I participated in this campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Dove. I received product samples to facilitate my review as well as a promotional item as a thank you for participating.
Lately, the topic of fragrance has been coming up quite a bit. In a conversation with some (male) friends, one told me that when he started his first job, his supervisor pulled him aside to tell him that cologne is not appropriate in the workplace (only at night/for a date/etc). The other guys all concurred, and I was surprised. I typically wear a light perfume most days (or at least when I don’t forget), and never considered it to be unprofessional. Then while hanging out with some of my fashion advisory board (Ashley, Theodora, and guest appearance by Emily) at Blind Tiger Ale House on Sunday, the topic of perfume came up again as we discussed our favorites and how often we wear them. My pick? Tommy Girl Summer. (Because I am apparently a thirteen year old and like my perfume fruity.)
I don’t wear perfume all the time, though. I actually just got a travel-sized bottle of Tommy Girl a few months ago so that I can start bringing my perfume to Dallas, but until then, I mostly relied on my deodorant to keep me smelling fresh. I know it’s a psychological thing, but unscented deodorant just doesn’t make me feel quite as clean as a scented one. However, I don’t want something too scented – when I smell my deodorant all day long, I feel like it is unprofessional (like the guys above!) and that it’s indication I’m sweating like crazy. As luck would have it, though, I was recently offered the chance to try Dove Clear Tone Deodorant – and I discovered that it actually hits the perfect balance between smelling pretty while not being remotely overwhelming.
Dove Clear Tone is marketed specifically to help reduce dark marks / redness in the underarm area, which it promises to do in two weeks. Honestly, I could care less about that, since discoloring has never really been an issue for me – so while I’ve been using the deodorant for two weeks, my underarms are exactly the same color as when I started 🙂 However, I have been really impressed by the moisturizing properties (which are part of what help to heal the color issues). I never would have thought I needed moisturizer for my underarms (aren’t they are pretty moist anytime I am working out?), but I learned from the promotional materials that shaving your armpits can really dry them out – and I have definitely been prone to razor burn when I try to shave in a hurry. This deodorant is actually three parts deodorant to one part moisturizer, and the combination seems to work really well, because I do notice a difference in how my underarm skin is now super smooth.
But for my busy and sweaty schedule (gym to work to airport yoga to long flight home!), I need something that’s not just going to moisturize, but that will keep my armpits dry and odor-free so I don’t have tacky sweat stains on my clothes and offend everyone around me. After trying Dove Clear Tone for two weeks, I have been really impressed by both the scent and how it keeps me from sweating/smelling. I’ve tried it when I showered at night so that I could get extra sleep before my 6am Monday flights, before a pilates workout where I wouldn’t be able to take a full shower after, and even while running the Hartford Marathon this weekend (race report coming tomorrow). In all cases, I felt like I made it through the day/event still seeming fresh clean. (Okay, so I was definitely sweaty after the marathon, but my underarms surprisingly didn’t smell bad!)
The two scents I tried were the original Sheer Touch (very mild but slightly herbal) and the Pink Rosa (fruity and floral, just like my perfume). When I put them side by side and sniffed to see which I liked better, I honestly couldn’t decide. All the formulations are made with calendula and sunflower seed extracts, and (I think) that’s what makes both smell rather herbal. The Sheer Touch scent is barely noticeable at all when you put it on, but it’s just one step above unscented, so I still feel fresh. Meanwhile, the Pink Rosa smells like they took the Sheer Touch and then amped up the fragrance one more notch – it’s a bit more feminine rather than neutral, but somehow still smells subtly elegant and sophisticated. Especially compared to my previous favorite deodorant, Secret Scent Expressions in either “Cocoa Butter Kiss” or “Truth or Pear,” which are yummy-smelling but very strong. (Also, I think the names of those alone will tell you their target demographic, which I believe is pre-teens using deodorant for the first time. Oops.)
One warning, if you are a health nut like my mom: just because these have calendula and sunflower seed extract advertised on the front, they are not all-natural. I have never cared about that, but if you’re used to “hippie deodorant” brands (as I like to tease her), these probably won’t pass your standards. On the plus side, at $4.99 a pop (and they’re sold in mainstream stores like CVS, Walgreens, Target, and Walmart, so they’ll likely be on sale from time to time), they’re not nearly as costly as Burt’s Bees or whatever brand my mom picks up at her co-op. (Love you, Mom!)
Aside from not being all-natural, though, I can’t find any fault with Dove Clear Tone. For me, it really is the perfect deodorant! It goes on very smoothly – more so than any other I’ve tried, probably because of the high moisturizer content of the product. It also works well to reduce odor and wetness – yes, even for the full 48 hour protection they claim (I tried it!). Finally, it doesn’t leave any white marks on my clothes – which is really crucial for someone like me who still has to change outfits half a dozen times before finding something acceptable. I think I’m sold, and will be switching to this even after my samples run out.
And now that I’ve gotten away from the super fruity deodorant scents, perhaps I can also switch to wearing a perfume that’s not fruity? Before, I was always afraid of “clashing” my deodorant with my perfume, but now I think I’m good to venture out to just about any scent I like. Suggestions on fragrances welcome!
As previously noted, I participated in this campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Dove. I received product samples to facilitate my review as well as a promotional item as a thank you for participating. All opinions expressed are my own and I was not pressured for a positive review.