Lux and Veritas

In the interest of truth (in advertising) and light (as in, shine a light on it), this blog is a departure from what I usually write.  Lately, I have been mentally collecting product packaging issues with some of the products that I buy and generally like quite a lot.  I am truly fatigued from buying products that are packaged in such a way that they are accompanied by a message that the manufacturer or brand marketing people think I am a complete moron.

The list of culprits: 
Arm & Hammer Whitening Booster
L'Oreaal Kerastase Lumiere Nutri-Sculpt
Estee Lauder Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher

Each of these products comes in an opaque bottle that does not allow you to see the amount of liquid contents you are buying, nor  can you squeeze out the last drops because the bottles are rigid, and you can't even take the top off the L'Oreal bottle in order to use a Q-tip to get the last dabs.  Do you try these strategies to try to get your money's worth on expensive products?  In addition, Arm & Hammer and Estee Lauder weighted their bottles with an excess of plastic in the base so that they feel like they have much more product in them than they do.

As of my last exploration of the Estee Lauder product listed above, tthe container has been changed to a slightly more accessible bottle that conforms with the other skin care products in the line-up. 

Bumblers:
Skilcraft toilet bowl brush

This product is made in the USA by blind craftsmen (see below italicized note).  I like that quite a lot.  However, they probably need to hire a designer with sight (or at least with an above average I.Q.) because the product design is miserable.  The toilet brush cannot be removed from the holder with one hand - it catches on the edges, and as you would imagine, this can be messy.  (Remember using old tooth brushes in school to cover paper with decorative spray?)  Also, and i recognizer that the company is proud of their product, the label is stuck across the entire front of the brush holder, and it does not come off.  If you work at it, you are still left with a miserable sticky residue that can collect germs the entire time the brush is in service. Besides, it just looks stupid to have a label on a lowly bathroom toilet bowl cleaner.  It is not Hermes.

Skilcraft {JWODCatalog.com} Skilcraft is a trade name of the National Industries for the Blind, an organization created by the AbilityOne Program (formerly known as Javits-Wagner-O'Day or JWOD Program) to create employment opportunities for blind Americans. Products bearing the Skilcraft brand are commonly used in U.S. Federal Government institutions, including Post Offices. They are also commonly sold in U.S. Military Base exchanges. Products include cleaning supplies, stationary items & office supplies, food service & operating supplies, bedding, mattresses, office furniture, hardware & paints, personal care & safety gear, medical & surgical supplies and environmental products.  Source:  .http://www.angelfire.com/nv/micronations/madeinusa.html

Commendations to:
Dove extra hold  hairspray
This product comes in an attractive lavendar spray bottle (non-aerosol) that can easily be re-purposed.  The labels peel cleanly off both the front and the back of the bottle.  No mess, no residue.  How simple.  How delightful.  Thank you Dove.