Episode #27 - Glossy Lips and Dry Pits!

Go go go! Download Lip Gloss and Laptops episode #27 (about 36 minutes, MP3 file) or listen to it at its very own podcast episode page now!

For the full scoop on Kerry Anne's experience at BarCampVancouver, a tech conference that was more "laptop" than "lipgloss", you can go here.

This week we talk about lipgloss, sweating and the regulation (or not) of the cosmetic industry.

Airdrie and Kerry Anne review MAC Plushglass

Kerry Anne tried the MAC Plushglass in a colour called Ample Pink. The colour itself is a sheer, natural pink. Plushglass is very similar to the regular MAC Lipglass, except a bit less sticky, with a vanilla scent and a cool tingle, which I suppose is there to make you feel like your lips are inflating. Not a bad product, but doesn’t live up to any of it's “plumping” claims. ($21CA or $17.50 for 4.2ml/.14 fl oz)

Kerry Anne's Reviews

My secret? I hate the "My Secret" advertising campaign. Those secrets are lame. Secret Vanilla Sparkle Invisible Solid Anti-Perspirant smells like a creamsicle, and I think may be better suited for the younger set, making a great “beginner” anti-perspirant for a tween or teen. It works as well as any of the Secret anti-perspirants, so I’m not panning the product, just the cloying scent. It is not completely invisible, and still may leave some white streaks on darker clothing. ($3.99CA or $2.99US for 2.6 oz)

Ombra Mild Roll-On is a deodorant not an anti-perspirant, so it won't control sweating. It contains no alumininum chlorohydrate, and thus is a good option for those who want to avoid it, or simply prefer natural products. This deodorant is also ideal for those with sensitive skin, as it has a neutral pH value. For those who are more concerned with odor that sweating, this is a great option. It also available in a more masculine-smelling sport formula. ($5.99CA or $5.25US for 50ml/1.7 fl oz)

Airdrie's Opinions

Listen to the show for Airdrie's taken on her 20th high school reunion, Sandra Bernhard, terrycloth insoles, skinny jeans, MAC Plushglass, and more.

Reality Check

The FDA does not regulate the cosmetic industry. What many women are not aware of is that the cosmetic industry is largely self-regulated, so if you have any concerns about the products you are using, an excellent resource is Skin Deep.

The controversial use of phthalates (pronounced thal-ates) are of particular concern to many who are critical of the cosmetic industry and the chemical additives in makeup.

Music: "Pour elles qui sont belles" by 3 of cups (used by permission), and "Let You Go Cold" by the Super Friendz from iodaPROMONET:

Love Energy by The Super Friendz

Outside Music

• Buy at iTunes Music Store
• Buy at Napster
• Buy at RealNetworks / Rhapsody
• Buy at eMusic
• Buy at GroupieTunes

Download "Let You Go Cold" (MP3, 192kbps)

“Kiss and make up--but too much makeup has ruined many a kiss.” - Mae West

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

Sandra Bernhard's Rant

Earlier we posted a link to the Sandra Bernhard's commercial for MAC's new Plushglass. MAC has now removed the video from it's website. Sandra went on a little rant about her lips, and made a comment that many Republicans took offense to.
The video is still available to watch on YouTube.

We've got a bit of a discussion going on about it in our forum, and you're welcome to add your two cents worth.

BarCamp Vancouver

On a note that's more Laptop than Lipgloss, Kerry Anne will be attending BarCampVancouver on August 25-26, 2006, a local mind-melding for geeks, bloggers, entrepreneurs, podcasters and other people in the tech community. It's part of BarCampEarth, and a series of similar camps will be taking place around the globe simultaneously to honour BarCamp's first anniversary.

I'll be blogging the event, and will be doing a bit of podcasting there as well. At the same time, Airdrie will probably be on a beach in Hawaii cursing Customs for confiscating her toiletries.
Our regular podcasts will still be comin' at ya!

Photos from Megan Cole

Megan Cole, who joined as a special guest on LGL episode #25, has posted some photos of the event.

Episode #25: Makeup a Trois

Our podcast page takes you straight to our Big Show #25 (52 minute MP3 file), which features a guest who dropped in to the studio for the podcast.

Megan Cole, of Raincity Sudios in Vancouver, tells us about her job, her celebrity crush, and test drives the new Too Faced Lip Injection Lip Plumping Mask that Kerry Anne reviewed in episode #21.

We are also proud to introduce our partnership with GoDaddy! If you want to make an impact online, GoDaddy.com has what you need. .COM names as low as $1.99. Plus, world-class hosting, fast and easy website builders and much more. Plus, as a listener of Lip Gloss and Laptops, enter code gloss10 when you check out, and save an additional 10% on any order. Get your piece of the internet at GoDaddy.com.

New Fragrance Review: Insolence by Guerlain
If you like the scent of violets, sample the new scent by Guerlain, Insolence. There's an excellent review of this scent at The Scented Salamander. Airdrie liked the scent a lot, but Kerry Anne gave it two thumbs down. Try it for yourself at Sephora and major department stores. Don't forget to ask for a sample, and sleep in the scent before you buy it.

Kerry Anne's Reviews


Maybelline New York's Volum'Express Turbo Boost mascara disappointed me. It claims to increase the girth of your lashes fivefold, without clumping, but does not live up to its promise. The end result was nicely darkened lashes, but they were indeed clumpy. I had to comb them out after I used this product. It also ran by the end of the day, leaving me with dark undereye circles. I've heard good things about the regular Volum'Express mascara. Perhaps they need to ditch the Turbo Boost "technology". ($6.99CA $4.99US)

I've got a love/hate relationship with Summer. Hot car interiors, finding a new bathing suit and the need to slather sunscreen on my body I can do without. Fortunately, I've found a facial sunscreen that makes this season slightly more tolerable for me. I have sensitive skin, and often break out in acne or facial rashes from sunscreen ingredients. Neutrogena Ultra-Sheer Dry Touch Sunblock in SPF 30 or 45 works very well on me. It goes on like a lotion, but dries to the touch in about 20 seconds, without any of the uncomfortable, greasy feeling I've had with other sunscreens. It's waterproof, doesn't clog my pores, and I've had nary an ingredient-induced rash all summer. I recommend this one highly, but if you have sensitive skin, it's always a good idea to try a product before you part with your cash. ($13.99CA or $9.99 for 88ml/3 fl oz)
Clinique's Super City Block Oil-Free Daily Face Protector SPF 40 is also an excellent sunscreen for my sensitive skin, though a more expensive option at approximately $20 for 1.4 fl oz/40 ml.

Megan Cole's "Too Faced Lip Injection Mask" Experiment: Does it work?

Carefully look at these before, during, and after pictures. You be the judge.

before

during

after

Some Links to things mentioned in the show:

• Rockstar Supernova
• Gilby Clarke
• Dane Cook
• HBO Special: Dane Cook in Vicious Circle
• Who is Steve Burton?
• Viggo Mortensen
• Bruce Boxleitner

Our song this week, from the Podsafe Music Network, is "Television" by the very talented Sam Boxleitner .

“Most women's magazines simply try to mold women into bigger and better consumers.” - Gloria Steinem

Lip Gloss-a-no-go

I've been reading a lot about carry-on travel restrictions, and I can summarize that currently you are more likely to be able to bring your laptop, but not your lipgloss, on commercial airplane flights. Please check with your local carrier before you get to the airport. It would be a minor tradgedy to have to throw-away your Juicy Tubes and liquid eyeliners at the airport. Travel Smart!

Episode #24: A Midsummer Night's Podcast

The podcast page has the latest show (45 min 25 sec MP3 file) available for your listening pleasure.

Both back from separate jaunts stateside, we discuss some of the new products we've seen this past week. We also announce the winner of our Max Factor contest in this show.

Kerry Anne's Finds:

Bobbi Brown has a few new products for Fall. First, she's all about the Chocolate look this coming season, and has even co-produced a chocolate "Beauty Bar" with Vosges Chocolate, available at select locations only.

I tried her new Long Wearing Cream Shadow in Orchid, a stunning lavender colour. It is soft and creamy, and slides on to lids beautifully, however, on a hot August afternoon it did not live up to it's promise of being crease-free. It is a good quality product available in 12 colours. ($22 for .12 oz./3.5g)

Chanel has a Pink Lame eyeshadow that I gave a whirl. It's soft and satiny and combines silver, gold and pink shades of iridescent shadow (that didn't match my pink skintone at all). If you can afford a luxury product like this, at $40, go for it. Otherwise, your not missing much but the prestige of owning a Chanel product.

MAC has adopted the controversial Sandra Bernhard as their spokesperson for their new Plushglass lip gloss. I love that MAC isn't afraid to be associated with a non-traditional beauty who speaks her mind. Sandra Bernhard's MAC commercial for Plushglass. Plushglass, a gloss with a plumping formula, is available in 12 colours. ($21CA, $17.50US)

MAC has another line, A Muse, inspired by 60's mod style. I'm surprised they didn't opt to drop this Limited Edition line closer to the release of Factory Girl, an upcoming film about Edie Sedgewick, Andy Warhol's muse, starring Sienna Miller. This line is all about wide "intense played-up eyes and played-down lips", and features new lipsticks, dual eyshadows, glosses and more.

Airdrie's Finds:

Airdrie purchased yet another scent for her "scent wardrobe": Lemon Sugar Eau de Parfum by Fresh ($22US for one ounce at Sephora). After sampling this scent on her wrist, she was impressed that she could still smell it hours later. That was when she knew she had to have it. The fresh light scent is perfect for summer, and is a great compact size for travel.

Airdrie also found a great eyebrow liner. The Superfine Liner for Brows from Clinique ($16.50 CAD, $12.50 US) in "01 Soft Blonde" adds a whole lot of definition to her light brown brows, without looking too obvious. This automatic pencil's super-fine tip is what sets it apart from other products as it allows you to apply hair-thin lines for a natural look. Available in five colours.

This week's song is by Half Pint and features the talent of Miki Howard. The song is called "Just Be Good To Me" and can be downloaded for free (see below) courtesy of IODA Promonet. Enjoy!

Half Pint
Ryff Music

• Buy at iTunes Music Store
• Buy at eMusic
• Buy at GroupieTunes

• Download "Just Be Good To Me Feat. Miki Howard" (MP3, 192kbps)

Beauty fades . . . dumb is forever. - Judge Judy

Midweek Reality Check - The Big Pink Candle for Breast Cancer

While in The Soap Box, at Seattle's Pike Place Market, I was admiring a beautiful pink candle, made by The Big Pink Inc. Erna, the candle line's creator, happened to be in the store at the time, so I was able to ask her all about it. Erna is absolutely effervescent, and committed to this cause, and I'm happy to spread the word about her product.
The Big Pink Candle is a sweet and delicious smelling soy-based candle containing notes of sweet pea, berries and vanilla. It will burn for up to 80 hours, and has a lead-free wick. It's a beautiful product, and so far, only available in Seattle stores, though it can be ordered online at The Big Pink Inc. website. A partial percentage of profits are donated to Breast Cancer Research and Early Screening programs, so think of it as an indulgence for yourself and a donation to a worthy cause at the same time.




The Weekend to End Breast Cancer, a 2-day, 60-km (38 miles) walk, will be happening in Vancouver on August 18-20, 2006. This annual fundraising event also takes place in six other major cities across Canada. If you know someone who is participating, sponsor them.

"It’s a weekend of hope, as we honour lives lost, celebrate survivors, and help bring breast cancer care to those who so desperately need it." - www.endcancer.ca

Who do you put on make-up for?

Maryam Scoble, a fellow Geek Goddess, posted an interesting blog-entry that asks "Who do you put on make-up for?" after spending the weekend with a few hundred gorgeous women at Blogher. Her conclusion was that women put on make-up for other women. I found the comments from her readers most interesting and quite unexpected.