FitBeauty Finds: Alba deodorant ain't all that

With all this good love, you can imagine how bummed I was to try an Alba product that I thought would be just as fabulous as the rest but turned out to be..well, the pits. Enter Alba Clear Enzyme Deodorant Stick.

Let's face it, friends, every active grrrl needs to amp up her deo in the summertime. If you are running along the lakefront, packed into a crowded and un-air-conditioned yoga class or on an extra-long playgroup stroller walk, you can't avoid the warm-weather, heart-pumping body impulse to stay as cool as possible. And if you are meeting a friend for an al fresco dinner after class, chatting up another mommy post-walk at the park or just alone with yourself on a bike ride, I imagine you want to be sure you don't smell like you've just been breaking a big-time sweat.

Because I knew I'd be doing some dancing, practicing yoga and training for a half-marathon this summer, I wanted to find a new deodorant that could stand up to all that activity. I also wanted a hypo-allergenic deodorant that is free of some of the irritants that leave my under-arms itchy, red and overly sensitive. I wanted a nice, summery scent and none of that streaky white stuff we no longer need to put up with on our skin and clothing.

For the first time ever, I was excited by deodorant. Since I've been a loyal Secret user since middle school, I thought Alba's lavender scent made with organic aloe vera, baking soda and alpine lichen sounded earthy (in a good and fresh way, not in a dirt way) and the promise of long-lasting protection without aluminum, preservatives or propylene glycol were good.

For over a week, I applied and enjoyed the non-chemical lavender smell. I wished it would keep me smelling sweet throughout my activities, and day after day, it just didn't. I hate to admit it, but a few times, I was startled at my own self, so much so that I reapplied at lunch time. While I am pro-organic and committed to my quest to detoxify my medicine cabinet, I was disappointed to have to toss the Alba deodorant for good.

After all, we active women need products that are made with great ingredients, feel fabulous and accommodate her life from sun salutation to after-dinner walks. What we don't need are products, organic or not, that aren't worth the money or reapplication and leave us feeling even the teensiest bit stinky about our choices.