http:/www.amalouskin.com. We never thought we'd find it! Aluminum-free, paraben-free deodorant that actually works.

Why were we looking you ask? Because aluminum acts to block the pores that cause sweat. Except that your body is then prohibited from performing its natural function of ridding itself of toxins.

We've also heard that aluminum, parabens and/or other chemicals contained in many anti-perspirant deodorants may be linked to potential health risks. (Neurotoxicity; cancer; Alzheimer's? Um, no thank you.)

But let's face it. Pretty much all of the stuff out there has failed miserably --either from reducing odor or prohibiting that feeling of sweaty pits. And most "natural" deodorants have a slimy texture or else they're a dry rock-like contraption that you're supposed to scratch your under-arms with... a rock?!

Now Hallelujah! We found two Crystal Deodorant Roll-Ons that actually work--In summer heat! (Remember, the operative word being Roll-On.)  We tested them over Memorial Day Weekend--a scorcher here in the North East. No dripping, no smelling. Amazing. Our quest is finally over!  Crystal® Body Deodorant Roll-On or Naturally Fresh® Deodorant Crystal Roll-On, both about $4.00 at Walgreens, CVS or amazon.com.

Still can't take the leap from traditional anti-perspirant deodorants? Then try these lower-toxic choices: Almay Unscented, Roll-On, Clear Gel or Solid; Unscented Lady Mitchum Clear Gel; Mitchum Clear Gel, Sport; Ban Original Roll-On, Unscented; Speed Stick Solid, Unscented.

http://www.answerbag.com/q_view/74569
http://www.suite101.com/content/aluminum-in-deodorant-a45498http://green-living.families.com/blog/is-your-deodorant-safe
http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/browse.php?category=antiperspirant%3B%3Bdeodorant&&showmore=products&start=0

Do Your Hands Look Old?

So did ours.

Try this Do-It-Yourself Hand Scrub. The sugar exfoliates dead skin cells while the olive oil sinks in to nourish, moisturize and rejuvenate. Use it once a week. It works, it feels fantastic and you can make it yourself in no time at low cost. You probably have most of this stuff in your kitchen already.

Lemon Hand Scrub

Mix 2 1/2 Cups of Sugar with 1 Cup of Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Add in 4 Tablespoons of Lemon Juice (or any other scented essential oils that you may like. For example: lavender or spearmint).

Mix really well until a gritty paste forms. Spoon into a glass container and cover with a sealed lid. Makes 12oz. (We suggest putting in a 12oz Mason Jar.)

Bonus for Body and just in time for Summer:  Vanilla Brown Sugar Body Scrub

Mix 2 Cups of Brown Sugar and 1 Cup of Granulated Sugar together until there are no lumps. Add in 1 Cup of Sunflower or Safflower Oil. Add 1 Tablespoon of Pure Vanilla Extract. (Sunflower Oil or Safflower Oil don't carry as strong a scent as Olive Oil, but you can use Olive Oil if you prefer.)

Mix together well and scoop into a sealable glass container with sealed lid.  Fantastic for tan legs.

Not into doing it yourself? Try Giovanni® Sugar Scrub, Hot Chocolate (about $9.00 on Amazon.com) or Fresh® Brown Sugar Body Polish (about $65.00 at Sephora)