My Honest Review of Natural Deodorants After Switching Away from Aluminum

Over the past few months, I’ve been on a mission to find a natural deodorant that actually works. If you’ve ever switched from an aluminum based antiperspirant, you know there’s often a transition period where your body adjusts. During that time, I tested several popular brands to see how they performed for me.

Keep in mind that everyone’s body chemistry is different, so what worked (or didn’t work) for me may be different for you. Here’s my experience.

Schmidt’s Vanilla – 4/10

My first thought The scent was so beautiful I really wanted it to work ,Unfortunately, Schmidt’s was my least favourite of the group. I tried the vanilla scent, but it just wasn’t for me. It also left a noticeable residue, which I didn’t enjoy.

During my transition away from aluminum, I found it only lasted about 3 hours before I felt like I needed to reapply. Overall, this one wasn’t a winner for me.

Website: https://schmidts.com

Lume Citrus – 6/10

Lume is often recommended as a more natural deodorant, although it does contain synthetic fragrance. I really liked the citrus scent—it was fresh without being overpowering.

Performance-wise, I got about 4 to 5 hours before needing another application. While it worked reasonably well, it didn’t provide all-day protection for me, especially on more active days.

Website: https://lumedeodorant.com

Fussy – 8/10

Fussy ended up being my favourite overall.

I loved how smoothly it applied, and unlike some natural deodorants, it didn’t leave a sticky residue. It also doesn’t contain synthetic fragrances, which is something I personally look for.

I consistently got around 6 hours of wear before needing to reapply. While it’s still not an all-day deodorant for my body chemistry, it performed the best out of everything I tested.

Website: https://getfussy.com

Kaia Naturals Takesumi Detox – 7.5/10

Kaia Naturals was another pleasant surprise. The charcoal-based formula had a beautiful scent and went on very smoothly.

During the detox period after switching away from aluminum, I found it lasted around 4 to 5 hours, and on some days even up to 6 hours without needing to reapply. It felt comfortable to wear and was one I reached for often during the transition.

Website: https://kaianaturals.com

Lemon Or Orange Coconut Popsicles

🍋 ingredients

  • 3 fresh lemons or oranges
  • 1/3 cup coconut milk (from a can, well-shaken)
  • Stevia, to taste (start small and adjust)
  • Optional: 1–2 tbsp water (to help blending, if needed)

Reawakening Beauty Method

Instructions

  • Juice lemons or oranges and set juice aside; remove seeds and keep the pulp.
  • Blend pulp, coconut milk, and stevia until smooth.
  • Taste, adjust sweetness with stevia drops, then pour into  popsicle  moulds.
  • Freeze 4–6 hours.

Follow Reawakening Beauty and Reawakening Beauty Podcast for more skin tips, self care tips and recipes.

Benefits:

  • Lemons and Oranges are high in vitamin C, which is said to help your body make collagen. Which is important for keeping skin firm and smooth.
  • Antioxidant protection: The vitamin C and plant compounds in lemons help fight oxidative stress, which can reduce signs of aging like dullness and fine lines.

DIY Flaxseed and Hibiscus Sheet Mask Recipe

Dried hibiscus flowers on a white background.

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp flaxseeds
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 tbsp hibiscus powder
  • Rice paper (for the sheet mask) optional you can apply the mask with a brush too

Instructions:

1. Make the gel: In a small bowl, combine the flaxseeds, water, and hibiscus powder. Mix well.

2. Let it sit:  Cover and let the mixture sit overnight so it thickens into a gel in the fridge.

Prep the sheet mask  In the morning, cut your rice paper into face-sized pieces eyes, nose, and mouth openings if you want

4. Soften: Soak the rice paper in warm water for 3–4 minutes, or until it becomes soft and flexible.

5. Apply:  Spread the flaxseed-hibiscus gel onto your face, then place the softened rice paper on top to create your sheet mask

6. Relax:  Leave it on for about 10–15 minutes, then peel off and rinse if needed

7. Do : A test patch before applying all over behind the ears or on the wrist 

A visually appealing DIY recipe for a flaxseed and hibiscus sheet mask, featuring ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and decorative design elements.

🎄 Get Glowing Christmas Pumpkin Spice Body Scrub!!

Close-up of a jar of homemade Christmas Pumpkin Spice Body Scrub on a speckled surface, surrounded by round white cotton pads and a small wooden stick.

Looking for the perfect festive DIY treat? This Christmas Pumpkin Spice Body Scrub smells like warm holiday baking and leaves your skin soft, glowy, and pampered. It’s super simple, made with natural ingredients, and perfect for gifting — or keeping all to yourself!

What You Need

  • 1 tablespoon pumpkin spice (or 1 teaspoon for a lighter scent)
  • ¼ cup coconut sugar (or regular sugar)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground vanilla bean
  • Almond oil (add until you like the consistency)
  • 1 tbs cinnamon 

🎁 How to Make It

  1. Mix the pumpkin spice, cinnamon and sugar.
  2. Add the vanilla extract and ground vanilla bean.
  3. Slowly pour in almond oil and stir until the scrub becomes thick and scoopable.
  4. Spoon into a cute little jar — done!

💛 Why Body Scrubs Are Amazing

  • Smooth, soft, glowing skin
  • Removes dry, dead skin
  • Helps your skin absorb moisture better
  • Boosts circulation
  • Smells delicious and feels relaxing

🕒 Shelf Life

2–3 weeks. Keep water out of the jar.

A beautifully styled recipe card for a Christmas Pumpkin Spice Body Scrub, featuring a list of ingredients and instructions, decorated with festive elements and a soft color palette.

My Makeup & Skincare Empties, Honest Reviews…..

Portrait of a woman with long, straight, blonde hair, wearing a black denim jacket, against a neutral background. She has a natural makeup look and an expression that conveys confidence.

Here is a little breakdown of trying these products. There’s something so satisfying about finishing up beauty products you truly used and loved (or maybe didn’t love.)


O-Bloos™ Rosi Glow Drops with Vitamin F
Price 53.USD Shop At Sephora

These rosi drops are such a beautiful way to add a fresh tint to your skin. Perfect for those days you’re only wearing sunscreen, but you want a bit of colour and life. I love mixing them into my moisturizer or sunscreen, or using them as a light blush on the cheeks.

Why I love it:

  • Adds a natural, healthy flush without feeling like makeup
  • Blends seamlessly into skincare
  • Keeps skin dewy rather than sticky

Verdict: Definitely a repurchase for me

Caudalie Vinoperfect Brightening Dark Spot Serum Price: $82 USD

I finally finished this bottle, and wow . it’s such a beautiful brightening serum. It evens out tone without any irritation and gives your skin that soft, luminous finish.

Why I love it:

  • Gentle but effective (no harsh AHAs sting)
  • Evens out dark spots and discoloration
  • Absorbs quickly, layers beautifully under moisturizer
  • Verdict: 100% repurchase. It’s perfect for most skin types, especially if you want brightness without the burn

Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Lip Blur in Pillow Talk Blur Price: $47.50 USD

This was one of those formulas that completely surprised me. It gives that blurred, velvety finish with a comfortable matte feel no cracking and dryness.

What I liked:

  • Smooth, cushiony texture that feels light and hydrating
  • Soft matte finish that blurs fine lines
  • Long wear without feeling heavy

I probably wouldn’t repurchase this While the shade is iconic, it just didn’t suit my undertone perfectly.Verdict: Wouldn’t buy again

DermResults Solutions Lip Serum **Shop Here ← ($40 USD)

This was a newer addition to my lip care lineup and ended up being a nice surprise. It’s a serum designed to plump and hydrate the lips, ideal for daily use or before lipstick. which I love.

What I liked:

  • Adds hydration and smoothness instantly
  • Subtle plumping with mint fresh tingle
  • Great base for matte lipstick or bedtime repair

👄 Verdict: I loved it and I would repurchase it, new favourite.

EMPTIES I WOULD REPURCHASE : GLOW UP ADDITION!

A young woman sitting thoughtfully in a modern brown armchair, dressed in a light pink top and black jeans, styled with black heels.

I am always on the hunt for products that truly deliver, and these ones made it to the empties pile for a reason.

First up, the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray This keeps my makeup locked in, gives that soft-focus glow, and helps with longevity.

When it comes to lip care, I’ve been loving the Pharmacy Apple Lip Mask which is super hydrating and smells amazing.

I also used the Arbonne Lip Mask gentle, nourishing, and perfect as an overnight treatment and one more little gem: the lip oil is a lightweight, nourishing oil that gives my lips a soft sheen and hydration boost throughout the day

These are all products I truly love and will keep coming back to. Hope you find something here that becomes a favourite for you too!

Bloody Rose Vegan Calming Jell-O 🫀

A visually appealing image of Bloody Rose Vegan Calming Jell-O with ingredients and instructions for preparation. The dish is presented in a bowl, showcasing a rich red hue, surrounded by decorative elements such as rose petals.

A spooky-sweet, calming treat that’s as good for your nerves as it is for your skin.

Ingredients

  • 1 packet vegan Jell-O mix
  • 1 tsp rose powder
  • 1 scoop calming elixir
  • Water (as directed on Jell-O packet)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Jell-O according to package instructions.
  2. While warm, stir in rose powder and calming elixir.
  3. Pour into mold or bowl and refrigerate for 2 hours.
  4. Serve chilled — soft, soothing, and deliciously eerie.
  5. mix up to make it look like blood

Skincare Benefits

  • Rose Powder brightens skin and reduces inflammation.
  • Calming Elixir helps combat stress-related breakouts and dullness.

Blue Glow Goddess Smoothie

Ingredients

Easy, tasty, and perfect for beginners!

  • 1/2 cup Cranberries
  • 1 cups Filtered Water
  • 2 scoops of Greens Powder (or this skin and hair elixir)
  • Evivie Sapphire 1 or 1/2 Wheel

Reawakening Beauty Method:

Makes 2 servings

1 blend and serve in 2 cups. It’s full of vitamins in antioxidants.

Follow Reawakening Beauty and Reawakening Beauty Podcast for more skin tips, self care tips and recipes.

Benefits: antioxidants, which are said to help protect your body from oxidative stress, potentially slowing down the aging process and benefiting your skin health.  @shawnapatruno @reawakeningbeauty

Berry Glow Smoothie Bowl

Wet Ingredients:

  • ¾ cup Blueberries
  • ½ cup Raspberries
  • ½ or cup Strawberry Kombucha
  • ½ cup Almond Milk
  • 1 tbsp Sea Moss Gel

Dry Ingredients:

Toppings (optional):

  • 1 scoop Peanut Butter
  • Fresh Blueberries (to your liking)

Instructions:

Place all wet and dry ingredients into a blender (preferably glass) and blend until smooth. Be careful when removing the lid of the blender and the Kombucha is carbonated. Add optional topping to your liking.

2 Skin Benefits:

  1. Sea moss is rich in collagen-supporting nutrients like zinc and vitamin C, helping to improve skin elasticity.
  2. Berries are packed with antioxidants that fight free radicals, reducing signs of aging and promoting a healthy glow.

Easy and fun Vegan Naan Bread Pizza

Prep time: 10 minutes
Bake time: 15–18 minutes
Makes: 1–2 servings per naan

🧀 Ingredients:

  • 1 piece naan bread (gluten-free if needed) better if struggling with your skin
  • 2–3 tbsp low-sugar pasta sauce
  • ¼ cup chopped mushrooms
  • ½ cup shredded cheese (mozzarella dairy-free) vegan 
  • Optional: extra toppings (e.g. cooked spinach, bell peppers) drizzle hot sauce if desired after it is cooked

🔥 Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place naan on a baking sheet.
  3. Spread sauce evenly over the naan.
  4. Add mushrooms and any other toppings.
  5. Top with cheese.
  6. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the edges are slightly crisp.
  7. Cool for a few minutes, then slice and serve or pack.