Sunscreen

Summer in the city means you need sunscreen in your bag at all times.  I go for the Badger SPF 50 Adventure Mineral Sunscreen with Clear Zinc. When using this you get great lasting protection, but never forgot to reapply often!  The best part about this product is the clear zinc, which leaves minimal to no white cast on the skin.  Come in to our stores, pick it up and have a great summer!

Bianca

Parch Non-Alcoholic Prickly Pear Paloma Mocktail

The paloma is the chic and sophisticated sister of the margarita. It's citrusy, bitter- sweet, and extremely refreshing on a hot summer evening. I like mine in a chilled glass with a salt or tajin rim. The addition of adaptogens like ginseng and ashwagandha leave me feeling calm and excited for what's to come next. 

Sally

Derin International - Turkish Classic Towel

These 100% Premium Turkish Cotton towels are so absorbent and lightweight. Very easy to stash in a beach bag for the summer, outing  or use as a spontaneous picnic blanket.
They measure 78" x 38" making them large enough for bath, spa or gym use as well. There are a variety of vibrant fun colors available and a smaller size is also an option.  

Ellie

Little Seed Farm Deodorant Cream - Blue Tansy Rose

I've been a cream deodorant skeptic, and I'm used to finding that I need to reapply natural deodorant if I want it to last, so I've been pleasantly surprised by how well this lovely cream deodorant from Little Seed Farm holds up through the end of the day even in the humid summer months. One of the newer scents, Blue Tansy Rose, is my personal favorite, but you really can't go wrong with their selection. 

Daisy

Mad Hippie Luminizing Facial SPF 29

We carry several lovely sunscreens ranging in texture, strength, and application (cream, balm, or stick) but I always return to Mad Hippie's Luminizing SPF. As the name implies, this 29+ UVA/UVB sunscreen has a shimmery finish which I love any day and especially those days when I want my skin to be extra glowy. It also has several wonderful skincare ingredients like Squalane and Niacinamide to nourish your skin during continued use all summer long!

Shannon

Roar Organic Cucumber Watermelon

I tried this drink for the first time last summer when the CN crew spent the day at Muddy River Herbals farm and have been a fan ever since! Filled with electrolytes, this is one of my favorite go-to drinks after a long, hot summer day!

Sarah

Botanica Outdoor Candles

Move over citronella there's a new party in town!  I love sitting outside but absolutely hate citronella.  These candles are the perfect solution.  Who knew outdoor candles could be so luxurious?  Made with soy wax and mosquito repellent essential oils, these candles not only say bye bye to pesky bugs but smell AMAZING.  They can also be used as indoor candles.  Best of all, when the candle is finished you can reuse the ceramic vessel as a planter.

Allison

Alden's Organic Ice Cream Sandwiches

Ice cream all year long, but I splurge on these ice cream sandwiches in the summer months. The ice cream is rich and smooth - the perfect match for the soft chocolatey cookie. Need I say more?!

Emily

Mount Lai Cloudberry Dew Gel Eye Mask

Summertime is when I want to feel my most vibrant and fresh-looking (harder to go goblin-mode under piles of sweaters as in wintertime), but it's often challenging to get a good night's sleep on those stuffy, sweltering summer nights! So I rely on a few tricks to help soothe my puffy morning eyes - first: hydration, second: jade roller, and third: these amazing gel eye masks from Mount Lai! They contain cloudberry (a vitamin c + antioxidant rich super fruit), irish moss, peptides (known as a building block of collagen) and hyaluronic acid. I've never looked *less* tired after a night of tossing and turning! And luckily, a beautiful summer's day awaits.