Does the brand of contact solution really matter? Everyone in my home uses something different; we have my roommate (the bargain-hunter) who always insists on ReNu (and leaves the bottle open) and then myself, who strictly abides with Alcon’s Opti-free. I have “contact issues” which reflect in my previous posts, so I find a sort of comfort in “high-quality” solution. But every time I hound the Optometrist for inside-news, they look at me with a puzzled expression, “It’s how you take care of them, not what you use.” I suppose this refers to the type of solution: multipurpose and no-rub. Except you’re supposed to actually rub the “no-rub” for at least 10 seconds (read the small print, kids). These uninformative answers suggest that the perfect contact solution must be found through trial and error, so I did a little research on the brands we keep around.
ReNu is a multi-purpose, no rub solution that cleans contact lenses daily. It isn’t fancy, contains basic chemicals that are in generic brands, and my roommate loves it. It is manufactured in the USA, while Alcon doesn’t disclose its location other than the label being printed in Texas.
Pros:
- Contains Hydranate®, an ingredient that removes protein deposits, suggesting that you mustn’t rub your contacts.
- Provides safe lens-storage for up to a month.
- Contains Hydroxyalkyl-Phosphonate as a main cleaning agent, which is said to be “safer” than many other chemicals in solutions.
- Cheaper than Alcon, it comes in a pack of two for $16.99
Cons:
- Directions claim that you have to rub your contact “for 20 seconds.”
- The packaging is subpar to Alcon.
For more information, check out eHow’s guide to selecting contact solution.
The team at Cosmetic Alchemy produced LiLash before they came out with LiBrow. I am sure the components of the liquid are similar, if not exactly the same – although they don’t give that information. These “purified stimulators” seem to be popping up everywhere, we see Latisse commercials on television every hour: this site is dedicated to discerning the phenomena. I must admit, I have incredibly thin eyebrows and was curious to try LiBrow. It was freaking expensive: a whopping $139.97 to receive the 90-day money back guarantee. But it does work, for as long as you’re using it. This stimulator promotes new hair growth, and stains the existing hair to be more noticeable. Be careful with LiLash though, even in the Latisse commercial there’s a warning about a side-effect of permanent eye-color change. I don’t know about you, but if I accidentally dyed my green eyes to be brown forever, I would be totally weirded out.
Pros:
- It does indeed work.
Cons:
- I wouldn’t buy this product again, although it did work. I just don’t have it in me to apply the delicate little brush to my eyebrows every day. And that defeats the whole purpose, because the product requires repeated use.
- I would never purchase LiLash or Latisse, unless I had brown eyes already.
- Incredibly expensive, this figures out to be approximately $4.00 a day for as long as it works. A tube lasts about 5 months, although mine has lasted me longer.
- Cosmetic Alchemy is quiet about their ingredients, the website appears to be all advertising. Apparently the solution contains chemicals used to treat glaucoma, as a indirect result it promotes hair growth… weird. Check out New York Times article regarding this!
Armpit stains are an unpleasant issue to deal with. The horrors of pit dampness can be embarrassing and uncomfortable – whether you feel like a clam bucket or you’re actually just really hot and sweating profusely: sweat sucks. I know that I don’t sweat more than the average person, but I still use Secret Clinical Strength. My mom keeps freaking out the dangers of Aluminum Zirconium Trichlorohydrex GLY. “You’ll get breast cancer – all those toxins are building up in the tissue under your arms!” But what am I going to do, live a sweaty existence? I did a little research, and sorry Mom – breast cancer isn’t as likely as neurotoxicity! Like what? I can’t believe these are my options. Especially because us girls tend to shave our armpits, opening up delicious raw skin to bask in this chemical.
Ingredients: Aluminum Zirconium Tetrachlorohydrex Gly (20%), Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Tribehenin, Peterolatum, Cyclodextrin, C18 36 Acid Triglyceride, Fragrance, PPG 14 Butyl Ether.
Pros:
- Works, kind of. This definitely offers more dryness than regular deodorant, but I wouldn’t say I am pit-stain free.
- Pleasant scent (I suggest Light and Fresh, because Marathon Fresh actually smells like cheap cologne).
Cons:
- Contains a fairly high dosage of chemicals to be using in a sensitive place everyday.
- You must get used to a new routine with this product, the directions suggest that you use it at night before you go to sleep – don’t mess around if it isn’t totally dried you can risk discoloring your shirt.
Aquafresh Iso-Active Toothpaste is packaged in a metal canister, much like shaving cream. I originally purchased this out of curiosity, but after one use I was hooked. The iso-active gel foams upon impact with your warm mouth, but watch out – a little goes a long way! This product makes my teeth feel smoother than with the use of any other toothpaste. Although i am skeptical of putting chemicals in my mouth, like isopentane, it appears that this substance works in the toothpaste solely to generate foam.
Ingredients: Sodium Flouride, Water, Sorbitol, Glycerin, Hydrated Silica, Sodium Tripolyphosphate, PEG-8, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Isopentane, Flavor, Carrageenan Gum, Xanthan Gum, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Saccharin, FD&C Blue #1.
Pros:
- The rich foam seeps between tooth crevices, offering the cleanest feeling.
- Aquafresh advertises that it “removes more bacteria than an ordinary toothpaste.”
- Fun and easy to use.
Cons:
- Isopentane is considered extremely volatile and flammable at room temperature.
- The flavors (Lasting Impact, Deep Impact, and Fresh Impact) are not savory.
- Aquafresh claims that this toothpaste whitens teeth, but it appears to simply preserve their color from becoming any more stained.
- FD&C Blue #1 is a color pigment. Mind you, the purpose for this chemical is aesthetic. “It serves absolutely no beneficial purpose for your skin. These color pigments are actually synthetic colors made from coal tar, containing heavy metal salts that deposit toxins onto the skin, causing skin sensitivity and irritation. Animal studies have shown almost all of them to be carcinogenic.”
