BAN PITS AHA Roll-on Serum Deodorant is an innovative, and cruelty-free, deodorant that is formulated with gentle alpha-hydroxy acids to help eliminate odor and brighten uneven skin tone and leave the armpits feeling fresh. I have sensitive skin under my arms and many deodorants irritate my skin. I was worried that the AHA formula would cause irritation, but it did not. I have the unscented, Citrus & Jasmine and Amber & Cedarwood, and I like all three, but my favorite is the Citrus & Jasmine. The scented versions are not in the least bit overpowering, and I find that I have long-lasting protection from all three.
According to Ban,
Our serum deodorant is skin wellness for your underarms. Infused with a multi-blend of gentle alpha hydroxy acids known to help combat odor before it starts, this skincare-inspired serum helps keep pits fresh, visibly brighten uneven skin, and prevent ingrown hairs. Made with prebiotics, known to promote the growth of a healthy, balanced microbiome to reduce odor before it starts. Our formulas are dermatologist-tested and safe for sensitive skin from your pits to your bits.
Features and Claims:
AHA ROLL ON DEODORANT: Odor-removing AHAs and prebiotics join forces to fight odor and pamper pits by exfoliating, nourishing and strengthening your skin’s natural barrier.
ALUMINUM FREE DEODORANT: Get all the gentle, yet powerful protection from this Ban roll-on deodorant that you know and love without aluminum or baking soda.
ALL DAY DEODORANT: Clinically proven to last 48 hours, this non aluminum deodorant for women and men keeps you odor free for longer.
JASMINE & CITRUS SCENT: Rejuvenating citrus combines with delicate jasmine to create a light, refreshing scent that is sure to eliminate odor and delight your senses.
GENTLE INGREDIENTS - Gentle on skin and powerful on odor, our baking soda free vegan deodorant is Talc-free, Hypoallergenic, silicone-free and cruelty-free.
Overall Assessment: I am actually quite surprised by the extent to which I like these deodorants. They are definitely worth trying.
$12.99 from Amazon (Affiliate Links). Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own.
April, more than anything, was a month in which I primarily used up things in my shower, but there were a couple of items that I finished up that were in my travel bag. This was a light month for finishing things up, but I still felt satisfaction in recycling these empty containers. Ordinarily I would wait until the end of the month to post this, in order to allow myself to finish up a few extra things, but my current close-to-empties will require several more weeks of use– therefore here is the short list of what I finished this month.
Trader Joe's Nourish Herbal Blend Lemongrass & Clary Sage Liquid Soap: This is another winner from Trader Joe's– it is an affordable hand soap with a delicious scent, and it is gentle and non-stripping on the skin. Trader Joe's remains one of my favorite sources for liquid hand soaps. I will definitely repurchase this!
Whole Foods 365 Baby Foaming Wash (Reviewed HERE): This delightful body wash is ultra gentle on the skin, and it cleans thoroughly without stripping. It also works remarkably well for shaving, and for cleaning makeup brushes. I will definitely repurchase this.
Whish Shave Crave Shaving Cream in Pomegranate (Reviewed HERE): is the most delectably scented and ultra creamy moisturizing shave cream, and it is an absolute joy to use. From the moment that you spread it across your skin, you know that you are in for a wonderful experience to savor. It is a rich and moisturizing cream that does not turn into a skin drying foam, but instead moisturizes and softens the skin with organic and natural botanicals. Not only does one get the closest shave imaginable, but skin is left soft, supple and indescribably moisturized. Furthermore, the organic shea butter, jojoba oil, and coconut oil protect and soothe the skin, and as a result reduces skin irritation often associated with shaving. It should also be noted that it is ultra concentrated– so the bottle will last you a very long time.
Trader Joe's Moisturizing Cream Shave in Honey Mango: This remains an absolute staple in our household, and I buy them four at a time. The formula is ultra-moisturizing and creamy, but it does not clog up your razor. It smells delectable, and it leaves skin soft and silky-smooth. Already on my next shopping list!
Ban Total Refresh Cooling Body Cloths (Reviewed HERE): These lightly-fragranced cloths cool skin on contact while they wipe away excess sweat. They leave the skin feeling revitalized because of the cooling sensation coupled with the light citrus scent. Not only do these smell great, but they also feel wonderfully cooling against the skin, and they are perfect to toss in your beach bag.
Malin + Goetz Grapefruit Face Cleanser (Reviewed HERE): When I use this cleanser, I find that my skin and pores are cleaned thoroughly without being stripped of their natural oils. My skin neither feels squeaky clean, nor does it feel tight and uncomfortable after use. I neither find the smell of the grapefruit to be overwhelming, nor do I find it too harsh. My skin simply felt deliciously fresh and clean. I have decidedly normal/combination skin with an active T-zone, and while I think this is well suited for combination and oilier skin types I have serious questions as to whether people with drier or sensitive skin types will find this product too astringent. I suspect that the exfoliating effects of the grapefruit extract may be too active for those with dry and/or sensitive skin (at least for use on a daily basis).
Koh Gen Do Cleansing SPA Water Cloths (Reviewed HERE): My eyes can be particularly sensitive when it comes to makeup and makeup removers, and I have even found many so-called gentle eye makeup removers to be very irritating to my eyes. When I was first introduced to Koh Gen Do's Cleansing Water and Cleansing Water Cloths I assumed that I would be disappointed as I had been so many times before. However, much to my surprise these products actually lived up to the claims made (in fact exceeded them). Not only did my eyes not sting, but it removes all traces of makeup, and the surrounding skin was left feeling soft and supple.
What did you use up, throw out, give away, or return in April? Any duds or holy grail products to report?
If you have festive plans for the 4th of July, that may also include some include adventurous outdoor excursions, then here are a few fun drugstore finds that you might want to take with you on your adventure. I thought that bright cheery colors and delightful scents would be a fun way to enhance the festive day– whether you are watching the fireworks on the beach with friends, or from your neighbors roof-deck.
1) Mia Flashion Flowers Lighted Flower Headband ($19.99 from Target and Mia Beauty): Perfect for a festival, concert, or any outdoor events. These Flashion Flower™wildflowers will take your outfit to a new level. Simply press the leaf to switch between the four light settings. Each headband has a replaceable battery and a special adjustable strap for a comfortable fit.
These are super fun festival-ready Boho-Chic floral garland headbands that actually light up. Once the sun sets and the fireworks begin– just press the leaf and choose your setting, and your floral tiara will be beautifully illuminated.
2) Streekers Wild Weekend Hair Color ($12.99 from Amazon and Colormetrics): The 4th of July is the perfect occasion to adorn your tresses with fun temporary colors, and STREEKERS Wild Weekend Hair Color is a great choice.
STREEKERS is true temporary hair color with a difference. Instant. Liquid. Washes out when you want it out. Not a mascara, not a crayon, not a paint. But a cool new hair color that uses innovative technology. In 8 vibrant colors: pink, blue, ultra violet, red, green, yellow, orange, purple.
STREEKERS is a stroke of genius at a moment's notice. It's so easy to apply with a sleek, sponge-tip applicator that ensures perfect coverage and control. Streekers can be used over mousse, styling gel or wax and followed by hair spray. Best of all, you can brush your hair after Streekers dries. It won't flake off (unlike other bright temporary hair colors). Your hair will be soft and the color will remain vibrant. STREEKERS shades are vivid on blondes and blonde streaks and show as subtle highlights on darker hair.
3) Maybelline Baby Lips Lip Balm ($4.49 at ULTA): Baby Lips come in a wide range of shades, and they even have some that contain an SPF. They are buttery smooth and very hydrating, and are perfect to toss in your bag on the 4th of July.
Clinically proven to make lips 82% visibly less dry, 94% less rough, 77% more supple, and 77% better looking after just four weeks of use! It's clinical care for baby soft lips.
4) SolScents Sunscreens (Reviewed here): These sunscreens come in a wonderful array of scents and sun protection factors, and they moisturize the skin. The company has a deep philanthropic mission, and their seven scented sunscreens correspond to seven different causes to which they donate a percentage of the proceeds from every sale.
SolScents SPF50 Flower Blast Spray (6 oz. for $9.99 from Target) SPF 50 body spray intoxicates your senses with floral notes of Jasmine and Cattleya Orchids as they bloom into a feminine bouquet with an opulent background of creamy musky undertones.
SolScents SPF30 Deep Love Lotion (8 oz. for $9.99 from Target) Swim in an ocean of love when Sugared Plums and Freesia collide to create a passionate aroma with this SPF 30 lotion.
5) Body Fantasies Body Sprays($5.98 for 8 oz. from Amazon): I also chose some affordable fragrances since a long day of playing, means you may like a little fragrant pick-me-up (since long days out in the sun at events can feel a bit like camping…). These light and fresh body sprays are super affordable so you won't mind sharing them with your friends– just pop your favorite scent in your bag.
6) Ban Total Refresh Cooling Body Cloths ($3.79 for 10 cloths from Amazon): Lightly-fragranced cloths cool skin on contact as they wipe away sweat for long-lasting freshness. Feel energized with a cool silky touch and light citrus scent. Gently wipe the soft, durable cloth on any part of your body - around your neck, chest or under arms - and enjoy cool, instant freshness.
Not only do these smell great, but they also feel wonderfully cooling against the skin, and they are perfect to toss in your beach bag.
What fun drugstore beauty finds will be making it into your bag on the 4th of July?
Press Samples, GWP & Purchased by Me (Affiliate Links)
I am in a state of utter shock that March is winding down already. I was so busy at work that I barely had time to come up for air, and when I finally did the month was nearly over! I did manage to use up a few full size products and a handful of samples, and am happy to have added a few more empty containers to my recycle bin.
1) Suave Moroccan Infusion Silkening Body Wash (reviewed here): The creamy rich lather softens the skin while the warm essence infuses the shower with a delightful scent. It also makes a delicious bubble bath in which to luxuriate!
2) J.R. Watkins Naturals Lemon Hand Soap (reviewed here): J.R. Watkins makes my all-time favorite hand soaps, and their Lemon scent has to be my favorite. These wonderful liquid soaps leave skin soft and hydrated instead of stripped and dry! I need to buy more on my next trip to the grocery store!
3) Belli All Day Moisture Body Lotion (reviewed here): This lightly lemon scented lotion is ultra moisturizing, and so pleasant to use. I left it on my nightstand and used it every day until one sad day when there was no more to use!
4) Dove Deep Moisture Nourishing Body Wash (featured here): This was a deluxe sample from one of my BB5 boxes, and it was so good that it's now on my must-buy list! It leaves skin clean, soft and hydrated– it is also wonderful for shaving legs and underarms!
5) Antica Farmacista Lemon Verbena Shower Gel: I absolutely love Lemon Verbena scented body products, and this has to be one of my very favorites. This deluxe sample was given to me by a friend, and it is so amazing that I am planning on buying the full size as soon as I finish up my current body washes.
6) The Honest Company Honest Face + Body Lotion (reviewed here): I have yet to use a product from The Honest Company that I don't really really like, and this lotion is perfectly hydrating and a true pleasure to use.
7) REN Glyco Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask (reviewed here): I have been using this highly effective exfoliating mask for years, and I still think that it is one of the best of its kind. It effortlessly dissolves dead skin cells, and it reminds me a bit of Orange Marmalade without the rinds! Skin is left delectably soft, smooth and radiant!
8) TATCHA Radiant Deep Brightening Serum(featured here): This beautiful serum hydrates, smoothes, softens and illuminates so effectively and the results are so pronounced that this is a definite must-have for me. TATCHA remains one of my favorite lines.
9) Mario Badescu Hyaluronic Eye Cream (reviewed here): This eye cream is a great hydrator for skin that is dry and dehydrated, and the results are immediate. It is also very affordable– making it a great choice for the wallet!
10) Malin + Goetz Grapefruit Face Cleanser (reviewed here): I initially thought that this was going to be a harsh and stripping cleanser that I wouldn't be able to use on my face, but was I ever wrong. Not only is this a gentle cleanser, but it leaves my skin soft and smooth. It's brilliant by itself and with a Clarisonic!
11) Assorted foundation samples: Nothing to report because I don't remember what was in each little pot!
12) Rodan + Fields Redefine Acute Care for Expression Lines (reviewed here): These are very effective little magical cloths that temporarily plump and lift expression lines. If you haven't tried anything from Rodan + Fields– let me just say that they make amazingly high quality products that are well worth trying.
13) Koh Gen Do Cleansing Spa Water Wipes (reviewed here): These are still among my very favorite cleansing wipes. They are gentle and never bother my sensitive eyes.
14) Ban Total Refresh Cooling Body Cloths (featured here): I haven't used these long enough to give you a full report, but I tried them during really hot weather at work when I was running around and sweating, and they were great for freshening up before reapplying deodorant.
