Natural Deodorants

I had a helluva time trying to find a decent "natural" deodorant. I pretty much just wanted to switch off of antiperspirant, because it's not supposed to be good for you. Which makes sense, I mean, how can blocking your body from a natural process (even if it's a gross one like sweating) possibly be good for you?

I've tried three natural deodorants and am ready to award first, second and third place to them.

Third Place: earthscience mint rosemary natural deodorant (about $8 at PriceSmart)


I had two issues with this deodorant. When I first put it on, it felt fine but the mint rosemary scent reminded me of roasting lamb. If it had been any good, I would have just tried a different scent. But it burned my skin and left me with red, puffy underarms for about a week. I will never buy this again. Grade: F

Second Place: JASON Lavender Deodorant Stick (about $8 at PriceSmart)


This deodorant smells quite strongly of lavender, but the tea tree and aloe varieties do not smell as strongly. It felt good going on, although sometimes it didn't seem to dry and would be sticky. I also had to reapply it during the day as it didn't last more than about six hours. In the summer, when I was hot, it would show up as ridges of white goo. Grade: C (and by "C," I mean that other than the First Place deodorant, this is the only other one that I've found that is even remotely acceptable).

First Place: Lavanila Laboratories The Healthy Deodorant in vanilla coconut ($23 at Sephora)


I didn't want to like this deodorant. I really didn't. Because I knew if I did, I would end up spending $23 at Sephora every time I needed new deodorant and that just seems kind of silly to me. But this deodorant is so amazing I'm willing to not only go across town to buy it, but also to shell out almost $25 for one stick. It smells fantastic. After I checked the reviews on Sephora.com, I thought the smell would be really strong and overpowering, but it's not. I put it on in the morning and I can be confident that I'll smell as fresh when I go to bed as if I had used antiperspirant. Grade: A+

Sephora

I had to check out the new Sephora store in Coquitlam Centre last week, and I have to say, the crowd was overwhelming!  There was no line to get in, but you could barely move inside and the line to pay went right to the door!  I've heard that the Pacific Centre location had an hour wait just to get inside!  I guess now the powers that be know that a Sephora could have opened here ages ago and done fantastically.

I wasn't disappointed, though: the store carries everything that a Sephora should!  Philosophy, Urban Decay...  you name it!  Once the buzz wears off, I'll be heading back to spend my hard-earned money on lovely beauty products and make-up.  

I've already mentioned that the first thing I will buy is Hope In a Jar, by Philosophy, and then I think I'll try and find a new foundation.  I'm currently using MAC Studio Fix, which I find very nice, but I'm always ready to try something new!

The Most Wonderful Day of the Year: July 10th

No, it's not Christmas: it's the grand opening of the new Sephora stores in Coquitlam Centre and Pacific Centre!!!   What could be better?

I'm trying to wangle my way out of work early so I can be there - crossing my fingers!  What's going to be my first purchase?  Hope In a Jar!  Just check out the reviews - it's a best of Sephora.  And it comes highly recommended by several friends.  Don't worry, I'll let you know how it goes.

So where will I be on Friday at 3:30?  Sephora Coquitlam Centre - I'll be the one with bells on!

Clearest Face Ever

I love to surf sephora.com, just to see what's going on. And it's always good to check out the customer ratings before you buy things (especially if you buy them online). That was how I found out about the DDF Sulfur Therapeutic Mask. I think it may be the best thing that ever happened to me!
This face mask is for acne-prone skin and it makes a noticeable difference after you use it just once.
I strongly recommend this, just like 90% of the other customers at Sephora who tried it!

May all my dreams come true!

I have received the best news ever! A Sephora is coming to Vancouver this July! How exciting!!!
I believe there are three coming in: Coquitlam Centre and MetroTown in July and then Pacific Centre in August. It's like a dream come true!
In honour of this fabulous occasion, I have spent more time than usual cruising sephora.com and planning my future purchases. The very FIRST thing I am going to get is some Philosophy Hope-In-A-Jar facial moisturizer. It has fantastic reviews for all skin types. And I love the name, who wouldn't want to buy some hope in a jar? The reviews all say it has a bit of a funny smell, so I will have to see if that is true.
At any rate, I am practically counting down the days until July. I wish my birthday was in July so I could just go blow my life savings at Sephora. Maybe I'll do that anyways...