Do Those Products Really Work?
We've all seen those television advertisements for products promising a cleaner house, a younger-looking face, and so many other things, all for very low prices.
But do those products perform as advertised?
The editors of Real Simple magazine decided to put some to the test, and ordered more than 40 to put through their paces.
The magazine's Kris Connell told co-anchor Hannah Storm Tuesday abut
Windstorm Vacuum Cleaner
The Windstorm is a lightweight, bag-less vacuum cleaner. It separates the dirt, forcing air to pass freely through the machine and depositing dirt in a clear dust case that empties easily. Because it's bag-less, there's none of that burnt dust smell created by vacuums with bags. The unit is lightweight enough to vacuum stairs easily and compact enough to lay almost flat, to easily get under couches and beds. The detachable unit enables you to get to upholstery easily, and attachments enable you to get to corners and even ceiling fans.
$55 (price subject to change with online offers), igia.com
Return policy: 30-day money-back guarantee, less shipping and handling.
Chef Reece Williams Batter Pro
This promises to batter all of your food in less than 10 seconds. Prepare 30 fresh fish sticks without ever touching raw food, batter 50 shrimp all at once for a party platter, or bread chicken strips for the entire family in seconds. The answer is the patented design that evenly breads and catches food on top of the sifting tray, while the extra breadcrumbs drain to the bottom. No messy bags and no waste. Whether it's pork chops, chicken wings, or vegetables, coating with almonds, cornmeal, or tempura, just fill, shake and flip, and you'll get it done in under ten seconds.
$22.50
Return policy: Money-back guarantee for 30 days from date of shipment, less shipping and handling. Excludes all items that have been installed or used in any manner.Touchless Trashcan
Perfect for people who would rather not touch a dirty trash can or get their sticky fingers all over the contraption. It stays shut until the motion sensors are activated.
$99.50 - $300, price varies depending on size and material. itouchless.com
Return policy: 30-day money-back guarantee, less shipping and handling. You must return the entire package, including instructions.
California Beauty/Slim Fit
Slim 'n Lift Silhouette, by California Beauty, is a slimming and lifting undergarment that will give you that sexy, curvy, hourglass figure you've always wanted, according to its manufacturer. The secret to Slim 'n Lift is in the exclusive engineering that combines form and function to shape, sculpt, firm and slenderize. The elastic-ribbed support lifts and flattens for an instant tummy tuck, the side panels firm-up thighs, and the double U-band ribbing lifts and shapes, to give you a sexy butt. Slim 'n Lift supports from below the bust line to just above the knee line, targeting all common problem areas. With Slim 'n Lift, there are no more confining girdles or strangling control top pantyhose. Bulges, bumps and rolls disappear, making you look sleek, trim and toned.
$40 in black and nude sizes XXS to XXXL.
Return policy: There's a 30-day money-back guarantee, less shipping and handling.
Principal Secret
Principal Secret's original skin care products are infused with natural botanicals, including chamomile, lavender, and rose, to pamper even the most sensitive skin. A unique, time-released system delivers hydrating moisture, essential for a healthy, radiant glowing complexion. Replenish your skin with gentle nurturing extracts. A Real Simple staffer who happens to be 43-years-old noticed a difference within one week of using it.
$30 for a 30-day introductory kit.
Return policy: One hundred percent satisfaction guaranteed. If at any time you are not pleased with your purchase, the company says it will "cheerfully refund the purchase price."
The Ove Glove Hot Surface Handler
With Ove Glove, you can extend the time you spend handling hot dishes and other hot objects. The Ove Glove is multi-purpose. You can use it to change light bulbs without waiting for them to cool, or even change barbeque coals while they're still hot! The Ove Glove is machine washable and can withstand extreme heat, up to 480 °F. The Ove Glove has a five fingered flexi-grip, which means you can get a much better grip on hot pans and objects. The Ove Glove fits the left or right hand and has a soft cotton inner layer. The thermal properties of The Ove Glove outer layer, which is made of DuPont Nomex and Kevlar, dramatically extend the length of time you can hold a hot object in your hands. When exposed to an open flame, the outer layer of the glove does not catch fire and does not melt. The Ove Glove is machine washable and retains its heat resistance wash after wash.
$17 at drugstores nationwide.
Return policy: Varies. Ask your vendor.
Owl Wallet Light
Credit-card-sized light and magnifier. Fits in all wallets and pocketbooks with ease, perfect for reading small-print on restaurant menus and bills.
$10
Return policy: 30-day money-back guarantee, less shipping and handling. Returns must arrive in like-new condition, in original packaging.