Skincare is the PITS (Part Four, one year later...)

 Well, one year one month later!

Things have progressed, to tie in last year's entry,  I used alleyoop's "Slow your roll" and 1/4 a stick later, my pits became darkened and painful to the touch. Becoming allergic or having a painful reaction to non-aluminium deodorants has been quite common for me, unfortunately.

The acne body wash, 10% benzoyl peroxide, PanOxyl has not given me any reactions, but also not given me noticeable results. I am almost done with it, but also use it on my feet and feel like no progress there either. Will I buy a second tube? Maybe. I shouldn't though given the last of results.

The Ordinary's Glycolic Acid 7% has proven to be my saving grace. If I do not massage a slap of this unto my pits at least once a day, I can still smell myself even with deodorant on. I can't go back, this is the way now. I feel damp and wet in my pits, especially with the heat we've been having, but only my CLOTHING smells, if it's a cheap fabric (a la a few staple Shein pieces I adore wearing weekly).

No deodorant can keep my loyalty, but Glycolic Acid has my soul. I even impulse bought a travel size of it, knowing I can't go without! At USD 8.70, it really can't be beat. I bought it in Canada, but with the conversion it only cost me $8.75. I am not even done with the hand-me-down full sized bottle of it yet, and I will definitely be purchasing another. For $13, and no B.O. smell? Can't be beat.

Type-A didn't really work, still have some left, can't say I like the paste texture. And the sticks of Myro melted completely before I even got to use them and one created a ring on my antique desk, and I'm unhappy about that.

Currently using a Marshall's impulse buy called Ciroa, which does not exist online. It has a lovely sage and sandalwood scent that is slightly sweet, and I appreciate the paper packaging. I would continue to use this, if I ever see it again. I think that plastic packaging is such a waste and would love to support paper roll sticks of deodorant where possible. I'm also halfway though the stick and have yet to have an allergic reaction. Though, I think that I have not had an allergic reaction to any of the deodorants I've used since incorporating Glycolic Acid into my daily routine.

Update of my tried and trues

 

1. Cleanser: No loyal, throw that loyalty out the window. Good Morning Cleanser is sitting in the drawer under the sink and I try every thing else in the sun before going back to it.
2. Toner: Missha Clear Toner. Ugh, still my favorite because of how well it works with SK-II. But I am currently going through a bottle of Hanskin's Real Complexion Hyaluron Skin Essence. Got it from a neighbor who was allergic to it. It's more viscous and sticky, but it works well as a moisturizing toner. Still hoarding a bottle of Clear Toner though because I sadly think it's been discontinued.
3. First Essence: SK-II, which I bought the HUGE SIZE from Sephora with 20% off, and it was still too expensive. Did you know the large size comes in a PLASTIC bottle with a PUMP? Cheapens the feeling of luxury and what I am paying for without that bougie minimalist glass bottle?!
4. Serums, ampoules, etc etc: No loyalties, just whatever under the sun that doesn't give me a reaction.
5. Face Masks: Too much effort, can't be bothered and there is a bucket of unused and years expired sitting in my room that I feel so utterly wasteful about, but I don't want them near my face. Probably at least a hundred dollars down the drain there.
6. Moisturizer: Beauty of Joseon Dynasty Cream was my holy grail. Then they blew up with their sunscreen and everything else, changed their formula and put it in a plastic container. NO LOYALTY BECAUSE YOUR HEART WILL GET BROKEN. My heart aches at the formula change, the container change, everything change. Using a la clé Moisturizing Cream I picked up in London via TK Maxx. Smells like dupe La Mer, which also did not wow me at that price point. Why do they change things up and hurt us so?
7. Sunscreen: Biore Watery Essence 50 spf is still in my arsenal. It is my tried and true, but I feel like it doesn't protect me as much as I want it to, as I feel I can still burn if I'm not careful about it. Tried the trendy Beauty of Joseon Dynasty Probiotic Rice Sunscreen, which is so utterly remarkable, plus I think I still burn. 

TL;DR: My only steadfast loyalty lies with SK-II, don't you ever change and break my heart (like how Beauty of Joseon Dynasty did and how Clear Toner soon will if it is, indeed, discontinued).

Skincare is the PITS (Part Three, FOUR years later...)

This PITS journey began in April 2019, and little know where I would be now, four years down the line.

THE JOURNEY CONTINUES, as I have yet to really settle down on what works best. A year or so ago, I stumbled across alleyoop's "Slow your roll" stick at my local TJ Maxx. It was small, aesthetically pleasing, and promises to minimize hair there, too! Granted, I laser'd most of my hair away, so that isn't what drew me in. It worked, fabulously, and then...a fourth into the stick, my pits became darkened and painful to the touch. It was not for me, sadface all around. The smell came back, at least, I knew my smell came back. 

So I found another option, acne body wash, 10% benzoyl peroxide, PanOxyl. I apply that to my pits when I shower, and often to the soles of my feet as well. Then, I also got a hand me down of The Ordinary's Glycolic Acid 7% every now and then after a shower as well. Honestly, I still wear hippie non-aluminum deodorant, just because I feel like I should. Does this combo work? Yes? So far I feel as if it does. I don't smell myself nearly as badly as I once have, and I recently started going to the gym and sweating my ass off three times a week. Do I reek like I once felt I did? Nope.

So, it hasn't been long, and I wonder if I'm going to get dark hurty pits again, but so far, more promising than any one magic deodorant. Still haven't tried Lume, but now they are sold via Target, so I am not worried about accessibility.  Got a few more alternatives to go through before I try Lume out though--great deals when Harmon's closed, and sadly, liquidation sales are great, but you end up with a lot of things you didn't need just because they were so cheap, only to have trouble finding them again or not wanting to pay full price.

No deodorant can keep my loyalty, I don't even look twice at Native, I think they're a waste of money now since they do not work, only cover up, and I believe I also had a reaction to them. How many sticks of deodorant I have gone through. But there is one staple that I just bought my third stick of--A La Maison's deodorant stick. Not really odor preventing, but so far, I can use them without any irritation--which I cannot say, sadly, for any other deodorant I've used. Compared to my research from back then, I actually have acquired Type-A and am currently using (which is exactly as I thought it would be, and is unremarkable), and two sticks of Myro (which I haven't used yet), and another brand that comes in a cardboard dispenser--all at a steep Harmon's discount. 

Where will my PITS journey venture next?

Skincare is the PITS (Part Two)

This quarantine, pandemic era has gone on for a long enough time to start an experiment I didn't think would be possible: going DEODORANT FREE!

Yes, that's right, I have been NOT USING any deodorant sticks on my armpits, natural or not.

It was part experiment, part I never leave the house, part I don't sweat because it was the end of winter, part no one is going to see or smell me, part my sister does this already so why can't I?

Instead of applying deodorant to these delicate pits, I make sure to moisturize with scented lotion. I find that citrusy scents are better than warm musky lotion scents.

Main questions/takeaways:

• It is now summer! Do you smell?
• Yes, but I find it no more so than when I wore natural deodorant. I feel bad about the plastic containers of Native in my beauty supply, but I really am feeling better without it.
• SO wait, what is happening?
• I don't put on deodorant. Instead I make sure to put apply scented lotion to my armpits and make sure they have time to dry.
• Does the lotion make your pits more damp?
• I find that I am more used to my "natural scent" and though the lotion does moisturize, the usually sweating that I do make it seem no different. They are sticky, usually, from sweating anyway.
• Did you put on scented lotion today?
• No, I sweated a bit when I cleaned house this morning, but I don't feel like I smell. I really got to stick my nose in my armpit to check. But I will moisturize my pits before leaving the house later today.
• Do you think you'll go back to wearing deodorant?
• Honestly, maybe I didn't even break this no-deodorant streak when I went to a wedding. I think I will just make myself smell good with lotion, and call it a day.
• However, I am considering using the last stick of normal chemical deodorant on my inner thighs, as the chub rub is real and I cannot walk the way I used to because they get so inflamed and so easily.
• Why do you prefer citrus smelling lotions?
• I actually started my transition by using up a remainder of my Bath and Body Works Peach Ultra Shea Body Cream, and there's something tangy about this smell that I think works well with my natural odor. However, when I use Vera Wang's Embrace lotion, which is more floral and musky, I find that I can get wafts of when I do smell myself. Therefore, I think there is something in my chemical balance that is tangy and goes well with a fruity, citrusy, tangy scent. Like it's going to compliment the lotion rather than stick out awkwardly.  

Will answer more questions, that my friends usually ask, when I remember.

Finding out you have expensive tastes

Thank you Sephora, for spoiling me with samples of Drunk Elephant, Tatcha, and more.

I know I've done a favorites list (and update the Empties Masterpost when I remember), but this is where I wonder... do I want to buy what I like the most, even if it hurts me a bit more? What am I willing to spend the money on and what "favorites" do I have that is simply settling?

Samples that I loved, but don't want to purchase:

1. Beste™ No. 9 Jelly Cleanser - Drunk Elephant. Honestly, wouldn't have thought twice about this if it weren't for some sample Sephora passed down. It's light, smells lightly of melon, and somehow makes the dots on my nose look clean and fresh--fresher than a clay mask. However, I hate it's packaging. I feel like I can't access that last final drop of product I want to use so badly.
2. La Mer: Well, not really a sample, but my friend got us a jar with her employee discount... and wow, this is a lot for something I like to slap liberally on my face. Haven't found a moisturizer I loved that isn't only good for winters.
3. Korres Greek Yoghurt Foaming Cream Cleanser: Another sample that I love, but for $26 can't go around buying so I can just rinse it down the drain, literally. Still second to Drunk Elephant though hahah.

Things I do spend my money on:

1. SK-II. Alas, it's just funny smelly water, but I feel like if I spend money on anything, I am glad it is a $150 bottle of fermented water that lasts me about 9 months. (Thank you duty-free Asia. I will make my every-other-year Asia pilgrimage just to get you at duty-free.)
2. Missha Time Revolution line's Clear Toner: There are cheaper toners. There are different toners. When I find this toner online for under $18 I buy several bottles of it. Not a single regret. The only regret I have is trying something new and then pushing myself to finish a bottle of product I don't really like.
3. su:m37 Rose Cleansing stick: This will contradict the next section, but this cleanser is the perfect travel cleanser... if it's in stock. It's hard and gets harder to find, but I won't pay more than $23 for this.
4. One good essence/amouple/facial oil. Using a CosRx 96 snail essence, not feeling it. Using an Ordinary (day) facial oil, not feeling it (rosehip makes me face smell like fish oil, yuck). But using Kiehl's Midnight Recovery oil? LOVING IT. Got it at 30% off, and it was still too expensive, but I do enjoy myself. Quality over quantity, you know? (postscript, I think this Midnight Recovery gives my face small bumps, aka closed comedones, and I have to return this product.)

Things I do not want to spend money on:

1. Cleansers: It goes down the drain! I have a hard time rationalizing spending $30 on Beste, when I can get Good Morning Gel for $10 or less. (Both 5 oz sizes, too.)
2. Sheet Masks: One time use, one time fun, too much waste. Think of all the waste that isn't going to break down because you did the one sheet mask a day "hack." It's too much for me to deal with and I am trying to just use up what I have (and I have way too much!).
3. The Ordinary: Maybe this will get some flack, but The Ordinary....is really just that.. ordinary. I have made my way through so many bottles and items... and come up disappointed. The price is so good and I would be overjoyed if they worked better than their slightly more expensive counterparts! But... they don't. Invest in better facial oils, do your due diligence, it's worth it.
4. Moisturizers over $20. I love a good moisturizer, don't get me wrong. I slap the stuff on my face like it actually all gets soaked it (it doesn't). However, when I go through a pot of moisturizer a month.... anything over $20 dollars makes me hurt. I got a LARGE Bosica Cactus Jelly something or other, which basically makes me feel like I am slapping on overpriced aloe on my face... but the Costco sized jar lasted me three to four months, so I consider that $30 well spent. However, most creams do not come in Costco like containers, so, I cannot possibly afford to spend that much, and have a range of $10-$20 creams, the $20 creams tend to be heavier and are saved for winter time, when dry skin is dire. 
5. Deodorants: Since March 2020, when quarantine started, I decided to wean myself off the "natural" deodorants I have been using for the last few years. I went from men's Axe, to Native, to La Maison, and hated Primal Pits, Schmidt's, and some other big name "natural" deodorants. Yes, I do smell myself and my B.O., but no more than when I was wearing natural deodorant. And guess what? I'm feeling ok about it, and just wash my pits like I wash my hands if I really feel the need. It's great. My favorite thing to do is instead put aloe (just because it is anti-bacterial) or citrusy smelling lotion. My pits are smooth (also, thanks to laser I don't have to shave) and the citrusy smell really cuts into the sour B.O. smell--if any.
6. Kiehl's Avocado Eye Cream: Kiehl's loves samples. Even more, they love 30-somethings who are freaking out about aging. Thus, it's overpriced and way too small of a jar to rationalize buying. Thanks, but no thanks. I'll buy something else of yours that costs too much.
7. Fresh's Soy Cleanser: Thanks for a million travel sizes squeeze tubes of this cleanser. It is a great morning cleanser, as it's really gentle, but feels like rubbing my face with nicely scented congealed water in the evenings. Doesn't get any dirt off, just rubs it around with less friction than water. It's great! But I'm never going to buy this for myself at that price point.
8. Tatcha's Moisturizer: Something makes me want to say that there are people out there who loves this water cream. It feels and acts the same as a $10 Korean moisturizer. In fact, it is so unremarkable that I hope I never waste my money on something from this company again. Just, get something affordable and Korean. It doesn't last long enough to make it worth it's price point.

Things I am sad do not exist anymore:

1. Goodal gentle (or deep) cleansing foam. Got at a sale through Club Clio as the line is no longer being made. My sister and I both loved the stuff, and went through it as if it weren't discontinued. We still talk about it to this day, and it's been years since a bottle has graced our shelves. Can't even find an image on Google when I tried.
2. Skinfood Bitter Greens Soothing Clay Mask: Got it at TJ Maxx and it cost me $7 and still provides me with so much enough clay to make me happy. It does not exist anymore, and it hardly compares to the small pot of Kiehl's I'm using on the interim.
3. Holika Holika's Gudetama skincare line: It's cute, cheap, and makes me smile. I used the all in one lazy whatever and the lazy oil to foam cleanser. They're nice, thanks for the collab, Holika Holika.

Empties Masterpost?

A habit I've picked up from my mother: dating the longevity of household items. Growing up as a kid I remember dates written in Sharpie across the tubes of toothpastes in our house. This is no different, but now I've come to wonder how long the products I've been using over and over last. What is the day/cost ratio and is it worth it? A bit slow to the game since I've been paying attention to skincare regimes for a while, but better late than never. 2019 is the year of dates.

1.  Missha Clear Toner 250 ml, $16 (sale of course).  1-22-19 to 7-15-19.
2.  SKII First Treatment Essence (7.8 oz/ 230 mL from duty free). 2-19-19 to 9-12-19.
3.  Estelle & Thild Biocalm Soothing Day Cream (50ml - used/free). 7-12-19 to 9-27-19.
4.  Goodal Natural Clear moist cleansing foam (150 ml, Club Clio Sale $10?$5?). 7-12-19 to 11-19-19. 
• This one lasted a really really long time considering both my sister and I were using it night and day.
5. Mizon All-in-One Snail Skin Repair Cream - 75ml Amazon - 9-28-19 to 11-20-19. 
• This jar hardly lasts me two months, and doesn't quite quench my skin. Even though it absorbs really well and I love how it has no scent, it's not enough and goes too quickly. On to the next one; haven't found my holy grail of moisturizers yet.
6. Mizon Black Snail Cream? I don't actually remember what moisturizer I used, but it was fine.
7. Beauty of Joseon Dynasty Cream 50ml- Amazon- 1-20-20 to 2-14-20
• Hardly lasted a month! Had to use because was in skin trouble because the Soo'Ae Soy Bomb lotion I was using didn't do anything (Club Cleo clearance for $5 and it's not worth my time at all, just skintertainment) and needed to help my skin out.. fast!
8. Elizavecca hyaluronic acid water drop cream 1.7 ounce, Amazon - 2-13-20 to 2-20-2020? Gosh that was fast. Didn't maintain a good enough record.
9. Used Soo'Ae soy bomb lotion, IT IS AWFUL, and makes my wrinkles worse. Dumped to use on my body instead of face. All Soo'Ae products have been awful to use and I will never buy such substandard quality products again.
10. Second jar of Goodal Young Barley Sparkling Gel Cream, gave it to my mom but she rather use the overly fragranced Neutrogena hydro moisture cream that burns my face when I put too much on.
11. Boscia Cactus Water Moisturizer 3.4 FL OZ 4-15-20 to 7-11-20 bought from Costco for $30. Goes on like Aloe, and takes a bit to sink in, but it wasn't bad and I bought another when I saw it on sale for $15. I like that this lasts me for just under 3 months. Which is more than I get out of most of my moisturizers. 
12. My Beauty Diary's Ultra Facial Cleanser. Bought a little 40g sample in Taiwan ages ago. Lasted me 4/15 to 7/15, which is amazing for a little thing. So much goes a long way, but I didn't like how much it foams because I felt like it was a bit harsh on my skin. Need that middle ground of feeling clean, but actually getting cleaned. Lasts a long time.
13. Missha Clear Toner 250 ml, (Amazon? Missha sale? I don't remember...) 12-22-19 to 9-5-20 wow that's a long time. This is my go-to toner. It's a part of the ferments line that is supposed to imitate SK-II's idea. It doesn't, but I do love this affordable toner that I usually get anywhere from $15-20, even though right now I only see it via Sokoglam and things for $28. Smells a little fermenty, feels like water, and I slap the stuff on my face. Honestly, I don't know what it is, but I do know that no other toners compare. I love this stuff, I am sad to see I'm rotating it out for a risk I bought at a Club Clio clearance. And there's this missing gap between toners, I don't even remember the last toner, but I wanted it out. I think it was Klairs's famous toner and it was unremarkable to me.
14. COSRX Hyaluronic Acid Hydra Power Essence 3.4 fl oz, 9/26/20-7/21/21

Wow I'm behind, definitely went through another bottle of SKII that's not mentioned on here. So, this is inaccurate.

Skincare is the PITS

Just kidding! I still love to pamper and take good care of my skin. However, a lot of the time when people think about skincare they think only about their face.

Your skin is your largest organ, and take care of all of it! Not only the part that people look at most! In college I was teased because I noticed how dry my friend's elbows were. Who bothers with elbows, they'd remark, as I sheepishly admit to lotioning up my own. Several years ago and even to this day my friend tells me "touch my elbows!" as she has proudly stopped forsaking them and lotions them up. They no longer are the scaly sandpapered ends I used to once know. She is as proud as I am that she started to care and has seen a difference.

However, today's skincare is not about elbows, but about PITS--my armpit journey. Your armpits have sensitive skin and needs to be cared for as well. That's why I have been experimenting with all different kinds of natural deodorants over the last few years.

YEARS. I am not kidding you. These things take YEARS to understand, and sometimes it's a journey that never quite ends. The body is continually changing--so why aren't you adjusting to it?

My pits, for many many years, were a hated and hidden thing. In high school I took ballet several times a week and shaved the morning of. Even then I would get five o'clock shadow and hated the poppyseed look of my armpits.

This all started to change in 2013 when I discovered laser hair removal. Granted, laser hair removal is another skin journey I am still going through now, another day, another post.

Laser hair removal changed my life. No longer did I see those poppyseed hairs come out like aggressively by the end of the day. It took several years (and several different clinics) to get to where I wanted to go. Now I never worry about hiding my pits, shaving them only when I think I kind of remember I should probably maybe shave them...that sort of deal. It's a crazy amount of money I have invested, but I show off my pits proudly. In getting to show off my pits I wanted to get away from the crazy strong chemicals in my body and decided to get off antiperspirant.

In college I wore the clinical strength they sell at Target, via Dove, Secret, or whatever. Secret would put hard gooey pitstains in my t-shirts (I would only wear t-shirts because they consistently hid my armpits and I never had to feel self conscious on if I shaved that day or not. Secret was out. Then there was Dove clinical strength and why did I put myself through that? I have no idea. Then Degree, or Teen Spirit, or Lady Speed Stick. My mom never wore deodorant and I blame my Caucasian genes for making me sweat and stink. My last antiperspirant was a rare scent from Axe in the men's section. It was called Island, was a white tube, and well, smelled like coconuts with a hint of musk. I was in love with this slightly mannish scent--I still have a stick in my closet. But I knew it wasn't good for me and it was time to move beyond these pore plugging chemicals.

Just as my armpit hair was thinning from laser hair removal (2015, I believe), my sister was going through her hippie stage of quitting antiperspirant as well. TJ Maxx surprisingly has a lot of choices to offer in the department of natural deodorants and I found myself collecting different scents, companies and brands for both her and I to try. Mostly for me to try and then when I didn't like it, give to her to finish using.

Schmidt's was the first thing I tried. It was lavender and came in a pot. First thing, I hate touching the stuff, especially since you have to warm it up to spread with your hands? Gross. Also, I could feel the product even after I washed my hands. Gross because I need to put my contacts in and do not want armpit residue to go into my eyes. Secondly, I was allergic. My pits are too sensitive for Schmidt's, as are my sister's. Trust me, I tried three different scents (so badly wanted the Rose Vanilla to work out) and each time I ended up with pink patches that hurt. My sister did to and we promptly got rid of all varieties of Schmidt's in the house.

To counteract this reaction I would go full skincare crisis on my pits. Cleanse them with a gentle face cleanser, put on light toner, like a watery one made from job's tears. Moisturize them with the same stuff I put on my face, applied a sleeping mask to my pits as well. If you treat all your skin like your face in crisis mode, it does well.

Tried Alaffia's charcoal deodorant, which I liked so much I started rationing it between other deodorants, like small samples off I bought of Esty (clay based, but too small and annoying to use), Stinkbug Organics (loved the smell, but misplaced it somewhere in my traveling bags), gave my sister the Herban Cowgirl I've been eying but didn't end up using myself. Tried Green Goo's Apricot for a while but it left me feeling a little sticky so I only apply it before bed or when my armpits are having a reaction.

My tried, tested, and several sticks of go-to natural deodorant has to be Native. Damnit! I got sucked in through a Facebook ad for their Pumpkin Spice seasonal scent, and love love loved it. Then I invested in their fall scent pack and then again in a spring scent. I have two sticks left and currently using two other scents in tandem, so I really shouldn't. It's a great purchase though and I usually wait until they have a discount code. A three-pack of seasonal scents goes for $30, which is $10 a piece, and even less if you get a coupon code. Yes, I know it's expensive, but I really like it. Sometimes it gets chunky, but it's a softer consistency that gets sticky if too warm. Glides on easily, smells great, and THERE ARE SO MANY SCENTS that I love and want to try each time! Once in a blue moon I'll get a pink irritated armpit, but it's been pretty good for the three sticks I have completely finished, the two I am in between, and the still in my closet.

Pumpkin Spice Latte BASIC AND FIRST LOVE
Fig and HONEY LOVE
Lilac and White Tea COMFORTING LOVE
Lychee and Goji Berry SWEET but I like it!!
Gardenia and Orchid SOFT FLORAL LOVE
I have two remaining unused scents: Orange & Honeysuckle and Lemon Zest & Pomegranate (least appealing scent that came in the sets, but I wanted the other two G&O/O&H so bad it was worth it. I am loving ALL THESE SMELLS.

I actually wanted the seasonal Fall 2017 box of Pear & Lavender, Honeycrisp Apple & Cinnamon, and Almond & Vanilla, but didn't get it because I already had too many sticks to go through. I haven't looked in a while and their Spring 2019 scents are just amazing. The next box is Spring 2019's Vanilla & Rose, Aloe & Eucalyptus, and Yuzu & Orange Blossom. I WANT THEM ALLLLLLL. Maybe when it goes on sale? I was into Native as Facebook sucked me into it a long time ago. That was before they were sold by places like Target or Walmart. I remembering entering their Instagram giveaway and there were only three other people that hashtagged them. What a long time ago that was.

I also have a stick of A La Maison Honeysuckle in my closet...my sister has the Sea Salt one that I got her and she loved it so much she told me if I see it again I should get it for her...and I did! Thank you TJ Maxx for being an excellent supplier of quality products at a discount.

Though Native is as expensive as I go at ~$10 a stick, I am seriously considering several other more expensive brands. Myro is eco-friendly in that it's a reusable plastic outside with replaceable pods. At $10 and they give you the case for free.... I really can't complain. Their marketing seems great. I like the very Coachella vibe names of their scents. I would probably get Big Dipper or Pillow Talk.

Then there is the expensive $22 Takesumi charcoal deodorant that I saw at Detox Market (where I actually wanted to check out Piper Wai for $17 and Meow Meow Tweet $14). Also now finding out about and considering $22 Corpus's Cedar Flora which is currently out of stock. Glad to have a brick and mortar store to check out the natural deodorants at Detox Market. Did not care for the consistency of Meow Meow Tweet, even though I like the eco-friendly cardboard applicator and packaging. Found Piper Wai to have too much of a baking soda smell which scared me off, and instead I found Takesumi which is pretty neat with some ok smells. I actually really like the sensitive version of Agent Nateur's Holi(Stick), but at $28 I can't seem to justify it.

After a bit of researching for this post, I am also intrigued by Type-A $10, which seems more like a soft consistency deodorant, activated by sweat.

The thing about natural deodorants is.... you're going to sweat, and you're going to smell. It's just a matter of how long and if reapplication is needed. It's not a one stop fix, there is no one stop fix. However, get used to and learn to love your own body odor, as it's yours and going to be with you forever. I noticed that I actually sweat more on my back now after laser hair removal in my armpits, but it's only my pits that have that curdled milk, sour vinegar sort of smell. It is distinct and it is your own. Get used to it and try not to sweat in your coats that you don't want to send out to the dry cleaners.

Even after all the afterwork sniffing and body odor smelling, I wouldn't stop my natural deodorant journey, not even a single step. Not once have I even thought of going back to regular antiperspirant. Not. Once.

Going natural feels better for me, doesn't stain my clothes or leave pit stains that are chemically bounded to the material, and just is BETTER.

Take care of the skin in your armpits--it is just as sensitive as the skin on your face.