Photo by Jennifer Ryan Jones You know the feeling. After prepping, practicing and polishing up that big presentation, the nerves show up. Your stomach starts churning and your mouth gets dry. And just when it’s time for you to get up in front of the room, you start sweating like a prostitute in church. You’re not just a little clammy; you’re totally drenched and soaking through your shirt. All eyes are on you, and it’s a seriously sweaty situation. Chill out, you can make a big splash without stressing about swampy pits.
Successful guys look as cool as a cucumber. With a little planning and the right products you will too. Consider these sweat inducing scenarios and solves before reaching for the prescription deodorant or Botoxing your underarms.
Give yourself time. Heat and humidity happen. Aim to arrive early. Don’t run yourself into a sweaty mess trying to get to the office. By pacing yourself and lightening up that overstuffed briefcase you’ll be made in the shade.
Watch what you eat. Skip the spicy food, boozy lunch and even hot coffee. They're all heat inducing and can raise your body temperature. In turn your body will utilize it’s own built in cooling system. Also known as sweating.
Dress accordingly. Wear breathable, sweat-absorbent fabrics like cotton. Of course, lighten up your summer wardrobe, but especially avoid wearing clothing made of synthetic fibers that trap in heat and moisture. Dress in absorbent cotton undershirts, underwear and socks that allow air and moisture to pass through.
Don’t sweat the small stuff. Take a few deep breaths and actively participate in calming yourself down. Shake off the road rage, the bad sales report and the canceled meeting. Stress can activate your sweat glands. Click here for more tips on how to be mindful.
Swipe, apply or roll on the good stuff. When it comes to odor protection it’s important to know the difference between an antiperspirant and a deodorant. Antiperspirants keep you dry by plugging up the pores and absorbing moisture. Deodorants kill the B.O. (body odor) inducing bacteria and are usually scented to cover up any foul smells. Many over-the-counter products are a combination of both and the best ones are aluminum-free. If you have sensitive skin, swipe on a deodorant formulated with natural ingredients. You won’t smell bad using any of these.
Billy Jealousy Funk Buddy No. 1 – Clean will keep your pits from smelling like the pits with notes of Lavender, Orange, Coffee, Vanilla and Sandalwood. While extracts of Sage Leaf, Cucumber, Bergamot and Witch Hazel, soothes and cools your underarms. $18.
Malin+Goetz Eucalyptus Deodorant will neutralize your body odor with a cocktail of natural ingredients. It’s chemical free and perfect for dudes with sensitive skin. $22.
Ursa Major No B.S. Deodorant is unscented and totally natural, but still provides powerful pit protection for the most sensitive skin. It’s free of aluminum, fragrance and B.S. (baking soda). You, only fresher! $18.
And of course, there's Grooming Lounge Greatest Pits Deodorant. It rocks. In fact, it rocks so much it's currently out of stock and that's why it's not featured above. But, you can leave your e-mail and we'll ping you the second it gets back in.
Hailing from all over the country these bourbons defy the odds with their reasonable price tag and can turn a nightcap into a night you’ll (hopefully) never forget. Here are the seven best bottles of bourbon under $100.
