I was surprised to learn while editing a recent beauty article for our sister publication, ShopSmart, that the label "cruelty-free" on cosmetics doesn't necessarily guarantee that the product wasn't tested on animals. The same goes for "no animal testing" (how's that for incongruous?). While the terms sound good, it turns out that neither of them is legally defined nor backed by any certifying organization.

Q: Once again, in a recent issue of Consumer Reports, cell-phone service Ratings for AT&T were at the bottom. Why is that so? I've used AT&T for 15 years and have never had a problem with dropped calls or voice quality. —C.K., Coldwater, Miss.

Many infomercial products aren't worth more than the time you spend watching the frantic pitches. But three that we've tested combine good performance and real value: Lint Lizard, Ninja Master Prep Professional blender, and Ooma.

Attention Walmart shoppers (or is that drivers?). The retail giant has just launched a fuel-price rollback that knocks off as much as 15 cents per gallon on purchases at more than 1,000 Murphy USA and Walmart gas stations in 21 states. The promotion runs through July 7.

Q: A storage-company rep told a friend that he had to purchase storage insurance to cover what he keeps there. But his agent says he's covered by his homeowners policy. Does he need the extra coverage? —J.F., Dumont, N.J.

Frugal shoppers know that swapping private-label products for brand-name ones can save big bucks at the supermarket checkout--an average of 25 percent, according to industry experts. And our tests have found that many store brands are just as good as the big names. If you're still reluctant to buy them, here are some more reasons to give them a try, along with tips for making the smartest choices:

Looking to purchase a bottle of bubbly for the night? You might not think of Consumer Reports when it comes to buying wine, but our industry experts have reviewed many of your favorite varietals, including Cabernet, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz, Zinfandel, and many more.

If you received gift cards this holiday season, you should get out and use them up now, before they get buried in a drawer, lose value, or expire.

The holidays were wonderful, but now that the wrapping paper has been discarded and the good dishes put away, it's time to take stock—should you keep, return, or re-gift some of the presents you got?

Buying a gift card is easy, and while legislation has eliminated a number of the gotchas associated with these presents, some drawbacks remain. So do your homework before you spend any money on gift cards.

You've bought just the right gifts for friends and family, so don't botch things by having presents arrive late. Below you'll find the deadlines for guaranteed Christmas delivery for three major shipping companies.

You may think you've bought the perfect gift for everyone on your list, but at least some of your recipients are likely to disagree.

Although two-thirds of holiday shoppers hit the mall or keyboard on Black Friday weekend, the latest Consumer Reports Holiday Poll reveals that 81 percent remain at least somewhat concerned about racking up big bills.

With just over a month until Christmas, 57 percent of consumers (and 65 percent of men) have yet to begin shopping, mostly because they think they have plenty of time, according to the latest Consumer Reports Holiday Poll. However, in yet another reminder of ongoing tough times, 17 percent said they've delayed shopping because they just don't have enough money.

With the presidential election looming and millions of Americans trying to piece their lives back together following the devastation of Hurricane Sandy, it's easy to understand why many consumers haven't begun to think seriously about the upcoming winter holidays. But the clock is ticking; Black Friday is just three weeks off. And in the first of our series of annual holiday polls, it appears as if the outcome of Tuesday's election could play a significant role in peoples' outlook and willingness to dig into their wallets.