WHY I MADE THE SWITCH TO NATURAL DEODORANT + REVIEWS ON BRANDS I TESTED

Over the past 6+ months, I’ve been making the transition over to using a natural deodorant. Honestly, I’ve never really been conscious of the ingredients in my deodorant, much less beauty products in general. But after doing some research and learning more about chemicals found in everyday products, I decided it was time to start looking into incorporating some safer alternatives. And switching my deodorant seemed like a great way to start using more natural products.

I ended up purchasing four well known brands and tested each one individually over a period of time. I went based off of reviews and recommendations from friends on which ones to try. Below you will find my review of each one with a list of pros & cons. Keep in mind that everyone’s body is different and what may have not worked for me, could work for you. I highly recommend trying a few yourself in order to find the right one. I definitely did not expect for it to take months in order to find one that worked, but I’m so glad that I didn’t give up in the process and eventually found a natural deodorant that works great for my body.

A few things to know:

1. Most antiperspirants contain aluminum, which actually causes your sweat glands to be blocked and stops you from naturally sweating.

2. Natural deodorants typically do NOT contain aluminum and are paraben FREE as well. Therefore natural ingredients are better for your skin and keeps the good bacteria working even when you’re not wearing deodorant.

3. It is recommended to detox your underarm area prior to switching to a natural deodorant. There are a few ways to do this and honestly, I think it’s personal preference. If you literally search “how to detox your armpits” on Pinterest, you will find a ton of articles. I personally chose to use witch hazel + a charcoal scrub a few times in between testing each deodorant. I can’t really say if it made a huge difference or not, but I think it’s worth doing to prep your skin initially.

4. Natural deodorant is not meant to prevent you from sweating. So you may still experience some underarm wetness in the process.

5. Try and then try again! I say this because, I found myself frustrated in the process and assumed that certain brands should be the “one” for me based on friends recommendations. Keep in mind that your body may respond differently to certain brands. And it may take trying a few different ones before you find the one that works for you.

Schmidt’s $4.69 2.56oz

Pros

• Scented with essential oils *Lavender & Sage

• Available in several scents

• Aluminum + Paraben FREE

Cons

• Rough texture upon application (feels gritty to touch)

• Caused irritation & redness after a few uses (likely due to the baking soda)

• Experienced underarm wetness after application

• Discontinued use within 5-7 days

Lavanila $8.00 .90oz

Pros

• Light fresh scent *Vanilla

• Smooth application + dries clear

• Aluminum + Paraben FREE

Cons

• Experienced some underarm wetness

• Needed reapplying at least once throughout the day

• Noticed that even with light activity, it would wear off by end of day and caused underarm odor.

• Discontinued use within 2-3 weeks

• Product ended up breaking off inside cap (not sure if this happens typically or if mine was defective)

Native $11.99 2.65oz

Pros

• Smells great *Coconut & Vanilla

• Available in several scents

• Smooth application + dries clear

• Aluminum + Paraben FREE

Cons

• Experienced some underarm wetness

• Noticed that even with light activity, it would wear off during the day.

• Caused strong underarm odor by end of day within 6-8 hours (this started around week 3)

• Discontinued use within 4 weeks

Kopari $14 2oz

Pros

• Smells amazing *Coconut oil

• Glides on skin + non-sticky application

• Does not stain or transfer to clothing

• Aluminum + Paraben FREE

• Allure Best of Beauty Award Winner 2018

• Lasts all day without having to reapply

Cons

• Price

  
  Honestly, I can’t say anything bad about this deodorant other than the price point. I’ve used it for the past month and it continues to last all day without reapplication. I haven’t tested it while working out, so the jury is still out on that. But for me, it’s been the best natural deodorant I’ve tested out by far. I’ve even had a few friends who have started to use it and they love it as well.

Have you tried using Natural Deodorant? If so, what was your experience like? Share in the comments below.

XO, Rae

5 BEAUTY PRODUCTS WORTH TRYING: JANUARY

Today on the blog, I’m starting a new monthly series that will feature favorited beauty products including skincare, makeup & beauty tools. Now days with so many products on the market, it can be hard deciding which ones are worthy of spending your money on. So, each month I’ll be testing and trying out 5 beauty products and giving you my honest opinion of them. This way you can hopefully find some new products to try for yourself or recommend for a friend. And if you have any products you want me to try, let me know in the comments below and i’ll add them to my must try list to review.

Here are 5 beauty products from this month that have become part of my beauty & skincare routine.

TULA PURIFYING FACE CLEANSER

I’ve been using this face cleanser for the past 6+ months and it’s a game changer. TULA products are actually healthier for your skin because they contain probiotics. I love how this cleanser actually cleans your skin and removes makeup without leaving any residue or causing irritation. Although it is pricey ($28), it last awhile so you actually save money in the long run. I use a dime size amount to wash my face in the morning and right before I go to bed every night. I’ve had my current bottle for about 3 months now and still have some left.

IT COSMETICS BYE BYE UNDER EYE CREAM

I’m a huge fan of iTcosmetics. I’ve purchased several of their products and use their CC cream daily. I was originally using their Confidence in an Eye Cream, but recently discovered that they came out with this new eye cream. Which targets puffiness and dark circles, something that I struggle with. I’ve been using it the past few weeks and have noticed a huge difference. I love that I can use this cream day and night and it instantly gives my eyes a refreshed look. Bye Bye dark circles + bags!

URBAN DECAY ALL NIGHTER SETTING POWDER

This was gifted to me by a friend who had tried this setting powder and LOVED it! So naturally she thought I would love it as well. And she was right! I was surprised to see that it’s a compact powder and not a loose setting powder. But after initial application, I was impressed how flawless it applied on my skin. And being that it’s compacted, it doesn’t leave you with fall out on your face. And the best part is that it’s waterproof, so you don’t have to worry about your makeup running in the rain or humid weather. I’ve been using this setting powder daily and continue to be impressed with it’s long lasting coverage.

JADE ROLLER ROSE QUARTZ

Chances are you’ve probably seen the newest trend of Jade Rolling your face. And I admit, I was skeptical at first. But after experiencing constant puffiness in my under eye area and face every morning, I was willing to try anything. And after spotting one at TJ MAXX, I decided to give it a try. I immediately noticed a difference just after one use. I like to place my jade roller in the freezer for a few minutes, then use it in the mornings after applying my eye cream and moisturizer. There are many benefits of jade rolling including; reducing puffiness, dark circles and fine lines, also promotes blood circulation and lymphatic drainage. The one I linked is from Amazon, however you can often find them at your local Marshalls or TJ Maxx.

KOPARI DEODORANT

Over the past few months I’ve been making the switch to using natural deodorant. And after several failed attempts with other brands, I finally decided to try Kopari. And after 3 weeks of using it, I haven’t looked back. It’s the only natural deodorant that has worked best for my skin and has lasted all day. It applies easily, has a light coconut scent and I can go all day without having to reapply. After all, it was voted Best of Beauty by Allure Magazine in 2018.

What beauty products have you tried lately that you love?! Tell me in the comments below.

SHOP PRODUCTS:

XO, Rae