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4you Men's Beauty Board Tests Antiperspirant/Deodorants

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TBO.com

Published: June 29, 2011

Updated: 06/29/2011 12:26 pm

If you're never quite sure whether the ads for popular beauty products can be believed, relax. Our 4you Beauty Board is made up of veteran testers ready to try the latest when it comes to all things beauty. We'll share what worked and what bombed with the hope of making life a little easier for you.

Check out our online database of reviews at TBO.com, search: Health.

Right Guard Clinical Antiperspirant and Deodorant

Available at most major retailers and grocery stores, including Target, CVS, Walgreens and Publix; about $7.99 for 1.8 ounces

"With our advanced DryTek Protection System and the maximum amount of active ingredient allowed by the FDA, Right Guard clinical antiperspirant and deodorant is the cleanup hitter against odor and wetness. Plus, it goes on dry, not messy like other clinical products.''

Rating: B

Ken says: I prefer invisible solids over aerosols or gels because it seems a little odd to fight wetness with wetness. It's never good when the product keeping you dry is the thing causing the embarrassing stain on your Brooks Brothers shirt. So this product's claim of rolling on clean and dry is an important performance indicator for me. The "ultimate fresh'' scent of this invisible solid was fresh but not overpowering, and the product lived up to its neatness claim. It left no pit prints.

I put the 24-hour odor protection to the test in a weekend hunt for my son's college housing at the University of Central Florida. The search landed me and my better half in a hotel with a little cozier sleeping arrangement than our typical king size bed. Her take was that if this was prescription strength, I need a new doctor. Ouch! But that was an extreme test — the Orlando heat, thousands in future housing expenses and my video game partner leaving the nest. The odor protection seemed to pass the test on a typical work day.

Ken Koehn, 48, is an assistant managing editor at the News Center.

Gillette Clinical Odor Shield

Available at most drug stores and other major retailers; $9.99 for 1.7 ounces

"Triple Protection Technology of Gillette Clinical Odor Shield Anti-Perspirant/ Deodorant keeps you ready to face whatever comes your way with confidence."

Rating: A

Rod says: The Gillette website touts this product's ability to keep you covered "with skin conditioners and advanced protection against wetness" and it did. I

The aroma of the product was especially pleasing. It applied easily and didn't leave me feeling wet under the arms as some deodorants can do. It also didn't leave that obnoxious white stain that typically lingers after application.

I also like the product's packaging in terms of colors and design.

I'm not sure I ever really "need" clinical strength deodorant -- nor am I sure I would admit to it in public if I did -- but the product did work out well.

I have been using the same type of deodorant for my entire life, with only a couple of variations. After using Gillette Clinical Odor shield, I may change my brand.

Rod Carter, 42, is the morning anchor on News Channel 8 Today.

Old Spice Sweat Defense

Available at drug stores and major retailers; $4.99 for 2.6 ounces

"Giving sweat a beat down." 

Rating: B 

Dennis says: This product works very well. It is, as advertised, both an anti-perspirant and a deodorant.

I used it every day for weeks and never once had a problem with sweat or smell.

And I was skeptical; I've used underperforming products from Old Spice before, in this same kind of dispenser.

That said, this stuff is not for me. It's a cream, and it bunches up in underarm hair.

It isn't as bad as other sticks or creams, but most sprays and roll-ons don't bunch up. And considering effectiveness and texture, I'm still a roll-on man.

Dennis Joyce, 54, is an editor in the News Center's Data Circle.

Dove Men Care Clean Comfort 48-hour Deodorant

Available at most major retailers; $4.99 for 3.0 ounces

"Specifically designed to give men protection—without compromise. Its unique formula combines one of the most effective ingredients for 48-hour protection against odor and wetness with non-irritant 1/4 moisturizer technology."

Rating: A

If you are a man, and you live in Florida in the summertime, and you are not a modern marvel forged by mechanics in a hidden compound in the Nevada mountains, then this much is clear: You stink. And not just a little, either.

It's simply unacceptable to reek if you work around people and don't wish to offend or ruin lunches, so I am picky about my deodorant. This product passed my rigorous inspection. I even tested the boast that it protects for 48 hours; I still smelled, as my wife noted, "nice and fresh." It worked not only on a "normal day at the office" (as if such a day exists) but also on a weekend trip to Busch Gardens in baking heat with kids. As advertised, it didn't irritate my skin and went on smoothly, without that pasty build up some deodorants leave in your armpits and consequently on your shirt. I'm not sure what else a man can expect from his deodorant.

Kevin Walker, 45, is editor of Friday Extra and the Books page.

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