Kleenex Cold Care

Kleenex Cold Care (nee Kleenex Ultra, shown here) has won my heart. I tried them because I needed something softer than regular tissue, but Puffs Plus (which were way too gooey anyway) cost an exorbitant $1.37 for 80, while the unassuming Kleenex Ultra weighed in at an economical 89 cents for 108 (note: these were '96 prices; expect to pay more now).

Now there's no turning back. Kleenex Ultra are softer than the original Kleenex and Kleenex Softique. They soothe without the lotiony residue of Puffs Plus. Puffs Plus usually made my skin feel greasy, so I was delighted to find an equally soft and far less heavy-handed alternative.

Of course, nothing can recommend Kleenex Ultra more effectively that the delightful pop-up box. We've come to take that pop-up box for granted. But when you're unfortunate enough to suffer through a jumbo box of the horrible Puffs in their dreadful cut-away box, you'll come to appreciate the simple genius of pop-up dispensing.

My only fear is that this low price will only last a limited time. Kleenex Ultra are relatively new. Once they steal a big enough chunk of the Puffs Plus market, they might jack up the price. Once you're a Kleenex Ultra junky, using an unsubtle Puffs Plus is like a Diet Coke drinker sucking down a Dr. Pepper.

If you're especially fancy (or especially sickly & feeling a little indulgent), try the Cold Care Menthol, sort of like a mild Tiger Balm-infused tissue. Clears you out!