Over the weekend, I commenced gardening season by planting my annual beefsteak tomatoes. At the end of the day, as I looked down at my fruitful accomplishment, I realized I'd been stricken with the dreaded poison ivy. When I went to buy calamine lotion, this new Blistex Lip Infusion Sheer Liquid Balm in Cherry Splash ($2.89) came in the package as a free sample.

Never one to resist the temptation of a chapstick, I immediately tried it, and I was wowed by the result. Let me start by noting the cool sensation of the metal roller-ball applicator, which is perfectly refreshing in the hot Summer sun. For the rest of the highlights, read more