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Shopping for personal products can be more perplexing than figuring out a solution to the financial crisis. With such an overwhelming display of options, how do you know which deodorant, body spray or antiperspirant is right for you? After a quick primer on deodorizing products, you’ll have one less thing to sweat.
About Antiperspirants
At its most simplified, personal odor protection can usually be divided into three main categories: deodorants, fragrance sprays and antiperspirants. Deodorants usually contain perfume and work to mask odor and halt the growth of bacteria on skin, but they won’t stop sweat production. Body sprays cover odors but don't kill bacteria, making them more of a temporary fix than an effective remedy for smelly underarms. The superhero multipurpose solution is an antiperspirant, which will keep you dry and help to ward off unpleasant odor-causing bacteria. When combined with fragrance additions, antiperspirants also do the jobs of deodorants and body sprays.
Antiperspirant Shopping
Availability is the first principle of the sprays and sticks comparison. In general, sticks are easier to find, while spray offerings are more limited. Major brands like Dove and Secret manufacture sprays, but when you’re in a rush to buy, sticks will be more plentiful. Take a walk down the deodorant aisle to see which brands make the type of product you’re looking for, whether it's invisible, fragrance-free or formulated for sensitive skin, and in what style of application. Finally, cost can be a determining factor when selecting spray or stick. Usually, a single can of spray antiperspirant is more expensive than a stick applicator, but sprays may give you more uses, depending how liberally you apply them.
Sprays
When it comes to selecting your personal antiperspirant, there is no wrong choice. In the spray vs. stick showdown, sprays score points for drying faster, being easy to use and versatile; you can use a spray on areas other than armpits to control body perspiration and odor. If you are sensitive to spray vapors or fragrances, or if you’re looking for a more environmentally friendly product, a spray may not be your ideal purchase.
Sticks
Sticks are arguably the most popular variety of antiperspirant formulations, especially for girls on the go. With this type of antiperspirant, you’ll be able to avoid headaches at airport security, since stick formulations don’t fall subject to carry-on luggage rules about liquids. Stick products may last longer, making them perfect for long days at the office, but it’s not all good news for your wardrobe. You may experience white markings from a stick deodorant, whereas spray antiperspirants are less likely to stain. When it’s down to the bottom line, sticks and sprays stand toe to toe. Pick the variety that works best for your lifestyle, or alternate between the two. You’ll be fabulous either way.
