Alberto VO5 Wet Look Styling Gel

Advantages: Holds it well, easily mouldable, "wet" look

Disadvantages: Loses hold in sweaty conditions, need to find right amount for your hair.

I only ever use gel occasionally now as I don't have that much time in the mornings and my hair gets messed up easily with swimming etc. I bought this when I started university a couple of years ago so when I went on nights out I was able to do something to my hair to look a bit decent. I opted to buy this gel as I had seen it used in my hairdressers and it seemed to work well.

The gel comes in a blue transparent tube made of soft plastic and a blue lid is on the bottom with a flip cap on it. On the front it has the name of the product in green and blue text which is quite hard to read. On the rear all the usual information can be found. The tube holds 200ml of the clear gel that is quite thick but has no discernible smell to it. The gel comes out the tube easily with just a slight squeeze of the tube.

It says on the rear that it can be applied directly to damp or dry hair and it should be worked from roots to tips before leaving to dry. I usually dry my hair before applying it, and when I follow the guidelines as that seems to work best. It is very easy to rub between your hands and hair and does not dry too quickly, which allows you to style/shape your hair. It took my quite a while to find the right amount to use as if you use too much then your hair feels like a rock, but too little and your hair looks floppy. I find that an amount about the size of 2 peas will be enough for my hair and keep it looking reasonably good all night. I find that the gel will hold my hair well until I get to a warm bar or club. As soon as I get a bit hot and sweaty then it starts to lose its hold and my hair turns into a bit of a mess.

As a gel, it works well once you have tried it a few times to find the right amount of it for you, however I don't find it the most practical if you enjoy going to hot bars and clubs as it doesn't last long at all. I've used it a few times during the day and it is okay and lasts a bit longer.

I think I paid about £2.50 for this from Tesco's a few years ago, and considering I have still have a third of a tube left it has lasted well. I would expect that it would last a lot less if you used it more than I do though. Overall I think it is only worth 3/5 as for my usual use of it, it doesn't last too long before losing the hold.
 

Summary: Reasonably good gel from a good brand.

This review may also appear on Ciao and Dooyoo under the username Qroo.

Ibuleve Max Strength Ibuprofen Gel

Advantages: Fast acting pain relief, tube lasts a while, doesn't smell.

Disadvantages: Cost.

If you are struggling with aches and pains that won't go away then this has to be the product for you. It can be described as being a bit like the deep heat gels that you can get, except I find it provides a lot more help.

I was prescribed this by my doctor last year when I was having problems with my shins caused by running. I was told to apply it three times daily until it was no longer needed. I ended up using it for about three weeks along side some pills I was given. In the end it helped sort out my shin problems and I was able to run again pain free.

It comes in a white tube made of metal and has a bright yellow screw cap on it. Written on the front of the tube in blue is the name of the product and in red is says "MAXIMUM STRENGTH". It states that it is 10% ibuprofen and that it should be applied directly to the point of pain. It also lists some common ailments that it can be used to help ease the pain of. If you turn it over you can find the directions for use and a warning that you should read before using it. Due to the high ibuprofen content it may not be suitable for those with asthma, peptic ulcers, history of kidney problems or you are already taking pain killers. It states that it is for external use only, so don't swallow it!

It comes out of the tube as a thick clear gel that has a slight scent. It doesn't smell too bad and once applied it isn't noticeable. To apply it you simply rub some of it onto the area where the pain is arising from. You then leave it to do its work and soak into your skin. You should always wash your hands after use to avoid it going into your eyes, ears, nose or mouth.

It works by targeting the ibuprofen directly to the site of pain. Unlike other pain killers which take time to act, you can feel this working straight away. Since using it on my shins, I have used it for other pains where the results have been just as successful.

To buy this from the shops it costs around £7 from any good chemist. It may be quite expensive compared to deep heat or ibuprofen tablets but it is well worth the money for the pain relief it offers. Tablets or deep heat do not work as well as this does at all!

If your in pain and want quick relief then this is worth a try. It comes in a 50g bottle which will last for quite a while. Due to the high price of it, I will give it a 4/5.

Summary: Fast acting pain relief that works.

This review may also appear on Ciao and Dooyoo under the username Qroo.