Knowing how to stay fresh and confident is an essential skill that keeps us going, whether it's on that first date, a sweaty gym session or just a regular day at work. We're bringing you the insider guide to deodorant, answering all the burning questions you never knew you had, like "how does deodorant work?", “what is deodorant body spray vs stick?” and “what's the best advice on how to apply deodorant?”.
Ready to learn? Class is in session. We’re going to be getting up close and personal with deodorant in this article, but if you feel like you need to get back to basics on all things scented, check out our full guide to the different types of fragrance products.
Deodorant Body Sprays vs. Deodorant Sticks
Deodorants, whether in the form of sprays or sticks, serve the same purpose – they keep you smelling good by combating the bacteria that cause unwanted odor in your sweat. They also hit you up with a fresh fragrance which is going to pick you up and leave you feeling fresh all day.
Now you just need to work out whether you want to grab a deodorant spray or stick. Let’s break down both and see what they offer.
Deodorant spray
What is deodorant spray exactly? Well, it’s all about convenience and versatility. With a quick spray under each arm, you're ready to go. It dries fast, which means no waiting around before you get dressed. Plus, it’s great for avoiding those white marks that can ruin a good shirt.
And let's not forget about the freshness factor. Deodorant spray leaves you feeling invigoratingly clean, like a cool morning breeze under your arms.
Deodorant body spray
If you want to combine the functional benefits of deodorant with the great fragrance of a body spray, then deodorant body spray does both. They come in many fragrance options out there to suit your mood, whether it’s a zingy citrus note, a deep woody musk or anything in between.
Looking to get a little more in-depth on deodorant body sprays? Check out our full article breaking down men’s body spray.
And for a deodorant body spray that ticks all the boxes, check out our Blue Lavender Premium Deodorant Body Spray, infused with lavender, mint and amber to get you feeling good and smelling fresh.
Deodorant stick
These classics have been around the block, and they've earned their place in your bathroom cabinet. They offer a more tactile, controlled application, which some prefer. The deodorant stick is your trusted ally when it comes to combating body odor.
For guys who sweat a bit more, there are antiperspirant deodorant sticks that help to reduce sweat production, not just fight odor. If you’re looking for a product that fights odor, reduces sweat and delivers fresh fragrance all at once, you might just be looking for our Apollo Antiperspirant Deodorant Stick.
The Many Benefits of Deodorant
There's a lot more to deodorant than meets the eye. It's not just about combating body odor, it's about confidence, comfort and expressing your personal style. Whether you're on team deodorant spray or stick, there are a whole bunch of benefits to using deodorant that you might not have even realized. Let's look at some of the key ones.
Protects you from odor
The most obvious benefit of deodorant is odor protection. Deodorant is designed to combat this issue head-on. It often works in two ways – neutralizing the odor-causing bacteria on your skin while delivering a fresh fragrance.
Reduces your sweat
Sweat is a natural part of life – especially if you're working hard or working out. But that doesn't mean you have to walk around with sweaty pits all day. Some deodorants combine antiperspirant ingredients designed to reduce sweat from coming to the surface of the skin, tackling odor at the source and helping to keep underarms dry and fresh.
If you want to know more about these dual-action products, check out our full guide to antiperspirant.
Convenient and easy to apply
Let's talk convenience. Both deodorant sprays and sticks are super easy to apply, quick-drying and small enough to toss into your gym bag. Deodorant sprays are great for those with a fast-paced lifestyle who need that extra BO-beating boost every now and then during the day.
Wide range of fragrances
Last, but certainly not least, let's talk fragrance. You might want to grab a clean fresh scent, a robust, woody vibe, or maybe a floral, uplifting fragrance. And for those who prefer deodorants without scent, there are even fragrance-free options. The key is to choose a deodorant fragrance that hits different and reflects your personality.
If you want to get the lowdown on fragrances, check out our ultimate guide to cologne.
Finding the perfect deodorant involves understanding your skin type, deciding what you want, and knowing what to look for on the label.
How to Find the Perfect Deodorant for You
Finding the perfect deodorant isn't just about sniffing your way through the fragrance aisle and choosing the best-smelling one. It's about understanding your skin type, deciding what you want from a deodorant, and knowing what to look for on the label. Below are our main tips for finding your perfect deodorant.
Consider your skin type
Everybody's skin is different and what works for others might not work for you. If you have sensitive skin, you might want to choose a deodorant that's free of fragrance. A lot of brands offer options for sensitive skin that are mild but still effective at combating odor.
For those with dry skin, look for a deodorant with moisturizing ingredients. Some deodorants include hydrating ingredients that can help to keep your skin healthy and smooth while still ensuring you stay fresh.
Think about the specific features you want
Next, decide what you want your deodorant to do. Are you aiming to avoid white marks or yellow stains on your clothes? Then grab a deodorant that advertises no white marks or staining. Are you looking for an antiperspirant that provides sweat and odor protection? Then look out for products labeled antiperspirant deodorants. Decide what you're looking for and keep it in mind as you’re rolling through the deodorant aisle.
Looking to stay fresh all day? Check out our Ice Chill Deodorant Body Spray, with a cool fragrance of iced mint and lemon.
Check the active ingredients
Many deodorants, especially antiperspirant deodorants, use aluminum salts to help reduce sweat and neutralize odors. If you're trying to avoid aluminum, there are alternatives out there that use natural ingredients. Look for ingredients like argan oil or tea tree oil, which can provide additional benefits and a nice fragrance.
How to Apply Deodorant
Let's face it, using deodorant seems like a no-brainer. But many don’t know how to apply deodorant to get the most out of it. Just in case your skills are a little rusty, here are four things to bear in mind.
1. Start with a clean canvas
Applying deodorant to freshly cleaned, dry skin ensures that the product can effectively do its job without battling leftover bacteria or moisture. Whether you're a morning shower person or an evening bather, make sure to apply your deodorant spray or stick after you've washed and thoroughly dried your underarms.
2. Apply the right amount
When it comes to deodorant, a little goes a long way. For deodorant sprays, hold the can about 6-8 inches away from your skin and spray under each arm. If it's a deodorant body spray, we also recommend making the number ‘7’ across your torso. That’s spraying from one shoulder to the other, then diagonally down across your chest to the opposite hip.
For deodorant sticks, 2-3 swipes per underarm should do the trick. There's no need to go overboard here. Too much product can lead to residue build-up and might even stain your clothes.
3. Take your time
Here's a tip on how to apply deodorant like a true pro: let your deodorant dry before you get dressed. This is especially important for deodorant sprays, which can leave wet spots on your clothes if they're not fully dry. Give it a minute or two to dry before pulling on your favorite shirt.
Repeat as needed. How often you apply your deodorant really depends on your personal needs. For most of us, once a day is enough. But if you're heading to the gym or if the temperature is climbing, a quick refresh can help you stay cool and confident.
If you’re sold on getting deodorant into your routine, we’ve got the good stuff right here. We’ve teamed up with world-renowned perfumers to create our Fine Fragrance Collection of deodorant body sprays and sticks.
Deodorant decoded
We’ve delivered our tips on the benefits of deodorant spray vs. sticks and looked at how to apply deodorant like a pro.
But real learning comes from applying what you've learned. Experiment with different deodorants, get your application technique on point, and most importantly, find that signature fragrance which turns heads for all the right reasons.
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