An Underarm Toner Was the Answer to My Smelly Armpits

Other than my vagina, my armpits are probably the thing I write about most. My struggles with being a "smelly" girl have been well documented — whether it's from the armpit detox I tried a couple of years ago, the "sniff test" experiment I conducted at a music festival, or my new favorite trend, deodorant layering, I write about my underarms a lot.

Fortunately, the guy I've been seeing recently is into my body odor (there's gotta be some weird science behind that), but unfortunately, I can't say the same for everyone else around me. Don't get me wrong, I don't smell bad all of the time. In all honesty, I get a lot of compliments about how good I smell (especially if I'm layering my favorite Kayali fragrances). However, even the strongest deodorant only seems to work for a couple of hours, and then my armpits start smelling like. . . well, shit.

I recently learned about the Bella Skin Beauty Probiotic Underarm Toner ($28) and it's changed the game for me. Not only has it helped me smell better on a regular basis, but it's even halted the gross smell that happens whenever I fake tan.

Bella Skin Beauty Probiotic Underarm Toner

From

$28

$28 at Bella Skin Beauty

Keep scrolling to read my full review of the Bella Skin Beauty Probiotic Underarm Toner.

Although I didn't have high hopes for this product the first time I tried it (I'm a skeptic, what can I say), I'm delighted to admit I was wrong. Not only does it work, but it works even better than I imagined. It helps my deodorant last all day, so I don't need to constantly reapply (or carry an extra in my purse).

After trying it out a few times and realizing how well it worked, I decided to really put it to the test and see if it would work after using a self-tanner. I typically use one brand of self-tanner that I know doesn't smell bad, but I recently started using a new product that leaves me with that gross trademark scent (you know the one I'm talking about). I've found that I typically smell like tanner for at least a few days after application whenever I sweat excessively, but with this deodorant toner, the smell is nonexistent. Can you say hallelujah? Because I can.

It's easy to use, it comes in a travel size if I'm on the go, and I couldn't be more obsessed with the watermelon scent.

Start by shaking your toner to activate it. It can be used any time you'd normally apply deodorant, and the brand recommends applying anywhere from two to 12 sprays to each dry armpit until the area feels completely saturated. From there, it says you should wipe off any residue immediately with a tissue or paper towel. Once the area is dry, apply your favorite deodorant. They suggest applying both the toner and your deodorant to your entire underarm area, not just the middle.

I usually spritz around eight times underneath my armpits. (The brand says if you smell a little, you should use two to four; if you smell "medium," you should use four to eight sprays; and if you're really stinky, you probably need eight to 12.) If I'm using this after washing off self-tanner, I go for the full 12 sprays.

I've noticed that if I use this spray immediately after shaving my armpits, it can sting a little during the application process. However, the brand says this is normal.

Also, one other thing to note is that this is a pre-deodorant spray and it won't replace the need for a deodorant. It does add an extra step in my getting-ready routine, but it saves me from having to carry an extra deodorant around in my purse whenever I leave the house, so it's a win in my book.

The brand also says that it's possible to "smell worse" the first week using this product. If you do, it indicates your body is going through a "detox" period. I didn't experience this, but it's something to make a note of, just in case.

Rating:

★★★★★

Renee Rodriguez is a staff writer and social producer for POPSUGAR. She writes across all verticals, but her main areas of expertise focus on fashion and beauty content with an emphasis on reviews and editor experiments. She also produces social content for POPSUGAR's TikTok and Instagram accounts.