weekly roundup

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Let's take a quick tour of the beauty blogsphere. There's lots of good stuff to see and try:

Last week, Kari went to a Dior Master Class at Macy's, featuring Roddey Gregg, Dior's National Makeup Artist. Rodney showed the lively class how to do a daytime natural look and then freshen it for evening, using Dior's skin care and cosmetics. You'll find his tips at Fab over Forty.

Charlestongirl gave Avon's new Advance Techniques Frizz Control Lotus Shield a field test in record-setting heat and humidity. Did it keep her hair frizz-free? Find out at Best Things in Beauty.

Cindy from Prime Beauty gave Shu Uemura a proper send-off from U.S. counters with a review, pictures, and swatches of the Nordstrom Beauty Exclusive palette. Exclusive palettes are two magic words, even if my personal choice was the one from Dior. Cindy's swatches prove this was another good one.

Anxious about your pores? Kelly tested Benefit's The POREfessional, a primer for use before and after makeup application. Is it worth the money? Head over to Gouldylox Reviews to get the scoop.

Pamela at BeautyXposé gave us the 411 on a moisturizing hand cream that will also keep your hands germ-free. I love multitasking items.

Laurie showed us the NARS Fall 2010 Collection at Product Girl. The violet eye shadow is too much for me, but the duos are calling my name.

Jennifer at Beauty in Real Life featured Stila's Travel Girl Palette, an incredible value at $10.

Karla Sugar experienced Tim Quinn's Armani Beauty magic this week. See her photos at The Next Best Thing to Going Shopping Yourself.

Find out why Victoria Stiles at Makeup Artist Backstage is hooked on L’Oréal Paris Visible Lift Serum Inside Line Minimizing Concealer.

The best discount of the moment is the 25% off at beautyhabit.com with code OPRAH. Annie of Blogdorf Goodman mentioned it, as did I in my Diptyque Vetyverio review. I think I'm buying Parfum d'Empire Wazamba and Field Notes From Paris by Ineke. Did you place an order yet? What are you getting? Don't forget BeautyHabit also carries Paul & Joe makeup and assorted skin care lines.

Consider yourself enabled.

Seriously. If we can't stand to be outside in July, what's the point of summer?
At least we have some good beauty reads and products that just might make things a little better:

Like a painter uses a perfect canvas to begin their work, applying color makeup to your perfect facial canvas is a must, too. Kari from Fabulous Over 40 shows us some product options for your own perfect facial canvas.

Do you have oily skin in this heat? Then the newest Giorgio Armani Beauty foundation may be just for you. Charlestongirl from Best Things in Beauty shares with us this latest and greatest compact foundation.

Cindy from Prime Beauty takes time out from watching the Real Housewives to discover the East Meets West skincare line Juara and her skin (and family) thank her. Don't skip the giveaway

Summer brings out the fun in nail polishes. Kelly from Gouldylox Reviews was on the search for a less expensive version of the Minx Manicure. See if this Duri Celebrity Scandal does the trick.

Chelsea from BeautyXposé shows us new mobile phone apps so we can get our beauty on-the-go. From high fashion to low maintenance, everything we need in free apps for the busy woman. the tech geek in me is stoked.

Carla from Product Girl is obsessed with hand creams like many of us are. See what her latest find is, and the beautiful très chic packaging that goes along with it.

I prefer my vampires old school and undead at Sunnydale, but if you're caught in the Twilight craze, you can learn from makeup artist Troy Jensen himself how he created the red carpet look for Catalina Sandino Moreno.

Stay cool, be well and have a beautiful weekend.

Happy Weekend to all and Happy Independence Day to those of us in the US! Here's some good beauty reads from my friends all over the blogsphere:

Charlestongirl loved Bobbi Brown's Denim & Rose Collection for Fall 2010 (foreshadowing: I did, too). She enjoyed the highlighter pens, face palette, gel eyeliner - everything, really. You can read about the collection and see swatches at Best Things in Beauty.

Do you love cream eye shadows? Head on over to see what Kelly from Gouldylox Reviews has to say about the newest Stay-There cream shadows from Buxom. They haven't hit the makeup counters yet, but I've made a mental note to check them out as soon as they get here.

Kari at Fab Over 40 shares with us one of her many summertime must-haves. The luxurious Giorgio Armani powder helps to keep the shine at bay and skin soft and glowing without any cakey feeling. Do I need another powder? Do you?

On the budget-friendly front, Chelsea from BeautyXposé gives us some tips on how to get beautifully lined eyes without breaking the bank using CoverGirl's newest eyeliner.

Are you spending part of your busy holiday weekend at the beach? Laurie from Product Girl is. In addition to her required sunscreen, she shares with us her must-have beauty products for her time at the beach.

Cindy at Prime Beauty has what she calls CADD (Cosmetic Attention Deficit Disorder), but these 5 products are ones that are at the top of her beauty list. They've been around for awhile, but they keep Cindy coming back for more.

It's barely July and the Fall Collections are already arriving on the shelves. Lianne at The Makeup Girl is showing us Tom Pecheux's latest collection for Estee Lauder called Blue Dahlia. Lauder was in a dire need of some excitement. Maybe this is a start.

Debbi at DivaDebbi gives us the scoop on Keihl's Imperial Body Balm. Does it make her feel like a queen?

And just in case you missed it yesterday, I posted a sneak peek of items from Le Metier de Beaute Le Cirque Fall Collection. Also, don't forget to sign up for the Aftelier giveaway.

Have a beautiful weekend and slather yourself with sunscreen. Seriously.

It's summer. No doubt about it. But it takes more than heat and humidity to slow us down. Here's what my friends have been up to this week.

Kari introduced us to Judith August and her cosmetics line at Fab over Forty. Love this quote: "I was born with a makeup brush in my mouth, not a silver spoon."

Charlestongirl was converted to Edward Bess Cosmetics by me (yay for successful enabling). She showed us why Compact Rouge has landed on her list of multitasking cream blush favorites at Best Things in Beauty

Kelly dispelled any doubts that Tarte's Park Avenue Princess Matte Bronzer is waterproof. Head over to Gouldylox Reviews for the glowing proof.

At BeautyXposé, Anne (and esthetician Renée Rouleau) reminded us why our everyday activities can lead to more cumulative sun damage than lying on the beach now and then.

Ever heard of Beecology Bath & Body products? You'll want to read Prime Beauty for Cindy's frugal find. It's good for you, and, it turns out, good for charity too!

We haven't checked in on Debbi for awhile. Find out why St. Tropez Self-Tanning Mousse has left her gushing at DivaDebbi.

Victoria Stiles recommends Urban Decay's Midnight Cowboy Body Shimmer Lotion at Makeup Artist Backstage. It's packed with good-for-your-skin ingredients.

Laurie gave us a preview of Chanel's Fall 2010 Makeup Collection at Product Girl. A few of us are in the "virtual line" to buy these gorgeous pieces the second they hit the stores. You know I'll be there.

Amber reviewed and swatched the new Bare Escentuals BUXOM Big & Healthy Lip Sticks at Beauty Junkies Unite.

After several yawn-inducing duds, finally something interesting from Bobbi Brown- The Denim & Roses fall collection. Find out why it put Lianne in the mood for fall at The Makeup Girl.

Stay cool and enjoy your weekend!

Sample, blend, brush, pat, spritz, swatch, critique, and photograph - beauty bloggers do it every week to enable you save you time and money. Here's this week's recommended reading.

Kari showed us that even gorgeous celebrities can have "bad look days." Once you read Celebrity Makeup Gone Bad at Fab over Forty, you won't feel so klutzy when you have a less-than-perfect day.

Victoria Stiles has a Sigma Brush giveaway contest underway at Makeup Artist Backstage.  They come with Vicki's stamp of approval!

Speaking of Victoria Stiles, she shared some great tips for melt-proofing your makeup with Anne at BeautyXposé. She also recommended products for budge-proof glamour. It's a must-read as the weather heats up.

Kelly found the holy grail for lashes, and she spilled her secret at Gouldylox Reviews.

Charlestongirl is smitten with Perricone MD's new Cold Plasma Eye. Find out why she loves it (and why you may need it too) at Best Things in Beauty.

Marcia from Beauty Info Zone wrote a guest post at Prime Beauty. Cindy calls Marcia the "foundation queen," so you'll want to know why Marcia loves AeroMinerale Makeup Mist.

All week, Product Girl has been giving us a look at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale beauty specials. If you haven't been to the store to see and pre-order these amazing value sets, you need to check them out now before they sell out.

Bobbi Brown's Sheer Color Cheek Tint is a beauty blogger favorite. Jennifer reminded us all why we love it. Head over to Beauty in Real Life to find out why you need at least one of these portable perk-me-up sticks.

Stay cool, moisturized and don't forget your sunscreen.

Lots of good stuff this week and several items that went right to the top of my "must try" list.

Summer is here and beauty needs to be easy. Kari from Fab Over 40 tells us what foundation is perfect for her busy summer days.

Charlestongirl went on a drug store beauty hunt looking for her Best Things in Beauty finds. See and I share a love for luxury, so when she says a cheap product is that good, it's worth taking note.

We all love a beauty sale, and Laurie from Product Girl shares the Bobbi Brown set that's available for Nordstrom's Anniversary sale. I own several of the items in the set and love them all, so it's a great deal. Would make a fabulous gift for someone worthy.

KarlaSugar from The Next Best Thing to Going Shopping Yourself has been swatching Bobbi Brown blushes for us. I'm eying Blushed and Brown Berry. Have you tried any of them?

From the bold to the demure, there's no denying the MTV Movie Awards has a red carpet that shows it all. Anne from BeautyXposé shows us how to get some of those red carpet looks straight from the pros.

Cindy at Prime Beauty has been giving us wonderful mascara madness reviews this week. She what her thoughts are about Laura Mercier's Full Blown Volume mascara - and a giveaway too. I think I might have to try this. Once I'm done testing a bunch of other mascaras, that is.

Lip glosses galore! Kelly from Gouldylox Reviews shares with us her favorite brand of lip glosses, Buxom. These colors are not my thing but they are very pretty and obviously excellent quality, which made me go look at the other colors available. You know how it ends...

Have a beautiful weekend and wear something fabulous!

We saw, we swatched, we fell in love.

Kari introduced us to LuMesh Lip Gloss at Fabulous Over Forty. We have a challenge for you: look at the swatches, read her post, and say you aren't intrigued!

Shiseido's Ocean Collection was a star attraction at Gouldylox Reviews. Kelly provided swatches and loved the gorgeous colors. Find out why we need Black Sand Eyeliner.

Charlestongirl got her hands on Giorgio Armani Beauty's newest Summer 2010 colors. You can see swatches and her turquoise eye look at Best Things in Beauty.

Anne and Kristin from BeautyXposé visited with Rachel Roy last week at Macy's. They shared Rachel's looks for summer and a short interview with the designer.

KarlaSugar gave us a sneak peek at Chantecaille's Protection Naturelle SPF 46 mineral powder. This is my next purchase: The Next Best Thing to Going Shopping Yourself.

Vicki told us about Sigma Makeup Brushes at Makeup Artist Backstage. Find out how a pro evaluates her brushes and why she likes Sigma.

Annietown at Blogdorf Goodman gave us a look at Wanderlove's The Eye Wand and The Lip Wand - drugstore-priced beauty at its best.

Laurie introduced us to Tarte's new waterproof, smudgeproof, and budgeproof Summer 2010 collection at Product Girl - just in time!

Last, but not least, there were new giveaways posted this week. Cindy has a Stila "All about You" contest at Prime Beauty. Head over to enter.

Have a fabulous weekend!

Kari at Fabulous Over Forty compiled her favorite classic beach beauty looks. See what brands she takes along to the beach (Edward Bess, Lancome, NARS, and more). I don't know about you, but I'm already in the mood.

It was all about Armani Beauty in the DC area last weekend when Tim Quinn spent two days at Saks in Chevy Chase, Maryland. Armani fans have Armani Beauty makeovers, news flashes, and tips to savor! You can read about Kristin's makeover, courtesy of Giannina Davis (herself an Armani beauty), at BeautyXposé. Then head over to Best Things in Beauty to see Lexi's makeover by Loyd Cassler and Tim Quinn. Both enjoyed their Armani glamour sessions. I'm jealous.

Kelly is letting her hair grow; she wants long hair again. She treated us to a fascinating interview with Peter Lamas, accompanied by an end-of-May progress report, at Gouldylox Reviews.

Great post on summer's bright lip trends at Prime Beauty! Find out what products Cindy used to brighten up her look.

What does KarlaSugar at The Next Best Thing to Going Shopping Yourself use to get luscious curly hair? Fekkai’s Luscious Curls Shampoo and Conditioner for a start. My curls and I are taking notes.

Been tempted by Makeup Forever's Beauty in a Box Aqua Essentials at Sephora? Find out what Lianne thought about the set at The Makeup Girl.

Carla at Product Girl tempted us all when she showed us the new Fresh Sugar Plum Tinted Lip Treatment. If you like the Fresh Sugar Rose Lip Treatment, you will love this new one.

Annieytown at Blogdorf Goodman has the most coveted compact of the season. I have to tell you, I'm not a MAC girl in any way, shape or form, but that seahorse has me in serious lust.

Enjoy the long weekend!

We've all been enthralled with Bobbi Brown's Pretty Powerful campaign. Well, Charlestongirl from Best Things in Beauty took a young friend to a Nordstrom Bobbi Brown counter for her own Pretty Powerful makeover. See the glowing results.

Kari at Fabulous Over Forty shares with us her interview with Liz Earle, creator of Liz Earle Naturally Active Skincare. See what expert advice she has for us.

Ready for some sun-loving fun? Kelly at Gouldylox Reviews shares with us some of her fun, fresh summer finds that will keep your skin in youthful shape.

Wouldn't we all love to own a Chanel bag or a Hermes skirt? As spendy as they are, Lauren from BeautyXposé teaches us why these luxury pieces can cost us so much of our hard earned money.

Custom makeup or already pre-packaged? Cindy from Prime Time Beauty shows us both worlds with Three Custom Colors range of beauty.

Carla from Product Girl continues her Stila product reviews. This time it's the new One Step Prime Color, for lips, cheeks and eyes. See what she thinks of this new tube of color.

Can you imagine being in beauty heaven? KarlaSugar from The Next Best Thing to Going Shopping Yourself attended The Makeup Show last weekend, her own beauty heaven! See some of the people and products she was in awe of.

Have a lovely weekend filled with beauty and laughter!

Kittens (well, not really. See below), glowy skin and summer collections. We have it all this week.

You have to read Kari's fun account of How to Create Your Own Day Spa at Home at Fabulous Over Forty. A great way to host a special party.

Charlestongirl's latest makeup obsession is Shiseido's Ocean Collection for Summer 2010. Find out why it's a must-see at Best Things in Beauty.

Anne at BeautyXposé showed us how to snag famous gal looks - fashion and beauty - from the celebrities who attended the Metropolitan Museum’s Costume Institute Gala.

Kelly at Gouldylox Reviews told us why her skin is glowing after using two HydroPeptide products. Who wouldn't want to glow?

Laurie at Product Girl loves Stila's Kitten in all its incarnations. We do too. Find out why.

Don't know which Avon Glazewear lip gloss to buy? Super-swatcher KarlaSugar makes it easy for you to choose at The Next Best Thing to Going Shopping Yourself.

What has Cindy been up to? Testing rollerballs for the eyes! Find out which ones she liked best at Prime Beauty.

All the millions of MAC fans will want to have a look-see at Jennifer's MAC to the Beach sneak peek at Beauty in Real Life.

Lianne recommended her five favorite bronzers at The Makeup Girl. I'm having visions of bronzed goddesses on beach vacations.

Image, as one of my readers helped me figure, is a detail from a vintage Cutex ad. Resemblance to Lindsay Lohan is unintentional and still freaky.

This weekly roundup brings you everything, from cooties to a gorgeous Dior palette. Seriously.

Charlestongirl shares with us her Edward Bess Private Eye Collection and what she thinks of the luxury shadows. Check out Best Things in Beauty for her opinions and color swatches.

What foundation could be in Pamela's arsenal of organic beauty? Go to BeautyXposé to see what lightweight summer foundation she'll be using this year.

Having a bad hair day? Kari at Fab Over Forty has a guest post from author Lila Dare and a giveaway for her new book. See what Tressed to Kill is all about.

Do you have cooties? Kelly from Gouldylox shares with us rules to keep safe at the makeup counter and avoid cooties at all costs.

Cindy from Prime Beauty shares with us her love of Kevin Aucoin makeup palette Making Faces Vol. 1. Check out the swatches and the details of her new favorite universally flattering palette.

Laurie from Product Girl wants us to run, not walk, to get the latest Revlon lip glosses. She has the details and it looks like this is going to be a major hit.

Color, color, color, this week! KarlaSugar from The Next Best Thing to Going Shopping Yourself tries out Dior's newest eye shadow palette. I read, I looked, I bought. I blame Karla.