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26 Personal Care Products That Work Well *And* Smell Good

If you ever wondered how those people who always smell good, well, always smell good, these products will give you the answer.

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by Isabella Sarlija BuzzFeed Contributor

I am a contributor who has been writing for BuzzFeed Shopping since 2020, focusing on beauty, fashion, home decor, and pets (especially cats!), and whose work has been featured in publications like Marie Claire, Coveteur, Byrdie, The Zoe Report, Bustle, & more.

1. AKahi Wrinkle Bounce Multi-Balm that's hydrating and will work for the skin on your face, lips, and body! You can use this on cracked hands or elbows for an extra dose of moisture, or slather it onto the high points of the face for a dewy effect. And unlike many balms that can lean more medicinal in scent, this one actually smells like a "powdery rose," according to one reviewer. 

Amazon, www.amazon.com

Promising reviews: "Okay! So I was skeptical at first, but honestly, this stick is life-changing!!! In a matter of minutes, my skin felt hydrated and plumped. After an hour, still hydrated. No greasy after-feeling, very light, and you can feel your skin hydrated and absorbing. I love the fact that you can use it on your eyes, lips, and wrinkles!! Game changer for me, will def try the others!" —Kristy 

"I saw this in a Buzzfeed article and decided I’d try it. They used it for the 'glass skin look,' which isn’t my thing. I put it on my whole face AND lips before going to bed. Everything is soaked in by morning, and my skin looks glorious. It smells good and is a bit sticky, but I use it when I sleep, so it’s fine. The best thing is that it knocks down my CPAP lines on my face by about 65%!" —Ashley R

Get it from Amazon for $14.50 (available in two other formulas). 

2. A Saltair Santal Bloom after-shower oil, which smells like a luxe dream. It's packed with notes of creamy sandalwood, sheer amber, and sensual musks for a woodsy yet uplifting scent. This delivers a surge of moisture to hydrate the skin while drying down quickly to help you avoid a sticky feel.

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I love the smell of this oil so much. It’s a warm and slightly sweet fragrance. Perfect for someone who works in healthcare that wants to smell good but not overwhelming. Absorbs quickly into my skin." —Dahtislandchic

Get it from Amazon for $39 (available in eight other scents).

3. A bottle of Veet's sensitive hair removal gel so that you can finally put the razor down and quite literally wipe away any body hair that you're tired of shaving day in and day out. This contains aloe to help soothe the skin and has a lighter smell than most chemical depilatory products. 

www.amazon.com

Promising reviews: "I have been looking for a good hair removal for my sensitive skin, and this one is perfect. It has a great odor and leaves my skin feeling smooth and silky. It does not burn my skin at all, even when I leave it on for 15 minutes or more. This is definitely my new hair removal cream. I will recommend this one to everyone." —Crystal

"Don’t hesitate on buying this. GET IT NOOOOOOW! Painless and convenient and PERFECT for sensitive skin. Left me feeling squeaky clean after. Also had my skin feeling smooth and smells good too." —Lani livaie

Get a pack of two from Amazon for 19.70.

4. A Baby Foot exfoliating foot mask, because this mask uses exfoliators to help slough off every last dead skin cell from the soles (and heels!) of your feet. I use this mask every few months, and the peeling experience is always just as satisfying as the soft and supple results. The best part, however, is that it's infused with a lavender scent to help create a spa-like feel as you take care of your toesies.

@babyfootusa / Via www.instagram.com, www.amazon.com

Promising reviews: "My feet used to be horribly dry, itchy, and cracked with thick calluses. I started using Baby Foot every couple of months a year ago, and my feet are now soft and smooth. Make sure to soak your feet before using and then again at least once a few days later. I leave the booties on for longer than the instructions, usually around two hours. It doesn’t burn or irritate my skin. A few days later, the top layer of skin starts peeling all over. It’s REALLY gross-looking, so make sure you don’t need to show your feet for about two weeks! The results are amazing, so it’s totally worth it! Calluses improve dramatically with one treatment but bad calluses may need a couple of treatments to go away. Make sure to wait at least two weeks before using again. I’ve recommended to all my friends and family. Seems to work for all skin types." —Mostly Maven

"I've used this product twice now, and I've definitely got it on subscription going forward. This stuff smells great and WORKS really well! The skin on my entire foot peeled off, even the callused parts, in literal sheets — gross and amazing." —hootie huey

Get it from Amazon for $24.99.

5. A scalp treatment to help decrease oil and help clarify the scalp. If you find that your hair becomes more greasy, then this scalp cleanse is basically a necessity. Plus, it has a basil leaf blend inside that smells fresh and grounding, which is all you really ever want while doing a scalp reset. 

www.instagram.com

Promising review: "I've used this numerous times now on my self-care Sundays, and I love it! It smells amazing and delicate, so it's not overpowering. It applies so easily, and is a great step to have right before giving yourself a scalp massage." —UnlikelyMama

Get it from Amazon for $48.

6. A Dove Clinical + Care antiperspirant deodorant stick to help you not only smell great, but not sweat, too! This formula comes in a cream texture that lives between a traditional stick and a gel, meaning it smooths onto the skin without pilling or feeling too slick. Plus! It's formulated with nourishing serums and moisturizers to help protect your skin from any excess dryness. You can opt for either the crisp "original clean" scent or the "cool essentials" scent that smells like cucumber and green tea.

Amazon

Promising reviews: "As a woman entering peri-menopause, I have been struggling to find a deodorant that keeps me smelling fresh all day! After trying several products, this one was the winner! So relieved to have found something that works!" —Michelle VE

"I’ve used this in both humid and dry weather, and it holds up great. I particularly use this deodorant because I like the texture. It doesn’t get weird and clumped up like regular deodorant, but it doesn’t make your armpits feel wet like the gel kind." —Cierra

Get it from Amazon for $9.04+ (available in two scents and as a two-pack). 

7. An anti-chafing stick with a citrus scent so you can walk around with your closest peeps and not have to worry about the burning ache of thigh rubbing while wearing shorts, skirts, or dresses.

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Megababe Thigh Rescue has been a total game changer for me. It prevents chafe and irritation, and it is made with clean, natural ingredients that feel good on the skin. It goes on clear and never feels greasy or sticky. If anything, it is moisturizing. The chafe protection lasts up to 12 hours, which is a huge win. I use it on my thighs, my waistband, and anywhere my skin tends to rub together... It smells wonderful without being overwhelming." —Stephanie

Get it from Amazon for $13.97 (also available in a pack of two).

8. A moisturizing aloe and coconut sunburn salve that smells fresh and actually brings tons of reviewers relief. Sunburns happen to the best of us, so even if you've hiked all day long while donning proper sun protection yet *still* experience the sun's wrath, this will help soothe any burning, itching, or irritation. 

www.amazon.com

Promising reviews: "I was in my pool yesterday, and last night my face was blood red! I used Burt’s as soon as I came in and again before I went to bed. The pic on the left is from last night, and the pic on the right is from this morning. Love this stuff!!! Sinks in quickly and nice scent." —Kim Weaver

"Smells good and helps me with my painful chub rub under my belly. We also use it to soothe sunburn." —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $8.69.

9. A Batiste dry shampoo — it's actually activated by sweat! That means you can spritz it on *before* going to the gym and maintain a dry-looking scalp and a fresh-smelling head of hair (the brand literally likens the scent to a "sun-drenched orchard," with notes of green apple, pineapple, pear, and nectarine) through your workout or your city hike.

Amazon

Promising review: "Yes, yes, and more yes! I have maybe THE SWEATIEST head and hair on the planet. No product I have tried can bring my hair back after doing anything that makes me sweat (which, at my age, is everything). This product works. It literally absorbs the sweat, dries the sweat out of your hair, and has a really nice, gentle, non-perfume smell. Follow the directions for sure, but it works! My sweat head is saved!!! Also gives you some body back after the sweat takes it out of you." —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $9.98+ (available in two sizes).

10. A Megababe “Bust Dust” anti-boob-sweat powder, because, um, is there anyone in the world who doesn't deal with at least a little bit of boob sweat?! Whether you spray this on your under boob, between your cleavage, or in the space between your side boob and your arm, you'll be set in warding off sweat that can lead to unwanted smells. Plus, it has a slight lavender scent that'll linger throughout the day. 

Amazon

Promising review: "This stuff is amazing! I'm a mail carrier and sweat a lot. A friend recommended this product, and I'm so glad she did! It works, it's easy to put on, and it smells great. I will be buying on a regular basis." —Denise

Get it from Amazon for $15.97.

11. A L'Occitane shower oil to leave your skin feeling moisturized and smelling like almondy heaven. I especially love using this since it moisturizes my skin enough that I can skip thick body lotions after a shower (all I really need is this and a good body serum). 

www.amazon.com, Amazon

Promising reviews: "I absolutely love this oil. The smell is amazing. It makes your skin feel immediately hydrated and silky. It’s giving instant glow-up. So glad I purchased and will be a repeat customer. I am obsessed!" —Kisha Mack

"This is my favorite product to use during the summer. Makes my skin so soft and hydrated with a light scent. I bought the original bottle, and now I just order their refills." —Rena

Get it from Amazon for $12+ (available in two sizes, a refill bottle, and two-packs).

12. A moisturizing hair serum, because shiny, bouncy hair all starts with hair health! This serum has a glorious blend of argan, olive, coconut, apricot, marula, jojoba, and camellia oils to help nourish the strands and provide ultimate shine to your 'do without weighing it down. And the scent is glorious — one reviewer even wishes they made it into a perfume. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I've been dyeing my red hair for a few months now with 30 vol. developer, and it dried my hair so bad. I've never had it very dry until I went red. I've always had black hair. When I brush my hair, I can see the ends just fall off, and it takes way longer for it to dry naturally than before. I used this product and WOW! I'm in love. It does exactly what it claims to do. My hair is soft, shiny, smells good, and I can see and feel the difference on the ends. I don't put too much only because I don't want to risk my hair looking too oily, but I have found a little goes a long way." —Maria369

Get it from Amazon for $15.19+ (available in two sizes and five other formulas).

13. A pack of SweatBlock wipes, just in case you're the type to sweat as soon as you step into the gym, even before you start working out (same). All you have to do is wipe this onto your pits, hands, between your thighs, or any other hot spots where you tend to sweat a lot – this'll help keep you nice and dry for up to seven days. Plus, reviewers say the spicy clove scent is a pleasant bonus!

Amazon

Promising review: "For anyone who might be skeptical, please allow me to put you at ease. If you have hyperhidrosis, meaning it can be 9 degrees outside and you're still sweating under your arms, this product has the potential to change your life. I would sweat THROUGH a sports coat before noon. Enter: the SweatBlock product. I've had it for three weeks, and it is life-changing. I DO NOT sweat under my arms anymore. I'm still on the original box that I bought three weeks ago. I had to write a review after I was cleaning the garage today in 85-degree heat. I was sweating through my shirt on my back — BUT NOT MY UNDERARMS. It is amazing!" —Frosty McGee

Get a pack of 10 from Amazon for $19.97 (also available in packs of 20 and 30).

14. A nausea relief herbal inhaler, because the last thing you want to deal with while feeling nauseous is a bad smell. This has oils like lavender, eucalyptus, and peppermint that can help soothe an upset belly. All you have to do is rub it under your nose and breathe in the soothing scents. 

www.amazon.com

Read more about essential oils and morning sickness at Mayo Clinic, peppermint oil and nausea in one small study at the National Library of Medicine, and aromatherapy at Cleveland Clinic.

Promising reviews: "I am obsessed with these! As someone who suffers from frequent nausea, these are a lifesaver. I always bring one in my purse on any long car rides, plane travel, etc. I even keep one at my desk. This is my go-to for nausea, and it works pretty much immediately. I have recommended it to many people now who love it, too. It’s easy to use and super small, so easy to put in your pocket and have whenever you need it. Love that it is made with natural ingredients as well." —Heather

"I already enjoy minty smells, so maybe that's why I like it so much, but it definitely gives me a good relief for the little twinges of nausea. Sometimes I get nausea when I get overly excited, or I'm moving around a lot, and it not only relieves the nausea feeling, but the smell also calms me down." —Naomi

Get a pack of two from Amazon for $12.99 (also available in a four-pack). 

15. A hydrating Pureology shampoo — I personally swear by it for soft, shiny hair that smells good, even between wash days (it has a bit of an herbal scent to it). This shampoo is sulfate-free (slay) and adds moisture to thick, chemically treated, and colored hair in a flash, with rose and green tea extracts. Plus! It's packed with proteins that help to add a smoother and shinier appearance.

www.amazon.com

Promising reviews: "My hair is extremely dry and brittle. I was searching for a different shampoo and conditioner. After reading rave reviews about Pureology on Amazon, I decided to try it out. The difference is like night and day. My hair feels much softer than before. I highly recommend the product." —Wolfie

"I just had a keratin treatment in my hair, so I needed a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner... my hair looks and smells so good!! My hair feels so soft and luxurious. I will def buy again." —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $12+ (available in three sizes).

16. A Sol De Janeiro Bum Bum Cream, because it's the OG scent that's coveted by many all over the world. This cream not only smells amazing, but it's super hydrating and helps to soothe the skin over time.

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I am 60, and I could not get rid of the cellulite on my legs. I started using this product six weeks ago and can noticeably see a difference. I apply morning and evening, before bed for optimal results. It goes on smooth and has a creamy, non-sticky feel. The smell is dreamy... Make sure you apply in a circular motion for optimal coverage, absorption, and circulation." —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $24+ (available in five sizes and a refill tub).

17. Plus! A Bum Bum body scrub that comes in the same scent (hi, pistachio, salted caramel, and vanilla), but in a scrub form! Crushed cupuacu seeds and sugar crystals help to slough off dead skin cells for full-body softness.

Amazon, www.instagram.com

Promising review: "I honestly wish I could come on here and say it’s not worth the money… but it is. It’s worth every penny. This body scrub is GOD-tier. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to buy another brand again. There is not one thing I can complain about with this product. It smells great, works amazing, packaging is cute, stays fresh, can be used EVERYWHERE. 100000000/10." —Gianna T

Get it from Amazon for $42.

18. An aluminum-free, all-over deodorant, because odors don't just happen in the underarm area! This'll be a godsend for long hikes or days at the beach when you don't even want to *think* about thigh, back, or foot odors. And with its herbal citrus scent, you're bound to smell ~fresh~ throughout the day.

Amazon

It's also cruelty-free! BTW, Happy Curves is a small business.

Promising review: "The smell is so soft and perfect for this type of weather. I now have the confidence to be active in the summertime or at the gym... I love this product." —Teri Graham

Get it from Amazon for $11.97+ (available in three scents).

19. A Nizoral anti-dandruff shampoo to tackle dandruff and protect your scalp from flaking. This product contains 1% ketoconazole, an ingredient recommended by dermatologists for minimizing dandruff and restoring scalp health. And the fresh, clean scent doesn't hurt!

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "This stuff is absolutely amazing... I had severe dandruff that was so bad I could shake my head, and it would come off. With just a few uses per week, I got rid of all of my flakes. My scalp also stopped burning from dryness." —Moo Moo

Get it from Amazon for $16.88.

20. A retinol body lotion so that you can take the effects of your favorite retinol serum to the rest of your bod. Retinol helps to stimulate collagen and elastin production, which, in turn, helps to create a smoother, plumper appearance in the skin. This lotion, however, has even more inside — you'll find vitamins A and E, ferulic acid to help with antioxidant protection, plus shea butter to help moisturize the skin. And the best part? Reviewers can't stop raving about how great it smells.

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I had to take some time out of my day to sit down and tell you about this lotion because, holy moly. I have NEVER gone through a full bottle of lotion before. But this stuff??? Magic in a freaking bottle! I have been using this over the course of two years, and I'm absolutely in love. It keeps my skin truly moisturized and doesn't leave an oily residue like most lotions. It really absorbs into my skin. I originally got this to help with my stretch marks from carrying my son, but one day I used it as a face moisturizer because I was out of my face cream, and I have been using only this since then. It doesn't dry my face out, it doesn't clog my pores, it doesn't make my face ungodly greasy. This stuff is literally a game changer for my skin!" —Chrystal W.

Get it from Amazon for $19.99.

21. A Matrix purple shampoo, because IDK what it is about color-maintenance shampoos, but they tend not to smell the best — but it's all good, there are plenty of reviewers who can vouch for this smelling great. This will help whisk away any brass or copper tones from your blonde hair or highlights, and help your color last until your next session. Plus, this shampoo works great at amplifying natural gray hair, too!

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Smells good and gets my hair clean. My hair felt great afterward, and it took the brassy tone out of my hair well. Will definitely keep using this." —Jessica Hutson

Get it from Amazon for $24.

22. A St. Tropez bronzing face mist so that you can take a sun-kissed look with you wherever you go. All you have to do is mist this onto your face and watch as a gradual glow develops. And unlike most self-tanners, this *actually* smells like something you'd feel comfy wearing out of the house.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I darkened my hair and felt it made me look pale, so I wanted to add some natural-looking color to my face. I tried powder bronzer, but it looks so fake, and I don’t like wearing a lot of makeup. After reviewing top self-tanning products online, I decided to try this one because it scored high and was specifically for your face. I LOVE it! It is so lightweight, easy to use, and natural-looking. After spraying it (about five pumps as it recommends on the label), I started seeing a natural sun-kissed look within three hours. I was afraid it might look orange, but it didn’t at all. The bottle is sturdy and so easy to use. It smells wonderful and will last me quite a while. Definitely worth the price and more affordable than other brands I contemplated before purchasing this one. Definitely recommend this face tanner mist." —Lori LaBonte

Get it from Amazon for $33. 

23. Briogeo's Scalp Revival Shampoo, because your scalp needs some extra love! This scalp-clarifying shampoo is everything, as it has charcoal to help cleanse the scalp and coconut oil to moisturize. I've used this shampoo in the past, and it smells super clean and feels cooling thanks to tea tree and peppermint oil. 

Amazon

Promising reviews: "I love this stuff. It’s not super gritty, so it doesn't leave my scalp irritated, but the charcoal really exfoliates and clears up buildup on my scalp. If you don’t have access to prescription shampoo for dandruff/buildup, this is a good option to try as a replacement! I have both. It really helps during the summer months when there’s a lot of sweat. Cleans my scalp really well!" —Paula

"Love this shampoo! It removes buildup and truly revives my scalp... It also smells nice and minty without being overwhelming. A little bit goes a long way, which I love as well!" —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $15+ (available in two sizes).

24. A pack of 30 aluminum-free deodorant wipes that smell like literal coconuts, because they're a great way to refresh yourself after the gym, beach, or even a stressful meeting that left your underarms a bit ripe. They're really easy to throw into any bag to take freshness with you throughout your day.

Amazon

Promising reviews: "This is my go-to product after the gym. I hate feeling/being sweaty/sticky. And it smells so good." —Amazon Customer

"I have always suffered from bad odor on my underarms, and since I have very delicate skin, I can't use strongly scented deodorants. I'm always trying out cream deodorant or gels, but it either irritates my skin or it doesn't stop my bad odor. THIS IS THE BEST INVENTION EVER. I LOVE IT! I can't believe that something finally works! My armpits don't smell bad. I can finally move my arms freely. The scent is wonderful; I love the smell, and it's not harsh on my skin. Even after a long day, my underarms are still smelling like coconut." —Vicky Reyes

Get it from Amazon for $8.87 (also available in packs of two and four).

25. A Hawaiian Tropic after-sun body butter, just in case you want to smell like a tropical getaway, but not look like you spent *too* much time in the sun on said tropical getaway. Packed with shea butter, coconut oil, and avocado oil, this helps to fortify your skin's moisture barrier and soothe your post-sun skin.

www.amazon.com

Promising reviews: "I'm LOVING the after-sun body butter. I got a bad sunburn at the beach, put this on in the evening, and most of my sunburn was hardly noticeable the next morning (except for the extra-scorched parts). Leaves my skin feeling soooo smooth, even the next day!!! I love the texture, and it absorbs into the skin quickly." —Casey123

"Bought this for our beach vacation this year as my skin tends to dry out, burn, and peel harshly after long periods in the sun and ocean. I applied after showering, and my skin felt so soft and hydrated, smelled amazing, and did not peel. If you’re diligent about your sunscreen and still do happen to get a little red, I believe this really helps it from turning into a burn and helps soothe it. Also very cheap, and a little goes a long way. Will buy this again." —Nicole

Get it from Amazon for $10.97.

26. A L’Oréal Paris rinse-out lamellar water treatment that's ideal if your hair needs moisture, but you have only about five minutes in the morning for your entire routine. This formula contains both moisturizing agents *and* amino acids to help rebuild your hair's structure while upping the ante with a lustrous shine! And since this is an in-shower rinse, you won't have to deal with thick post-wash products that weigh the hair down in the heat. And did we mention it smells like a blend of mandarin, peach, and coconut water?!

www.amazon.com

Promising reviews: "It really works! My hair is brittle and dry, breaking frequently. I also live in an extremely humid area (South Florida). I never could get that shiny, polished hair look in the summer. Until now. I didn’t even need conditioner, and it’s so sleek and silky looking and feeling. No longer dry and easily tangled. So smooth, moisturized without being weighed down. It did feel a bit warm when applying. I took care to avoid getting it on my scalp and just on the hair about an inch away from the root to the bottom. I have a shoulder-length bob." —Bonnie

"WOW...heard about this on a podcast and was blown away by the results. I have thick, coarse hair that is quite long and have tried every type of hair oil to get that smooth finish — this does the trick for me (I wish I had found it sooner!) It really does take just eight seconds — after using it, I received so many compliments on how shiny and smooth my hair looked (and it smells wonderful)!" —Patricia McArdle

Get it from Amazon for $10.97.

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Reviews for this post have been edited for length and/or clarity.