I was looking at deodorant/antiperspirant and noticed that the men's had more in it than the women's did, for the exact same amount of money. I just chose a men's fragrance that I liked and bought the men's. Anything to save money these days is certainly welcomed.
Save your empty deodorant containers that still have some deodorant in the bottom. When you have quite a few of them, heat them in the microwave for about 10 seconds or until melted. Pour into an empty container and let harden. You will have another full deodorant to use.
Men's deodorant is usually a lot cheaper than women's deodorant. I often buy the men's stuff in unscented. It's nice to have it last longer and I have noticed no difference in using it. It works great.
I like to use the Crystal Solid Deodorant as it is supposed to be safer for prevention of breast cancer. These Crystal Sticks are about $6 to $7 each, and with the economy what it is, every penny counts. Upon opening my new one, I dropped it and broke it, and a huge chunk fell off. I tried to use it but it was rough and hurt and unusable.
So I took a small piece of sand paper and sanded the rough edges off. And voila, I have saved my crystal. The amount left will last me for months and months and it still works perfect.
When I've used up a solid deodorant stick as much as possible, I save the leftover stub (in the container). After accumulating 3 or 4, I pick out the leftover stubs and melt them in the microwave. I then pour the melted deodorant into one of the old containers. Let it harden overnight and you have a brand new deodorant stick!
The best coupons I have found to buy deodorant are around Mother's Day and Father's Day. Usually with coupons and BOGO sales, you can easily stock up for the year and beyond. If you have an opportunity to buy brands or scents that are not your first choice but are just about free, please send them off to your local food bank or homeless shelter.
When my deodorant stick reaches near the end, it often crumbles and falls out of the applicator. I replace the broken pieces, slide a nylon knee-high over the top, twist it so it is snug and the lid can still fit on. It is now ready to use right through the nylon. It is still smooth to the skin and goes on nicely until it is all used up. That has given me an extra two weeks of use and a life saver if you don't have another new one on hand.
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Does anyone know how to use or combine that last little bit of deodorant? I have been saving the containers and wonder if I scrape the last bit out of the applicator can it be combined in some way to make one full stick, maybe melting it in some way and letting it dry? Thanks.
I turn the dial on one used deodorant is all the way down. I scoop out the leftover deodorant from the other containers and place in a small pyrex custard cup. I then put that custard cup in a small pan that has about one inch of water in it (water bath). I heat the pan until the water has heated up and the deodorant has melted. Then I take the custard cup out, cool the melted deodorant slightly, and pour it into the old deodorant container that has been turned down. Since the old deodorant has been left in this container, it seals the bottom and the melted deodorant doesn't leak out. I do this over some old newspaper in case of spills. I've found that melted leftovers from three containers - and the fourth as the base - usually fills a container to the top. I've never had a problem with mixing deodorant brands, deodorants and antiperspirants, or scents. It's like using three and getting the fourth free.
You can melt down old lipsticks the same way. Just line the sides of the tube with parchment paper that you peel off once cool. I've mixed brands, colors, added shades that didn't suit me or were too light or too dark, and blended them into shades that I really liked. It's a great way to use lipstick leftovers that you'd otherwise throw away.
I also melt down chapsticks/lip glosses. I know they don't cost much, but we live on a tight budget. Rather than mix flavors, I usually melt one, pour it in and allow it to cool before adding the next flavor. I sometimes add an unflavored one between layers since you don't want to mix some flavors --like mint and root beer.
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Using It All - Deodorant
On our weekend away over Labor Day, I discovered that I had left the new deodorant behind, and only had the old one which was down to the plastic that holds the deodorant in. But, I managed to scrape enough deodorant off that holder with a toothpick to apply and it actually lasted over the long weekend. (Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after, though)
By Pamphyila from Los Angeles, CA
RE: Using It All - Deodorant
The Tightwad Gazette had a tip. Collect all those deodorant ends, put them in a glass custard cup, microwave for 45 seconds or till melted then pour into a recycled deodorant container. This is best if you use the same deodorant all the time otherwise the combinations of perfumes may end up gross. (09/14/2007)