Balla for Men : Original Formula Body Powder

SUMMARY: Bálla brings back body powder with their fine Italian talc and zinc blend. The subtly scented powder leaves skin dry and comfortable.

ABOUT THE BRAND: Started in 2005 with the mission to help modern day's discerning man with the age-old problem where heat, moisture, and body-part friction lead to the inevitable clamminess, chafing, and funky odors. Balla for Men Body Products are the perfect blend of soothing essential oils and natural fragrances that is guaranteed to leave your body feeling dry, comfortable, and smelling great!

BEAUTY ALMANAC TESTED

USE: "Our body powders are the most effective dryness and anti-chafing tool available for men. Be it your boyz, arse, thighs, chest, back, neck, feet, pitts, etc, simply sprinkle some into your hands and gently apply to desired area. Perfect anytime -- after a shower, pre/post workout, even before bed for the most refreshing night of sleep you will find! Our powders are all natural and entirely free of cruelty, alcohol, aluminum, menthol, and parabens." BallaforMen.com

Though body powder was once quite a popular product, particularly from major designer fragrances often produced alongside aftershave and bar soap, its popularity seems to have dwindled in recent decades here in the USA. Those looking for such a product often end up with mentholated or medicated products, baby powder or the old-fashioned barbershop products. Bálla's products fill a gap in the market for high quality, modern-scented men's body powders.

I live in a hot, tropical climate so controling body moisture is definitely a priority. I have used the Bálla powder after showering on inner thighs and side of chest to prevent chafing due to sweat. 

AROMA & TEXTURE: The aroma of the "Original Formula Bálla Body Powder" is a "unique oak and musk scent" according to the brand. I find it to be a lightly sweet and fresh scent that is quite subtle and unlikely to clash with an eau de toilette or other personal fragrance - think Calvin Klein Eternity or D&G Light Blue for Men. It's definitely not the traditional barbershop powder aroma.

The texture is silky smooth and when patted on thoroughly leaves no visible residue.

INGREDIENTS: Talc, Zinc Oxide, Zinc Stearate, Proprietary Fragrance

ABOUT THE PACKAGING: Bálla's talcum powder comes in a variety of sizes in sleek black plastic cylinders with screw-on caps to help prevent leakage.

WHERE CAN I BUY IT? ~$18 USD for 100g at BállaforMen.com and major retailers such as Target.com.

PROS & CONS: The brand states that their products are free of cruelty, alcohol, aluminum, menthol, and parabens. The scent is quite pleasant but so subtle that it is barely perceivable. The price is significantly higher than comparable products.

One Target reviewer wrote:

"This product does help keep areas, especially "under there" dry. It has a nice light scent and stays with you as long or longer than most. I do like that it is not medicinal smelling like other leading powders. The only thing I did not like is that there's still no practical way to apply it. You have to get it on your hands which depending on your grooming order can effect your contacts, hair gel, cologne, etc."

THE BOTTOM LINE: A classy alternative to drugstore body powders, this is a great (albeit subtle) smelling "niche" product for those who don't mind paying a little extra.

Products mentioned in article

Balla for Men Body Powder

Marlen Elliot Harrison

Dr. Marlen Elliot Harrison’s journalism in the fragrance industry has appeared in international print and online publications such as Playboy...(more)