Weekly Roundup December 3rd

December is here, as is Hanukkah, holiday shopping and counting the days until Christmas (Andy Tauer's Advent Calendar is already on. I'll be joining the fun later this month). Here's a quick tour through the blogsphere for all that is pretty, shiny and smells good:

Charlestongirl is continuing the Edward Bess love. There are several new lip colors and she has all the details on the Deep Shine Lip Glosses. You can see her swatches at Best Things in Beauty. Next week I'll show you how Amor looks on my much darker skin and a great pairing of it with one of the new lipsticks.

Kari brings us ideas for party-perfect hairstyles at Fab over Forty. Of course, it would take a day or two to get my own hair into any of these 'dos, but at least I can look at the photos and admire them.

Sabrina is a California girl, something I deeply envy this time of the year. Still, she has her own dreams- Chanel made her yearn for exotic resorts. You'll see her vacation-ready mani-pedi at The Beauty Look Book .

Kelly is having her biggest giveaway ever at Gouldylox Reviews! For 10 days, she will be listing a new item going into one (or both) of her two prize packages. Like KORRES, Bare Escentuals, and body wash? She's got them and more! Definitely drop by to enter her contest.

The promise of taking "years off your face in minutes" would grab anyone's attention. Debbi featured Ultherapy, "an uplifting ultrasound" that is supposed to improve any laxity on your face and neck in a completely non–surgical way. See it at DivaDebbi.

Jane was also looking for skin pampering and found that Olay's Pro-X Firming Masks made her skin dreamily dewy and as smooth. To find out all about it, visit Daly Beauty.

At Product Girl, Laurie was smitten with Dior's limited-edition 5 Couleurs Gold Edition eye shadows. These shades may be just the thing to jazz up your holidays.

No one needs an introduction to YSL Touche Eclat. Amy at Café Makeup has TOUCHE D'OR Golden Touch/Highlighter for Face, and as expected, it's fabulous.

Are you still looking for holiday beauty gifts? Kristin shared some great beauty gift ideas at BeautyXposé. You can spend $10 or $149 - any of her suggestions will be loved.

On Perfume Smellin' Things, my delightful scent twin reviewed Montale Full Incense. He made me laugh and covet this perfume. It doesn't get any better than that, right? Also, check out Donna's review of one of my current top favorites, DSH Cuir et Champignon. And, yes, it's that good.

EauMG (one of my favorite blog names ever) reviews some indie creations: Aftelier Illumination Bath Oil and Smell Bent Dr. Dreidel. Yes, I'm serious about the name.

Here on the Non-Blonde I brought you the excellent Edward Bess Cream Compact Foundation,  finished reviewing the Outlaw Perfumes (don't miss DSH Mata Hari. Really, don't), found a(nother) gorgeous red lipstick by Givenchy, swatched the D&G eye shadow duo in Stromboli, and thoroughly enjoyed the newest perfume from Ineke, Gilded Lily.

Most important, though, is the charity auction to benefit Doctors Without Borders. About 50 beauty bloggers and brands were brought together by supreme swatcher Karla Sugar. All of us have donated fabulous beauty products- many are limited editions and sold-out items you won't be able to find outside of eBay. Please visit BeautyBloggers.org for your chance to bid on Erika F. eye shadow, a rare presentation of Miss Dior Cherie, Bobbi Brown palettes and a lot more.

Photo: Detail from an ad for Yardley Dolly Face beauty mask, Seventeen magazine, November 1967

Weekly Roundup For Black Friday 2010

It's Black Friday here in the US. Some of you probably braved the malls while others preferred to hide at home and enjoy the online sales (there are some truly fabulous ones going on this weekend through Cuber Monday). Living in the malliest part on NJ, there's no way I'd leave the house on Black Friday, though I admit of one failed attempt a few years ago. For some reason I got it into my head that the DVF factory store in Woodbury Common might already have gotten some items from that year's Resort Collection (highly unlikely, by the way). That was enough for me to convince my long-suffering husband that we must get there for the 2 AM opening sale. Trouble started many miles before we reached the destination. Traffic was barely crawling until it came to a complete halt. We spent about an hour like that before reaching a point in the middle of nowhere were signs directed us to an area where we were supposed to leave the car and take a shuttle bus- apparently all the malls parking lots were completely full. The line for the bus stretched in front of us. It was raining and the temperatures outside were at freezing level (it was a particularly cold winter). There's only so much I'm willing to suffer for a discounted DVF dress. We turned around and headed home. It's been online shopping for me ever since.

Hopefully, the following posts from my favorite bloggers might help you in your shopping quest:

Kari from Fab Over Forty is giving away to one lucky reader an Estee Lauder makeup set in a holiday red Coach makeup bag. This is one of the nicest holiday items this year- highly recommended.

Charlestongirl of Best Things in Beauty is on a mission: to own every Le Métier de Beauté True Color Eye Shadow. I'm with her on this one. Her recent post explores some beautiful neutral colors.

Kelly from Gouldylox Reviews has been taking us along with her on her hair changing ride with amazing results. See what Peter Lamas product helped her with her new found hair style and frizz.

Have you ever gone shopping for shoes and walk away with a beauty product you just can't resist? That's what happened to Debbi at Diva Debbi this week. See what Bobbi Brown ended up in her "getaway" bag.

Royal fans among us might be interested in this  BeautyXposé post about getting our own replica of the gorgeous sapphire and diamond ring. Not in the market for an engagement ring, I'm more interested in some of Kate's Issa dresses. Neiman Marcus has a few.

I don't know about makeup resort collections- do we really need them? However, Sabrina from The Beauty Look Book shows us the latest release of Chanel nail polish, a happy blue color called Riva. No matter what I think of the idea behind the collection or the fact I don't even wear these shades, it's incredibly pretty.

Jane from Daly Beauty reviewed one of her favorite perfumes- Creed Tubereuse Indiana. I think  I'm going to give it some attention.

Victoria of Bois de Jasmin wrote a fascinating piece about fall scents and tastes. also, you still have time until Sunday to enter her Jo Malone Pear & Freesia contest.

London Makeup Girl reviews items from some of my favorite lines: Roxana Illuminated Perfumes- Q, Vera and Sierra, as well as a Julie Hewett lipstick.

Here on The Non-Blonde I'm still playing with Outlaw Perfumes- Rose of Cimarron and Notoriety (the giveaway will remain open until Sunday, so don't miss your chance to win a bottle). I've been enchanted by a Guerlain limited edition lipstick, Rouge G in Bee, unimpressed by a bunch of other items on a recent shopping trip and thoroughly enjoyed Tim Gunn's Golden Rules book.

Wishing you a warm and peaceful weekend and successful shopping if you're heading out!

Photo: Getty Images

Weekly Roundup November 20th

Flawless skin is the most important aspect of a good makeup look and the hardest one to achieve. Many are curious about  the Luminess Air system. Kari at Fab over Forty has some answers.

Mineral pigments scare me- klutzy tendencies, colorful loose powder that gets everywhere and a bunch of cats who gets into everything- just think of the purple paw prints! But Alima Pure made Charlestongirl feel like a princess. Check out Best Things in Beauty to find out how well she fared using Once Upon a Time, the Holiday 2010 collection.

I know many are wary of silicone-based primers and avoid them altogether. Jane found a new primer she loves: Exuberance Silicone-Free Primer. You have to read more at Daly Beauty. It sounds fabulous and might save your makeup.

At BeautyXposé, Anne was smitten with holiday collections of mineral shadows, liners, and glosses. Bare Escentuals may have created the perfect gift sets - if you can bear to give them away.

Sabrina at The Beauty Look Book is golden. YSL's Touche d'Or Highlighter and Colorama Palette gave her a glow for the holidays and made her reconsider her stance on YSL.

Kelly added some glitz to her life with a little sparkle on her lashes! Pop over to Gouldylox Reviews to find out how Hard Candy's Lash Tinsel could light up your eyes for a special event.

Debbi at DivaDebbi has a  love affair with Giorgio Armani Beauty's Luminous Silk Foundation and I can't blame her. She's also considering the Armani's blender brush which I have just started testing. Read her review and stay tuned to mine.

Smoky eyes are a staple for of holiday parties. Carla at Product Girl  is loving the newest kit from Smashbox. Kits are making everything easier.

Dane at Pere de Pierre is exploring a perfume classic: Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche. It makes me nostalgic.

On Ars Aromatica, Dain gives as a thorough lesson in highlighting and contouring. It's a must-read as she explains the technique and products as well as the theory behind it.

The biggest news of the week was the royal engagement. This article on CNN's Opinion section, is optimistic about William and Kate's chances to make it work.

Have a beautiful weekend!

Weekly Roundup- Last one in my 30s

I don't remember such a pre-holiday season in a very long time. The options are dazzling in both quantity and quality. My friends and I still testing and experimenting with special collections and limited edition items, and here's a spoiler- next week will bring a new shiny crop. Here are some highlights from the ending week:

Kari at Fab over Forty brings us more Bobbi Brown- The Holiday Glamour Set. This one might be my favorite of all the recent Bobbi palettes. I might even be willing to forgive her the spelling of "glamour"- she's from NJ, so what's with the extra U?

The Giorgio Armani Beauty Eyes to Kill Eyeshadows for Holiday 2010 is as festive as they come. Charlestongirl has swatches of all three shades of Armani's novel new shadow formula at Best Things in Beauty.

I'm always thrilled to see pictures of what Sabrina from The Beauty Look Book is loving right now. Her most recent crop is dedicated to something I can never ever pull off- shimmering pale colors, so I live vicariously through her.

I'm not the only blogger who uses her cats shamelessly as models. Kelly from Gouldylox Reviews is taking this a step further- Beans looks fabulous in swatches of Bare Escentuals.

Debbi is now the perfect diva for the holidays. You can find out why Lash Dip is the future of eyelash enhancement at DivaDebbi. Would you take the plunge?

I'm so not a morning person. Waking up, dealing with my morning face and trying not trip over the cats who are obnoxiously perky is not my idea of a good time. Jane found the perfect year-round solution, one you'll want to use when you dread the way your skin will look in the morning. Pop over to Daly Beauty to see what this Kiehl's miracle is all about. Just make sure I get my morning tea first.

Looking at the beautiful earrings Kristin has found and showed us at BeautyXposé makes me once again feel sorry my ears aren't pierced. The coral Roberta Chiarella La Luna earrings are especially tempting.

When Sue Devitt travels, the result is usually a gorgeous new makeup collection. Take a look with Carla at the new Golden Triangle Collection (makeup and fragrance) at Product Girl. I also had a Sue Devitt review this week- Nordland eye shadow is a real winner.

The brilliant artist Niki de Saint Phalle would have celebrated her birthday this week. This blog has some beautiful photos of her art (and a Vogue cover).

On I Smell Therefore I Am Abigail discusses Serge Lutens Bas de Soie (which I adore) and reflects on Uncle Serge's work, while Brian gives us an excellent overview of the very intriguing cooperation between Le Labo and Anthroplogie.

Other than introducing Buffy and you to a(nother) limited edition platte, Collection Essentielle de Chanel Paris-L.A., I also questioned the idea of a $125 lipstick in a cup (aka NARS Bento Box), got annoyed with Benefit for yet another crappy mascara, loved a Burberry lipstick and indulged in some fabulous perfumes, old and new.

Stay beautiful!

Weekly Roundup- It's November!

My beauty routine is officially in fall/winter weather mode, which means slathering, protecting and moisturizing within an inch of my life. So far it's working, including facing some serious wind on a day trip up north this weekend. Of course, all of us are on the lookout for more items to test and here's the latest crop:

This one is for germaphobes among us:  Kari from  Fab Over Forty found an organic hand sanitizer that works without drying out your skin.

I haven't bought anything from Stila in ages, but Charlstongirl from Best Things in Beauty is very happy with the new 24kt Gloss, so it looks like this one is a real winner.

Sabrina from The Beauty Look Book has photos, swatches and a great insight into the new Dolce & Gabbana Ethereal Beauty Collection.  In this case she tried it all so I don't have to.

Does your skin when you get freak out when you're out of your normal routine?  Mine sometimes does and then I spend a week or so doing restoration work. Laurie from Product Girl tried Vorte Vu Au Revoir Trouble Spot Treatment.   See if it worked for her.

Surfing beauty websites can be a learning experience.  Kelly from Gouldylox Reviews tested Wen Re-Moist Hydrating Hair Mask after seeing Wen on QVC.  See what she thinks about the results.

Kristin from BeautyXposé shows us some fun nail polishes for fall to give you the "it" factor. I can never resist nail polish. It's a sickness, really.

Debbi from DivaDebbi has a "Don't sweat the small stuff" mantra.  I wish I could adopt this attitude. Not sweating, however,  means cellulite .  See if Avon Anew's Cellulite Slimming Treatment worked for her.

Jane from Daly Beauty has a wonderful interview with fashion designer, Rachel Sin.  See what her beauty must-haves are in this insightful interview.

Trish from Scent Hive has a review and a giveaway of Osmanthus Oolong from indie natural house Providence Perfumer Co.

Manolo the shoe blogger has added a beauty blog to the Manolosphere, written by Glinda. It definitely started out with a bang.

Here on the Non-Blonde, I was not impressed with Lancome's eye primer, Put some color in my cheeks with Burberry Warm Glow bronzer, brought you a smoky eye alternative from Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics and shared with you a favorite Ava Luxe perfume, No. 23. Oh, and there was also a new YSL lipstick among lots of other good stuff.

Happy  week! Stay warm and beautiful.

Image from the movie The best Of Everything, 1959, via stirredstraightup.blogspot.com

Halloween Weekend Roundup

Halloween means it's officially the season for holiday countdowns, parties, makeup and chocolate. It's no wonder all of us bloggers have been having fun.

Charlstongirl from Best Things In Beauty brings some color to our cheeks. She has swatches of the three new colors of Tarte's Cheek Stain. I have yet to find one that's right for me, but maybe one of these could work.

Estee Lauder has been stepping up the game since Tom Pecheux started designing seasonal palettes and other items. Kari from Fab Over Forty reviewed the Pure Color Extravagant Collection for Holiday 2010. Also have a look at the rest of her reviews this week- more palettes and pretty packaging.

The steely blue color of the new  Le Gris L'Wren 021 nail polish by Lancome reminds me of the sky on a stormy fall day. Sabrina from The Beauty Look Book has photos and comparisons to other blue shades.

Jane from Daly Beauty has reviewed one of my long-time favorite perfumes: Panthere de Cartier. A lush and ornate floral that is not ashamed of its 80s roots.

For Halloween, Chelsea at BeautyXposé shares Sephora's limited edition kits.It might make your holiday a little easier.

Still in Halloween spirit, Elena from Perfume Shrine has fragrance tricks and treats. It's a brilliant list.

Do you love glitter but hate the mess that some makeup has? Kelly from Gouldylox Reviews found a glittery, holiday must-have with the LORAC All That Glitters set.

I hate shopping for concealer. It's not fun, not sexy and is all about looking carefully at flawed skin. Laurie from Product Girl reviewed MAC Pro Longwear Concealer. She may have found her perfect one.

Debbi from DivaDebbi shares a secret with us; who some of the most famous celebrities have as a makeup artist. See what Debbi had done by the Kimara beauty team to make her look red carpet ready.

Marcia from the Beauty Info Zone has created a recent top 10 list of her favorite go-to beauty products. She and I only share one- the Le Metier de Beaute eye shadow, but it's always fun to see what others have in their makeup bag.

My own week smelled especially good thanks to the limited edition Guerlain Shalimar Ode a la Vanille. I have yet to meet a Shalimar I don't like, really. Mad Men fans in withdrawal might want to read about this new tie-in book, and fans of Edward Bess and/or cats would want to see my photos of his Platinum Concealer.

Have fun this weekend and wear something fabulous, in and out of costume!

Weekly Roundup

I hope everyone's in the mood for more holiday items, because we've got some stunners in this roundup. But that's just a small part of what my friends and I have been testing lately. Here's this week's crop:

Charlstongirl and I have very different skin tones and eye colors (she's a fabulous cool blonde), but we share a love for khaki eye shadows. Check out her newest discovery from Bare Minerals, of all brands, at Best Things In Beauty.

I'll be turning 40 in three weeks, but Kari's blog has been a favorite for the last couple of years. She posted an interview with Sandy Linter on Fab Over Forty. The celebrity makeup artist shared her fall must-have beauty products for women over 40, but her recommendations are interesting for everyone.

Sabrina has the Holiday kits from Dior on the Beauty Look Book. It's impolite to drool so I need to have a word with the Jewish Santa.

Jane from Daly Beauty brings us The Dark Side Of The Moon, a vampy nail polish by Deborah Lippmann. I'm a huge fan of Ms. Lippmann's work and Jane's review makes me reconsider the exact number of dark purple nail polish bottles one really needs. Maybe one more...

Beginners and those who have yet to play with bold colors would appreciate Kelly's swatches and post about Stilla's Color Wheel on Gouldylox Reviews.

At BeautyXposé, Chelsea showed us how to stay within TSA's rules about carry-on liquids and keep our hair looking great at the same time.

Check out what the dueling bloggers have to say about LORAC this week at Beauty Info Zone Blog. Marcia and Lisa debated their favorite LORAC products. Personally, I love the original Croc and Snake Palettes.

For the love of shoes, DivaDebbi talks about Foot Petals. They are life savers.

Carla showed us a Beauty VIP of the Week: Sue Devitt's Lip Intensifier Pencil at Product Girl. I'm a fan of the Eye Intensifiers (watch this space for a review of an incredibly pretty one soon), so this was interesting.

Friends & Family sales are sort of a national holiday for some of us. Get the scoop on Sephora's from Elvira at Pink Sith. Saks is still having theirs, by the way. Use code Friend7 at checkout.

And what did I do this passing week? I saved a Nars brush from the cute paws of Sophie and Giselle, reviewed the newest L'Artisan vetiver perfume, felt disappointed with Cle de Peau's Malachite eye quad, opened my eyes with Le Metier de Beaute's eyelash curler and was surprised to see how few of my readers use primers.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend and stay beautiful!

Image from Mademoiselle magazine, February 1967

Weekly Roundup October 16

We're already in the midst of holiday collection excitement, but there are still items from the fall lines that deserve attention. So many colors, so little time...

Charlstongirl has been going through the many Bobbi Brown items for Holiday 2010 on Best Things In Beauty. The metallic eyeliners might be my favorites because they can instantly glam up a more neutral look without looking over the top.

I have a very soft spot for Liz Earle skin care. The cleansing system is among the best I've ever tried. Kari from Fab Over Forty reviewed the hair care products and also has a giveaway.

Guerlain Collection Les Ors for Holiday 2010 is now available. Sabrina gave us a look at the Velours d'Or (#410) eye palette on The Beauty Look Book and her swatches are quite tempting. I reviewed one of the KissKiss lipsticks from the collection which was just OK but absolutely adored the powder- Meteorites Perles d'Or.

Speaking of Guerlain, Jane from Daly Beauty reviewed one of the best perfumes of all time, the classic Jicky. I always enjoy seeing my favorites from a new point of view.

If smoky eyes are your thing, it looks like Buxom's Samantha's Smoky Eye set is worth checking out. Kelly from Gouldylox Reviews has the details and a tutorial that will help one avoid the Taylor Momsen effect.

I don't blame Anne from BeautyXposé for falling in love with Essie nail polish collection for fall 2010. The colors are, indeed gorgeous, fashionable and wearable. I reviewed both the mini set and the pinkish In Stitches.

Laurie showed us how to prepare for a beauty 9-1-1 with Trish McEvoy's The Voyager at Product Girl . The kit is like keeping a spare tire and some jumper cables in your trunk, but better.

Debbi at DivaDebi discovered Reviva Labs and their miracle anti-aging treatments for our hands. Check out her before and after photos.

The ladies at Beauty Info Zone share their love for the Tarte Limited Edition Fall 2010 Collection. The Ten palette has a range of nice eye shadow colors and textures which Lisa shows us just one of the beautiful looks on her own eyes. And since you're there, stop by and sign up for their contest.

Some of my own highlights this week: the gorgeous YSL Aquamarine Ombre Solo eye shadow, a review of Serge Lutens newest export perfume, Bas de Soie and one last eye shadow- Burberry Porcelain.

Have a beautiful weekend!

Image: Coty lipstick ad from Seventeen Magazine, March 1961.

Weekly Roundup October 8th

We're still weeks away from Halloween but the glitz and glitter of Holiday collections is most definitely upon us, along with other season-appropriate products. My advice is to look at all the stuff with a critical eye, take into account just how many holiday parties and events you're going to attend and choose the items you know you're going to wear again after January 1st. Generally speaking, a sparkly nail polish, a mascara top coat or a lip gloss might be a better choice than a super-glam eye shadow quad. But that's just me. Let's look at what my friends have been doing this week:

Sabrina at The Beauty Look Book did a comprehensive review of Chanel Holiday Glossimers. Her swatches are fabulous.

Charlestongirl gave us a sneak peek at Giorgio Armani Beauty's Gold Rush Collection for Holiday 2010. See photos at Best Things in Beauty. I'll need to see them in person to decide if and what I need, but the compact sounds beautiful and makes me forget my practical reasons for not buying stuff like that.

Kari has a photo of Dior's Minaudiere from the Holiday 2010 Collection at Fab over Forty. The houndstooth embossed packaging is giving me serious lust, the colors less so. But there's also a Grey Gold version which might just be the thing for me.

Kelly has the details about a treatment that made a significant difference her hair" at Gouldylox Reviews.

I didn't know Mary Kay did limited edition. Chelsea got her hands on the Metro Chic Collection. Here it is at BeautyXposé.

Debbi at DivaDebbi has a new love: GoNails Natural Nail Growth Treatment. Find out how you can get a product to strengthen and repair your nails and cuticles, without formaldehyde or alcohol, and a 20% discount if you want to try it.

Lisa had a Le Métier de Beauté fall makeover at Neiman Marcus. Check out the products used and Marcia's and Lisa's first-ever instructional video at Beauty Info Zone Blog.

Laurie found an interesting drugstore deal, the new Revlon Multi-Use Palette, part of the brand’s new Suede Rhapsody collection. You can see it, along with swatches, at Product Girl.

Have a beautiful weekend!

Weekly Roundup- I Can't Believe It's October

I had the first hot chocolate of the season the other day while temperatures in L.A. were setting new (high) records. Funny how that works. There's some excitement in the air, from the new TV season (is The Event going to be the new Lost?) to even more fall makeup and skin care, not to mention some Holiday collections that are already at the counters and it's not even Halloween yet.At least it keeps bloggers busy.

Kari from Fab Over Forty spent the last week at the spa resort Rancho La Puerta. She shares with us just one of the many wonderful experiences she had.

Charlestongirl is loving Le Metier de Beaute (who doesn't?). Her latest purchase is the Les Artistes Kaleidoscope Lip Kit for Fall 2010. Here's her review on Best Things In Beauty.

Sabrina is already exploring the Holiday Collections. I'm in denial, but here are her first buys of the season: Bobbi Brown and Chanel.

The promise of never having a bad hair day again can make me do and buy the weirdest things. Here's the latest on the subject from BeautyXposé .

Microdermabrasion scares the living light out of me. Kelly from is much braver. She's been testing some products from YBF. Would you?

Speaking of skincare, Debbi at Diva Debbi has also been testing a skin care product. Read all about her results with the easy to use Cane & Austin Retexturizing Pads.

For fans of natural and/or botanical ingredients, the ladies at Beauty Info Zone Blog have been using some of the products from Juara. Does this skincare line leave you thinking differently about what you use?

Victoria from Makeup Artist Backstage has been busy creating another beauty video. This is the third in her series of Flawless Faces for all Races. See what you can learn from her techniques.

A mascara that makes people wonder if your lashes are real or fake must be a serious overachiever. Laurie from Product Girl shares one with us.

Enjoy your weekend and stay beautiful!

Weekly Roundup September 25

There's something in the air. Even those of us (=me) who aren't thrilled with the official end of summer, can smell and feel this anticipation- new clothes, shoes and makeup, the return of some favorite fall scents.Here are some of the latest finds from around the blogsphere:

Charlestongirl got her hands on four of the new Uptown Mauve Rouge d'Armani lipsticks from Giorgio Armani Beauty. Check out Best Things in Beauty them. She mostly focused on the pink and beige ones, while I focused on the plums. We both share the love for No. 606.

More pretty lips: Sabrina loves Rouge Volupté Perle. Visit The Beauty Look Book to find out why. I hope they release them in more colors, as none of the ones I tested at the counter hit the spot for me, though the texture is lovely.

Anne has something interesting for nail polish fiends. She told us why Dazzle Dry is the Energizer Bunny of nail polishes at BeautyXposé.

Kelly was in the mood for subtle and natural colors. Here she is, wearing the Fall/Winter Collection from Fusion of Color at Gouldylox Reviews.

Kari recently tried Professional Level Damage Repair Ampoule Treatment for Medium Thick Hair, and even though her hair isn't particularly thick, she liked it! Find out why at Fab over Forty. I wonder if this stuff might make a difference for my own super-thick mane.

I'm a technophile and an early adapter, but airbrush foundation gadgets scare me. Self-proclaimed klutz Lisa told us how she fell in love with the Luminess Air Brush Pro System at The Beauty Info Zone Blog. We'll be watching to see how long it takes her to repossess it from Marcia.

Did you watch Episode 1 of Flawless Faces for All Races last week? Vicki posted Episode 2 this week at Makeup Artist Backstage. All of us can learn tips and techniques by watching pro artist Vicki in action.

The launch of Burberry Beauty had us all excited and bloggers have been going through them systematically. Elvira at Pink Sith. shows us Rosewood Eyeshadow and it's gorgeous. I recently made some serious damage at my local Nordstrom (reviews and swatches coming very soon), but seeing this color makes me want to run back there and add a few more to my collection.

Product Girl Carla celebrated her five-year blogging anniversary this week. Congratulations, Carla! Ever wondered what a beauty addict's home looks like? Head over to see her true confessions. Now I don't feel so bad about my own obsession. My own fifth anniversary is coming next year. I wonder how I should celebrate it...

We hope you have a great weekend. Do something nice for yourself!

Photo by John Rawlins, 1960-something from stirredstraightup.blogspot.com

Weekly Roundup For Mid-September

I was out of town on vacation and managed to miss the entire NY Fashion Week on all its events. More on that in a separate post (maybe), but I'm quite happy to see life as we know it getting back to normal. Now I just need to finish my laundry and catch up on email.

It looks like everyone is sharing the Le Metier de Beaute lust lately and there's a lot to love. Just look at Marcia's nails on Beauty Info Zone, Amy's feature on the Persephone Eye Kit at Cafe Makeup and my own post about Magic Lustre Cream.

Charlestongirl introduced us to Dior's very limited-edition Tailleur Bar Haute Couture Look set at Best Things in Beauty. Lavender and grey eye shadows with popping pink lips pay homage to Dior's legendary bar suit. Charlestongirl wants you to know that Neiman Marcus at Mazza Gallerie has offered her readers (and you insiders) an incredible deal. Just go to this link to see how you could win a $500 shopping spree.

Next we have Chanel SoHo Story by Sabrina from the Beauty Look Book. Sabrina gives me serious lip envy. I always need to remind myself how colors that look gorgeous on her tend to be less than wearable on me. It doesn't matter: I want everything she shows.

If your head is not already spinning from limited editions and store exclusives, you might want to see Kari's post about Lancome Eiffel Tower lipsticks. She might have also solved the mystery of what exactly was Daria wearing on her lips in the promo photos of Lancome's fall collection. All these marketing games aren't making me feel too warm and fuzzy toward Lancome, but I'm jet-lagged and cranky, so don't mind me.

Laura Geller deserves more love on the blogs and from the public, which is why I was happy to see Kelly's Banish-n-Brighten post on Gouldylox Reviews.

Fans of Urban Decay Primer Potion should be happy with this one. Laurie from Product Girl has the details on the new color, Greed. Personally, I'm a classic girl and have gone through countless tubes of the original one.

Last one for today, pro makeup artist Vicki rolled out the premiere edition of Flawless Faces for All Races at Makeup Artist Backstage. Learn her simple techniques for creating a flawless look by watching her 10-minute video.

Enjoy your weekend and wear something fun!

Photo of a 1940s Vogue cover: stirredstraightup.blogspot.com

Weekly Roundup- September 4th-10th

How was your first week of after-summer? It seems like everyone has been having a very hectic time, including here in Beautyland. Here's what my friends and I have been doing lately:

Chantecaille has some of the most gorgeous palettes and Charlestongirl shows us a true beauty at Best Things in Beauty. Not only is it a keepsake, it also helps the world a better place. It's one of my personal favorites.

Sabrina at The Beauty Look Bookhas been coveting Le Metier de Beaute's Summerland Sheer Brilliance Lipgloss from afar. After a trip to Neiman Marcus she was finally able to call it her own. This isn't even my color and I still found my online shopping hand twitching.

I'm all about Laura Mercier palettes lately (remind me to show you my latest purchase), and Kari at Fab Over Forty shows this beautiful Laura Mercier palette encased in a lovely Kooba case. She will definitely be bringing this one on her next trip. I say:"want!"

Kelly from Gouldylox Reviews shares her review on Garnier Blow Dry Perfector. But in the process, she discovered an amazing hair product for dry hair. Be sure to read to find out her product likes and dislikes of her hair trials and tribulations. My almost 3 feet of hair and I are listening.

Are you ever curious as to what a makeup junkie has in her own beauty bag? Marcia from Beauty Info Zone Blog opens up her handbag and shows us all her beauty goodies she carries with her daily. We also learn why these are her go-to products.

BeautyXposé shares with us her experience with Fake Bake Sunless & Skinny self-tanner. Can you really look like you have the warmth of summer glow on your skin and still keep your body bikini ready, all from a bottle?

Have a gorgeous weekend!

Photo: Hair salon at Rockefeller Center by Nina Leen, 1952

Weekly Roundup For Labor Day Weekend

Considering many of us have been wearing makeup from various fall collections since July, Labor Day isn't going to change much in our routines. Still, this is the official end of summer and we're taking inventory of fall items, colors and ideas. And not one word about white shoes!

Kari kicked off our fall theme with Five Products for Transitioning to Fall. Head over to Fab over Forty to find her recommendations. Do you have more to add?

Anne is seriously into Shiseido and I can't blame her. Check out BeautyXposé to see some seriously pretty colors (and Anne's stunning eyes). I've already shown you one of the eye shadow trios in Strata, and now I think I need the automatic eye pencil.

My local Saks doesn't have Dolce & Gabbana makeup, which means it's either braving the piranhas at the 5th Avenue flagship store or online shopping. Sabrina is making it a bit easier at The Beauty Look Book.

Edward Bess is much beloved here within our little group, and with a good reason. Every collection is exquisitely edited, timeless and stylish. Charlestongirl wrote a love letter to Edward Bess at Best Things in Beauty and I stand behind every word.

Kelly has been showing us the best of summer at Gouldylox Reviews. Both of her favorite discoveries for cheeks will take you right into fall.

M∙A∙C's new Fabulous Felines Collection for fall has been a blogger darling for weeks, particularly among cat lovers. Get the full scoop on the Superslick Liquid Eye Liners from Marcia at Beauty Info Zone Blog.

Laurie at Product Girl found a pretty Clinique gift with purchase at Bloomingdale's. Not bad, right?

How are we going to organize all our new purchases? Our pro, Vicki, let us in on her new "secret" at Makeup Artist Backstage. One day I need to write a post about my own organizing systems. You'll just have to promise not too laugh (too much).

How often did you go out shopping because of something KarlaSugar showed us? I stopped counting. I have tons of errands to run tomorrow, but nothing is keeping me away from Saks and this Laura Mercier set. Nothing!

Arcona products can be a hit or miss for me, but Kristen's review of their Triad Pads on Beauty Addict has made me add them to my list. They look perfect for travel.

Finally, in case you missed it, the discussion about one of the more questionable beauty trends of the season: The No Mascara Look. What do you think?

Have a safe and wonderful weekend!

Weekly Roundup- Last One For August

Ever since I quit teaching, the back-to-school rush has made me a bit nostalgic for the smell of pencils, crayons and other supplies, a freshly painted classroom and the excitement of new beginnings. I guess that's what revamped routines and fall collections are made for. Last week has passed too quickly here. We had a house full of guests, including my ultra-adorable 2-year old niece who is already a budding fashionista-perfumista. She sniffed perfume samples with her mother and watched me apply my makeup with interest and wonder I have every intention to cultivate. This aunting gig is fun.

The passing week was not just about Hello Kitty and chocolate milk. Here's some of what has been going on in the beauty blogging world:

Charlestongirl of Best Things in Beauty attended a Bobbi Brown Master Class. She's sharing some cool beauty tips, including Bobbi's recommendation of doing your eyes last(!) to a more modern smoky eye.

It's Emmys weekend. I'm not sure how excited I am, though I'll do my usual red carpet live blogging. Hopefully we'll see some beautiful gowns and gorgeous faces. I'm mostly rooting for Modern Family and Mad Men, but wouldn't be disappointed if The Good Wife snags an award or two. Julianna Margulies and the others are pretty awesome. Anne from BeautyXposé is giving us easy to use at-home tips on how to get a red carpet worthy white smile.

We all want that flawless face before applying makeup and Kelly from Gouldylox Reviews shares with us a Jouer product that takes care of pore and fine lines. I'm curious.

Nothing beats an advice from a pro. Makeup artist Victoria Stiles will be doing "Flawless Faces Web Series". See Makeup Artist Backstage to learn about it.

Purple is one of the hottest colors for fall (what else is new?). Kari from Fabulous Over Forty shares with us some of her favorite purple beauty products. Could there be a purple in your future? I'm contemplating a purchase or two.

Sabrina from The Beauty Look Book shows us all things beautiful in grey. From nail polish to kitchenware- she has an exquisite taste.

Sadly, there have been times when we've all overdone it in the sun. Carla from Product Girl tested a Caudalie product for her sunburn. Did she get the relief she needed?

While my week was full of Cheerios, cheering for successful potty usage and shopping at Gymboree, I also brought you quite a bit of new beauty products. From Butter London's tribute to Alexander McQueen (perhaps most gorgeous nail polish color I own) to the newest leather perfume by Mona di Orio. There was also the newest Givenchy eye shadow quad and an Edward Bess lipstick, because I can't get enough of the guy.

Have a gorgeous weekend!

Photo by John Rawlings for Vogue, 1941

Weekly Roundup August 20th

It's been hectic around here with family visiting, including my two year old niece who's a fashionista in the making. Right now she's still more interested in the Bronx Zoo than in Bergdorf Goodman, but I have very high hopes for the future. I can't wait till she and my other niece (a blonde, by the way) are old enough to read beauty blogs and go exploring the 3Bs (Bergdorf, Barneys and Bendel). For now, let's take a tour through the best the beauty blogsphere had to offer this week:

Chanel is a magic word for many of us, including Kari who saw the Inimitable Intense display of new Chanel eye shadows and mascaras. Visit Fab over Forty and see if there's a trip to a Chanel counter in your immediate future. There's definitely one in mine, but what else is new?

Between the two of us, Sabrina of The Beauty Look Book and I probably have the entire Edward Bess collection. Here's her Compact Rouge reviews and photos. I had my own Edward Bess post this week- one of his beautiful lipsticks.

Charlestongirl is already in the holiday spirit, thanks to Shiseido. The Makeup 2010 Holiday Collection Essential Elegance Palette, created by Dick Page, left her gushing at Best Things in Beauty. All I can say is: Want. Just look at that purple cream eyeliner in this set. Charlstongirl also recommends checking the Luminizing Eye Shadow Trios. She's right, of course. I just reviewed Strata. In fact, I'm wearing it right now.

At BeautyXposé, it was all about REN Replenishing Treatment Mists (and darling flats for fall). Find out why Pamela has been obsessed, spritzing with glee.

Speaking of spritzing, I reviewed the newest perfume in the By Kilian line, Love And Tears. It's a must-sniff for jasmine lovers, and even those who are suspicious of this note (like me), might find it surprisingly lovely.

Let's not forget our hands. Laurie at Product Girl gave us a peek at Essie’s Fall 2010 collection, nail colors to complement the season’s fashion trends. I can tell you they're absolutely gorgeous. In fact, I'm going to wear Merino Cool this weekend.

While we're on the subject of hands, Marcia and Lisa featured an interview with Ellen Sirot, a world-famous hand model (all of a sudden I'm thinking about George Costanza...). If you visit Beauty Info Zone Blog, you'll find a special discount on Ellen's Hand Perfection products.

Victoria Stiles worked on a Washingtonian Magazine photo shoot of DC's style setters and has a behind the scenes preview video. Very cool.

And just for fun, here's Joey's Things I've Learned From Beauty Blogging list on The Eyes Have It. I could have written just about each and every one of these items.

Have a beautiful weekend!

Photoof Balmain evening gowns by Willy Maywald, 1952

Weekly Roundup

In theory these are the dog days of summer, but for beauty bloggers August is still hectic with fall collections and limited edition items being launched every day. It's our equivalent of the back to school rush, which I admit I've been missing (a little) since I stopped teaching. Instead of school supplies we get palettes and nail polish. Here's what my friends have been testing:

Charlestongirl has the scoop on Bobbi Brown's new Black Velvet Collection for fall at Best Things in Beauty. It's so un-Bobbi I had to check it twice just to make sure I wasn't dreaming. The colors look like they would delight those of us who don't do beige. The model in the photo is a bit darker than me, but I have no doubt I can pull it off. How about you?

Have you been caught up in the Eat Pray Love craze? I haven't yet, but I'm weird like that. Kari from Fabulous Over Forty showed us how we can re-create Julia Robert's red carpet look from the movie premiere. Pretty woman, indeed.

My aversion to QVC aside, it is becoming a serious force in the beauty shopping field. Anne interviewed QVC personality Staci Dickerson at Beauty Xposé to learn what Staci does to get that summertime glow year round.

Kelly had amazing lash growth results from using Marini Lash by Jan Marini. See her results at Gouldylox Reviews and enter to win your very own tube of Marini Lash.

All week, Amy gave us previews and comparisons of Chanel's newest high-shine lip glosses, Rouge Allure Extrait de Gloss. See what she thinks of this latest addition to the Chanel lip collection at Café Makeup and hide your credit cards. Seriously, I'm glad most of the colors are way too light for me, otherwise there'd be a shopping spree comparable to the one many of us experienced with Rouge Coco lipsticks. Still, Exces and Fatale are going to be mine. And here's some foreshadowing: Amy is already responsible for a couple of things you're going to see on this blog in the next week or two.

Dog lovers or not, most of us would be amused by the canine themed Bare Escentual Buxom Stay-There Eyeshadow. Read Joey's account at Pink Sith. I just got the one in Mutt but have yet to give it serious testing beyond the initial swatch. Loved the texture from the first try, though.

And while we're on an animal theme, check out The Beauty Look Book for Sabrina's scoop on Paul and Joe's fall collection, complete with swans, cats, and pretty makeup. You know how I am with cats, but I still have issues with the idea my lipstick has pointy little ears.

The Clarisonic Opal has another big fan: Laurie at Product Girl. I've tried to resist them, but it looks there's one in my future after all.

And last, if you've missed my posts this week, you might be interested in the two new blushes I reviewed: Nars Douceur and Givenchy Le Prisme Blooming Fuchsias, the eye popping Nars Soft Touch Pencil in Palladium, or maybe a perfume review of something summer-appropriate but with enough character to keep me happy: Osmanthus Interdite by Parfum d'Empire. For a "what in the world" moment, take a look at this inexplicable bad fashion from J. Crew.

I hope you're enjoying the weekend. Stay happy and beautiful!

Photo by Walter Sanders, life.com

Weekly Roundup- It's August!

We're in the homestretch of summer, which is not all that thrilling except for the gorgeousness of fall collections. My friends and I have been happily testing and swatching- you know, so you don't have to.

Charlstongirl and I played with Armani's Night Viper Collection for Fall 2010. Charlestongirl swatched the collection at Saks with Loyd Cassler, her Armani buddy. You can see the new eye shadows, cheeks, and mascara at Best Things in Beauty. At readers' requests I started with the Rouge d'Armani lipsticks. Stay tune next week for the the eye shadow quad and the mascara.

Kari gave us her take on Plaid Gone Mad - the new Burberry Beauty collection - and described her quest to get her hands it. You'll enjoy her story at Fab over Forty. My local Nordstrom is finally getting the line this week. I'm so there.

Kelly discovered the fabulousness of Tarte's Beauty in a Box: Bronze Smokey Eye collection. She rocks it at Gouldylox Reviews.

There's a hand sanitizer ingredient warning that you must read. Pamela has the 911 at Beauty Xposé. It makes my head spin.

I absolutely love lavender. Kristen at Beauty Addict suggested five de-stressors you might enjoy after a long work week. I've been eying my lavender plants and plotting various ways to use them.

Is "greige" the new taupe? See what Amy thinks at Café Makeup. Then vote!

Find out at Beauty Info Zone Blog how Jane Iredale helped Marcia reinvent her life.

Lianne showed us the eye-catching Nars Fall Collection featuring Daphne Guinness, model and Nars muse, at The Makeup Girl. I'm still not sold on the single shadows, but I promise to show my own picks in a few days. I've been all about the new blush for the last couple of weeks.

Sephora has a new mobile site, which means we can shop on the go. I'm thrilled and so is Amber at Beauty Junkies Unite who may be one of the first (and best) mobile customers. Let's hope Bergdorf follows suit. And can someone please forward this post to the Powers That Be at Henri Bendel?

Enjoy your weekend and stay beautiful!

Image: myvintagevogue.com

Weekly Roundup- Last One For July

Can you believe July is over? What have we been up to? Testing beauty products, apparently. Here's what my friends have discovered:

Charlestongirl has been sharing with us her love affair of the Guerlain Champs-Élysées eye shadow palettes from the Fall 2010 Collection. Check out Best Things in Beauty this week for her latest swatching and swooning over these palettes. Yes, we're all obsessed with them. I hope you didn't miss my own swatches of 93 Rue de Passy and don't forget to come back here to see 2 Place Vendome.

Kari from Fab Over Forty has renewed her love of makeup with a brand that's an old favorite. This week she shares with us some of the newest products to the line and how she's back to using Elizabeth Arden. It's been years since I've last paid attention to any Arden product. Do you have a favorite? Is there anything you think I need to try?

Cindy at Prime Beautyhad the opportunity to interview makeup artist Lori Taylor from Smashbox Cosmetics, see what tips and tricks she learned.

Growing your hair out can be a daunting experience. I still remember the months of fighting with my unruly locks during senior year of high school when I went from spiky 80s Duran Duran inspired (or so I hoped. It was a major fail) do to what is recognized today as my crown and glory. I wore hats everywhere until I felt I could show my head in public. Kelly from Gouldylox Reviews has been sharing with us her hair-growing experience and she has a giveaway of 5 of her favorite Peter Lamas Chinese Herbs hair products that have helped her along the way. Be sure to enter.

And while we're on the subject of hair, would you rather be blonde or brunette, how about highlights? Anne from Beauty Xpose shows us a virtual site that we can test drive a new hair color without opening a box or stepping foot in a salon. See Anne's results. Me? I'm staying a non-blonde.

Karla Sugar is sharing with us her swatches of the latest Lancome Fall Collection called French Coquettes. Take a peek at these shades at The Next Best Thing to Going Shopping Yourself. I'm fascinated by that gorgeous rose blush, but do I need it? And would I dare mess the beautiful pattern? I do see some (all?) of the lipsticks in my future, as well as the Artliners. You can't go wrong with them.

And one last thing: Kristen the Beauty Addict has been on a blogging hiatus for months, but she's back now. She's one of my favorite blondes and was among the very first beauty blogs I read even before I launched mine. I'm thrilled to see her writing again.

Photo of Atlantic City circa 1948 myvintagevogue.com

Weekly Roundup- July 24th

Are we having fun yet? It's been a sizzling week in every possible way. Between summer sales and amazing fall collections, my friends and I have been quite busy. Here's what we've found:

Kari has been running a series about her trip to the dermatologist and what she did to return her skin to tip-top shape. Check out Part 1 at Fab over Forty. Then read Parts 2 and 3 too.

Kelly's post at Gouldylox Reviews has the best title ever: Argan Oil, Poop and Goats: Things I Learned on Tuesday.

Charlestongirl had an endorphin rush when she finally swatched the first of her new Guerlain eye palettes for fall. Find out why she loves Champs-Élysées at Best Things in Beauty. My own review is coming next week.

Like orange? You'll want to read Chelsea's fashion-forward and economical ways to stand out in orange this summer at BeautyXposé.

Just in time for this weekend's heat wave, Cindy shared with use her top picks for great lightweight summer foundations at Prime Beauty.

Laurie got her hands on NARS new Douceur Blush. Check out Product Girl to see why most of us need it. I just got it today, so testing will commence this weekend.

You have to read Shimmer Spray for Grown Ups at Beauty Info Zone Blog and find out how Lisa found her summer glow with Hampton Sun's Serious Shimmer Cooling Spray.

Stay cool, beautiful and enjoy your weekend.

Image: Beauty pageant parade by Joe Steinmetz, 1950