Glaceau Vitamin Schtick

Here we have a lip balm scented to match the actual tastes of Vitamin Water! They really resemble each other, as far as my keen sense of smell is telling me. These were introduced about 3 years ago to the public (before that time they weren't available for purchase, just to people who contacted customer service and happened to receive them like I did in 2008). Anyway, I'm beginning to think that they've stopped production of these since I don't see them in the stores I used to find them at (i.e. Walgreens, Shoprite). Last week, the only decent online stores to carry them were Drugstore.com and Amazon. I chose to purchase at Drugstore.com since I was able to make use of my ShopRunner privileges and receive these in 2 days, without paying for shipping.

PROS:

• They smell delicious.
• The texture is a creamy, non-opaque stick that glides on smoothly like Vaseline.
• You never get chapped lips if you apply it in the morning and at night.
• They have a hidden use (explained below).
• Last a long time.

CONS:

• Hard to find.
• They come sold in packs of 3 that don't necessarily include the flavors you want.
• Not very cheap ($6.99 for a 3-pack) as opposed to other brands of scented lip balm.

So what's the hidden use? This may shock you, but I have tested this and it worked. Behold, the Vitamin Schtick can be used as HAND SALVE! Yes! Here's what happened: Last week I was at work and needed a chapped skin remedy immediately as my hands were all cracked (I don't know how it happened overnight). All I had with me was some of this stuff. Since I had about 1 use-worth left in the tube, I figured I'll try that on my hands. It glided on perfectly and best of all, my fingertips stayed clean (you know how greasy your fingertips get after applying a salve?). I used it like I'd use a glue stick. My skin felt so moisturized and rejuvenated afterwards, and pleasantly scented (not strong like other hand products). I just suggest you use a separate one for hands and lips :)

Powerstep Orthotics

Not every story I have ends happily and lucratively. Here's one example of a complaint that met a dead end. Last winter I bought Powerstep orthotics (shoe inserts) for my EMU boots because, as I said in my EMU review, they have zero arch support. These blue orthotics (I bought the Pinnacle model) feel really comfortable and padded. Underneath the foamy padding is a strong metal arch that supports the foot nicely. I was quite happy with them until one day I noticed the top material lining was beginning to peel. After about two weeks, the inserts were totally peeled up for about a half inch. I just cut off the loose flappy piece of material and tried to ignore the annoying feeling. Then the boot season ended.

I pulled them out again for this season's EMUs and re-noticed the peeling orthotics. I sent the company an email telling them what happened and upon learning that I got them last year, the woman was totally unwilling to help me. She claimed that while they do guarantee their products, complaining about it a year later isn't going to cut it. Maybe she's right.

Now I know that when I'm not happy with a product, don't wait until the next season to deal with it. Email or call as soon as you notice a problem.

Return of the Bath & Body Works hand sanitizers

A while ago I posted a review on the Bath and Body Works hand sanitizers (like Purell). I decided to revisit it today because of an experience that happened today.

I was in the supermarket today and picked up a chicken. When I touched it, I felt wetness on the outside of the wrapping. Of course that grossed me out because it might have been raw chicken juice (e.g. E. Coli, salmonella, etc.). I whip out my B&BW sanitizer from my purse (the scent was called Rockin' Cotton and it's a blue gel), and generously apply it to my hands. I almost passed out from the heavy assault on my nasal receptors.

When I got to the car, my hands still smelled even though it had long dried. What's especially annoying is that I had applied earlier today a different Bath and Body Works product: Dark Kiss body mist. The war between Rockin' Cotton and Dark Kiss was on! But our villainous Rockin' Cotton easily won the battle within seconds. Now I reek of Rockin' Cotton! B&BW should have more sense than that.

Let's say someone actually likes Rockin' Cotton, ok? The sanitizers obviously have much more of a potent scent than the body mist scents. Do they want people to buy sanitizers ($1.50, often on sale for $1.00) instead of body mist ($14) or eau de toillete ($29.50)? They would lose out in a big way.

So maybe if I mentioned to them about the strength of sanitizers, they would lower their intensity. What do you think? Oh, and by the way, the hand sanitizer effect isn't mitigated in the least by washing your hands with soap and water. It's equally as strong now as it was 3 hours ago -- blech!

Certain Dri - Does this antiperspirant really work?

Pros:

• It eliminates or drastically reduces sweating.
• Applied at bedtime so you never get your clothing dirty.
• Doesn't stain clothing.
• Low cost in relation to its efficacy: about $4 to $7.
• Lasts a while (at least 3 months).
• Does not have to be applied every night.
• Does not need to be re-applied after showering/swimming.

Cons:

• It stings and itches like crazy the first few usages.
• Only begins to work after about 3 to 6 applications.
• It cannot be applied immediately after showering or shaving.
• Its consistency is that of water so it may drip down if over-applied.
• It doesn't have a deodorizing ingredient so if you do sweat, you're not guaranteed to not produce an odor. (simple logic)
• Hard to find in local brick-and-mortar stores (easily found online).

I've never heard of Certain Dri until this spring season. I had just run out of my usual antiperspirant (AP henceforth) and was looking to try something else. After researching quite a bit online, I found some nice reviews of Certain Dri. Since it's affordable, I figured it doesn't hurt to try (it did, as I learned later on!). I was so stunned by how well this product works. 

Certain Dri is unlike any other type of AP because it doesn't stay at the skin's surface, but rather is absorbed into the pores during the night when your sweat glands are pretty much inactive, unless you suffer from nightmares. That's also why it never washes off. Certain Dri takes a few days to kick in because it's building up a concentration. You might find yourself wishing you could claw out your armpits because of the itch. It's not dangerous and it will go away! It's particularly itchy/burny after shaving, so don't use it on those nights. If you find it too drippy, use a tissue pressed to the bottle as you apply it. To combat the lack of deodorant in this product, simply apply a deodorant in the morning or use a body mist. You can buy one that has no AP in it, as to not overdo anything. This way you don't sweat and you smell nice.

To test Certain Dri I decided to do some vigorous exercise. After rollerblading for 25 minutes in 80-degree weather last Friday, I did not feel an ounce of sweat under my arms. You might wonder how this can't be dangerous if you're blocking your pores. Aren't you supposed to sweat? The thing is, your body compensates for the clogged pores by your arms and instead the sweat will find any other area of your skin to make its entrance. You're not shutting down your sweat system. It's perfectly safe in that respect. 

Bottom Line: This product works! It's affordable! Ever wondered how Prez Obama can claim he doesn't sweat? Ten to one he uses Certain Dri.

Afrin - Nasal Decongestant Spray

Pros:

• Works within a minute - really!
• One dosage lasts for 10-12 hours
• Relieves nasal congestion and stuffiness better than oral decongestant pills.
• Minimal (but often none) side-effects.

Cons:

• If used for more than a few consecutive doses, there's a rebound effect (you feel even stuffier). 
• Smallest size bottle (which is tiny) costs approximately $10.
• Leaves slight aftertaste in mouth once it drips down (which is easily alleviated by taking a drink).
• Painfully tingles for a few minutes after spraying.

Bottom Line: Afrin (Oxymetazoline) nasal spray is used to relieve nasal discomfort caused by colds, allergies, and hay fever. It can also be used to relieve sinus congestion and pressure. Basically, you are getting your money's worth when you buy this item and have a need for it. It's perfect for colds, especially during the night when you have trouble falling asleep because you can't breath. Remember, though, that Afrin is a steroid (but over-the-counter) so don't use it more than you have to or you'll feel even worse after! Afrin can also be used before a plane trip if you anticipate ear pain because it clears the nasal/ear/sinus passages.

Glaceau Vitamin Water

Pros:

• Only 13 grams of sugar and 50 calories for 8 oz, and full of essential vitamins.
• Amazing taste which is neither too sweet nor diluted.
• Almost always on sale for $1 at stores like Target and Walmart.
• Many, many flavors to choose from.
• Really funny messages on the labels that keep changing.
• Customer service is mostly nice - they offer cool freebies just for calling. 

Cons:

• Caps are hard to open.
• Variety packs (that you can buy at club stores like Costco) only feature four flavors, and they're not necessarily your favorite ones.
• One or two flavors are downright nasty - namely Connect (blackcherry lime) which tastes much like Robittusin and Formula 50 (grape) which reminds me of Tums + Children's Tylenol gone bad.

Bottom Line: Vitamin Water's a great drink for any time of day! People mockingly ask, "You think you're really getting your vitamins in there?" But it's true, you really do get them. Of course you can't compare the Vitamin C quality of an orange with the Vitamin C in a bottle of Essential, but you're receiving the nutrients anyway. It's an affordable drink and quenches your thirst much better than Snapple or Powerade because it has just a bit of sugar. If you have a problem with a bottle, call up their customer service and you'll be sent replacements in the form of coupons almost immediately! Drink up!

Therabreath toothpaste - America's Most Effective oral care

Pros:

• Actually works to eliminate bad breath throughout the day
• While following the regimen, you never experience morning breath!
• The mouthwash doesn't burn your tongue off with its sting.
• Food doesn't taste distorted after brushing teeth (think orange juice after Colgate or Crest)
• Enhances self-esteem :)

Cons:

• Expensive - both the mouthwash and toothpaste run at about $9 each and that only lasts for about 2 months or less. Deals happen, but it's best to buy in bulk.
• Mouthwash tastes horrible, and the toothpaste has very little flavor at all.
• Must consistently use to maintain the effects.
• Takes about a week to kick in, during which your tongue feels really awkward.

Bottom Line: If you have a breath problem, the cons are worth it. I was once given a whole bagful of the Therabreath products (which the buyer had gotten for free) and figured I'll give it a try. It was amazing, really, to see how the stuff works. It contains no alcohol so the mouth doesn't dry up like it does after traditional products. If you decide to go ahead with it, make sure you use both the rinse and paste together. You do not need to use it 3x a day (as per instructions on the bottles), but be sure to use in conjunction with floss.

NOTE: This was reviewed a while ago and the products have since been updated. Efficacy is the same for both but tastes have greatly improved!

Bath & Body Works - Pocket-Bac hand sanitizer

Pros:

• Good price - these items often are on sale for $1 (reg. $1.50).
• Slick filler - when you need your order to reach a minimum amount (like when you want to use a certain coupon), these are one of the few very cheap items in the store.
• Keeps hands soft and not dried out, as other popular hand sanitizers do.
• Contains alcohol which can be used as an antiseptic on the go. This is especially handy when you're trying on earrings in the store.
• Handy size - it fits a silicone skin (must purchase separately) that can keep the Pocket-Bac on your keyring.

Cons:

• Scent is very strong. Hands smell from the Pocket-Bac even 2 hours after application!
• If not on sale, the price is $1.50 for the small bottle.

Bottom Line: The Bath & Body Works Pocket-Bac is essential for a purse, especially in the summertime when you are often out and away from a sink. The wide array of choices feature smells much more pleasant than comparable brands like Purell, but be sure to get a scent that you enjoy because you'll be smelling it on yourself for a while!

Herbal Essences "Hello Hydration 2 in 1 Shampoo + Conditioner"

Pros:

• Good scent - supposedly orchid, but doesn't seem to smell like the flower.
• Cap opens easily - unlike many other brands (Garnier Fructis, in particular) which have impossible lids that have to be opened with soapy, wet hands.

Cons:

• Very liquidy - comes gushing out of the spout too fast, causing spillage and leakage.
• Doesn't form a good lather - bubbles are non-existant.

Bottom Line: This shampoo plus conditioner should not be used if you actually want to wash your hair. It may be used, however, should you want to give off a nice smell.