Episode #26 - Coming Clean

And here it is, Lip Gloss and Laptops Episode #26 (follow the link for time-based shownotes). You can download the MP3 file (just over 52 minutes). This week, we talk about facial care, scrubs, and a shampoo/conditioner that smells like a dream.

Kerry Anne's Reviews

My favourite facial cleanser of all time is Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, and I've got countless "best of beauty" lists to back me up on this one. Cetaphil is a fabulous unscented, mild cleanser that removes dirt and makeup, rinses easily, and does not clog pores. It will not dry you out, and is safe for sensitive skin. In fact, this is one of the best products on the market for skin that is highly reactive, and is recommended by dermatologists for a number of skin problems.

It comes in two formulas, the original and the Daily Facial Cleanser for oilier complexions. I love it, and honestly, my skin is clearer using this than any other cleanser. I highly recommend it. ($8.99CA, $7.59US for 8 fl oz/236 ml)

Olay Clarity Daily Scrub is new on the market, and frankly, I found it underwhelming. The Clarity line was developed for skin that is oily due to "stress and hormones" and this scrub contains both dual-hydroxy cleansing action gel, as well as exfoliating beads. I found this product to be quite harsh on my skin, and it left it feeling rather tight. People with oily compexions do not need a product that "overcleans" and strips the skin of too many of the natural oils. That kicks your oil-producing glands into high gear, and ultimately causes more breakouts. I found there wasn't enough exfoliating beads for my liking either. ($7.99CA, $7.49US for 6 fl oz)

I'm not loyal to any one moisturizing cream. I've used many of Neutrogena's products with great success. A few months ago I came upon NeoStrata Oil-Free Daily Smoothing Lotion with 8% Glycolic Acid. It is an excellent moisturizer. It does triple duty by moisturizing, exfoliating, and it contains an SPF 15. It leaves my skin feeling soft with no zits. My only complaint is that upon application, it smells a bit like white glue, but that disappears almost instantaneously. Of course, like most AHAs, it will sting a bit upon application. I highly recommend this product. There is an American company also called NeoStrata with very similar products, though it is unclear whether the two are connected. ($29.99CA for 50ml)

Airdrie's Reviews

I've been using St. Ives Apricot Scrub for several years, and it is wonderful. They actually have several types of apricot scrubs in this line, but the one I like is the "Medicated Apricot Scrub: blemish and blackhead control", as it contains 2% salicylic acid content. I fully accept that I can be a bit of a control freak, and the concept of beind able to control my blackheads is a definite bonus. Of course it does not make my blackhead population disappear altogether, but it does help keep my skin feeling smooth and clean. This scrub is fantastic, and available everywhere St. Ives is sold.


I would also like to give a shout-out to a great SMELLING shampoo and conditioner I just discovered. Mastercuts sells their own line of haircare products and I had the pleasure to try the Cherry-Almond Moisturizing Shampoo and Conditioner last month while getting a trim at a Mastercut outlet in Portland, Oregon. The smell was so incredible that I had to buy the product on the spot. Usually I'm a little less impulsive, so you have to believe that the smell is freakin' amazing. The conditioning this product gives is not as good as I would have expected. I may need to try the "deep conditioner" next time. I will buy the product again, just for the scent. Lovely.

Reality Check:

Girls Need Guides


Related links:

Rocky V
Kinesys Performance Sunscreen
not to be confused with:
Kinerase




Our song this week is from the Rocky V 15 year Aniversary Soundtrack:

Various Artists
Bringemback Records

• Buy at iTunes Music Store


• Buy at RealNetworks / Rhapsody


• Buy at eMusic


• Buy at GroupieTunes

• Download "I Wanna Rock" (MP3, 192kbps)

Growing up female in America. What a liability! You grew up with your ears full of cosmetic ads, love songs, advice columns, whoreoscopes, Hollywood gossip, and moral dilemmas on the level of TV soap operas. What litanies the advertisers of the good life chanted at you! What curious catechisms! - author Erica Jong