As Seen on T.v. Products: Do They Work?
by Jo Oliver on Sep 30, 2008 with 50 Comments
There are endless products and gadgets advertised on late night T.V. If you are like me, you often wonder if they work, how they work, and if they do what they claim to do. I scavenged all the salvage stores, borrowed, and even begged my mom into buying some to try. Waste her money…not mine.
I am not recommending you buy any of the test products I used. I am not discouraging you from buying any of the test products that I used. I am simply sharing my experience with these products, as I wondered how many as seen on T.V. products actually work. As I test more, I will keep you updated on what my finding are. Here are the six that I started with:
Everyone who watches five minutes of T.V. has seen the commercial for wonder towels. To name a few: “Magic Shammy,” “ Cham Wow,” etc.. On the commercial, they show Coke spilled on a rug and the guy just touches the wonder rag to the carpet. Wow, the coke is gone. My dad had already bought these to dry the car off after a wash. . He said it did okay, but nothing a five dollar mechanics rag wouldn’t do. So, I carry an unused one home with me. I am not crazy. I didn’t pour coke on my carpet for ya’ll. I did pour half a glass of coke on a carpet sample that I picked up at the local carpet shop for free. It picked up the coke on the external fibers, but it left the coke on the inner fibbers and coke was still in a puddle under the carpet. I tried again. This time I pushed harder, like one normally would when cleaning a spill up. It got most of the coke from the inner fibers, but the coke was still in a puddle under the carpet. Conclusion- no, it isn’t magic. You can do the same thing with a regular towel or heavy duty cleaning rag.
The “Green Bags,” like Debbie Allens or Forever Green, claim to extend the life of food when you seal them in these little green bags. Supposedly, it is the Co2 released by the vegetable or fruit that actually spoils it when you store it in a regular plastic zipper bag. I found some of these bags at my local salvage store. They were marked $20.00, but after the salvage store discount I only paid $5.00. I bring them home and put half a pint of strawberries in a green bag and half a pint in a regular plastic bag. Three days latter, they look about the same. Five days latter, the green bag strawberries are browning and have multiple soggy spots. The ones in the regular plastic bag are browning and have multiple soggy spots. Conclusion- you are obviously paying for the green dye they put in a regular plastic bag.
Callous removers like the “Ped Egg” claim to gently remove stubborn callous and dry skin and save you hundreds of dollars in professional pedicures . This one I wanted to try, but couldn’t find in any of my offbeat cheap-o- stores. So, I made my mom order it. It was under 20 bucks after shipping…not bad. The container claimed to hold all the shavings and keep the process mess free. It came with a multitude of instructions. Diabetics- don’t waste your money because you can not use this product. It is not gentle as they claim, but it works. I rubbed it across my callous and it really did shave it down and collect the skin. If you get too wild with it or turn it sideways, you will see little particles flying around like sleet. Conclusion- I was really presently surprised and it cuts down on the mess and does pretty much what it claims to do.
A friend had bought the “Kinoki Detox Foot Pads” for her grandfather, who refused to wear them. I eagerly took them off her hands. I didn’t hold much faith in something that is supposed to pull toxins from within your body via the skin. My nursing instincts revoked this one almost immediately after reading the claims on the packaging. None the less, for one week a applied them every night. Each night they turned a yucky blackish grey color and smelled like a boys locker room on fire. I never did fell an energy boost, though. I am beginning to wonder how in the heck this could be real. I was sure that I could debunk this one. I didn’t have the energy, but the pad had all these supposed toxins all over them. Then, I get the idea to remove it from the package and just set it on top of my bedside water. Sure enough, the next morning it was the same yucky color and smell. I found another lady on the internet who had the same brainstorm and placed the patch over steam. She claims that she had the patch tested and it was nothing but vinegar and green tea. Don’t know about that, but I can conclude that it was a waste of my friends money and a clever eye trick.
My mom’s house is often confused for a flower nursery. She has flowers in in every corner of her acre lot and her own green house. After seeing the “Aqua Globes” on TV, I thought it would be the perfect birthday gift for her. Last April, I ordered them for under ten dollars. It really is hand blown glass and the design is beautiful. She has been using them (2 came in the order) since April and confirms they do keep the soil moist for 7-9 days, but not the 14 days the box promises. Still, that is a lot less watering to do. Conclusion- not all it cracks up to be, but definitely works well.
I have never liked heavy foundations and powders. For years, I have bought loose powder from my grandmothers drug store, instead of the pressed kind from Avon, Beauty Control, etc.. A few years ago, I saw a commercial for Bare Minerals. It killed me because I wanted to try it, but it was just too expensive. Since then… beauty chains, Wal-Mart, etc have all started carrying loose powder. They are supposed to work on the same principle as Bare Minerals. I have tried most of them. And, I do not find the more expensive ones to work any better than the cheaper one. Then, I finally got my chance to try Bare Minerals. I unwrapped my anniversary gift like a kid in a candy store. Much like the candy, it looked much better than it worked. Conclusion is- I honestly did not see any difference in it and the $5.oo, off the shelf, kind that I always use.
Please feel free to add on your experience with these products or any other product.
Click here for the latest products reviewed:
http://www.gomestic.com/Consumer-Information/As-Seen-on-TV-Products-3-Do-They-Work.591333
http://www.gomestic.com/Consumer-Information/As-Seen-on-TV-Products-Do-They-Work-2.319421
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Published in: Consumer Information
ursula banteux | Sep 30, 2008 | Reply
you’re quite the diligent shopper. the one i was most curious about what bare minerals. i never wear make-up, but i figured if i did, i’d want to use something light. i suppose i should have figured it wouldn’t be a big deal…
great article!
valli | Sep 30, 2008 | Reply
Useful info.
CHAN LEE PENG | Sep 30, 2008 | Reply
Wow, both pics and text are attractive! Take care!
Lauren Axelrod | Sep 30, 2008 | Reply
I was curious about the Bare minerals. Now I don’t have to waist my money. Thanks Jo
Bozsi Rose | Sep 30, 2008 | Reply
very good article. I almost order the shamwow. Glad I didn’t…
NA Staffieri | Sep 30, 2008 | Reply
I had to show this article to my wife. I’ve always been suspect of those “magical” products. Thanks for the market testing.
Ruby Hawk | Sep 30, 2008 | Reply
This is wonderful information for people who are thinking about buying these products. You have saved them money. Well researched.
Becky | Oct 1, 2008 | Reply
I have also tried most of these products (except shamwow & the foot pads, since the pads were an obvious sham of their own) and I mostly agree with the descriptions,
However, the Bare Minerals worked amazingly well for me. I think the success depends on the type of skin you have, but I can tell a difference in pictures if myself when I’m wearing bare minerals vs. any other type of foundation.
But otherwise, good info. I just had to defend the best makeup I’ve found in years. (For me.)
Em | Oct 1, 2008 | Reply
I agree with Becky, I absolutely love Bare Minerals and just wanted to chime in. It’s been the best for me, as it does a good job at smoothing out my skin tone (which gets extremely red). And I hardly break out anymore, even when I almost always sleep in it.
I concede, I haven’t tried the store brands. However I do want to point out that the price of bare minerals may be expensive at first, but i haven’t had to buy extras/replace anything for over 6 months.
Anyways, love the article. Those glass globes sound great, and might consider buying for my poor forgotten plants.
Ani | Oct 1, 2008 | Reply
I have tried Bare Minerals and I seem to like it. I used to use liquid foundation which I wasnt very happy with. Maybe another brand of Powder foundation would also work the same way I am not sure. But I like the Bare Minerals
Teri | Oct 1, 2008 | Reply
Love the ped egg but if you get too carried away with it, you can hurt your foot. I had to wear flip-flops for awhile till the soreness went away! It really does work well though! I loved your article and found it honest and helpful! You have to wonder about these “miracle” products sometimes!
Ross | Oct 1, 2008 | Reply
Very well done. I have to say though that I find that the green bags do keep fresh fruits and veggies fresher longer, bu that is my experience. By the way it is ethylene gas that fruits and veggies give off as they ripen that speeds up the spoilage process not co2. The bags supposedly absorb the gas, who knows they work for me…
The other review I would like to comment on is the bare minerals. My wife has used every type of make up powder etc under the sun. Everything from the cheap stuff sold in WallMart and drug stores to the super expensive stuff. By far the bare minerals is the best. It lasts for ever doesn’t dry out and if you have sensitive skin doesn’t irritate it! Again just a different experience!
Again a really great job with the review!
Peggy | Oct 1, 2008 | Reply
Love this article.
I do better with my produce with aluminum foil.I’ve had great results wrapping celery it will stay firm for 4 weeks or more.
Krista | Oct 1, 2008 | Reply
Sounds like you found a couple of impostors but you seem a little too cynical and critical of everything that people obviously love.
Bare Minerals to be specific. I too have had fantastic results with that product. Ped Egg, AquaGlobes, Green Bags AND SHAM Wow are all pretty good products and not a waste of money at all. But those detox pads, everyone knows that’s a crock. Almost well written article, but lighten up a bit sister.
Kathy | Oct 1, 2008 | Reply
I’ll have to try the Ped Egg. I use one on a stick, (looks like a cheese grater!), and I have to put down newspaper because it goes everywhere! Thanks for the great info!
jo oliver | Oct 1, 2008 | Reply
Thank you all for the comments and sharing your experience with these products.
Krista- I think you misunderstood my article. The only product that I said did not work was the foot pads. All the other products work just fine. However, some do not do the ALL of the things they claim to and/or have cheaper alternatives that work just as well for ME.
Thanks again…to everyone.
Kiki Stamatiou | Oct 1, 2008 | Reply
I agree with what you say about how merchandise isn’t always what it appears to be or do what they ad says it will do. When I was seven years old, back in the 1970’s, my mother bought some Cookie Crisp cereal when it was first advertised on television. It was a new cereal, and I practically begged my mom to buy it, because the commercial said it turns a person’s bowl into a cookie jsr. Needless to say, my mom bought me the cereal. When I poured it into a bowl with some milk, I sat there for the longest time at the table waiting for my bowl to turn into a cookie jar. To my dismay, it didn’t. I asked my mom why my bowl wasn’t turned into a cookie jar, and she said it was only a gimmick advertisers use, so that the product would appeal to children who beg their parents to buy it, and as a result, the company makes a quick buck. I too have work published on Triond, published under my pen name Joanna Maharis which is also my USER name.
Take Care,
Kiki Stamatiou (Joanna Maharis)
RJ Chamberlain | Oct 1, 2008 | Reply
Pretty sure any of the Abdominal things never work. Not that Iv’e actually tried but they just sound like a gimic! Cool article Jo!
Melody Arcamo Lagrimas | Oct 2, 2008 | Reply
Thank you for doing all this testing and sharing your discovery with us. Great write-up and photos.
Nelson Doyle | Oct 2, 2008 | Reply
Informative article and reviews. My mom uses Bare Minerals and swears by it. She absolutely loves the product.
God Bless,
Nelson Doyle
Emily | Oct 2, 2008 | Reply
Here ia an interesting podcast about the foot pads that detoxify, it includes a trip to a lab to test the active ingredients.
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=93710963
I also agree with the author about the pedi-egg, I use it regularly and I am very happy with it’s performance.
K D Blakley | Oct 2, 2008 | Reply
Wonderful idea! Like most people, I am curious about these “wonder” products. Perhaps it is only my imagination, but I feel the green bags work well with the fruits and veggies I’ve tried. Then again, I’ve never been willing to run a genuine controlled test.
Krev | Oct 2, 2008 | Reply
Welcome Article! Well done! I am fascinated with all the merchandise sold in the Infomercials. My wife despairs when I bought some! Seriously, do more, contact me via Triond message if you want and let me know how I can help you get / find these products.
Love the reviews. Out of them all, I have only tried the green bags, ordered at full price mind you! In the end, I think they did work, some… but it requires a lot of discipline to use, reuse and seal, no easy to use Fruit bowls.
Thanks again
Lauren Axelrod | Oct 2, 2008 | Reply
HOT LIST! GO JO!
Christian Archer | Oct 3, 2008 | Reply
I wish that more folks like you would let the general public know about ‘deals’ so that less of us would be ripped off. I loved this article and I hope you add to it in time. Good job!
Memoryz | Oct 3, 2008 | Reply
Very helpful!
Brianne | Oct 3, 2008 | Reply
I tend to be up late at night and see these commercials incessantly … One thing I did buy was the Shark Steam Mop and I’m pleased with how it actually does clean tiles. I didn’t like that the pads get a dirty alot quicker than the commercial shows. I can do a 15′ x 15′ room with ease. It keeps my kitchen CLEAN and keeps my kids’ room real nice.
Let us know what you think.
Oh OxyClean works really well on almost every surface, I took red Sharpie out of my car’s leather seats a year ago and the leather looks brand new still, no residue or excelled againg.
Two thumbs up for both products from me.
thestickman | Oct 3, 2008 | Reply
Those ‘oxyclean’ products never, NEVER worked for me, not one little bit. They do nothing. I do subscribe to the principle though, as oxygen whitening *should work* to brighten, lighten yellowed whites like bedsheets, pillowcase and curtains. But not matter the concentration or temperature of the water, these ilk have done NOTHING for me. Oxyclean, didi7, -whatever it is called… that gunk in a toothpaste tube that they spittle alittle dab into a clear glass bowl if tea-like water and it instantly turns clear(??), -fake!
I am suspicious of that ’sham wow’ thing too, while a good ’shammy cloth’ works great to mop-up water droplettes from the hood of a car, that whole beating a Coke-soaked rug… -how many times does the camera ‘cut away’ from the work-area?? Twice, -three times? FAKE. Makes me wanna slap that ear-mic right off the smug face of that announcer/circus barker…
Bad advertisements like these need to be stopped. GREAT products do exist. You cited a few real losers though (which was the point of the article, which was EXCELLENTLY WRITTEN.)
-thestickman
ryan | Oct 6, 2008 | Reply
I’m always suspicious of the products advertised in infomericals.
However, when I saw the pedi-egg, the premise was a simple one and so I thought it may actually work.
I ended up buying the pedi-egg at a local store, and besides a little mess that it ends up making, it really works great.
I have used one of those stick handle ones and hated it. When my mom and aunt saw I had a pedi-egg, they tested it and it worked great for them.
Jena | Oct 6, 2008 | Reply
Thank you. I’d like to read more posts like this!
Have you ever seen the movie 10 Items or Less with Morgan Freeman? The cashier and Freeman (playing himself) walk around Target and watch one of the demos of the Sham Wow-like product. I rather enjoyed that movie… (it was just a little weird.)
Dawn | Oct 6, 2008 | Reply
Did you use the real Shamwow, or some imposter (like “Cham Wow”)? I’ve heard that the real one really works, but I’ve never tried it myself.
Justin | Oct 7, 2008 | Reply
Damn, and I really wanted to buy a Sham-wow too.
Though I would only be using it on my motorcycle, so I can probably save myself a couple bucks thanks to you.
brad | Oct 7, 2008 | Reply
i have long suspected the sham-wow was, well a sham. For the same price you can go to any camping supply shop and grab a camp towel that is the same thing.
the texture feels weird on your skin, but even wet they hold a lot of water. perfect for drying cars and such
La Tirana | Oct 7, 2008 | Reply
thanks for an informative article! i have to disagree with the green bags though.. i think they did work pretty well. off to buy bare minerals!
Judy W. | Oct 8, 2008 | Reply
I use Bare minerals, I have rosacea and the liquid make-up and the less expensive make up make me break out and flush.
So I give bare minerals a thumbs up!!!!
CWatch | Oct 8, 2008 | Reply
Don’t forget Head On – Apply direclty to the forehead!
Look it up on Wiki. It contains nothing and does nothing. The ads don’t even say what it is supposed to do!.
Jenn | Oct 8, 2008 | Reply
I had a different experience will Bare Minerals vs the off brand from walgreens. I found that the offbrand powder didn’t stay on as long (I’m at school for 12+hrs a day) and I noticed at the end of the day I looked terrible. I really like Bare Minerals ’cause it covers my dark circles and stays on!
resilientheart | Oct 9, 2008 | Reply
Wow – thank you so much for your research and testing, I’d been wondering about things like the produce bags, especially with money as tight as it is and trying to stretch our food dollars. I noticed the Super WalMarts use green tinted produce bags, I wonder if they are any better?
Thanks again, great article – well written with great photos, I’m a fan now!
Blessings,
RH
Dave L | Oct 17, 2008 | Reply
Those green bags–when they’re the genuine article–work amazingly well for vegetables. Haven’t tried them with fruit. But I get as much as WEEKs extra from some veggies using them.
Dave L | Oct 17, 2008 | Reply
Maybe it was because who knows what condition or product you were actually getting in a salvage store. What kind of test is that?
Chuck | Oct 17, 2008 | Reply
The green bags do work amazingly well. You must have had bogus bags, or you didn’t follow the directions correctly.
Peter | Nov 1, 2008 | Reply
Kinoki not only doesn’t work, it can’t work as advertised. It is the most over-the-top lie-filled ad I’ve seen. Watch the commercials carefully and you can see they even claim to remove asbestos and lead. It’s been proven that the ingredients are the very thing that causes the apparent reaction. Ridiculous and a rip off.
Peter Raratonga | Nov 11, 2008 | Reply
man, if you’re going to test late night products, test the RIGHT ones…ShamWOW and Debbie MEYER Green Bags. Don’t do knockoffs; do the first gen originals.
Don’t let Vince Offer find out about ChamWOW. He’ll come at you, headset and all.
Dr. G | Feb 25, 2009 | Reply
Had my credit card out and just about to order the Scam-Wow’s but deciced to research a bit. Found this article and put my credit card back in my wallet. Thanks your article gets a 10 in my books.
Laura | Mar 12, 2009 | Reply
My brother just uses old wine bottles or vodka bottles (well cleaned) though i suppose you could use and awesome looking bottle (preferable with a longish neck) for the flower watering thing, and they can look awesome also, without spending extra money….
poetic enigma | Mar 15, 2009 | Reply
Another great review article,
Very interesting,
I’ve seen all these advertised and always wondered
great write!
DA Cournean | Jun 4, 2009 | Reply
Great article!
Debra. | Jun 4, 2009 | Reply
Very informative article. Thanks for the input, Jo.
Debra. | Jun 4, 2009 | Reply
Very informative article. Thanks for the input, Jo.
B Nelson | Jun 26, 2009 | Reply
I am disappointed the Sham WOW doesnt live up to its name.. glad you informed us before we rushed out.
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