I Tried Natural Deodorant for 6 Months + Here’s What Happened

Nowadays, it’s totally normal to incorporate green or eco-friendly products in almost all aspects of your daily life, from all natural beauty products to chemical-free household cleaners and everything in-between. Me? I’m a sucker for anything all-natural. But for me, one area that I’ve had trouble converting over to is deodorant. I’ve wanted to love natural deodorants but every time I tried one — and I’ve tried a few — I dropped it as quickly as I picked it up. The reason? It didn’t work. Before getting too far into this, I have to tell you natural deodorant DEFINITELY WORKS, but there’s a caveat: you have to go through a small period of detox first. Trust me: I did it.

This process ended up being longer and more intense than I imagined, and then it sort of turned into the attempt to find the best of the best. So I tried a series of brands in all different mediums over the last six months. My experience seemed crazy until I spoke to esthetician Andrea Lembkey, owner of Dermaplus Skin + Body, who was able to explain a lot of what I experienced in a way that made so much sense. She mentioned, “Just like with the skin on the face, when you transition to all natural products, there can sometimes be a ‘purging’ stage. This is a result of all the toxins and pent-up bacteria releasing out of the skin. So you may have an initial transitional phase, but like we tell our clients trying new skin care, push through those first two weeks, the results will be worth it!” I couldn’t agree more. Below, I’m outlining the natural deodorants I tried below, including all the pros, cons and — yep — smell factors. It’s about to get real.

My first go at this little experiment was a recommendation from a guy I met on an airplane (random, I know, but whatevs). I started with Lavanila The Healthy Deodorant ($14).

Pros: I LOVED the scent, and the texture was really nice. It went on easy and dried like a powder but didn’t stain my clothes.

Smell Factor: While the scent of this stick deodorant was lovely, my scent was not so lovely, if ya catch my drift — and if you were around me during this trial, you would have smelled it too!

Cons: It didn’t seem to work well. The ONLY thing that I can say in its defense is that it was the very first one I tried, so it could have been the whole “purge phase” that Andrea Lembkey mentioned. Had I thought about it I would have tried it again — I mean flight guy swore by it, after all!

Should You Try It?: Yes! I say give it a go, but don’t judge prematurely. Give yourself a good month or two.

The next product I used was a deodorant I hadn’t seen yet, Meow Meow Tweet Deodorant Cream Baking Soda Free, Grapefruit ($14). It’s a cream you apply with your finger. So. Weird.

doTerra Natural Deodorant Stick

I’m a rep because I love their oils SO much), but you can also find it on Amazon. Full disclosure: Beware the authenticity of the actual product when you go that route.

Pros: The tea tree scent is so yummy! Also, the tea tree essential oil helps soothe your skin, which helped with razor burn.

Smell Factor: Let’s be real, this did not work. I smelled like I just ran a marathon wearing Old Spice. Dang it, I SO wanted to love this deodorant, because I literally love every other product I’ve ever used by them.

Cons: Aside from it not working for me, it was really sticky — the whole day.

Should You Try It?: Even though I didn’t love it, I have friends who love it. I’m the type to say don’t knock it until you’ve tried it.

I had to try the Honest Company Deodorant Lavender Vanilla ($9) because I used their diapers, dishwashing soap, baby soap, dryer sheets… and I love them all.

Captain Blankenship Lime + Vetiver Deodorant

Pretty Parlor, an all-natural salon. So, I was really excited to try it after she gave me one of the most amazing facials I’ve ever had!

Pros: It. Smelt. Divine. Period.

Smell Factor: This one worked alright. It wasn’t my favorite, but it definitely wasn’t my least favorite either.

Cons: I would have to say that there wasn’t anything that stood out necessarily as a con. It worked for the most part. At this point, I was a pro at the whole use your finger thing, and it didn’t phase me like the first run did.

Should You Try It?: Yes! Also, go get a facial from Sarah if you’re ever in SF! Yes, I just plugged a friend’s salon, but trust me — your skin will thank me if you go see her :) You’re welcome.

This Schmidt’s Ylang-Ylang + Calendula Deodorant ($9) was sent to us to try out here at B+C, and I have to say it was a nice surprise and good timing during my all-natural deodorant testing.

Pros: If you haven’t smelled ylang-ylang before, you’re missing out! This is an essential oil that’s meant to work with your natural pheromones to bring out a sensual scent. So deodorant that smells sexy = SUPER PRO!

Smell Factor: This one got me. It’s a toss up between this and Meow Meow Tweet Deodorant Cream Baking Soda Free, Grapefruit ($14) as to which actually worked the best! I smelled amazing!

Cons: Absolutely no cons!

Okay, okay — so, technically I’m cheating a little, because this is also the same brand as the last one, Schmidt’s Bergamot + Lime Deodorant ($9), but I had to try the stick version as well as the cream one.

Pros: I didn’t have to use my fingers — yeah!

Smell Factor: I smelled oddly good! The lime is a scent I didn’t expect to like, but it really worked. Also big bonus, the first natural deodorant stick that worked well out of the bunch.

Cons: None! In. LOVE.

Should You Try It?: Heck yes! I loved this one too!

A very special shout out to our beauty photographer Kurt Andre for being my smell tester throughout this process! That’s true friendship, ya’all!

So long, pumpkin spice season: Starbucks’ holiday menu is on the way, and per menu leaks, it reportedly brings back a ton of seasonal favorites starting next week.

From a classic Peppermint Mocha to the beloved Caramel Brûlée Latte, the recent menu rumors say a new Refresher flavor, 6 unique cold foams, and 4 new bakery items are on the way as the holidays draw near – including many items we predicted! The speculated lineup is honestly wild. Starbucks teased that the holiday menu will hit stores on November 7.

If you just can’t wait to order off the Starbucks holiday menu, here’s every offering reportedly coming to your closest cafe!

When will the Starbucks holiday drinks for 2024 come out?

Starbucks

According to an Instagram post from Starbucks, new holiday drinks and snacks will come out on November 7, 2024.

Will there be holiday cups?

Starbucks

Yes, the Starbucks holiday menu will include some new holiday cup designs! You can peek at all the new designs for 2024 here.

What's missing from this year's rumored Starbucks holiday menu?

Starbucks

Per rumors around the Starbucks holiday menu, the Eggnog Latte, Toasted White Chocolate Mocha, Irish Cream Cold Brew, and Gingerbread Loaf won't be returning to cafes for 2024. We're especially sad to see the Toasted White Chocolate Mocha not included, though the official menu lineup has yet to be released!

When is Starbucks Red Cup Day 2024?

Starbucks

Though there's no official word out about Red Cup Day for 2024, our best guess – based on the Red Cup Days of years past – is it'll return mid-November. In 2023, Red Cup Day fell on November 16. In 2022, the coffee chain held the event on November 17. Both dates landed on the third Thursday of November, so we predict it to hit on November 21 for 2024. Red Cup Day is when Starbucks customers can get a free reusable red cup when they order a seasonal drink off the holiday menu.

Drinks On The Starbucks Holiday Menu 2024

@markie_devo

NEW! Cran-Merry Orange Refresher

The Starbucks holiday menu leak reported that this brand-new Refresher is packed with sweet orange, tart cranberry and warm spice. It also has cranberry inclusions and is order-able mixed with water, lemonade or coconut milk.

Starbucks

Iced Gingerbread Oatmilk Chai

Chai is a totally underrated holiday flavor in our opinion. This iced drink is crafted with warm chai spices and creamy oat milk, then gets topped with even more frothed oat milk infused with gingerbread-flavored syrup and a sprinkling of spice.

Starbucks

Peppermint Mocha

You know it, and you love it! The Peppermint Mocha has hit Starbucks menus year after year, making it a total statement sip for the holiday season. This drink (available hot or iced) combines peppermint syrup, mocha sauce, and your milk of choice with espresso for a festive feel. It's traditionally topped with whipped cream and tasty chocolate curls.

Starbucks

Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha

Similar to the classic Peppermint Mocha, this bev swaps chocolate for white chocolate sauce.

Starbucks

Caramel Brûlée Latte

This rumored Starbucks holiday menu drink is very rich. The sweet caramel brûlée sauce totally completes the sip, along with plenty of whipped cream and crunchy lil' brûlée bits for textural variety.

Starbucks

Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte

Literally like a sugar cookie in liquid form, this super-sweet latte is handcrafted with blonde espresso (it's sweeter and lighter than Starbucks' traditional espresso shots), sugar cookie syrup, and almond milk for a little bit of a lighter effect. It's finished off with red and green sprinkles to up the seasonal vibes even more!

Starbucks

Chestnut Praline Latte

This nutty latte – rumored to return for 2024 – brings on notes of chestnut and praline, which is a nice, flavorful departure from the very expected peppermint you'll see everywhere come holiday time.

Starbucks

Salted Pecan Crunch Cold Brew

Initially introduced for fall 2024, it appears as though the Salted Pecan Crunch Cold Brew will stay on the Starbucks menu well into winter. The salted, pecan-flavored cold foam offers that classic sweet n' salty twist you'd enjoy on fall snacks like trail mix or dipped pretzels. The best part is you can now also order the cold foam in non-dairy form!

Starbucks

Holiday Cold Foams

Per the menu leak, Starbs will be bringing back four beloved holiday-flavored cold foamsand two new options for 2024. They're the perfect drink customization to add to your iced coffees and cold brews if you don't want to order an all-out holiday drink. See all the predicted flavors below:

  • NEW! Gingerbread
  • NEW! Salted Pecan
  • Peppermint Chocolate
  • Sugar Cookie
  • Chestnut Praline
  • Caramel Brûlée

Snacks On The Starbucks Holiday Menu 2024

@markie_devo

NEW! Dark Toffee Bundt

Per the menu leak, this sweet toffee-flavored bundt will be topped with holly- and berry-shaped sprinkles. How perfect for the holiday season!

@markie_devo

NEW! Turkey Sage Danish

This savory snack reportedly includes "turkey sausage with creamy béchamel sauce in a pastry." It sounds like Thanksgiving in a single treat, and we can't wait to try it!

@markie_devo

NEW! Penguin Cookie

This cutie sugar cookie is decorated like a lil' penguin bundled up for the cold.

Starbucks

Snowman Cake Pop

Starbucks' classic vanilla cake pop gets a wintry twist with an adorable snowman face – this sweet really makes us crave the holiday season!

Starbucks

Sugar Plum Cheese Danish

This cream cheese-filled danish is topped with a slightly-spiced sugar plum jam. It's been one of our go-to's over the past few holiday seasons at Starbucks!

Starbucks

Cranberry Bliss Bar

The Cranberry Bliss Bar has become an absolute staple on the Starbucks holiday menu, and for good reason! This blondie treat is smothered in a delicious cream cheese frosting and sprinkled with orange zest and dried cranberries for added seasonal enjoyment.

What People Are Saying About The Leaked Starbucks Holiday Menu

Though most commenters on @markie_devo's Starbucks holiday menu leak post seemed to be excited for the upcoming rumored menu items, some Starbs fans noticed a few things missing from the leaked lineup.

"Still missing eggnog 😢," someone noted.

"Where is the toasted white chocolate mocha 😢😢😢😢," another questioned.

"ALLLLLL these cold foams, and not the one people want: Irish Cream," one more commenter said.

"Ugh still no gingerbread loaf 😭," a disappointed user wrote. "Everything else looks bomb though!"

Despite the Eggnog Latte, Toasted White Chocolate Mocha, Irish Cream Cold Brew, and Gingerbread loaf not being part of this year's menu predictions, the holiday season is our favorite time of year at Starbucks. Many more users shared the same sentiment:

"So excited for all chestnut praline shaken espressos & cranberry bliss bars 🎄🎄🎄🎄," someone wrote.

"Oh hell yess all the chestnut praline offerings," another rejoiced.

Subscribe to our newsletter to stay posted on the latest Starbucks news, including when the official holiday menu lineup drops!

This post has been updated.

Chris Evans is one celebrity heartthrob that just about the entire internet loves. He's kind, he's romantic, and he has one of the greatest laughs ever. If you haven't read up on how much of a romantic the actor and director is, let me tell you, it's swoon-worthy. He told ET Online he considers himself “a very romantic guy" and that he's "romantic with [his] love of music or art or nature," and told ELLE that "if you're ever fortunate enough to love someone and have them love you back, it's worth protecting that." Again I say: swoon!

Chris is a pretty private person, but over the years, he's admitted just how much he wanted to settle down. Well, a little over a month ago, he finally tied the knot with fiancée Alba Baptista! 🎉 Here's everything you need to know about the wedding and the star-studded guest list.

Was Chris Evans at the Oscars 2024?

Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images for Vanity Fair

While Chris Evans and Alba Baptista might not have been at the Oscars, they did make headlines for getting cozy after the pre-Oscars party — and then made their red carpet debut at the Vanity Fair Oscars after-party! The couple looked amazing in black, white, and red (very Oscar-appropriate), and simple silhouettes & minimalist accessories gave them an overall romantic, relaxed look.

After a video speculating Alba and Chris might have separated after the actress was seen without her wedding ring, the couple showed up to the premiere of Chris Evans' new movie Red One and shared a hug on the carpet. Don't worry, romantics — this couple doesn't seem to be going anywhere.

Where did Chris Evans and Alba Baptista get married?

Jason Merritt/Getty Images

Chris Evans and Alba Baptista had a small ceremony on September 9 at their home near Boston, Massachusetts. According to Page Six (who first broke the nuptial news), guests had to sign NDAs and give up their phones throughout the course of the wedding to keep everything private.

Who was at Chris Evans and Alba Baptista's wedding?

Arnold Jerocki/Getty Images for Miu Miu

Guests included family and close friends of the couple. When I saw that list included Scarlett Johansson, Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth, and Jeremy Renner, who all costarred with Chris Evans in the MCU, I genuinely had to fight the tears. See a photo here!

It also appears that Jamie Chung and Bryan Greenburg, as well as John Krasinki and Emily Blunt, attended the wedding as well.

What has Chris Evans said about his marriage to Alba Baptista?

Craig Barritt/Getty Images for ReedPop

Over the weekend, Peoplereported that Chris finally opened up about his marriage during New York Comic Con! Not only did the lucky audience get to see his wedding band but they also learned Chis and Alba hadtwo weddings. The second one was in Portugal which makes perfect sense given the fact Alba is from Lisbon, Portugal.

Happily gushing about both ceremonies, Chris said they were "wonderful and beautiful." He also mentioned he and Alba have been focusing on embracing this new season in their lives while gearing up to enjoy all fall has to offer. He truly is a dreamy and romantic man.

How did Chris Evans meet Alba Baptista?

Andreas Rentz/Getty Images for European Shooting Stars

Fans have speculated that the actors met in the summer of 2021, when they were both in Europe filming (he was filming Netflix action flick The Gray Man opposite Ana de Armas and she was filming Warrior Nun). After interacting with each other on social media, People reported in November 2022 the couple had been dating "for over a year and it's serious...They are in love and Chris has never been happier. His family and friends all adore her."

Throughout 2022, Chris posted jump-scare videos on Instagram (where he would scare his family members, and then they'd scare him), and at the beginning of 2023, he made his relationship with Alba Instagram official by posting a compilation of videos where the couple scared each other!

Who is Alba Baptista?

Manolo Pavón/Netflix

Alba Baptista is an award-winning actress who we've seen in titles like Warrior Nun and Mrs. Harris Goes To Paris. She won the Berlin Film Festival's European Shooting Star Award and the award for Best Actress at the Festival Iberico de Cine, and on top her awards, she was also named one of IMDb’s Top 10 Breakout Stars of 2020!

We hope we get to see Chris Evans and Alba Baptista together in a movie soon ;).

This post has been updated.

There's no doubt that the turkey has an unfair advantage in the Thanksgiving popularity game. You bust out the big bird once a year, and all those delicious side dishes tend to take a back seat… until now! There's no match for these 30 whimsical Thanksgiving side dishes that are sure to steal the dinnertime spotlight.

Sarah Anderson

Bacon-Wrapped Sweet Potato Wedges

It doesn't get more fall than this. These bacon-wrapped sweet potato pieces are hearty, filling, and so tasty, you won't have any leftovers. (via Sarah Anderson for Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Pumpkin Hummus

Give your fam something to dip into before the main event. This pumpkin hummus is perfectly creamy and satiating. (via Brit + Co)

Brittany Griffin

Green Bean Casserole

These vegan and gluten-free green bean casseroles taste just like the real thing. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Spinach Artichoke Muffins

Two of our favorite comfort foods combine to create a side dish that's perfect for a down-home Thanksgiving. Creamy spinach artichoke dip makes these corn muffins rich and moist. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Triple Threat Potatoes

Why choose between baked, mashed, or fried potatoes when you can have all three in one? (via Brit + Co)

Bitter Sweet

Butternut Potato Puffs

We couldn't pass up this Thanksgiving side based on its adorable name alone! Just squeeze some seasoned potato-butternut squash puree through a large, star-topped piping bag, and bake them 'til they're golden brown all over. (via Bitter Sweet)

Fifteen Spatulas

Two-Bite Mac and Cheese Cups

Keep the kids from fighting over who gets more spoonfuls of mac and cheese by transforming the casserole into these bite-sized cups! You can thank your muffin pan for this (and other) savory munchies. (via Fifteen Spatulas)

Beyond Kimchee

Pumpkin Dinner Rolls

This whimsical Thanksgiving side dish is the number one spotlight stealer on our list, and you'll be happy to know it's so easy to make! Just slice your biscuit dough in eight segments, bake, and brush with melted butter for shine. Don't forget to finish with sliced pecan “stems." So cute! (via Beyond Kimchee)

Smitten Kitchen

Roasted Stuffed Onions

Not only do we recommend making these stuffing-stuffed onions, but we also dare you to say it three times fast without slipping up. ;) (via Smitten Kitchen)

SheKnows

Sangria Cranberry Sauce

You bet we're gonna give this sangria-spiked cranberry sauce a try at our Brit + Co Thanksgiving potluck! (via SheKnows)

Spoon Fork Bacon

Potato Rings with Homemade Buttermilk Ranch

We imagine the whole “don't play with your food" rule was set before these awesome potato rings were made. Though, maybe reserve the potato ring toss from across the dining table for Friendsgiving. (via Spoon Fork Bacon)

Smitten Kitchen

Sweet Potato and Marshmallow Biscuits

We're nuts about this creative concoction. A layer of bubbling marshmallow oozes through the center of these sweet potato muffins, which is sure to satisfy any mid-meal sweet tooth. (via Smitten Kitchen)

Adventures in Cooking

Applesauce Mac & Cheese

Why leave applesauce all by its lonesome when you can have it buddy up with mac and cheese? While it may sound strange, apples and cheese totally go together, so be sure to give it a try! Mix in some chicken-apple sausage to amp up the apple flavor even more. (via Adventures in Cooking)

Your Vegan Mom

Sweet Potato Tots

We love this sweet twist on classic tater tots. We'll also go ahead and say we wouldn't be opposed to dipping them in gravy during Thanksgiving meal time. (via Your Vegan Mom)

Food52

Acorn Squash Fondue

Fondue is such a fun way to enjoy a meal with family and friends, especially when it's housed in a squash. (via Food52)

Martha Stewart

Roasted Root Vegetable Pizza

Leave it to Martha to find an amazing way to make roasted root veggies irresistibly appealing. If you serve pizza at Thanksgiving dinner, you win. (via Martha Stewart)

Salt & Lavender

Whole Roasted Shallots

Shallots become sweet and caramelized after roasting in the oven. The addition of butter and tangy balsamic make this a worthy Thanksgiving side dish. (via Salt & Lavender)

Basically Cooking

Mashed Sweet Potato and Kale Puffs

Combine multiple sides into one dish with this recipe. It's finger-food friendly, so you can dig in while using your fork to scoop up plenty of turkey. (via Basically Cooking)

Culinary Ginger

Parmesan Risotto Stuffed Acorn Squash

Stuff acorn squash with Parmesan risotto to make this elegant Thanksgiving side dish. It works well as a vegetarian entree, too. (via Culinary Ginger)

Salt N Pepper Here

Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad

Sometimes a salad is just what you need to counteract the heavy holiday food on the table. This one is perfect for colder weather, made with a blend of shaved broccoli and Brussels sprouts. (via Salt N Pepper Here)

Plated Cravings

Sauerkraut Mashed Potato Casserole

Liven up a tray of mashed potato casserole with some simple additions. Tangy sauerkraut and sweet apples bring dynamic flavor to each bite. (via Plated Cravings)

Sip + Sanity

Hasselback Sweet Potatoes With Pumpkin Seed Pesto Butter

Hasselback sweet potatoes are ideal for soaking up big flavors. These are topped with pumpkin seed pesto butter, along with fragrant basil and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. (via Sip + Sanity)

Delightful Mom Food

Garlic Parmesan Carrot Fries

Skip the glazed carrots and opt for these crunchy carrot “fries" instead. A coating of cheese, garlic, and herbs helps them crisp up in the oven! (via Delightful Mom Food)

Evolving Table

Roasted Garlic Mashed Cauliflower

Cauliflower doesn't get enough love in the kitchen. When pureed and mixed with soft roasted garlic and plenty of olive oil, it's like the sophisticated cousin of mashed potatoes. (via Evolving Table)

Running to the Kitchen

Sweet Potato and Chickpea Fall Salad

Salads aren't just for summer. This hearty version, made with sweet potatoes, chickpeas, and maple tahini dressing, deserves a place on the holiday table. (via Running to the Kitchen)

Domestic Gothess

Parmesan Smashed Potatoes

For really crispy mashed potatoes, cook them twice. First until they're tender; then, smash them flat, sprinkle with cheese, and finish cooking. (via Domestic Gothess)

Half Baked Harvest

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes with Caramelized Onions

Did someone request a cheesy side dish that's not mac and cheese? Make this scalloped potatoes with caramelized onions side dish to satisfy their taste buds' desires. (via Half Baked Harvest)

The Girl on Bloor

Crustless Jalapeño Mini Quiches

These bite-sized quiches are the perfect savory starter that also have a nice, spicy kick to 'em. (via The Girl on Bloor)

Kathryn's Kitchen

Classic Deviled Eggs

Thanksgiving isn't complete without a platter of classic deviled eggs! (via Kathryn's Kitchen)

Pink Owl Kitchen

Cajun Potato Salad

Tell your dad's famous potato salad to move over, because there's an updated version in town that doesn't want to share the spotlight. (via Pink Owl Kitchen)

For more Thanksgiving side dishes and delicious holiday recipes, follow us on Pinterest.

Additional reporting by Justina Huddleston, Jasmine Williams, and Meredith Holser.