New products take a lot of prisoners. Their advertisements are always so glamorous: skinny models with sexy, golden skin and mouth-watering, refreshing scents reminiscent of hot summer nights and beach vacations.

It's hard to change the channel and forget. The impression has already been made. If only you used that scented shower gel created to invigorate your senses. Perhaps your morning showers would be more enjoyable, and you could skip your daily coffee runs to Starbucks.

And imagine if you used that sunless tanning lotion you just saw a commercial for; the one that gives you a healthy golden glow minus the streaking and harmful U.V. ray exposure. Then you'd be just as alluring as Jessica Simpson.

Unfortunately, products don't always live up to their hype. Shopping for the perfect product solution can feel like a game and a frustrating, costly endeavor. These failed attempts are especially damaging to college students with limited incomes.

Fellow classmates, I'm here to put an end to your frustrations. I will be your guinea pig. I will test the products for you. And two Fridays a month, I will report my experiences and tell you whether you should spend or save your money.

Stop back Oct. 24 to find out whether a popular brand's hot oil conditioning treatment really revitalized my hair.