Summer usually means sundresses, long walks around town, and kicking it at day-long music festivals. But to my thighs, summer means painful irritation and discomfort. Walking twenty blocks to the park seems like a good idea until three minutes in when my thighs are redder than my cheeks when I get caught taking several samples of pita chips at Costco. Boo!
Last summer, I decided to explore my options. I saw Michael Cera roll deodorant between his thighs before going for a run in Juno so I tried that. While my thighs swooshed against each other like a well-oiled NordicTrack, it didn’t completely solve the issue. Plus, I felt weird rubbing deodorant between my legs constantly. I knew there had to be a better way.
Then, I had an epiphany: instead of adding moisture to my thighs with lotions and creams, what if I wicked the moisture away? It was a very Doc Brown moment. So I decided to explore the magical world of body powders and honestly, it’s made all the difference in my summertime fun.
I started with Lush’s dusting powders. My favorite was the “Silky Underwear” version which smells phenomenal, like flowers high-fiving each other.
It has bits of cocoa butter which gives it the texture of kitty litter but the cocoa butter instantly melts away so it’s no biggie. However, just between us, it was a tad pricey. I couldn’t really justify spending $10.95/month on a 3.5 oz. shaker of body powder. That’s like an extra Netflix subscription, right there.
So, I headed to the supermarket to explore my options. Gold Bond Ultimate Comfort Body Powder was better for my wallet. It was $3.99 for a 10 oz. bottle that lasts forever.
It’s great for general all-purpose dusting. It doesn’t really smell like anything but it does cool my skin slightly, like walking into the freezer section of the supermarket to grab Eggos.
But, I have since met my body powder soulmate: Cake Satin Sugar. I found this gem at T.J. Maxx for $7.99 although it usually retails for $18 for a 1.7 oz bottle. I know what you’re thinking; this is more expensive than the Lush stuff, but I use it sparingly because a little bit goes a long way.
It’s a “hair & body refreshing powder” which is pretty much the ideal product because I use it as both a dry shampoo and body powder. It has a vanilla scent that is overpowering at first but but thankfully doesn’t stick around. It’s incredibly lightweight and disappears instantly. Plus, it’s small and it’s perfect for travelling (even though I have to put it in a Ziploc bag or it gets everywhere). I even keep a mini-tub of it in my makeup bag for dusting on the go. It’s a lifesaver!
Body powders: get in on this! Now, I dust all my bits before bed and as soon as I get out of the shower. My skin has never been happier. It’s funny; I set out to make my thighs happy and now my entire body is happy. Bring on the barbecues! It’s gonna be a great summer.
Images via EternityofDream.blogspot.com, Lush.com, Drugstore.com, and CakeBeauty.com
Just try not to breath some of these in if they contain Talc. Talc or Talcum Powder (aka good old fashion baby powder) has been linked to some cancers.
Monistat (IKR) makes this awesome powder gel that prevents the chub rub. It’s approximately $9 a tube, but it is MAGIC. And you can use it as a make-up primer!
I came into possession of the Cake powder and didn’t know what to do with the stuff. Thanks!
If you adore the smell of Lush’s Silky Underwear, consider getting a chunk of Alkmaar soap, which has the same scent. If you grab it in a store rather than online, you can name your own price for it, too! There’s also a Silky Underwear perfume which, although is more in terms of initial investment, only requires a spritz a day to keep you smelling powdery and sweet!