This is the first in our Life’s Too Short series, featuring suggestions for basics that we feel could use to be elevated.

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Brazilian novelist Paulo Coelho once said “life is too short, or too long, for me to allow myself the luxury of living it badly.” While we might not go on a whirlwind, world-rounding journey for treasure like the hero of his most famous novel, we can use this sentiment to guide some of the more mundane decisions we have to make. We should allow ourselves the luxury of living well.

I would hope that as part of our daily ablutions most of us brush our teeth, apply deodorant, maybe even floss, if we are particularly adult and put together. If you are anything like me, you probably grew up with whatever toothpaste, deodorant, hand soap, etc., was on sale at the supermarket or pharmacy that your parents shopped at (for me it was Shaw’s). As I grow older, taking more and more control over my everyday life and routine, I look to those small, repeated actions for a little more satisfaction -- a little more intention. I would like, not only to know that what I am using is good for my skin, my teeth, my oral health, etc..., but that it is artisinal, smells wonderful and looks like it belongs in a modern art museum, not behind the built-in mirror cabinet of the dingy apartment I moved out of in my mid-twenties.

When it comes to deodorant, unlike some other things we may talk about on this list, there is one thing that truly matters: Efficacy. I think we have all been in a situation, after the gym perhaps, when we are not at our best, and we need deodorant to pick up the slack, as it were. So, finding something that works well and looks great on our shelf, can be a challenge. Let's look at some options that pass our "sniff" test:

1) The Ethical Option: Humankind

Humankind is innovating the self-care game with all reusable packaging. If you would like to have a refillable deodorant that is good for your skin and the environment, this is the one for you.

2) The Budget Luxury Option: Humble Brands

At Grüner, we've tried all the natural deodorants, and this one has consistently come out on top. Personally my favorite scent is the orgininal formula, which contains Palo Santo extract, from a wild tree that is native to Central and South America.

3) The Updated Classic Option: Tom Ford

We probably don't need to tell you about how Tom Ford has been blowing up the fragrance counter at your local Nordstrom or Saks. The unisex scents he creates are strong, timeless, and in some cases intoxicating. Oud Wood is definitely one of our favorites.

4) The Classic Option: Acqua Di Parma

This classic Italian brand, established in 1916, has been ruling the luxury men's lifestyle market long before your father used their cologne. You may think they're a bit dated, but some classics are classics for a reason.

5) The Spray Deodorant Option: Aesop

This herb-y and earth-y brand beloved the world over for it's soaps has expanded rapidly, with deodorants, toothpaste, mouthwash, shampoos and conditioners. If you want to smell down to earth, yet refined, this is the brand for you.

6) The Roll-On Option: Le Labo

With their boutique chemist-shop vibes, Le Labo comes in with a rich smelling roll-on deodorant that is supposedly designed to accompany and enhance your own perspiration. We weren't sold at first, but honestly, it's pretty great.

7) The Non-Deodorant Deodorant Option: LUSH

Last on my list is a powdered deodorant from the UK-based soap company LUSH. I have used this deodorant for years and I absolutely love it. They recently discontinued the scent I had been wearing (The Gov'ner) and replaced it with Dirty. Although I did buy a stock of emergency back ups, I love the new smell of their Dirty line and am excited to try it.

Deodorant, like all other things touching your skin, can take some trial and error before you find what works for you. Drop us a line on Instagram and let us know which elevated deodorant you use!

To round out your routine, check out our Evening Ritual Oil.