As a new fan of the 99-Cent Store, it was my husband’s idea to try out 99-Cent Store products that could potentially replace more expensive, every-day products. Every few weeks or so my goal is to experiment with a 99-Cent Store product and see if it really could replace a product I use on a regular basis.
Our first product test drive: Sure Deodorant to replace Gillette Clear Gel
Many of the HBA products we purchase are name brands that cost a few dollars more than generic, our deodorant is one of them. We’ve been using the same deodorant for a while now, Gillette Clear Gel. I use it as well, though the smell is definitely more masculine than I’d prefer. However, the clear gel is a great feature, I don’t have to worry about white powder smearing onto my clothing. It also is a true antiperspirant and works great in warm climates.
Active Ingredient: Aluminum Zirconium Trichlorohydrex GLY 20%
What makes an antiperspirant work is its active ingredient. Finding a similar product at the 99-Cent Store was a bit challenging. After searching through the 99-Cent Store’s variety of deodorants, we lucked out and found Sure Max Unscented. We choose this brand mainly for its active ingredient and the delivery method; it oozes out of the top the same way as the Gillette Clear Gel.
Results
A few days of test driving the product, we found that it could potentially replace our current deodorant. Overall, if I were to score Gillette as an A product, I’d give Sure a B+ for the following reasons:
- Even-Steven: White deodorant dries clear as long as it is evenly applied. However, there is a higher chance of its white cream smearing on clothing.
- Even-Steven: Antiperspirant actually works just as well as the Gillette brand.
- Pro: No smell. The unscented deodorant truly is unscented and doesn’t smell like anything. I like that feature.
- Pro: A better priced item. Ounce per ounce, Sure costs .36 cents an ounce, where as Gillette on sale costs $1.00 an ounce.
- Con: Availability is a bit sketchy. After purchasing Sure and deciding we liked it, we went back to the 99-Cent Store the very next day and all the Sure deodorants were gone. I’m unsure (pardon my pun!) of the future availability of this product.
- Pro: Both products are made by Proctor & Gamble.
- Con: Sure’s packaging and roll-up wheel appears a little more quirky and makes noise compared to Gillette’s more expensive packaging.
Summary
I’m switching to Sure if I can find it again!
Mini-Roundup (Haven’t done this in a while!)
- Money Beagle with Apparently I’ve Been Using Too Much Soap : What happens when you mop the floor with only water? Suds appear!
- Family Balance Sheet with Are You Wasting Time and Preventing Yourself from Your Million Dollar Dream? Using a grocery store delivery might increase your chances of becoming a millionaire. Hmmm….
- Girl with the Red Balloon with I’m going to be an Aunt! But not a Mother. Apparently this poor gal has been getting pressured to have kids since the tender age of 19! Just say no is my motto. (p.s. I like kids, I just like seeing in the classroom, not in my home 😉 )
4 Comments
Wow, that “Sure” is a lot cheaper (lol)! I never thought about check the dollar store for deodorant, I’v mainly been buying Wyler single packet water mixes. I only use half per packet, and it’s a lot cheaper and healthier than pop.
Sounds like you made a good discovery! Maybe buy a few packages of Sure during your next purchasing cycle? That way, when they (hopefully) temporarily run out, you have a backup?
Hmmm, I just noticed your “Interview with Little House” in your sidebar… I think I’ll give it a read! 🙂
@Money Reasons – I’m just hoping they have some Sure in the future. Their products are hit and miss, they basically get the “left overs” or items that were ordered in excess. But, you never know, I might just luck out. Enjoy my interview, if you can handle my valley-girl accent! For sure, for sure. 😉
Interesting findings. I just might revisit the dollar stores. I last went to one as part of a lesson for my then 6-year old – she got a gift of $10, and I let her spend $1 and save the rest. She went to the dollar store and spent about 25 minutes analyzing the merchandise before selecting her item. As a Dad, I’m not the kind of shopper that “browses” for long – I go in the store, get what I want, and get out (unless it’s a bookstore, then all bets are off). Time is money, right:)
Anyway, I’ll have to get past that dollar store experience and revisit the concept. If you can find a few items like that an save a few dollars, and it’s not too much out of the way to go there, then why not?
@Squirrelers – I try not to spend much more than 30 minutes in the dollar store (I really don’t like to shop), but within that time I can usually find a couple of great deals. I would definitely call and ask your nearest store when they receive their inventory, the best items occur on that day and don’t last long!