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Badger Bug Balm and Sunblock Review
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Let's Test How Natural Body Care Holds Up in the Tropics

The first time I went to Belize, I returned with an impressive number of mosquito bites and ant stings — the latter of which took a good seven months to fully disappear.
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The first time I went to Belize, I returned with an impressive number of mosquito bites and ant stings — the latter of which took a good seven months to fully disappear. This time, I vowed, would be different! Because I am becoming a total hippie, I didn't want to use bug repellent with DEET. A friend who lived in Costa Rica recommended Badger Anti-Bug Balm ($10), which promises to repel insects with oils of citronella, cedar, lemongrass, rosemary, and geranium.

I bought a stick, and much to my delight, the stuff worked — even during treks through the rainforest. During a 10-day trip, I had only four mosquito bites and no sand fly nibbles. While I wouldn't say the balm was akin to Chanel N°5, it smelled more pleasant than OFF or ever-cloying Skin So Soft. This little Badger was full of win.

I'd also bought Badger's SPF 30 for snorkeling adventures. Chemical sunblocks destroy the already-endangered coral reef, so I went with a natural sunblock that uses zinc oxide. Did it work as well as the bug repellent? To see the tell-all picture and find out, read more.

Sunscreen Review: Badger 30 SPF
Sunscreen

Sunscreen Review: Badger 30 SPF

After reading the Environmental Working Group's sunscreen list, I decided to try a chemical free sunscreen and opt for mineral sunblock protection.
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After reading the Environmental Working Group's sunscreen list, I decided to try a chemical free sunscreen and opt for mineral sunblock protection. I picked up a tube of Badger 30 SPF ($16) for face and body, which ranked really well on EWG list as being an effective sunscreen without creating health hazards with repeated use.

Learn what I think of Badger sunblock.

Makeup Brush Hair Types, Part VI: Badger
Shu Uemura

Makeup Brush Hair Types, Part VI: Badger

Badger hair has the firmest bristles, which makes it ideal for eyebrow brushes, fan brushes, bronzer brushes and for grooming.
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Badger hair has the firmest bristles, which makes it ideal for eyebrow brushes, fan brushes, bronzer brushes and for grooming. Badger hair typically comes from China and is similar to sable hair in the sense that it has a thicker middle and a thin top, tapering out into a conical shape.

High-quality badger hair has a light and dark brown color, while lower-quality badger hair is gray and is commonly found in shaving brushes. Although badger hair is extremely firm, it is also very soft and has an elastic quality so it will never scratch up your face.

This Shu Uemura Natural Fan Brush ($45) is a popular brush used for powder and liquid face color. It's great for blending and dusting with accuracy. Keep in mind that because badger hair is so soft and bouncy, it must be kept clean at all times.

Badger Balm is Bad Ass
Lip Balm

Badger Balm is Bad Ass

Badger products are new for me, but after trying these lip balms I'm hooked!
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Badger products are new for me, but after trying these lip balms I'm hooked! Their products are intended for healing and restoring balance in your skin. The company:

  • Uses only 100% natural products
  • Uses anywhere from 70%-100% certified organic ingredients in their balms
  • Doesn't use chemicals, synthetics, GMO’s, parabens, preservatives or test on animals

My favorite product of theirs is the Lip Balm Sticks, $5. They glide on really smooth, they aren't sticky and they come in five flavors: Coffee Roast (my fave), Lime Rocket, Sweet Orange, Cool Mint (Fab's favorite) and Creamy Cocoa.

The Balm Sticks are made from: certified organic extra virgin olive oil, golden yellow beeswax, organic Aloe Vera extract and CO2 extracts of Seabuckthorn Berry and Rose Hip. The special ingredient is the organic creamy cocoa butter which helps moisturize your lips and makes the balm last longer.