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Can You Get Hooked on Lip Balm?: Top Cosmetic Scientists Answer Your Questions about the Lotions, Potions and Other Beauty Products You Use Every Day
Why does my shampoo stop working?
Are my cosmetics poisoning me?
What does hypoallergenic mean?
Are organic products better?
Every day thousands of people turn to the scientists at the popular blog TheBeautyBrains.com for answers to their most pressing beauty questions. In Can You Get Hooked on Lip Balm?* you'll learn how cosmetic products work, what advertising claims actually mean, and how to make smarter buying decisions.
You'll discover that:
• Salon products are not necessarily better than products you can buy in the store.
• Some of the most expensive cosmetics are made by the same companies that make the less expensive brands, and often the same formulas are used in both.
• You do not need to spend hundreds of dollars to look and feel good.
You'll also find:
• 4 ways to tell if your cosmetic has expired
• 5 home beauty gadgets that really work
• 4 easy tips to longer, sronger nails
• and much, much more!
*You can! See chapter 6.
194 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2011
10 people are currently reading
295 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
November 19, 2025
Since I have never been without a tube of Metholatum Natural Ice or lipstick somewhere close by for over 30 years (well, one time I went away for a day without anything and dang near went nuts), I knew I had to read this book and find out if there really was such a thing as lip balm addiction. Turns out many more interesting questions are addressed and answered in this helpful book.
Topics covered are skin, hair, nails, fragrance, make-up, and more, and each chapter is formatted in an easy to read question and answer format with a brief summary at the end, which makes it easy to skip around to find the exact information needed. There is also a helpful website and resource guide at the end of the book.
So am I hooked on lip balm? Well, I didn’t need a book to tell me that, but the scientific reason why I can’t live without the stuff is very interesting and something I never knew.
Topics covered are skin, hair, nails, fragrance, make-up, and more, and each chapter is formatted in an easy to read question and answer format with a brief summary at the end, which makes it easy to skip around to find the exact information needed. There is also a helpful website and resource guide at the end of the book.
So am I hooked on lip balm? Well, I didn’t need a book to tell me that, but the scientific reason why I can’t live without the stuff is very interesting and something I never knew.
March 25, 2019
Pretty sure I got this at the dollar store and I'm not even sure it was worth that - there were a few interesting tidbits here but a/ this book is outdated to the point where half the products they discuss are long since gone from the shelves and b/ so much of it is "drug store products are just as good as high end products, there is no difference, etc" is interesting coming from a panel of scientists whom by their own admission work for companies like Proctor & Gamble.
Biased, suspect, shitty waste of time.
Biased, suspect, shitty waste of time.
January 4, 2011
So I don't normally review non-fiction, but I really enjoyed this one! So much so that it's now one of the only non-fiction books we have up under out 'we just like it' section (for the books that aren't even vaguely in our genre, but we like anyway).
It’s a shame this book didn’t come out for the pre-christmas rush, this is the perfect book to buy your teenage daughter to finally prove that she really doesn’t NEED that $300 shampoo she’s been nagging about.
But it’s not just a book that’s going to appeal to ‘teens’; Can you get hooked on Lip Balm is an incredibly easy to read book that analysis and compares ingredients in some of the more popular beauty products, comparing high-end products with their lower budget counterparts; and you might actually be surprised by the results. We’re all used to that phrase “the results will surprise you” right? And we all know that means that the low price stuff is always going to be better than the salon high-end stuff right? Well, according to these guys, often, yes… but not always, and they’re going to explain what to actually look out for in your labels.
Some of the information does get a little technical, but most of the book is written in an easy to understand style, but that doesn’t mean it’s dumbed down, just that it’s an simple language explaining the technical terms and Latin ingredients lists.
There’s also a bit of old fashioned ‘myth-busting’, from pointing out the possibility of the ingredient ‘red dye #27’ MAYBE having something to do with a miracle ‘skin energizing’ blush, to clearing up the old wives tale about spit being good for getting rid of pimples (spit?! Really?! My nana never told me about that one!).
A lot of the information is referencing American products, and referrals to the American FDA and laws around cosmetics, but is written in a manner that means this book can still be appreciated by people outside America.
If you’re looking for a book that tells you which brand or product to buy, you won’t want this book; this gives you the information so you can make informed decisions, but they consistently say “but if you like it, and can afford it, use what you want”. A lot of product use is trial and error, we know this, you know this, and the authors know this, but a little information can certainly help narrow down the field.
Can you get hooked on Lip Balm? is an extension of the www.thebeautybrains.com website (which if you also haven’t checked out before, I recommend), and is written in a similar tone and style.
I really enjoyed this book, it’s priced well, it’s well written and it’s full of useful information; it’s going to be one of the most checked out books in the library as soon as word of mouth starts sharing.
It’s a shame this book didn’t come out for the pre-christmas rush, this is the perfect book to buy your teenage daughter to finally prove that she really doesn’t NEED that $300 shampoo she’s been nagging about.
But it’s not just a book that’s going to appeal to ‘teens’; Can you get hooked on Lip Balm is an incredibly easy to read book that analysis and compares ingredients in some of the more popular beauty products, comparing high-end products with their lower budget counterparts; and you might actually be surprised by the results. We’re all used to that phrase “the results will surprise you” right? And we all know that means that the low price stuff is always going to be better than the salon high-end stuff right? Well, according to these guys, often, yes… but not always, and they’re going to explain what to actually look out for in your labels.
Some of the information does get a little technical, but most of the book is written in an easy to understand style, but that doesn’t mean it’s dumbed down, just that it’s an simple language explaining the technical terms and Latin ingredients lists.
There’s also a bit of old fashioned ‘myth-busting’, from pointing out the possibility of the ingredient ‘red dye #27’ MAYBE having something to do with a miracle ‘skin energizing’ blush, to clearing up the old wives tale about spit being good for getting rid of pimples (spit?! Really?! My nana never told me about that one!).
A lot of the information is referencing American products, and referrals to the American FDA and laws around cosmetics, but is written in a manner that means this book can still be appreciated by people outside America.
If you’re looking for a book that tells you which brand or product to buy, you won’t want this book; this gives you the information so you can make informed decisions, but they consistently say “but if you like it, and can afford it, use what you want”. A lot of product use is trial and error, we know this, you know this, and the authors know this, but a little information can certainly help narrow down the field.
Can you get hooked on Lip Balm? is an extension of the www.thebeautybrains.com website (which if you also haven’t checked out before, I recommend), and is written in a similar tone and style.
I really enjoyed this book, it’s priced well, it’s well written and it’s full of useful information; it’s going to be one of the most checked out books in the library as soon as word of mouth starts sharing.
April 17, 2011
Every library/book store needs to have at least one book about going to the store to buy cosmetics. We have a few books of this nature, including older copies of the one about not going to the cosmetics counter without it. We also have books about how to apply makeup for just about every skin type, how to style/cut your own hair, and making your own beauty natural beauty products. So when I saw this title while reading reviews of possible titles to add to our library collection, I decided to pick it up. It had two things going for it at the time: length (only 194 pages including appendices and index) and price (under $20).
Last weekend I decided I would check it out and bring it home to have a better chance to look through it, hoping I could recommend it to our patrons. I try to do this as often as I can, but as one employee serving many, there's no way I can read each and every book that comes into my branch. There are a lot of patrons who think I do read them all, but those are also the patrons who are under the impression that I get to sit and read all day at my job, too. I try not to be too hard on them... Anyway, this little gem is just a completely fascinating look at all the stuff we use in our everyday lives to "beautify" ourselves. Heck, not even that - it talks about plain soap, for Pete's sake! I really only meant to thoroughly skim this book (I know, that's gotta be an oxymoron if there ever was one) but ended up reading it cover to cover.
So what's so great about the this book? The science. The "beauty brains" are never identified, but they obviously know their stuff. The author blurb on the back of the book states that it "is a group of chemists who have more than forty combined years of experience developing and testing beauty products" - and it shows. The nice thing is that they break down the science into plain English that all of us can understand. Think of this as Bill Nye for your bathroom, if you will. The book is divided into four basic sections: Hair, Skin, Makeup, and The Beauty Industry. Questions from real readers of their blog, thebeautybrains.com, begin each subsection, and they do a brilliant but easy response to each and every question.
For example, did you know that there are only FOUR types of shampoo? Yep, I was amazed, too. I mean, walk into any store selling shampoo, and you know what I mean. There are many more than four choices, even taking into consideration the different brands! But the authors break it down for us mere mortals; all shampoos can be classified into one of four categories: deep cleaning, conditioning, baby, and anti-dandruff. Period. Yes, there can be a slew of different ingredients, and obviously a great range of prices, but all the stuff you've ever slathered onto your head to clean it? It falls into one of those four. Even better, did you know that baby shampoo is not a good choice for adult hair, even if you're looking for a "gentle" shampoo? Turns out the reason it's considered "baby" shampoo is that it doesn't contain as many surfactants (the things that actually clean your hair); great for those oh-so-tender baby eyes, but not so great for getting your adult hair clean. Who knew?
I love how the authors also debunk the "more expensive means it works better/has better ingredients" myth. In fact, there are some store products that are far superior to those found in a salon, and they break down why - you got it - scientifically. I also admired that they don't tell you not to spend your money on the more expensive products; they say it over and over again, that you should buy what you love and what you feel works for you - IF you have the money. But they do state that spending more money doesn't make all the claims of a product true.
They do a great job explaining how the industry works, too. Claims on products are vague on purpose (and yes, they ARE vague - take the time to really read them and you'll realize they never claim to get rid of wrinkles or make your skin younger, only to make it appear that way); companies have been taken to court over false advertising claims in the past. Sadly, they also explain that most products are limited in how much they might be able to do because they are cosmetics - not drugs. If a product really can physically change your skin, such as Retin-A, it's a drug, and that means you need a doctor's prescription for it. Again, it's all about regulation. Finally, they also debunk some of the "organic/natural" products out there. There is no regulation of any kind regarding who can label their cosmetics as "organic" or "natural", so be careful what you buy. And for those who feel those types of products would be better than the "man-made" chemical-laden types, the Beauty Brains are quick to point out that some of those "harsh" chemicals are there to prevent the growth of bacteria and such, which can lead to really "harsh" results! Better living through chemistry indeed!
I would highly recommend this read to anyone who uses any sort of product in their daily routine. Need more convincing? The subtitle of the book is "Top cosmetic scientists answer your questions about the lotions, potions and other beauty products you use every day". Yep, that would be me - I use shampoo, conditioner, and body/face lotion every day! And I learned a lot from this book, for which I thank the Beauty Brains. Knowledge is power!
Last weekend I decided I would check it out and bring it home to have a better chance to look through it, hoping I could recommend it to our patrons. I try to do this as often as I can, but as one employee serving many, there's no way I can read each and every book that comes into my branch. There are a lot of patrons who think I do read them all, but those are also the patrons who are under the impression that I get to sit and read all day at my job, too. I try not to be too hard on them... Anyway, this little gem is just a completely fascinating look at all the stuff we use in our everyday lives to "beautify" ourselves. Heck, not even that - it talks about plain soap, for Pete's sake! I really only meant to thoroughly skim this book (I know, that's gotta be an oxymoron if there ever was one) but ended up reading it cover to cover.
So what's so great about the this book? The science. The "beauty brains" are never identified, but they obviously know their stuff. The author blurb on the back of the book states that it "is a group of chemists who have more than forty combined years of experience developing and testing beauty products" - and it shows. The nice thing is that they break down the science into plain English that all of us can understand. Think of this as Bill Nye for your bathroom, if you will. The book is divided into four basic sections: Hair, Skin, Makeup, and The Beauty Industry. Questions from real readers of their blog, thebeautybrains.com, begin each subsection, and they do a brilliant but easy response to each and every question.
For example, did you know that there are only FOUR types of shampoo? Yep, I was amazed, too. I mean, walk into any store selling shampoo, and you know what I mean. There are many more than four choices, even taking into consideration the different brands! But the authors break it down for us mere mortals; all shampoos can be classified into one of four categories: deep cleaning, conditioning, baby, and anti-dandruff. Period. Yes, there can be a slew of different ingredients, and obviously a great range of prices, but all the stuff you've ever slathered onto your head to clean it? It falls into one of those four. Even better, did you know that baby shampoo is not a good choice for adult hair, even if you're looking for a "gentle" shampoo? Turns out the reason it's considered "baby" shampoo is that it doesn't contain as many surfactants (the things that actually clean your hair); great for those oh-so-tender baby eyes, but not so great for getting your adult hair clean. Who knew?
I love how the authors also debunk the "more expensive means it works better/has better ingredients" myth. In fact, there are some store products that are far superior to those found in a salon, and they break down why - you got it - scientifically. I also admired that they don't tell you not to spend your money on the more expensive products; they say it over and over again, that you should buy what you love and what you feel works for you - IF you have the money. But they do state that spending more money doesn't make all the claims of a product true.
They do a great job explaining how the industry works, too. Claims on products are vague on purpose (and yes, they ARE vague - take the time to really read them and you'll realize they never claim to get rid of wrinkles or make your skin younger, only to make it appear that way); companies have been taken to court over false advertising claims in the past. Sadly, they also explain that most products are limited in how much they might be able to do because they are cosmetics - not drugs. If a product really can physically change your skin, such as Retin-A, it's a drug, and that means you need a doctor's prescription for it. Again, it's all about regulation. Finally, they also debunk some of the "organic/natural" products out there. There is no regulation of any kind regarding who can label their cosmetics as "organic" or "natural", so be careful what you buy. And for those who feel those types of products would be better than the "man-made" chemical-laden types, the Beauty Brains are quick to point out that some of those "harsh" chemicals are there to prevent the growth of bacteria and such, which can lead to really "harsh" results! Better living through chemistry indeed!
I would highly recommend this read to anyone who uses any sort of product in their daily routine. Need more convincing? The subtitle of the book is "Top cosmetic scientists answer your questions about the lotions, potions and other beauty products you use every day". Yep, that would be me - I use shampoo, conditioner, and body/face lotion every day! And I learned a lot from this book, for which I thank the Beauty Brains. Knowledge is power!
March 4, 2011
You are never going to get your dermatologist, hair stylist, plastic surgeon, make-up artist and manicurist all together in one place. Luckily, the brains (literally) behind TheBeautyBrains.com have written Can You Get Hooked on Lip Balm (Harlequin, 2011) to answer the burning beauty questions weighing heavily on our minds.
Can You Get Hooked On Lip Balm models the basic format of the website- a person writes in and a group of cosmetic scientists answer the questions from the forum on topics about everything beauty-related from basic skin care to toxins.
What I really enjoyed about Can You Get Hooked on Lip Balm was that it has no agenda to meet. I've read books written by beauty editors of magazines that rhyme with galore and hammer. This book puts those books to shame because the writers have no reason to shill products. The Beauty Brains are interested in seeing that consumers are using a product based on the scientific research, not price or hype. Can You Get Hooked on Lip Balm is also very eye-catching. The colors are very bright and the bag on the cover perfectly represents the subject matter of the book.
The only problem I found with the book, at times, was the verbiage while reading. The Bottom Line of all the questions was a nice summary which I found myself skipping to towards the end. I believe if some of the subject matter was not so long-winded, more material could have been added and a broader range of subjects could have been addressed.
Overall, I enjoyed Can You Get Hooked on Lip Balm and would definitely recommend it to people who want an unbiased opinion on beauty culture.
Visit The Beauty Brains:
Web- http://thebeautybrains.com
Twitter @thebeautybrains
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/thebeautybrains
Source- ARC provided by NetGalley
Can You Get Hooked On Lip Balm models the basic format of the website- a person writes in and a group of cosmetic scientists answer the questions from the forum on topics about everything beauty-related from basic skin care to toxins.
What I really enjoyed about Can You Get Hooked on Lip Balm was that it has no agenda to meet. I've read books written by beauty editors of magazines that rhyme with galore and hammer. This book puts those books to shame because the writers have no reason to shill products. The Beauty Brains are interested in seeing that consumers are using a product based on the scientific research, not price or hype. Can You Get Hooked on Lip Balm is also very eye-catching. The colors are very bright and the bag on the cover perfectly represents the subject matter of the book.
The only problem I found with the book, at times, was the verbiage while reading. The Bottom Line of all the questions was a nice summary which I found myself skipping to towards the end. I believe if some of the subject matter was not so long-winded, more material could have been added and a broader range of subjects could have been addressed.
Overall, I enjoyed Can You Get Hooked on Lip Balm and would definitely recommend it to people who want an unbiased opinion on beauty culture.
Visit The Beauty Brains:
Web- http://thebeautybrains.com
Twitter @thebeautybrains
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/thebeautybrains
Source- ARC provided by NetGalley
May 2, 2011
I’ve visited TheBeautyBrains.com before and found their site to be insightful and informative. When I saw that they had a book coming out that put all of this knowledge together and covered some of the most frequently asked questions I was eager to read it. They covered some things I’ve always argued about with others and many things I had never even thought about. This is a book that I want to carry with me to each salon visit, so that when a hairdresser asks me what type of shampoo I’m using I can reply honestly knowing that when they snicker at my choice I can show them this book and the research that goes in to it. (I knew I didn’t need to buy salon brands…there was no difference in my hair after using a $34 bottle of shampoo & conditioner compared to the $6 bottle. Ergh!)
While I realize that many people may still fight what they are saying, I also keep into account my personal experience with the types of products they are talking about. (Such as the expensive salon brands vs. drugstore brands of shampoo.) And no matter if you can get hooked on lip balm, or not, I’m not giving it up…hmm…I guess that answered the title question right there!
While I realize that many people may still fight what they are saying, I also keep into account my personal experience with the types of products they are talking about. (Such as the expensive salon brands vs. drugstore brands of shampoo.) And no matter if you can get hooked on lip balm, or not, I’m not giving it up…hmm…I guess that answered the title question right there!
May 15, 2011
As a person who is probably hooked on lip balm, I immediately gravitated towards this book when I saw it at the library. I found this book a great read & quite informative. I buy & use a fair amount of skin care & beauty products, so I enjoyed reading about different ingredients that are in certain products, myths, & dangerous chemicals. I've read on different blogs & seen on different Youtube videos about harmful substances in makeup & skincare, but THe Beauty Brain clears it all up. The book uses a lot of science talk, which can be hard to get through. Luckily at the end of each question, they do highlight the Bottom Line which is a simplified & short version of their long technical answer. I've definitely learned to be more critical of companies in thw industry and to always ask questions. I would highly recommend this book, especially if you are a makeup/skincare/hair care lover!
August 25, 2011
Beauty Brains is a blog that answers questions about beauty supplies, cosmetics, etc. In this book, some of the posts were published. The book is great and I enjoyed learning about cosmetics, how they work, how my skin works. The format of the books is Q&A. A person posts a specific question about a product or products and they answer it. Instead of issuing a yes/no answer, they seek to educate the reader by offering a some of the mechanics of how cosmetics and your skin works, followed by a direct answer to the question and a bottom line.
Their goal is to educate people and to make them think. In this respect, they succeeded. I learned a lot and I had fun while doing it. The writing is refreshing and does not get overtly technical. This is a book for everyone and I recommend everyone read it. It is a most so you can became an informed shopper of cosmetics.
Their goal is to educate people and to make them think. In this respect, they succeeded. I learned a lot and I had fun while doing it. The writing is refreshing and does not get overtly technical. This is a book for everyone and I recommend everyone read it. It is a most so you can became an informed shopper of cosmetics.
May 29, 2012
I read this book to learn more about multiple chemical sensitivities. It was pretty much worthless in that regard. The author seems to be very pro-chemicals, which is totally weird. Claims that most chemicals in cosmetics are harmless and only briefly refers to a "tiny" population of people who may be allergic. Animal testing, the idea of using the word "natural" in cosmetics in a misleading way is also not really mentioned. Author even goes on a rant about products like Wen and shampoos that don't use SLS, an allergen for a lot of people. the author seems to feel these issues are overrated and shampoos without them won't clean your hair at all. Definitely a wasted read. I'm surprised this book got published. I'm just glad I never purchased it.
December 4, 2022
THIS BOOK BLEW MY MIND!!! 😱 As someone who doesn't really use makeup, these tips were mostly worthless to me, but they still blew my mind. I also thought this would have some flawed science, but the science was actually amazing and spot on, and I learned alot! My sister is a big makeup person, so I will be recommending this to her, and maybe she will think about all the 100s of dollars she spends each year for products that irritate and are not healthy for her skin, and products that are just totally useless! I have read books like this, but never with such advanced scientific explanations, and it was so cool and well written! As a kid I was expected to wear makeup in high school, but I didn't like it, and I was teased. (Though I still used skin care products, I didn't slather myself with makeup every morning, like some kids in my grade.) I am also non binary, so I didn't know if wearing makeup would make me to "feminine." I was really stupid back then. Either way, I am glad I read this book, and I'm glad I'm no longer worried about being to "masculine" or "feminine" and just being my own version of myself, whether I choose to wear makeup or not!
June 20, 2017
A few years ago I read "No More Dirty Looks" and got paranoid about all my products. Thank you to the Beauty Brains for introducing me to the science behind products and relieving my fear. Dabbling in natural products was fun for a while, but hard on the wallet...and the Beauty Brains say many factors go into a decision to purchase something and you can buy whatever makes you feel good. But in the end all shampoos are made with the same basic formulas, all face lotions are made with the same basic formulas, etc...so I think I'm going to go back to saving my money.
The Beauty a Brains have a blog, a podcast, and at least a couple of books. I really appreciate what they are doing to educate the public. Most helpfully. They help by breaking down marketing claims and teaching people to view ads and label claims with a healthy dose of skepticism.
The Beauty a Brains have a blog, a podcast, and at least a couple of books. I really appreciate what they are doing to educate the public. Most helpfully. They help by breaking down marketing claims and teaching people to view ads and label claims with a healthy dose of skepticism.
July 29, 2020
I really enjoyed this one. The format is easy to read (the question, the long answer, the bottom line), there's a TON of science behind the answers, and the questions are things I didn't even think about asking. I appreciate the Beauty Brains' skepticism in marketing; they are not shy about asking you to question the validity of products' claims! Very neat.
I am not big into cosmetics, so I found the chapters about hair care/shampoo most interesting. There are also categories about skin, makeup, and the beauty industry.
I am not big into cosmetics, so I found the chapters about hair care/shampoo most interesting. There are also categories about skin, makeup, and the beauty industry.
June 10, 2019
A lot of great information. Glad I read it
June 29, 2022
Cute book. It was quick and easy to read as it is set up in a question/answer format.
August 23, 2014
Here in the US, we use many personal care and body care products on a daily basis, some with many chemicals. Companies have marketed all sorts of products to help us not to sweat, to lessen or hide wrinkles or dark spots ,to clean our teeth, and to improve our appearance, or at least, our perception of our appearance. Most of us have contemplated whether those products will deliver what they promise or imply and whether the more costly products are worth the extra expense.
"Can You Get Hooked on Lip Balm?" is an easy to read book that analyses and compares the ingredients in some of the currently popular beauty and hygiene products, comparing high-end products with their lower budget counterparts.You might actually be surprised by the results. The lower priced are often, but not always, as good as or better than the higher end items, and the book explains why and what to look for in the labels. It also talks a bit about safety in addition to value.
Some of the information does get a little technical, usually when Romanowski is answering a question (the book is written in a question and answer format, with the questions being taken from her website, "TheBeautyBrains.com") . Most of the book is written in an easy to understand style, but it’s not dumbed down. There’s also some myth-busting, including fragrances in skin products, getting rid of pimples and brushing your hair for 100 strokes.
If you’re looking for a book that tells you which brand or product to buy, this not the book for you; this gives you the information that you need so you can make informed decisions, but it also says, repeatedly, that if you like it, and can afford it, buy what you want. Romanowski doesn't tell us what to do, she presumes that we are intelligent enough to make our own decisions.
This book is a trendy, dated book in that it looks at popular products in use at the time it was written. It also addresses labeling laws and other regulatory matters pertaining to beauty and hygiene products here in the US. In a year or so, much of the book will be outdated. The chemistry likely won't change much but the products and ingredients probably will, at least somewhat, and the regulatory aspects probably will also.
I found the book to be an easy, fun to read (there were a few dry spots when it got extra-technical) that was informative and useful. The tone is that of a friend speaking to another friend, it never gets pompous or presumptuous. It was definitely worth reading.
Review also appears at http://beasbooknook.blogspot.com/2011...
"Can You Get Hooked on Lip Balm?" is an easy to read book that analyses and compares the ingredients in some of the currently popular beauty and hygiene products, comparing high-end products with their lower budget counterparts.You might actually be surprised by the results. The lower priced are often, but not always, as good as or better than the higher end items, and the book explains why and what to look for in the labels. It also talks a bit about safety in addition to value.
Some of the information does get a little technical, usually when Romanowski is answering a question (the book is written in a question and answer format, with the questions being taken from her website, "TheBeautyBrains.com") . Most of the book is written in an easy to understand style, but it’s not dumbed down. There’s also some myth-busting, including fragrances in skin products, getting rid of pimples and brushing your hair for 100 strokes.
If you’re looking for a book that tells you which brand or product to buy, this not the book for you; this gives you the information that you need so you can make informed decisions, but it also says, repeatedly, that if you like it, and can afford it, buy what you want. Romanowski doesn't tell us what to do, she presumes that we are intelligent enough to make our own decisions.
This book is a trendy, dated book in that it looks at popular products in use at the time it was written. It also addresses labeling laws and other regulatory matters pertaining to beauty and hygiene products here in the US. In a year or so, much of the book will be outdated. The chemistry likely won't change much but the products and ingredients probably will, at least somewhat, and the regulatory aspects probably will also.
I found the book to be an easy, fun to read (there were a few dry spots when it got extra-technical) that was informative and useful. The tone is that of a friend speaking to another friend, it never gets pompous or presumptuous. It was definitely worth reading.
Review also appears at http://beasbooknook.blogspot.com/2011...
January 1, 2015
I was hoping to get some more scientific informations from this book. It was just opposite. I read many books about cosmetics, cosmetic industry etc., and this one was the worst. First of all it seemed to me like it contained plenty of empty statements, the list of references is very small...Then, I was suprised that authors praised the big companies. The truth is, that especially in North America, the big companies are the one controlling the industry! The FDA has little power on the ingredients put into the cosmetics, and it does not test cosmetics for safety before they hit the market. The FDA does not require companies to provide safety data about its products. Most of „safety“ testing are focused on short term reactions, no one knows long term effect of many chemicals. And some of them acctually can accumulate in our body. I am a biotechnologist, so I am shoked that the authors say for sure „the cosmetics on the market are safe“. They cannot know that! Moreover, many of toxic chemicals in cosmetics are byproducts, thus they are not listed on the label (like 1,4-dioxane). The guy who worte a book is a cosmetic chemist, so no wonder that he says all good things about chemicals in products! Unlike the book says, skin absorbs a lot. On top of that cosmetics contain chemcials called „absorption enhancers“, to make sure our skin absorb whatever is in the product.
Of course we have to be careful about greenwashing, so read the labels. Natural, organic, hypo-allergic and other statements mean nothing. Go to the Skin Deep on www.ewg.org and check how harmful is chemical or product which you use every day. Read the books, like No More Dirty Looks by Siobhan O’Connor&Alexandra Sput, There’s Lead in Your Lipstick by Gillian Deacon, The Green Beauty Guide by Julie Gabriel. You will get more scientific information, and some DIY recipies for skin and hair care products.
The only good thing about this book is that it’s so short, so I didn’t waste too much time on it.
Of course we have to be careful about greenwashing, so read the labels. Natural, organic, hypo-allergic and other statements mean nothing. Go to the Skin Deep on www.ewg.org and check how harmful is chemical or product which you use every day. Read the books, like No More Dirty Looks by Siobhan O’Connor&Alexandra Sput, There’s Lead in Your Lipstick by Gillian Deacon, The Green Beauty Guide by Julie Gabriel. You will get more scientific information, and some DIY recipies for skin and hair care products.
The only good thing about this book is that it’s so short, so I didn’t waste too much time on it.
December 21, 2015
I got a lot more out this book than I thought I would. At first, I didn’t care for the layout of the book; it seems more like a blog or long magazine article. Once I got used to it and the information was easy to understand, the format didn’t bother me.
I struggled with allergies/irritations from some products so I had read up on some of the subjects before. I really never could figure out what was causing it (my guess was synthetic fragrances) and started using organics after wasting a lot of money trying several different products. It was helpful to read about what some of the ingredients since you they seem so daunting when you can’t even pronounce them. I liked the comparison of the expensive products to some of the less expensive products to see if it’s really worth it to go buy the expensive product. There were a few I felt like I had SUCKER written on my forehead and would’ve been better off with the less expensive one. I sadly have fallen for marketing tactics.
I also thought it was interesting that buying products from a large company was a bad thing and little companies are the way to go. Little did I know they often don’t have the money to do rigorous testing and often smaller companies slip under the radar of the FDA. It’s not always a good thing.
I often thought that the SLS was evil (since I use some organics). It seems it’s not all that bad to protect against microbes and spoilage that is far worse. It also covers how some of the other alternatives aren’t always better since they aren’t widely tested and you could be trading one toxin for another.
I still take some it with a grain of salt since we hear every day how something is bad for you, and then it’s not. Some things can take years before they find out that they are bad for you. I’m also a little skeptical since European countries won’t use certain ingredients in their products that we deem fine in the USA.
I struggled with allergies/irritations from some products so I had read up on some of the subjects before. I really never could figure out what was causing it (my guess was synthetic fragrances) and started using organics after wasting a lot of money trying several different products. It was helpful to read about what some of the ingredients since you they seem so daunting when you can’t even pronounce them. I liked the comparison of the expensive products to some of the less expensive products to see if it’s really worth it to go buy the expensive product. There were a few I felt like I had SUCKER written on my forehead and would’ve been better off with the less expensive one. I sadly have fallen for marketing tactics.
I also thought it was interesting that buying products from a large company was a bad thing and little companies are the way to go. Little did I know they often don’t have the money to do rigorous testing and often smaller companies slip under the radar of the FDA. It’s not always a good thing.
I often thought that the SLS was evil (since I use some organics). It seems it’s not all that bad to protect against microbes and spoilage that is far worse. It also covers how some of the other alternatives aren’t always better since they aren’t widely tested and you could be trading one toxin for another.
I still take some it with a grain of salt since we hear every day how something is bad for you, and then it’s not. Some things can take years before they find out that they are bad for you. I’m also a little skeptical since European countries won’t use certain ingredients in their products that we deem fine in the USA.
Read
January 2, 2011My friends will all vouch for me when I say that I'm not all that much of a fashionista or into makeup. That's why I usually am not interested in some of the must have tomes such as Don't Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me. I do, however, have an interest in lip balm & that's what ultimately made me curious about this book. (Much like Napoleon Dynamite, my lips chap "real bad" & I'm always on the lookout for awesome lip balm.)
The book covers a wide variety of subjects (one of which is the titular lip balm question), which runs from hair care to makeup to pore strips. While I'll admit that some of the information such as the listing of ingredients occasionally went over my head (some of them I'd never heard of before & had no idea what they were), the questions & answers in the book were always interesting to read. Even better, there's always a 'Bottom Line' at the end of each question that gives a brief synopsis & say-so for the ones that aren't as savvy on all of the lingo unleashed in the answer.
Is this a must buy? Well... maybe not for everyone. People who are intrigued by what goes on in your personal care items will want it, as will those who are interested in going into the beauty industry. Those who are just getting into makeup & such will find it helpful. Everyone else might not be swayed by it, but I've no doubt that they'll find it interesting enough for at least one read. This was just a really easy book to read, so there's no fear of getting lost in professional jargon.
(ARC provided by NetGalley)
The book covers a wide variety of subjects (one of which is the titular lip balm question), which runs from hair care to makeup to pore strips. While I'll admit that some of the information such as the listing of ingredients occasionally went over my head (some of them I'd never heard of before & had no idea what they were), the questions & answers in the book were always interesting to read. Even better, there's always a 'Bottom Line' at the end of each question that gives a brief synopsis & say-so for the ones that aren't as savvy on all of the lingo unleashed in the answer.
Is this a must buy? Well... maybe not for everyone. People who are intrigued by what goes on in your personal care items will want it, as will those who are interested in going into the beauty industry. Those who are just getting into makeup & such will find it helpful. Everyone else might not be swayed by it, but I've no doubt that they'll find it interesting enough for at least one read. This was just a really easy book to read, so there's no fear of getting lost in professional jargon.
(ARC provided by NetGalley)
March 8, 2011
Of all the products we use on a daily basis, the ones with the most chemicals tend to be the ones we place on our bodies. Companies have marketed all sorts of products to help us not to sweat, hide or lose wrinkles, clean our teeth, and improve our view of our appearance. Many Americans never spend a moment wondering about how those products may affect their health. However, most potential customers will have at least contemplated whether those products will actually deliver what they say and whether the more costly products are worth the extra expense.
Perry Romanowski's new book, Can You Get Hooked on Lip Balm? strives to answer some of those questions. A quick and easy read, the book successfully manages to take a critical look as to whether or not products deliver what they claim: a yes and no answer. They deliver what they claim. However, their careful words don't claim to do what most consumers believe.
Initially intrigued by the title of the book, I was disappointed that the book had very little science in it. Concerns about what chemicals we place on our body were pushed to the side, with a wave of the hand and a claim that obviously all of these products have been tested and are therefore safe.
I recommend the book for those curious about whether or not to purchase name brand or store brand products. However, if you are looking for a more informed consumer knowledge base of what you place on yoru body, this isn't the book.
Disclaimer: A complimentary copy of the book was provided by Harlequin.
Perry Romanowski's new book, Can You Get Hooked on Lip Balm? strives to answer some of those questions. A quick and easy read, the book successfully manages to take a critical look as to whether or not products deliver what they claim: a yes and no answer. They deliver what they claim. However, their careful words don't claim to do what most consumers believe.
Initially intrigued by the title of the book, I was disappointed that the book had very little science in it. Concerns about what chemicals we place on our body were pushed to the side, with a wave of the hand and a claim that obviously all of these products have been tested and are therefore safe.
I recommend the book for those curious about whether or not to purchase name brand or store brand products. However, if you are looking for a more informed consumer knowledge base of what you place on yoru body, this isn't the book.
Disclaimer: A complimentary copy of the book was provided by Harlequin.
June 21, 2014
Insightful, informative, and reasonable this book dispels myths, calms fears, and provides answers.
Can You Get Hooked on Lip Balm?
is broken down into easy-to-read sections dealing with hair, skin, make-up, and the industry in general. Commonly asked questions are followed by answers provided by cosmetic scientists in a calm, informative manner. Unlike
No More Dirty Looks
, which was written by journalists,
Can You Get Hooked on Lip Balm?
was written by cosmetic scientists who offer unbias advice on specific brands, their products, and the ingredients they use. While nowhere near as indepth as
The Beauty Bible
,
Can You Get Hooked on Lip Balm?
is a great starting point for anyone interested in learning more about the industry starting with the most commonly asked questions.
June 2, 2012
I'm glad that this book exists and wish there were more like it. I'm also glad it was available from the library through overdrive. I learned a some things from this book, but overall I did not feel that the answers provided enough depth to be totally convincing. Additionally, it always seems like the people who write these books tend to gloss over the myriad reasons people try to use more organic products. It's not really about thinking they'll actually work better most of the time. I'll sacrifice a little bit of performance from a product if I'm reasonably convinced it's as natural, cruelty-free, and environmentally friendly as it purports to be. I mean, really that's the chapter I want to see in a book like this. How valid are the claims of these products? I'm sure some more than others. How damaging to the environment is the production of petrolatum, mineral oil, dimethicone, coconut oil derivatives, or anything else? What about the water? We know that the bottled water industry is doing permanent ecological damage and putting future generations at risk. What about the production of all these beauty creams and so forth? Inquiring minds want to know.
December 27, 2014
I really wanted to to like this! I received it as a gift (partially as a joke as I am addicted to lip balm) and looked forward to reading it. Sadly, it was quite a let down.
The authors are spectacularly bias in favour of large, mass-market companies; which isn't all that shocking when you flip the book over and learn they used to work for Proctor & Gamble and Unilever. Oddly enough these authors are giving you exactly what they are telling you to avoid - half-assed science. If you want to give me the science behind something, great! I want to read it! Don't just tell me you're going to give me science... and then skirt around it the whole time.
The one thing I DID really like about it was the easy-to-read tidbit-style format. And the cover is cute. ...But that's it. Quite a bummer because it really seemed like there was a lot of potential given the subject matter!
Based on what I've read in this book, I think these folks would be better to put out a book focusing on marketing jargon and actual ingredient purposes - I found these few references throughout the book to be the most interesting/helpful... and there was no way to put their bias spin on it.
The authors are spectacularly bias in favour of large, mass-market companies; which isn't all that shocking when you flip the book over and learn they used to work for Proctor & Gamble and Unilever. Oddly enough these authors are giving you exactly what they are telling you to avoid - half-assed science. If you want to give me the science behind something, great! I want to read it! Don't just tell me you're going to give me science... and then skirt around it the whole time.
The one thing I DID really like about it was the easy-to-read tidbit-style format. And the cover is cute. ...But that's it. Quite a bummer because it really seemed like there was a lot of potential given the subject matter!
Based on what I've read in this book, I think these folks would be better to put out a book focusing on marketing jargon and actual ingredient purposes - I found these few references throughout the book to be the most interesting/helpful... and there was no way to put their bias spin on it.
September 18, 2016
This book is fantastic. I don't really get why so many of the bad reviews discredit the book's content on the basis that the two authors are cosmetic scientists who worked for big companies. These are people who spent years learning about the science that goes behind it, and aren't basing their opinions on pseudo-science and misinterpreted scientific studies. It's like the anti-vaxxers who don't believe in doctors and medicine... experts who have spent years in their field. One review recommends Gill Deacon's 'There's Lead in Your Lipstick' for an 'unabiased' look at the industry, a journalist who, however good her intentions might be, has no scientific credentials to her name. The body is very complex, as is the way it interacts with cosmetics - something covered in 'Can You Get Hooked on Lip Balm' is the fact that your body cannot absorb the few lead molecules in this lipstick, as it cannot break it down.
Maybe just makeup just isn't as scary as we thought?
Maybe just makeup just isn't as scary as we thought?
May 18, 2011
Full disclosure: I won this in a first reads contest, AM addicted to lip balm, and was really excited to get it.
I got it expecting it to be more of a chemistry of beauty products and it was...kind of. I consider myself a really fast reader and it took me forever to plow through this. It has some science thrown in there but in a really dry way and often they just list products to use without really explaining how things work. Maybe I'm not the fasionista/beauty queen this book was targeting but I think we all know that expensive doesn't necessarily = better and that seems to be the message of every single chapter.
That said I really liked that they listed both ingredients and brand names to use. It's a good reference to have if you're in the market for a particular product or have a specific question.
I got it expecting it to be more of a chemistry of beauty products and it was...kind of. I consider myself a really fast reader and it took me forever to plow through this. It has some science thrown in there but in a really dry way and often they just list products to use without really explaining how things work. Maybe I'm not the fasionista/beauty queen this book was targeting but I think we all know that expensive doesn't necessarily = better and that seems to be the message of every single chapter.
That said I really liked that they listed both ingredients and brand names to use. It's a good reference to have if you're in the market for a particular product or have a specific question.
June 18, 2011
I've been a fan of the Beauty Brains blog for awhile (so I'm biased). I find the Brains straightforward and refreshing after being sucked into the worlds of Naturally Curly and No More Dirty Looks. They are professional cosmetic chemists, and they are honest about their background and which companies they have worked for.
Their main points are that a lot of the beauty industry is marketing, we don't need to be spending as much money on products as we are, and a lot of the rumors and myths we hear are false (or at least, need to be investigated). They back up their arguments with compelling scientific evidence. This book is at least another point of view worth looking at. I'd recommend it for a browse, or to check out from the library because after awhile you start to think, Okay, I get it.
Their main points are that a lot of the beauty industry is marketing, we don't need to be spending as much money on products as we are, and a lot of the rumors and myths we hear are false (or at least, need to be investigated). They back up their arguments with compelling scientific evidence. This book is at least another point of view worth looking at. I'd recommend it for a browse, or to check out from the library because after awhile you start to think, Okay, I get it.
December 29, 2012
I picked this book up from the library on an impulse because my daughter is hooked on lip balm and reading the title was what made me consciously realize this. The book is written by a couple of cosmetic industry scientists. I was disappointed in how biased they were in discounting health risks of cosmetic products. I may have learned a few interesting tidbits but overall I wouldn't recommend the book. I might have recommended it to a teenage audience if it weren't for the bias, but I wouldn't want teens believing the slanted acceptance that cosmetics are harmless just because a couple of "experts" say so. Skin is a very large organ and absorbs the toxins that it comes in contact with, whether from lotions, treatments, makeup, perfumes, cleansers, etc. Constant exposure certainly raises the likelihood of harm, so using products conservatively makes sense.
April 30, 2011
Interesting and informative. Sometimes it gets a bit science-heavy, which is cool because that's what distinguishes this book from all the other makeup and beauty-product guides out there. It explains the chemistry behind your favorite skincare products, in the simplest possible terms. That said, it's still science and some of the concepts are complicated. That makes the author's attempts to lighten the mood with jokey reminders that cellular turnover has nothing to do with mobile phone minutes, rather jarring. If you trust your audience to follow along as you explain cosmetics from a molecular level, you shouldn't make jokes that insult their intelligence. Still, I learned a lot from this little book.
March 31, 2011
This is a **First Reads Winner Book Review**
"Can You Get Hooked on Lip Balm?" by Perry Romanowski
published by Harlequin Publishers
This is one of the few nonfiction books I have found interesting. Written by people who work with science and can tell you the facts about everyday items we use: shampoo, soap, nailpolish, lip balm. Very useful information that untangles some of the preconceived and false notions we have and enlightens with the truth about basic products.
I can't believe how many of my friends actually knew that, yes, you can get hooked on lip balm.
Any female over the age of 10 would enjoy this book and find it filled with fascinating facts.
November 22, 2011
Yes, you can. This book was super interesting, often with very detailed answers to common (and not-so-common) beauty questions. It's organized in such a way that it's very easy to skip to what you want to read about. Very little investment of time for a great payoff in "Did you know..." beauty information. It's just a printed version of "The Beauty Brains" blog, so if you don't want to read this book, skip on over to their website for the same deal. Incidentally, because of this book I bought TreSemme shampoo and conditioner (after being a die-hard salon brand user for years) and discovered that, as the Beauty Brains promised, price alone does not guarantee quality. Who knew?
December 3, 2014
Yes, yes you can. But the the lip balm question is only one of hundreds in this fascinating little book. Full of delightfully refreshing skepticism, various beauty products and myths are put through the rigors of scientific inquiry. Not surprisingly, most claims by the beauty industry are either false or worded in a skewed manner. However, there is plenty to be relieved over. Many products and ingredients have myths attached to them that are complete falsehoods. Dig in and find out if expensive shampoo is really better, what is in perfume and if your moisturizer will really get rid of wrinkles.
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