** MINI REVIEW** Swanson Ultra Magnesium Oil from Zechstein Sea

This is not the first or even second brand of magnesium oil I have used. I actually use magnesium oil almost every day and night. During the day, it helps calm me when I get really jumpy anxiety. At night I use it to help me rest better. I actually spray it on my underarms at night because it makes a good natural deodorant. Some people use it for relieving sore muscle pain.

Just under $9 for 8 ounces

The only ingredients on the label "magnesium chloride brine from the Ancient Zechstein Seabed in the Netherlands".

The first brands I used were good and the only problem I had with one of them was the salty residue that left my skin looking way ashy. This one doesn't have that effect, nor does it burn as much. This one does, however, make my skin itch if I don't moisturize after applying it. That's a strange thing since Swanson claims the oil "nourishes and moisturizes" the skin...

While I like my other brands, I think that I will stick with this one for the long haul. It's cheaper than the other 2 I tried and it actually works more effectively to help me rest. I might try one of the magnesium lotions but I have noticed that they tend to be pricier than the oils. What's up with that? Maybe I will just add the magnesium to some lotion of my own?

Anyway, I wanted to post this for anyone who might not already have heard about magnesium oil in general. I have a neighbor who takes magnesium in tablet form. I have not read up on that, but it's another rabbit hole for you all to go down.

I will end with a fun fact: Magnesium chloride is also used as a road de-icer. Who knew?

Peace
--Free

This is a 2-song kind of day

**REVIEW** Lavanila The Healthy Deodorant

I can't believe that I am just now getting around to blogging a review of this deodorant.

That is Lavanila, a natural and aluminum-free deodorant that I started using back in mid-May. As you know, I love vanilla anything so that is the scent I chose, but there are several types and fragrances to choose from. Before you do select a scent, check user reviews. I love the one I chose, but I did see some users/reviewers who did not like the grapefruit choice at all. I haven't tried that one so I can't chime in.

The reason I actually tried this deodorant is that I was getting tired of the crystal type I was using. With that one, I always had to dampen it before using. This one works just like any other cream stick deodorant. Just keep in mind that it is ONLY a deodorant, not an antiperspirant. But, boy, does it work overtime as a deodorant.

Although I wanted this particular one because I love vanilla scents, the fragrance with this isn't very strong. and that's just fine with me. I plan on trying some of the other natural deodorants so that I can do reviews, but I like this one so much that I will probably use it as my regular choice. Since it is natural, but works so well to control odor, I was interested in the ingredients:

• aloe barbadensis leaf juice (aloe juice, water/aqua)
• alpha-glucan oligosaccharide (sugar derived)
• carrageenan (seaweed derived)
• hydrastis canadensis (goldenseal) extract 
• inulin (artichoke derived) 
• loncera capifolium (honeysuckle) flower extract 
• lycium barbarum fruit extract (goji berry) 
• melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) flower/leaf/stem extract 
• propandeiol (corn derived) 
• saccaromyces ferment 
• sodium stearate (coconut derived)
• stearyl behenate (coconut derived)
• usnea barbata (lichen) ext

Wow. I'm not familiar with most of those. I expected to see magnesium (in some form) on the list. I will have to compare those ingredients to the ones listed for other natural deodorants.

Here are the things I like most about the product:

1. Goes on very, very smoothly (even better than "regular" stick deodorants).
2. Does seem to condition.moisturize the skin (as product page states).
3. Keeps the "funk" away - even on hot days, days at the gym, etc.
4. I've personally had no skin problems from using it.
5. Though mild, the scent is nice & not as acrid as those in store brands.
6. Is lasting a long time. After 3 months daily use, I have at least another 3 months left.

Here are the things that I like least:

1. Because of the moist texture (which is almost damp), I have to let it "set" for a moment after applying.
2. Though I like that it conditions the skin, I'm not crazy about the initial damp feeling.
3. I really wish it had some antiperspirant protection.

For those who care, apparently, this product is vegan (as are some of Lavnila's other items). As far as I can tell, Lavanila doesn't carry an antiperspirant. Dang it. I was surprised to find that this is the brand that produces the Lavanila scent I tried years ago (and loved, but forgot about). I just have to remember that the brand is Lavanila - not Lavanilla. 

The brand also makes body butters and sun protection products. I ordered from Amazon, but if you go to the Lavanila site, you can sign up for product discounts. Be sure to check out their "Our Story" page.

I'm happy that I found the product and, like I said, I'll probably always use it now. However, I will be doing reviews on similar items.

Peace

--Free