A Wren Says

As I packed my bags for my trip, I referred back to my packing list. Everything was checked off and I headed out the door. I arrived to my hotel and realized that I never put deodorant on my list.

It has been literally years since I’ve used the type of traditional deodorant/antiperspirant offered by the hotel. While I’m thankful (as well as everyone on public transit and at restaurants) to have its 24 hour odor and wetness protection, it’s not what I go for. I have made the switch to aluminum-free formulas, often referred to as natural deodorants. (On the Sephora site, you will see them listed as “Clean at Sephora.”) This has come to down to one key reason from me: I got tired of having to choose between smelling good and enduring sweat stains and discoloration on my clothes.

A good fragrance routine starts with addressing body odor. And a good routine fits seamlessly into your life. For me, that means it doesn’t lead me to engage in intensive laundry practices to get out stains, nor am I left trying to heal my skin from irritation.

I forgot what it was like to have this “powder fresh scent” lingering on me throughout the day. I don’t hate it, but it’s no longer what I look for. I continue to hunt for aluminum-free formulas that control odor, don’t irritate my skin, are subtly scented, and last throughout the day. And of course, those that make the cut will stay in my travel toiletries bag.