This roundup first appeared on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, in The Strategist Beauty Brief, a weekly newsletter in which our beauty writers share their must-tries, can-skips, and can’t-live-withouts. But we liked it so much we wanted to share it with all of our readers. If you want more first impressions of buzzy launches, quick takes on what’s trending on TikTok and Instagram, and deep dives into the week’s best beauty launches, sign up here. The Strategist Beauty Brief is delivered every Wednesday.
If you’re a regular reader of the Strategist Beauty Brief, you know we’re pretty picky about our products. Yes, we’re always down to try a dupe and test an internet trend. But we’re passionate about our basics, too. So we thought we’d drop in to share a bit about our favorite, tried-and-true products — the everyday face moisturizers, body lotions, and deodorants of it all. This week, we’re sharing our can’t-live-without deodorants. Read on to find out which formulas are getting us through the dog days of summer.
During summer, I like to have a portable deodorant option. I’ve been testing these individually packaged wipes since the beginning of May, and they do the job really well. I usually want an armpit refresh after I’ve been hanging out all day long in the sun or partying for several hours. A few swipes with these, and I feel and smell clean. They fit into even extra-teeny bags (and shorts pockets for that matter). Also, I’m really picky about scents, and these are subtle and inoffensive. —Crystal Martin
I did try the natural-deodorant thing and just couldn’t do it after a while. I went back to basics afterward — and you can’t get anymore basic than Secret. Secret’s to deodorant what Band-Aid is to bandages. It’s cheap, it works, and you can find a pack at almost any drugstore. Its antiperspirant slash deodorant is all I’ll ever use now. Because of the clear gel, which dries surprisingly quickly, I don’t get a powdery coating everywhere. —Ambar Pardilla
As I entered my mid-20s, I noticed that I really started to sweat more. I also moved to London, where my main mode of transport became the subterranean oven that is the tube. This combination meant that I was often arriving to events and functions with deeply unchic sweat patches — and I was embarrassed. I remember a particularly sweaty ex-boyfriend had sworn by Mitchum, so I switched from my bog-standard Dove deodorant to the more powerful brand. I’ll admit, it’s a little bit stickier when first applied (which takes some getting used to), but my goodness does it work. It’s the only time I’ll ever admit my ex was right. —Rachael Griffiths
I’ve been using the Native sensitive deo for eons. I can’t do aluminums or baking soda so my options are fairly limited, but I like that Native feels like a normal stick deo and has nice scents. The sandalwood and shea butter is my current favorite! —Tembe Denton-Hurst
I’m a heavy sweater. My holy grail? The SweatBlock antiperspirant wipes. I use one wipe under my arms before I go to bed once a week, and it helps keep me dry for up to seven days. They’re also great as a full-body deodorant, and I’ve used them to treat other areas of my body that are prone to heavy perspiration, like under my boobs. I’ve used these consistently for the past six years — for everything from outdoor summer parties to steamy subway commutes in July — and they’ve never let me down. —Dominique Pariso
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