Dry Ideas.(Product/service evaluation)

Byline: --ELLEN MILLER

For fighting wetness, there's new strength for underarms--and new technology for other body parts. We asked Amy B. Lewis, clinical assistant professor of dermatology at Yale University, to evaluate the latest.

THE PRODUCT*****THE CLAIM*****WHAT THE DOCTOR SAYS*****WHAT WE SAY

DriOff*****This gel with aluminum acetate blocks sweat glands to prevent clammy palms, cleavage, hairline, and feet.*****"Aluminum acetate is an antiperspirant as well as an astringent. It will stop sweat and kill bacteria."*****At first, the clear gel had a potent smell of rubbing alcohol and burned slightly. Our hands stayed dry for three hours.

Skindinavia Makeup Finishing Spray*****Microscopic cooling particles attach to the pigments in makeup and chill it 15 to 20 degrees.*****"As the cooling substance evaporates, it pulls the heat away from makeup, making it less likely to melt."*****The spray smelled like rubbing alcohol, but dried instantly, and kept our foundation, blush, and eye shadow from slipping away.

Secret Clinical Strength Antiperspirant/Deodorant*****It contains 20 percent aluminum zirconium trichlorohydrex GLY, the most allowed without a prescription.*****"This antiperspirant is one of the most powerful out there. It also has dimethicone and petrolatum to moisturize."*****It ...