Part of working out is getting a little funky, but still, smelling bad is the pits (ha). And high
temperatures plus hard workouts means I'm having trouble finding a deodorant that works quite as hard as I'd like it to. If you don't mind, I'd like to enlist your help.
My armpits used to smell like flowers. No, really. Fa brand roll-on in Spring Flower. But those of you who know me know that any time I get attached to a body-care product, it's only a matter of time before it disappears from the shelves forever. (I have friends who refuse to share details about their favorite products lest my curse be contagious. It's not, I swear.) I'm sure it's partly driven by marketing and the emphasis on revamping or replacing products with what's "new and better," but the other part, I remain convinced, is the curse.
And so inevitably, several years back, my favorite Fa scent vanished. The representative I spoke with at the time assured me their "Sensitive" fragrance was the same product in new packaging, but my armpits begged to differ. So, I bought every remaining bottle of the old stuff still left in their warehouse. (Thank you, Dad, for my tendency to hoard.)
SINCE MY SUPPLY RAN OUT, I've tried to think of it as a blessing in disguise. After all, Fa lists potentially cancer-causing aluminum as an ingredient.
Lately, I've been using the Thai Crystal Deodorant Stone. And it works. Sometimes, anyway. (Sometimes on one side and not the other, which is baffling. I generally consider myself competent enough to apply evenly.)
But I wonder if there's a better product right under my nose.
So I'm asking you to take pity (or "pitty," as it were) on me and share what you use to stay smelling sweet through the sweatiest of times. Men's or women's formula, I don't care. Just leave your recommendations in the comments section.
On a marginally related note, Charlotte of the fabulous blog The Great Fitness Experiment recently shared a very funny account of a diaper-laundering incident gone wrong in "Poo Sniffing." Sometimes working out stinks.
[photo by Roadsidepictures]
temperatures plus hard workouts means I'm having trouble finding a deodorant that works quite as hard as I'd like it to. If you don't mind, I'd like to enlist your help.My armpits used to smell like flowers. No, really. Fa brand roll-on in Spring Flower. But those of you who know me know that any time I get attached to a body-care product, it's only a matter of time before it disappears from the shelves forever. (I have friends who refuse to share details about their favorite products lest my curse be contagious. It's not, I swear.) I'm sure it's partly driven by marketing and the emphasis on revamping or replacing products with what's "new and better," but the other part, I remain convinced, is the curse.
And so inevitably, several years back, my favorite Fa scent vanished. The representative I spoke with at the time assured me their "Sensitive" fragrance was the same product in new packaging, but my armpits begged to differ. So, I bought every remaining bottle of the old stuff still left in their warehouse. (Thank you, Dad, for my tendency to hoard.)
SINCE MY SUPPLY RAN OUT, I've tried to think of it as a blessing in disguise. After all, Fa lists potentially cancer-causing aluminum as an ingredient.
Lately, I've been using the Thai Crystal Deodorant Stone. And it works. Sometimes, anyway. (Sometimes on one side and not the other, which is baffling. I generally consider myself competent enough to apply evenly.)
But I wonder if there's a better product right under my nose.
So I'm asking you to take pity (or "pitty," as it were) on me and share what you use to stay smelling sweet through the sweatiest of times. Men's or women's formula, I don't care. Just leave your recommendations in the comments section.
On a marginally related note, Charlotte of the fabulous blog The Great Fitness Experiment recently shared a very funny account of a diaper-laundering incident gone wrong in "Poo Sniffing." Sometimes working out stinks.
[photo by Roadsidepictures]
I used to use heavy duty antiperspirants, then got concerned about the ingredients and started to use more natural deodorants. They smell better, without that metallic fragrance, but damn they just don't work as well.
I hesitate to recommend my brand 'cause I'm not all that happy with it. Will be curious if others have found some good ones.
Tip #1: Don't have children. Ever. ;)
Really, I feel your pain Jen. I sweat puddles in the gym and smell like it too. Other than that, I don't have much to tell you. I haven't met a deodorant yet that was clearly better than all the compeitition. Even the "clinical strength" kinds.
PS> Thanks for the link love!
No sweat on the link love. It is *such* a well-written, funny and brave blog. I'm sorry I lurk more often than not -- I lurk but I love. :) (Same goes over at Crabby's casa!)
As for the stinky situation, are we all in the same self-conscious boat?
It isn't aluminum free but I've found this one to be extremely effective,
Mitchum Cool Dry Hydro Solid for Women, Shower Fresh Scent
Now we're talking! Thanks for the recommendation -- there are plenty of times smelling nice is priority No. 1.
must
try
the
MITCHUM!
Miz.
um, i love the secret purple kind...original i think. of course. and now i can't find it anywhere because it's been replaced with crap like mountain fresh and spring leaves and flower blossom and poop on a stick. i think i have your curse as well. so when i found some i bought like 10 sticks. but i'm probably going to live longer than those 10 sticks will last. unless i start rationing them....
Kiehl's Superbly Efficient Anti-Perspirent and Deodorant
Silly name, great product. It's a cream which does nice things to your underarms as well. The only downfall is that it's a bit pricey for deodorant. I am a believer.
Thanks Erica, Kim, Pam and MizFit for the superbly effective (I hope) recommendations. Bought the Mitchum and am hoping for the best!
Kim,
Poop on a stick?
I got the Mitchum and methinks I DO less stinkum!
I'd go with what you've been using, Crystal, either the roll-on or stick . Sure they have limits as a strict deodorant, but they also help minimize and control the always-worrisome stink factor. Aluminum zirconium listed as an active ingredient in most commercial anti-perspirants is the root behind those unsightly yellow pit stains, so I'd avoid it if at all possible.
Mitchum is magic.
Hi Jen,
Home Health Herbal Deodorant smells great and is much less harmful than most. Here is a link to the Environmental Working Group's rating of this product:
http://cosmeticdatabase.com/product.php?prod_id=59017
Cheers!
Jason
poop on a stick. it's a real deodorant "flavor" i'm sure of it.
Liken Plant is the best one I've found. It doesn't smell at all and I can wear it for a whole day and not need to reapply. The only issue is my body adjusts to it after a few months and I need to stop using it for about a week and then come back to it.
http://www.earthessentials.com/body.html
You guys are GREAT! Thanks for all the fabulous recommendations!
another vote for Mitchum smart solid!
Emporio Armani 24 hour deorderant stick, yes it costs $25 at a deparrtment store but that is the only con about it. Lets talk about the Pros:
Does not leave any residue - its clear
Does not leave yellow stains on your fav white shirts
Smells great
Lasts forever - no kidding! I slather this stuff on twice a day, typically lasts me a year sometimes longer.
I also like mitchum and adidas shower fresh but I can't seem to find that in the US.