Style Matters: Stylish Readers, we have found products to solve two grooming issues most of us hesitate to discuss: gray roots and sweaty armpits. The winners made our "Pick" list; the rest are "Flicks" - as in throw them away.

Cover those roots

We can go only three weeks now without our nasty gray roots going public. Recently, we tried several temporary coverup products, hoping they would buy us another week before we run to the colorist. All these products can be used by men and women. None is perfect, but one is better than the rest.

Flicks:

* Roux Tween Time: $5.99, metrobeauty.com; $6.99, Sally Beauty Supply,

Heat this wax crayon under hot water and then rub it firmly on the roots. It takes a strong hand and elbow grease to deposit enough product on your hairline to see results. Not worth it.

* GreyFree Instant Touch-up: $6.99, Amazon.com

It goes on like mascara. Coverage is good and long-lasting. But hair gets matted down and hard to comb.

* ColorMark Gray Roots Instant Liquid Touch Up: $17.99, Amazon.com

This coverup comes with its own comb, which blends in the color nicely. (Using a comb works well with all coverups.) The problem with ColorMark is that roots feel stiff and sticky.

Pick:

* Oscar Blandi Pronto Colore Root Touch-up and Highlighting Pen: $23, Sephora.com

The most expensive, but worth it. Just scribble it on your roots like a magic marker. Hair stays soft, and color is long-lasting.

Sweating up a storm

We're not shy. We don't perspire, we sweat, OK? Deal with it. We've been searching for the perfect antiperspirant that will save us from sending our little black dresses to the cleaners every week. Long ago we ditched the Ban, Secret and Sure. Those are for sissies.

Flicks:

* Certain Dri: $5.95, drug and discount stores

Claims it gives 72-hour protection. Ha! Our sweat glands rolled over this product like a hot iron on butter.

* Drysol: $20.98, buydrysol.com or local pharmacies

A prescription is needed for this product. It's prescribed for hyperhidrosis (a big word meaning "sweats a lot"). Drysol stings and itches when applied. Is that supposed to mean it works? It does not.

* Mitchum Clear Gel with "the maximum level of active ingredient": $3.89, grocery stores and pharmacies

We thought a man's deodorant could do the job. The gel goes on gooey and remains sticky. We kicked sand at its wimpy protection.

Pick:

* Women Degree Clinical Protection: $8.65, grocery stores, pharmacies

Two clicks of the unique twistable dispenser releases the correct amount of product. Apply it at night and stay dry through the next day, even after showering. Finally, a product that is as good as its claims.

Join Style Matters at the Denver Public Library's fashion show/benefit featuring local fashion designers, 7 p.m. Monday, dplfriends.org or 720-865-2050

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