I want to talk to you about B.O. YEAH. That stank can knock you out. I mean, it’s basically what happens to me every time I go to CorePower and a man lays his mat next to mine. Sorry, gents. I am fascinated by our bodies. Definitely my body. Though your body, too. And the body of Mr. Namaste. For starters, I swear drinking kombucha has transformed my immune system into a military fortress — seriously, everyone I know has been sick. And I ride public transit, am a close talker and even share beverages (kombucha pusher) without thinking. Somehow, I’m more than surviving. Knocks on wood.
More on topic, however, is what goes on deep in the underarm. I’ve been really into quoting song lyrics lately, and this one just feels right, so I’m going with it: “Your Body is a Wonderland.” More specifically, a wild ecosystem. Our forearms, a desert. The head = cool forest. And obviously, the pits, some type of rainforest (according to a 1968 essay on human skin by Mary J. Marples) Are you still reading?!
It was just ‘Body Week’ on FastCo and this article on body odor really struck a chord. In short, antiperspirants mask a short term problem but might actually lead to more bacteria. Actually, more diverse types, which may be problematic because they are all competing to be THEE bacteria. I know, I didn’t realize that bacteria was so competitive with each other, either. That fight might be what leads to le odor as “bad” bacteria flourish. I’m no scientist but I am fascinated by this—it’s like there is a whole other world occupying our body and waging constant war. The bigger question: are we so anti-bacterial that we are doing our bodies more harm?
I tend to think so. My kombucha-dranking self has been a full-on natural deo convert for more than a year. Everything I read had me questioning why I was clogging my pores up with aluminum. So I quit. The transition wasn’t without struggle. The body absolutely goes through an adjustment phase and not all formulas can handle a day in the life. For me, I need a deodorant that can hack a full 15+ hours. No, I don’t want to reapply mid-day . Yes, I expect to smell like roses. I require that I maintain a pleasant aroma.
I’ve tried this cult classic and liked it until I didn’t (burn-like rash but no pain) and this newcomer (really love but use a tube too quickly) but I always go back to Nourish. The traditional stick packaging is a winner and I don’t feel like I’ve sacrificed anything. I’m not afraid to raise the roof, ever, and actually think I smell better. I feel more in balance under there than I ever have. This is a long winded way of telling you that you can do it, too, if you want. Also, your body is a freaking wonderland. John Mayer cooed as much back in the day and I’m adopting it for the sake of my point.
Hahaha I switched over about 6 months ago and am also constantly worried about smelling! I’ve noticed that when I’m eating clean I’m totally fine but when I make not-so-great dietary choices I can tell the difference based on B.O. I love Nourish and am also currently loving the Sensitive Pitstick from Primal Life Organics.
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I’m so glad you wrote this! I think you told me about Nourish and then I forgot what it was called. I’m still using the Soapwalla and it’s okay but I’ve been wanting to explore more options.
Ok… this was a lifesaver!!! I too avoid typical deodorants and anti-antiperspirants but worry if they are effective enough. Your hilarious and very real banter was pretty much what occurs in my head about this subject. My expectations of smelling good are high, but my confidence in the natural deodorants is low. I will definitely be trying this one… and I will not be waiting until my current product is empty!
Thanking you, in advance!
I got Nourish’s eye cream in my Ipsy and absolutely LOVE it, so I should check this out too! At this rate, all of the products I use will be natural and organic by the end of the year.
Katherine – Engineering In Style recently posted…Shopping Haul: Professional LIfe
I like to use a natural deodorant too but I struggle to find one that works for me & in the UK we are so limited as to the selection. I like the sound of the Nourish one & Fig has to be my all time favourite scent. I’m going to see if I can track this brand down here.
http://www.letstalkbeauty.co.uk/
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This was my Tuesday pick me up, thank you. Way to approach a stinky topic! I’m in in the conversion faze, maybe for the 8th time… I’m staying strong!
Love this! It’s so crazy when you think about all of the things that live on your body…actually, maybe not something I like to think about! This Nourish deo sounds like it’s definitely worth a try, have heard some pretty cool things about the brand in general.
Mayah x
“transformed my immune system into a military fortress” is really all I needed to hear to be hooked. LOL. I want a military fortress and YES, I am that person who has been sick all winter!!! Excited to try this!!! xo, Amanda
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LOL! Their campaign should be that one would never fear raising the roof whilst wearing their deo! Loved this article. I’ve been tinkering with deodorants after being a hardcore AP person since around 1994. I am in the midst of the struggle. I can’t stand that swampy, damp feeling in my pits. I just got a new mini of the La Vanilla and it smells INCROYABLE (not like vanilla at all!) but I may try your pick next if I’m not wowed. Thanks, Laurie! <3
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