SheFinds.com - Embarrassing Questions 2

.: Fetid Feet

Q: I am addicted to shoes. Flip-flops, espadrilles, you name the style I have several pairs. My problem is that my feet totally reek after just a few hours. I am afraid to take my shoes off at friends' places due to the stink. Help.

A: Foot odor is caused by sweating, which provides a primo environment for odiferous bacteria to grow. Try Neat Feat Roll-on for Feet. Neat Feat uses powerful aluminum chlorohydroxide to stop sweat, an anti-fungal agent to prevent athlete's foot, and menthol to cool.

Zips Sole Spray belongs in everyone's smelly foot arsenal. It is a fresh feeling all-natural spray that soothes sore feet while staving off stink.

To rid your shoes of lingering aroma use Lush T for Toes powder. It contains tea tree oil which is a natural antiseptic. T for Toes also uses bicarbonate of soda which absorbs odors rather than mask them. Sprinkle your shoes with it in the evening and smell (or rather, don't smell) the results in the morning.

Support our sponsor and slip Summer Soles into your sandals. They're an editors' favorite -- maybe you saw them on The View.

Zips Sole Spray, $12 @ Amazon.com.

Lush T for Toes, $9 @ Amazon.com.

.: Halitosis from Hell

Q: I surprise myself occasionally when I smell something grim, and then realize it's my own breath. What can I do about this situation before it takes a toll on my professional and personal life? How can I tell if my breath really stinks?

A: To see how your breath smells, either lick your hand or scrape off some tongue goo and put in on your hand. Let it dry for a minute or two. Sniff. If the result is malodorous, here are a few things to try:

A thorough brushing with Colgate Total Advanced Fresh makes a big difference for most folks. It tested successfully in several scenarios, including after eating red onions and garlic and the morning after several glasses of wine.

To get to halitosis at the source get into the Breath Rx Tongue Scraper habit. It scrapes off the residue that harbors smelly bacteria.

Bad breath can be exacerbated by a dry mouth. Dry mouth is a side effect of medications we all use, including diet aids, antidepressants and decongestants. Biotene Oral Balance Dry Mouth Relief Moisturizing Gel uses enzymes that inhibit dry mouth. It defends against bad-breath bacteria without burning or irritation.

The ultimate quick-fix for questionable breath is Crest Glide Dental Floss in mint. Gone are the days when floss was out to harm you. Plus, the mint helps freshen your breath while getting rid of food particles and plaque that contributes to bad breath.

Breath Rx Tongue Scraper, $4 @ Drugstore.com.

Biotene Oral Balance Dry Mouth Relief Moisturizing Gel, $7 @ Drugstore.com.

Crest Glide Dental Floss, Mint, $3.79 @ Drugstore.com.

.: DeGassi Junior High

Q: I've just started all the whole grains, beans and veggies that one is "supposed to". I have energy, but it seems to be coming from a gas engine. How does one control major flatulence? I hate elevators and taxis due to my noxious emissions.

A: Try an odor-absorbing panty liner made called Fem-D. It is made of a thin comfortable fabric, containing activated charcoal, which is a proven smell-reducing ingredient. It can be worn with thongs or panties and are re-useable with proper care. Not only will it kill the naughty gas, it will also protect against feminine odor.

Another tip, try carrying some Acid+all. It's a calcium enriched, sugar-free, anti-acid, anti-gas medicine. The tin is much sleeker than the traditional antacid roll and prevents purse-fuzz from covering the end ones.

Q: I am nervous about doing "it" at my boyfriends. Not sex, but number two. I have avoided it so far by sneaking out to the closest fast food joint but I can't keep this up. Nature will call. How do I clear the air? Does lighting a match work?

A: Lighting a match works. It burns the sulphur in the air. Collect free matchbooks from cool bars and restaurants to add to your bathroom décor. Where a match is impractical or illegal we keep Just'a Drop on hand. It's tiny bottle that fits in your pocket or bag. Put one drop in the bowl before you do your business and the odors are trapped within. (Just don't try to take it on a plane anytime soon.)

Acid+all Antacid, Anti-Gas Tablets, $3.49 @ Drugstore.com.

Just'a Drop, $17 - Buy one, get one free.

.: Case Closed

Q: Where should I keep condoms?

A: The best way to keep them is in a case; one for your handbag and another for your bedside table. Our favorite is the sleek polished silver Retro Case from Condomania. Other cool Condomania products include faux-animal print condom cases and a fancy toy box complete with lock and key to hold condoms, massagers and lubricants out of site of nosy visitors and cleaning people.

Q: If there are cases for condoms, what about tampons? I can't stand carrying a cute handbag then opening it and a half-opened tampon pops out in front of my date.

A: Check out some darling tampon carrying cases with retro girly pics. They are crushproof and stay closed. Buy one for your purse and one for your gym bag or a gift.

Devine Toy Box, $40 @ Condomania.com.

Retro Pics Tampon Cases, $28 @ UncommonGoods.com.

.: The Hair Down There

Q: I've been coloring my hair for years. Now I want the carpet to match the drapes. Is it safe to dye your pubic hair?

A: Kind of. Medical experts don't recommend it, so color at your own risk. The best advice is to use dyes without ammonia. Temporary colors like mousses and brush-ons are also safer choices (though none of these manufacturers approve or endorse their use on pubic hair). Focus on the outer areas and avoid getting any color in, on, or next to your labia and vagina. Lots of gals have fun with shaving and dying combos, like the "Tiffany Box" in which the area is shaved into a square and then dyed blue. Of course another option is to just take it all off.

If you are nervous about doing it on your own, many salons offer this service. Since it's usually not on the standard menu, you'll need to call and ask.