Beauty Tips

My Week as an Infomercial Addict

WEN, Instyler, BladeBuddy -- should anyone actually own these? One writer sees if her beauty routine can survive on infomercial products alone -- and, in the process, discovers which ones are truly worth owning

by Sarah Carrillo

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While I'm at it, why not work on my fitness? This project started out as a beauty-based one, but since there's no shortage of workout products on TV; I decide to try one. Ultimately, I go for the iconic shake weight -- both because it claims you only need to do it for five minutes a day � and because my grandma already owns one and offers to let me borrow it.

While I can't keep that South Park episode out of my head while I'm using it, I have to say that I can "feel the burn" in my arms after only a few minutes.

I also go for broke and try adding the Slim Away belt to increase my workout. This wrap claims to "seal in body heat to help you lose excess water weight" and "works for everyone -- size 50 down to size 22." Clearly I should have read that second part more carefully before I bought the thing, because I'm not quite in that size range (nor is "everyone," but I guess they're taking some liberties with that term). When I try to wrap it around me, it's too big and the zippers won't line up. Looks like I'm hanging on to that water weight after all.

SEE NEXT PAGE: Can't resist some infomercial "fashion"

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Older comments

I LOVE my Ped Egg--it saves me from seeing a doctor to get rid of my calluses. And I have nerve damage from eye surgery. I happened to see a Calcium/Magnesium drink which you use with juice. It really works to relieve pain!

by GigiSD Saturday, April 20, 2013 at 12:51PM Report as inappropriate

Interesting, but the Bare minerals actually works well for me.

by caitlin_bickel Saturday, April 20, 2013 at 12:18PM Report as inappropriate

Ped egg works great for me

by EricaC123 Wednesday, December 26, 2012 at 07:00AM Report as inappropriate

I have the instyler and love it. I have very curling and frizzy hair. Would not be without it. Gave up the flat iron, curlers,a dn curling iron for it.

by terbenche Monday, May 14, 2012 at 11:55AM Report as inappropriate

i actually have ped egg n it works ok but not great. i think the best informercial i have is the magic blender

by mosh Tuesday, April 24, 2012 at 10:00PM Report as inappropriate

Absolutely hailarous and adorable at the same time-I have tried a few (can't even remember which ones)and the truth is if there was any good in them I would have remembered-I hate the part - call now and we'll double your order just pay separate shipping and handling-that's when I change the channel-eventually BB&Y gets the item in and if I hate it after my purchase they will honor the return. So informationals "please stop screaming at us"-especially after midnight.

by BlondeBabe Monday, April 23, 2012 at 01:18PM Report as inappropriate

I have a Ped Egg and hate it! It does absolutely nothing for me! But I would really like to try the Blade Buddy, sounds like a money saver.

by britni_burpo Monday, April 23, 2012 at 02:49AM Report as inappropriate

I adore WEN. It's the best thing in the world for curly hair if you want to wear it natural. WEN is a 10 for me

by betty_law_morgan Wednesday, April 18, 2012 at 03:55PM Report as inappropriate

I don't know about the rest of the stuff you mentioned, but WEN is one of the best hair products out there. BTW, their is the Lavender formula for volume, if thst's what you need. He even has a formulas for those that have nut and gluten problems. I didn't want to believe the hype, but I'm a firm believer in WEN. A WEN -WEN situation, hair down. ( sorry couldn't resist the puns)

by mia_boca Tuesday, April 17, 2012 at 09:44PM Report as inappropriate

ha that was interesting, tell u the truth i have a slimmer belt, not the one from tv, from big 5, and it actually worked for me, kinda bummed about the make up i wanted to try it.......

by rosie3love Tuesday, April 17, 2012 at 05:50PM Report as inappropriate