Episode #18: Viva Les Feet!

This week we talk about a good summer blush, a high-end mascara that clumps, and KA's attempt to restore her feet from the ravages of winter. Plus freckles, goths and emos, and more!

Download Lip Gloss and Laptops Episode #18 as an MP3 file (42 minutes long) or read the shownotes and play it on the podcast page. Don't forget to subscribe to get each new show automatically as soon as it's ready.

Airdrie's Picks

Airdrie's been busy before the summer break at her job and enjoying Vancouver's record breaking hot weather outdoors with her kids, and may post her notes in a separate blog entry. Or not. Off to Gnomedex!!

**girlfriends: I'm thinking about glue-on nails for my toes. Why? Because they exist. I purchased a set by Revlon, but am afraid they might hurt if I need to wear runners.

I got a set for my fingers and another designed for toes. I've only used glue-on nails once before, but they can't be worse than the after effects of gels? Any thoughts? Sounds like a topic for a future episode.

Kerry Anne's Picks

Estee Lauder's MagnaScopic Maximum Volume Mascara claims to give your lashes 300% more volume, which may be true if you count the clumps. We've used several other mascaras from Estee Lauder, all with fabulous results.

I gave this one many tries, each time methodically wiping the excess mascara from the brush in hope that my lashes would indeed become lush and "incredibly dramatic". Without fail, I wound up with an unevenly coated lash line, full of Tammy Faye globs that must be brushed out manually. It is worth mentioning that this mascara won the Cosmetic Executive Women Award for Best Eye Makeup in 2004. ($27.50CA/$21US)

Sally Hansen Gel Cuticle Remover This pleasant smelling gel worked like a charm on my fingernails and toes, easily conquering my overgrown winter cuticle buildup. Simply apply the gel to problem areas, wait a minute or two, and push back with the specially designed bottle cap (didn't work well) or an orange stick. ($5.99CA/ $4.29US for 1 oz)

I followed this up with the La Cross Half-Jaw Cuticle Nipper, which may take a bit of practice to perfect, but becomes a bit addictive and strangely satisfying once you get the hang of it. Like Tweezerman's products, La Cross also offers free sharpening of their tools. ($16.99CA/$13.99US)

To get rid of the rough patches on the bottom of feet, use a pumice stone or a foot file, available at most drug/department stores, The Body Shop, or Bath & Body Works. For heavy-duty softening, apply your favourite moisturizer liberally to feet and cover with a pair of cotton socks before bed. Upon waking, your feet will be noticeably smoother. Your husband may even stop asking if you are wearing shoes in bed.

For dry hands, we also recommend a Sally Hansen's 18-Hour Protective Hand Creme to soften hands. It has a delicate orange smell, like old-school Bayer baby aspirin, and it's not too greasy. ($5.99US, $7.99CA for 3.5oz)

"I don't fancy models as much as I should. The older I get, the more I like meat with my gravy." - Hugh Grant