I've been a Bengay fan since my childhood, when I would watch my grandmother slather it on her forehead when she had a headache. In college, I rubbed it on my neck after staying up late cramming for finals and my neck was sore and stiff. I became addicted to the menthol smell, to the point that I would use Bengay even when my neck was perfectly fine. One of my only complaints about Bengay has been that it leaves my fingers greasy. The no-mess applicator seemed like a godsend. Unfortunately, it didn't work as I expected. The ointment kept coming out as I massaged my neck, and I wound up with too much Bengay on my neck -- and my pillow. I broke the applicator when I tried to adjust it. I didn't care for the "vanishing scent" formula, either. It defeats the purpose of using Bengay to begin with -- for the healing power of that distinctive and addictive smell. Oh, how I miss it.

-- Luis Fábregas

Bengay Pain Relief + Massage definitely has some benefits. You twist open the applicator, squeeze a little gel onto the painful area, close the applicator, and then rub the gel in with the rounded nubs on the end of the applicator. Because you use the applicator to rub in the gel, you don't get it on your hands. The nubs added to the soothing effect of the gel -- actually, I'm not sure if the relief I got wasn't more from the massaging than the gel. The container promises "vanishing scent," and the smell (which my grandfather once said kept him from cuddling up to my grandmother) does fade, but it takes a little while. All in all, for minor aches and pains, this form of Bengay was useful. I'll be using it to ease the pain in my left thumb from typing.

-- Sue Jones

A return to the gym after a lengthy pause always is good for a laugh -- from those dear family members who find amusement watching me groan as I walk up and down steps. But this time, I avoided the moans with a well-timed application of Bengay Pain Relief + Massage. I like the applicator process, which helps spread the creamy gel where you need it. Once dry, there is no sticky and greasy residue. It's nice to know you won't stain clothes after application. The heat relief is a pleasant aftereffect, but the scent doesn't vanish as quickly as you might hope. The applicator worked well and was especially useful in hitting areas of my back I can't quite reach. So, who's laughing now?

-- Sally Quinn

Additional Information:

Bengay Pain Relief + Massage

The claim: This new product combines the legendary pain-relieving power of Bengay with custom no-mess massage nubs. It works on minor arthritis pain, sore muscles and backaches. The vanishing scent starts to disappear in minutes, making it perfect for daytime use. The twist-turn closure allows you to control the product flow.

Cost: $7.79 for 3-ounce tube

Where: Food, drug and mass-market retailers or online

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