Spotlight On A Blogger: Anne from BeautyXpose

Anne is the editor of BeautyXpose, where she and a team of writers bring us news, reviews and fashion editorials. It's fun (read the No Pants? No Problem! series),  informative and there's always something new to learn.

Here's Anne in her own words:

When did you start blogging and why?
 My blogging partner in crime, Kristin Bassett and I began BeautyXposé two years ago. At the time, we loved reading individual makeup blogs and beauty/style magazines, so we wanted to create a hybrid of the two, featuring both personal product reviews and editorial-style features. We also wanted to be a little zany. For example, we dedicated one post to creating haiku's to our lost loved ones (discontinued beauty items). Along the way, we've brought on some amazingly talented contributors, and we are pleased to offer our readers a variety of topics!

Every blog seems to have a special voice - what's the message on your blog?
 Since we have several contributors, each of us have our own voice. But, I'd have to say that overall we can be quite sassy if the timing's right. Just take a look at any of our "WTF of the Week" columns! I personally have an unhealthy obsession with puns and wordplay, so you'll see a lot of that in my articles.

Have you always been a beauty fanatic or did it come later in life for you? What made it blossom?  I sprang forth from the womb wearing red stilettos and clutching a Glamour magazine. At least that's what they tell me.

Tell us a little about yourself.
 I'm kind of Sybil-esque -- meaning I have a lot of different sides to my personality that are all really "me". One day my style will be retro pin-up diva and the next, a rocker chick. My husband likes the variety, so I guess that's good! Overall though, I think I have a "classic" cosmopolitan feel to my style and beauty preferences.

What's your daily beauty routine?  Given that I'm constantly testing beauty products, it can vary. But if I"m left to my own devices, I start with cleansing using my Clarisonic, toning with Dr. Hauschka Facial Toner and moisturizing with Dr. Hauschka Rose Day Cream (in the winter, anyway). If I'm leaving my house (I work from home), I'll apply my makeup, which is really different depending on my mood. What does stay the same - my Estee Lauder Resilience Lift Extreme foundation, Shiseido Bronzer and Maybelline Colossal Xtreme mascara. Everything else is a crap shoot depending on the day

How many lipsticks/glosses can be found in your handbag at any given time?  Two, though I try to keep it to one if I can -- I switch my glosses as I switch up my purses.

What's the best beauty advice you've ever received?  It's going to sound cliché, but it's true -- beauty comes from the inside out. I look for the beauty in everyone and everything. It's amazing what you see when you're really looking!

What's the most surprising thing you have learned since starting your blog?  I'm constantly surprised and inspired every time someone comments. It's like "Someone's actually reading this and I"m not just writing to myself??" I love interacting with readers and hope they keep coming back!

Top image: The Nifty Fifties

Spotlight On A Blogger: Charlstongirl from Best Things In Beauty

A fellow cat lover, a fabulous blonde power shopper, Charlstongirl from Best Things In Beauty is also a true inspiration for me on life beyond cosmetic counters. While I'm rarely able to pull off her favorite colors, her opinion and point of view are invaluable to me. Charlstongirl is one of the leading voices in intelligent beauty blogging that goes far beyond lipstick colors or the latest trends. I hope you also follow her on Twitter to get the full scoop.

Here's Charlstongirl in her own words:

When did you start blogging and why?
I started blogging about beauty in the summer of 2009 (I had written a local political blog years before, when blogs were new). I had been reading beauty blogs and saw an invitation for guest bloggers on BeautyLuxe. I responded, and I wrote a few posts for Kimberly. I realized quickly how much I enjoyed writing about my beauty passion - and that there weren't many beauty bloggers in my age group. Since I was a frequent flier at all the department stores, and I had closets full of beauty products, I knew my subject was a natural. I love writing. I had intended to major in journalism in college, but was snagged by psychology. I published the first Best Things in Beauty feature in July, 2009, and the rest is history.

Every blog seems to have a special voice - what's the message on your blog?
That's a good question. My readers might be able to provide a better answer than I can. I like to focus on beauty products that are the "best in beauty." I don't want to waste my time - or theirs - on products that don't make the grade. When a product has been hyped, and I don't think it's worthy of our money, I might cover it as a warning. Otherwise, I skip the bad and mediocre and feature the best (or newest). As a rule, I focus on higher-end products, but I try to cover the best from drugstores too. I don't cover teen beauty; I have no idea what the kids are buying. I always try to provide balance on the blog, featuring not only makeup (which seems to be the most popular subject), but also fragrance, skin care, hair care, tools, celebrity beauty now and then - everything beauty. I even write a rant now and then.

Following the beauty industry is fun. Beauty products are affordable luxury; buying them is so much easier on the wallet than collecting Giorgio Armani fashion! I am fascinated with every aspect of the industry, from the science behind skin care and cosmetics to public relations and marketing, so I enjoying reading, researching, and talking beauty. That's one reason you'll often find me hanging out at beauty department counters, picking the brains of product line reps for ingredients, why products work, and what's coming, along with techniques and tips. I love sharing that information.

Have you always been a beauty fanatic or did it come later in life for you? What made it blossom?
No, my interest in beauty products has waxed and waned. I went to a strict Catholic high school, and I'm sure visible makeup would have been a no-no. I was a cheerleader, and we had to keep our hair above our shoulders! Can you imagine? Somehow, we were supposed to keep our skirts from flying up in the air and exposing our "bloomers" when we jumped. I was always on the edge of trouble over my hair, skirt length, and bloomers. Once I went to college, my interest in fashion and beauty blossomed. Even as a college student, I had a subscription to Women's Wear Daily. There wasn't an online edition "way back then." Every day, WWD was delivered my college mailbox. It was a treat to pour over the latest news. Even today, I eagerly await my monthly fashion and beauty magazines. WWD Beauty Biz is my favorite.

Tell us a little about yourself.
I'm in my early 60's and single. I live in a fabulous home in Northern Virgina, and I love my garden, which I built from nothing, with love. I have two cats, Charleston and Savannah. Charlie is a gorgeous Snow Marble Bengal. Savannah, equally gorgeous, is a rescue cat. She is definitely schizophrenic, and, unfortunately, she has epilepsy. I love antiques, art, books, and great food!

I was frantically busy when younger, earning a Ph.D. in psychology and subsequently running my own management consulting business for many years. Now, I work for a large financial company in compliance and ethics. I have always been a volunteer, and much of my "spare time" and money have been spent on local and state issues, including land use and conservation and environmental/animal causes. I have also been active in many horticultural societies. That's one reason I write Best Things in Beauty under a pseudonym. If you Google my real name, many pages of results from local civic association activities will be returned, including some of my most-famous mouthy quotes from public hearings. I decided to keep my various lives separate.

What's your daily beauty routine?
It's relatively complicated. Every morning, I get up and wash, condition, and style my hair (using a mousse and hairspray to set the style). I try to use hydrating products. I am always testing products, but I return to my favorites unless a new product has knocked my socks off (that happens fairly often). Before work, my regular beauty routine starts with a cleanser for my face and neck in the shower. Then I apply one of my favorite serums and an eye cream (I've been using Cold Plasma Eye, but I'm always on the lookout for a new one). After they absorb, I add a moisturizer (or two) and makeup. There has to be sunscreen in one of them. My makeup always includes a concealer, eyelid primer, eye shadow, mascara (I love Maybelline Define-A-Lash), foundation (usually Giorgio Armani), blush, lipstick, and lip gloss. Sometimes a highlighter too. Before I'm out the door, I add fragrance. During the day, I re-apply lip color/gloss/lip conditioner repeatedly, and I often use a hand cream during the day. Before bed, I always cleanse my face thoroughly, using an eye makeup remover if I need it after the cleanser. Then I do skin care: serum, moisturizer, and now Chantecaille's new Biodynamic Lifting Neck Cream. Morning and evening, I use a body moisturizer. I also use a hand moisturizer after I give Charlie his evening treats. Right before I go to bed, I apply Lisa Hoffman's Spa Facial Lip Moisturizer). I supplement my regular products (some of which I rotate) with whatever my skin "tells me" it needs. For special occasions, I add products, such as eyeliner, which I don't wear every day. I know I should, but I prefer to beat the traffic rush into DC. Another product I use is scented hand soap. I love it and have a nice one at every faucet. Then there are the home fragrances (diffusers and candles), which delight me.

How many lipsticks/glosses can be found in your handbag at any given time?
Too many! More than I'll ever use in a day or week. I'm bad at subtracting - really good at adding, though. Recently, a Clarisonic rep held my handbag for me. It was heavy because it had my camera in it. I roared at his response, "Girl, no wonder your back and knees are bad! This purse is ridiculously heavy!" Well, of course! It had a full face of makeup in it, with every shade you could imagine. I pared it down after my knee surgery, but I doubt it will remain spare.

What's the best beauty advice you've ever received?
From my dermatologist who told me to stay out of the sun and always wear sunscreen. He should know. He's had to use liquid nitrogen to remove a lot of actinic keratoses that have resulted from my unbridled attempts to become a bronze goddess when I was younger.

What's the most surprising thing you have learned since staring your blog?
My readers have become a second family - definitely my friends! People warn that cyberspace is "dangerous," and I've seen some pretty nasty comments on blogs. At first, I was reluctant to "expose myself" to that. I feel so privileged, though. I have never experienced anything but warmth and love from my readers. I'm sure I have the best readers (and friends) in the world. I've formed lasting friendships with so many wonderful women (a few men too!). We e-mail, we call, we comment back and forth on the blog. Blogging has been an enriching experience. I'm also thrilled with the many beauty bloggers I call friends now. Our roundup team is amazingly talented. I check in on each of their blogs every day. I hope all my readers do too.

Photo of Bengal kittens by Junglelure on Flickr.

Spotlight On A Blogger: Kelly from Gouldylox Reviews

Kelly from Gouldylox Reviews might be my exact opposite in terms of color and looks, but her point of view and general attitude towards beauty are not just interesting but also fun. Lots of fun, actually. I often wish I could send her hair-growing vibes: her blog would be a great resource for anyone trying to abandon their pixie. But she's braver than me- when I've gone through a similar phase I wore hats for six months straight, while Kelly goes into battle armed with a curling iron and determination in her gorgeous blue eyes.

Here's Kelly in her own words:

When did you start blogging and why?  I started blogging in 2009 as a way to share my favorite things with my friends. I was always being asked to go to cosmetic counters and stores like Sephora with my friends, so I thought it would be fun to start writing about makeup, hair and skincare.

Every blog seems to have a special voice - what's the message on your blog?  I love to write about color, but I also love to research ingredients to find out what works and what doesn't. Instead of sounding like a professor, I try to relate to other beauty lovers like their friend. I assume they understand my quirks and goofiness and don't hold it against me. Every now and then my sarcasm, silliness or oddball comments anger some people. If you're one of them, I'm sorry. My blog probably isn't for you.

I always try to approach makeup like someone who is a serious fan, not someone who is all about fashion and the role that makeup plays in that world. I love drug store finds as well as higher end goods. Don't get me wrong, I love to embrace (or mock) trends, but I don't live or die by the latest words of WWD. I'm more of a real woman, who struggles with things like growing my hair, finding a mascara that actually lengthens my lashes and the perfect peach blush. It's all an adventure I enjoy writing about and sharing.

Have you always been a beauty fanatic or did it come later in life for you? What made it blossom?  I have loved makeup for as long as I can remember. I was even a makeup artist for a short amount of time at a local spa and did some tv and print work. Nothing makes me more giddy than a good before and after. Makeup can have a powerful effect on your mood and how you see yourself. It's like having the power to be a chameleon. I am inspired by people and things everywhere. It's fun to have an outlet to build on that inspiration.

Tell us a little about yourself.  I am married with five pets. I watch way too much television and I produce television ads at my day job. I also founded a non-profit called Karma Dogs, where we help rescue dogs become therapy dogs. They help kids do lots of things; like learn to read, work on goals set by a therapist and teach kids how to take care of a pet. My ultimate goal would be for the kids who participate in our programs to grow up to be good pet owners.

What's your daily beauty routine? My beauty routine takes too long, but I truly enjoy the "me" time I spend every morning! I start by washing my face and sometimes using my Clarisonic. I then use two eye creams, a serum, moisturizer and an SPF. I then usually use between 10-25 different makeup products each morning. The whole shebang (not including the hair) takes about 25 minutes. But it's one of the few times I get to spend time focusing on me, so I love it. It's a very Zen time for me, when I'm not rushing around.

If we were to invade your beauty closet what surprises would we find?  I have more makeup than any one person could ever use. I still have the MAC brushes that I bought more than 10 years ago and I use some them every day. I also have a huge collection of faux hair, that I used to wear daily. Wigs, falls, ponys and hair extensions - it's a lot of hair. I also have a mild obsession with peach makeup. I have almost every peach blush and lip gloss known to man. As my blogger pal Anne from BeautyXposé can tell you, I take my peach collection very, very seriously.

How many lipsticks/glosses can be found in your handbag at any given time?  It's embarrassing. I have no fewer than 20 lip products in my purse at any time. Most of them are peach.

What's the best beauty advice you've ever received?  A long time ago, a makeup artist I really respected told me I could wear any color. It makes me bonkers when people tell me they are only a warm or cool tone (or even worse, a season). It's all about how you use a color, and done right, you can wear anything. More importantly, wearing a daily SPF is the one true, proven thing you can do to keep aging at bay. No magical cream can undo all the damage a good sunscreen can prevent. I'll never forget meeting Leslie Blodgett and having her be really surprised at my age. I can't say it often enough or loud enough - wear a sunscreen every day the sun rises!

What is the most surprising thing you've learned since blogging?   When I started blogging, I thought paying more than $40 on a foundation was nuts. My idea of what is expensive and what is reasonably priced has now totally shifted. I am also genuinely surprised each time I get a comment from readers that I am not related to. When I started this, my only readers were my close friends and a cousin. I can't believe so many people take the time to check in with me and see what's new. I am so happy to have made so many new friends through my blog and I love it when they comment on something I've written.

How often do you actually go to stores or events to research new product or releases?  I probably make a point to go hunting for new goodies specifically three or four times a week. I usually go to Sephora the day (or the day before) the new products hit the shelves each week. I can't go into a department store without checking out what's new in the makeup department. I'm on a first name basis with everyone who sells makeup within a 10 mile radius, which is great, and sometimes a little embarrassing. I have two younger sisters-in-law who are always suggesting and requesting reviews, not to mention all the texts from friends across the country asking me for on the spot advice when they are at the makeup counter. I have to stay on my toes! I'm a little obsessed. But in a good way!

Spotlight On A Blogger: Debbi from DiveDebbi

This week on Meet The Blogger: Debi from DivaDebbi. Debi offers great insight about skincare and various face treatments. She has a fabulous job as a personal shopper, so it's no surprise she ended up reaching out to even more people- by blogging.

Here's Debbi in her own words:

When did you start blogging and why?  I have always loved to write, but never had much of an outlet for it (though I have penned quite a few Dear John letters for friends over the years). I saw a front page article in the Sunday's New York Times almost 3 years ago, about people who were easily starting blogs to express their political views. It was my beauty light bulb moment. I am a girl's-girl and I have always shared advice with my friends. I created my beauty and fashion blog DivaDebbi that afternoon.

Every blog seems to have a special voice - what's the message on your blog?
 I purchased my first wrinkle cream when I was 12, so I would say I focus quite a bit on anti-aging products. I love high end products as much as the next girl, but I also spend a small fortune at CVS... I love a good cheat. Professionally, I am a Personal Shopper so I always enjoy writing seasonal trend reports. People who know me say they "hear" my voice when they read DivaDebbi and often laugh out loud. I love that!

Have you always been a beauty fanatic or did it come later in life for you? What made it blossom?  There is not a blip of tomboy in my DNA, so my beauty obsession started very early. My mother is more of a natural beauty, so her face was on in 5 minutes flat. I remember staring with amazement at her lipstick blotted tissues and inhaling her Arpege. I couldn't wait to be able to do these things myself...which was usually as soon as she left the bathroom.

Tell us a little about yourself.  As I said, I am a Personal Shopper and I adore my job! I love my clients, co-workers and the fact that fashion is in a constant state of renewal, so I am never bored. I have wept, many times over gorgeous new receipts. Our son will be going off to college next year. That was another inspiration for creating my blog...I am planning on being extraordinarily busy to help soothe those empty nest aches. I will be heading to NYC for many more Blogger events than I attend now. The city always energizes me and I am looking forward to that.

What's your daily beauty routine?
 Oh goodness! Day or night? Let's narrow it down to night. I remove my eye makeup with warm water soaked cotton balls and Lierac eye makeup remover. I cleanse with Dr. Jeffrey Cream Cleanser and rinse 10x with cool water. I follow that up with whatever 10% glycolic pad I am in the middle of trying and I love Cane & Austin's version. Every night I use Lierac's Age-Defense Firming Night Cream. Two or three times a week I use a pea sized amount of Retin-A all over my face and on the alternating nights, St. Tropez Self-Tanning Mousse. The last thing I do before bed is apply hand cream and Smith's Rosebud Salve to my lips and cuticles.

How many lipsticks/glosses can be found in your handbag at any given time?  At least two lipsticks and two glosses per bag, not including the additional 3 or 4 in my makeup bag. I also stash them in my desk drawer and glove compartment.

What's the best beauty advice you've ever received?  My Grandmother and Mother never left the house "without their face on". It was a matter of pride more than vanity. There is something gracious about making the effort to present yourself to the world looking your best. Itwas unspoken, but never lost on me.

What's the most surprising thing you have learned since staring your blog?   That we have readers from all over the world! I have loyal readers from Australia, Iceland, England, India nad Russia. Insane!! What a world!!! I am so grateful to my readers and fellow bloggers. This experience has enriched me.

Spotlight On A Blogger: Kari from Fab Over 40

Turning 40 lats year was far less traumatic than I ever expected it to be. The reasons can fill a blog post or three, but among them you can count getting to know several very inspiring bloggers who've been there, done that but show no sign of it on their well-pampered skin. Kari from Fab Over 40 is one such blogger. She's one of my skincare gurus and obviously knows her stuff, researches it thoroughly and articulates her findings in a way that makes absolute sense to me. Skincare is not magic- it's discipline and awareness of the best ingredients. Kari has both.

Here's Kari in her own words:

When did you start blogging and why?
 I started blogging in February 2008. Sometime in 2006 I started reading beauty blogs when my boys were teenagers and I would stay up reading blogs while I waited for them to get home for their curfew time. But, back then most blogs were written by young women who were in their 20's and so many of the makeup looks and types didn't resonate with me being in my 40's, but I liked the idea of a blog. So finally about 12-18 months later I decided it was time to speak my passion.

Every blog seems to have a special voice - what's the message on your blog?  My main focus is the woman over 40. You won't see the latest "Barbie" collection or that type of thing shown on my site, it's not what my readers relate to. I discuss what makeup works for women in this age group, what she should avoid and why. Skincare is another big thing I discuss. I am constantly testing new skin care products and trying to make it more clear as to what women over 40 and beyond need for their skin. I'm really an advocate for prevention and taking care of your skin, not for surgery to try and change your face; in other words, enjoy the skin you're in, just take care of it!

Have you always been a beauty fanatic or did it come later in life for you? What made it blossom?  I have been a beauty fanatic for as long as I can recall. I remember when I was deemed old enough by my parents to be able to buy Seventeen magazine, I'd always head to the beauty and makeup pages first. I'd love seeing the color and textures and longed to try some of the products in person. My grandmother let me play with her makeup, so I loved going to her house as a child and I could be engrossed for hours playing with her blushes, shadows, lipsticks and perfume. She never got upset with me when I played in her things, she let my passion for beauty blossom.

Tell us a little about yourself.  I've been married for nearly 28 years and I have two boys in college that are both about to graduate. Being an empty nester has afforded me the time to do my blog, I never could have found the time many years ago, so I praise these women who have a FT job, are raising their kids and doing a blog! It's amazing to me. I also work for an interior design firm as the business manager. Fabrics and makeup really do have a lot in common, so sometimes when I describe makeup it comes naturally for me to compare it to a certain type of fabric. I enjoy traveling, yoga, reading and always learning something new. And without a doubt, beauty shopping!

What's your daily beauty routine?
 Well, in the morning I cleanse my face with a gentle cleanser while in the shower. I apply vitamin C to my face and while that is absorbing (best to leave that soak in for 2 minutes minimum) I slather my skin from neck to toe in a moisturizing lotion or body oil. I then apply an under eye cream, serum, moisturizer and last SPF. SPF is a must for me as twice pre-melanoma moles were found on my body. Depending on my skin that day determines which foundation I'll use, but I always apply a concealer and a primer for my eye lids as well. Then the shades of eye shadow I use typically depend on what I'm wearing that day or what look I want to create - natural or more smoky etc. My blush shade depends on what eye look I go for and then after I have breakfast or even when I arrive at work is when I put on my lipstick/gloss. In the evening, my routine is much the same - eye cream, instead of a vitamin C I use a retinoid after my nightly serum and before a moisturizer and no SPF at night. My dermatologist told me the best way to remember which order to use products is to go from the thinnest to the thickest - so serums come before moisturizers. Twice a week I exfoliate and once a week I use a moisturizing mask. Oh, and I use my Clarisonic 4-5 times a week at night when cleansing my face. I've found that it really changed my skin for the better.

If we were to invade your beauty closet what surprises would we find?
 Pretty much what every woman would have in her beauty bag - just a lot more choices!

How many lipsticks/glosses can be found in your handbag at any given time? Embarrassingly more than I'd ever use! I am such a lipstick and gloss fiend! One time I added them all up that I had in my current handbag and decided it was ridiculous - I had over 25 and I needed to organize them better. I would use one or two and toss it in my bag - by the end of the week I'd have so many in there. Now I have my lipstick and glosses separated by brand in their own makeup bag, and I know what textures and colors I have from each brand, so in the morning I can just grab a makeup bag and toss it in my handbag knowing that in that bag is that certain gloss or lipstick from XYZ brand that would complete my look.

What's the best beauty advice you've ever received?
 Never go to bed without washing your face. I don't think I ever have since I was a young teen. There's also a quote that Giorgio Armani said that I put into a makeup context, "Elegance does not mean being noticed, it means being remembered."

Top image: a Christian Dior hat, Vogue, 1960

Spotlight On A Blogger: Amy from Café Makeup

In the year since Amy has started Café Makeup, her blog has become my go-to place for making up my mind about buying many a Chanel products (and other stuff, too). It's no wonder she takes pride in the quality of her photos- they are truly wonderful. So much, actually, that she makes me rethink even items I don't want. Her great eye and attention to details makes Café Makeup a daily must-read for me. I hope it's become one of yours, too.

Here's Amy in her own words:

When did you start blogging and why? I started Café Makeup in December, 2009, after a few people emailed to suggest it. My decades-long love affair with Chanel makeup, as well as my love of other high end makeup, must have shown through. Also, I know a bit about European makeup, which I think is a little unusual for a U.S.-based blog.

Every blog seems to have a special voice - what's the message on your blog? Lovely photographs - it's my passion. My husband bought me a camera system with several flashes at the start. I'll take hundreds of pictures, literally, before posting. I color check the product against my computer screen. I do my best to show the color as accurately as I'm able, as well as the texture and quality, because it's so important.

Have you always been a beauty fanatic or did it come later in life for you? What made it blossom? My love of beauty came from shopping with my mother, who bought me a tiny bottle of Chanel No. 5 for my 18th birthday. Makeup is something so many women have in common - I've had so many great conversations with complete strangers about beauty.

Tell us a little about yourself. I live in California, but my heart is in Paris. Every year, I try to spend a month renting an apartment there. Last time, I did a "makeup shopping in Paris" series, and I hope to do another one this year.

What's your daily beauty routine? I wake up quite early, usually to check email or read as preparation for my work day. Most days, I'll polish my nails then so I have a fresh coat at the start. After I'm up, I start with skincare, usually a serum and eye cream. As my skincare soaks in, I lay out the makeup for the day. Afterwards, hair and then running out the door at about 100 miles an hour. At night, I use Shu Uemura cleansing oil, the Clarisonic and then follow with a toner. I really cleanse my skin thoroughly. I use Avene Diacneal at night, with an eye cream. I try to do extra skincare or a hair mask on Sunday mornings, when I have more time.

How many lipsticks/glosses can be found in your handbag at any given time? What a great question! Never less than one, and never more than five. I'm very strict about it. One or two neutrals, a killer red, and a pink or two. My handbags are usually huge, but I already have a cell phone, iPad, and the rest. Five's enough for me - I change them really frequently.

What's the best beauty advice you've ever received? Drink water and exercise - if you are healthy, the rest will fall into place.

What's the most surprising thing you have learned since you started blogging? There are 1,000 things, ranging from how Google works, dealing with trolls, how to stay true to yourself and even some coding. How not to panic during a software upgrade. But most of all, how wonderful fellow bloggers can be. There are real people behind each of the beauty blogs, and many of them have great advice. Really, emails with my blogging friends really keeps me going.

Top image: Norman Parkinson for Vogue, 1952
Second image by Amy

Spotlight On A Blogger: Jane from Daly Beauty

Jane from Daly Beauty makes me consider moving to Ottawa. Well, almost. She's fabulous, glamorous and knows not only beauty and fragrance but also real estate and home decor. The latter is something we have in common- love for mid-century modern design. Can you imagine the shopping trips? Jane's energy is inspiring- she's a superwoman in the best possible sense of the word, which is another good reason not to miss her blog or her Twitter updates.

Here's Jane in her own words:

When did you start blogging and why?
I have always been a beauty junkie, but I didn't know what that was until I started reading beauty blogs.  I started blogging as an experiment (I know nothing about html or that programming stuff!)and as a personal outlet.  My friends regularly would ask for advice, and I was also known to offer unsolicited beauty tips as well.  So I guess I wanted to share what I know and what I love.


Every blog seems to have a special voice - what's the message on your blog? 
My message is that beauty is everywhere if you look for it and that all of us are beautiful.  Its all about finding the confidence to experiment and have fun while finding the beauty that is inside us all.


Have you always been a beauty fanatic or did it come later in life for you?  What made it blossom?  I don't ever recall a time that I wasn't a beauty fanatic.  My earliest memories are perfume related - standing on my tip toe at my mother's vanity and smelling her Shalimar, playing with her cake mascara (along with our dog - that's a whole other story...).  My aunt was a full blown beauty and perfume junkie and I always felt at home in her room - her round bed with velvet tufted headboard and a dresser FULL of perfumes.  Her room always smelled like the ground floor of a major department store and to this day that is my favourite smell in the world (after the smell of my children's heads...).


Tell us a little about yourself.
 I love to read and beach vacations - my dream is a long good book and a warm beach with crashing waves and sunshine.  Heaven.  I love to spend time with my daughters - they are 14 and 22 and we have a blast together, always.   We love to shop naturally, and beauty shopping is something we could do every day.  No one makes me laugh as hard as they do.  One of our favourite activities is to get a delish coffee and get our hair done.  Our stylist is a genius and can fit us all in, rotating between the three of us.  For us, it's ALL about the hair.  Modern and mid-century modern design and architecture are a passion as well, and I like to think I incorporate that clean simple and modern aesthetic into my beauty routines.


What's your daily beauty routine? 
Simple - moisturize, tinted moisturizer or primer (lately a good primer on its own has been my go-to) a little concealer, blush/bronzer, neutral eye shadow and a touch of mascara.  A nice plumping clear lip gloss and of course, perfume, and I'm good to go.


If we were to invade your beauty closet what surprises would we find?
 That I have some makeup brushes over 15 years old...I care for them like babies and it amazes me how a good quality brush will last for ages.  I do need to get some new ones though...


How many lipsticks/glosses can be found in your handbag at any given time?
 Oh geez.  At least 5.


What's the best beauty advice you've ever received?  Wash your face before going to bed.  No matter how tired I am, I always do this.

Spotlight On A Blogger: Sabrina from The Beauty Look Book

The weekly feature of blogsphere roundup has become quite popular among my readers and friends, and with a good reason. Let's not even start with how much beauty and fragrance information and discussions one can find out there and how little time we all have to follow it all. The important thing is that our little group of bloggers represents some of the most interesting voices on these subjects- we are all different ages, style and skin tone, but equally focused on all things pretty and nice-smelling. And we have an almost obsessive need to talk about it.

Our group has thought getting to know the members might be of interest to our readers- who are the people behind the swatches and the lip gloss? Today we have a short interview with one of my very favorite beauty writers, Sabrina from The Beauty Look Book. Sabrina and I have similar tastes and preferences, but we tend to go for colors in the opposite ends of the spectrum, so I learn a lot from her about all the gorgeous nudes and peaches I adore but can't wear. However, when it comes to nail color I suspect are polish drawers look frighteningly similar. Here's Sabrina in person and in her own words:

When did you start blogging and why?
 It started with a hard-to-find brand called Le Métier de Beauté.  I'm curious by nature and when I noticed something new on neimanmarcus.com I googled the brand, but I could find no reviews or real photos anywhere about their products (except their mascara).  I took a risk and ordered some glosses sight unseen over the phone.  I was very nervous spending $30+ a tube on something I never had seen before, but I fell in love!  Karen at Makeup and Beauty Blog was asking for guest writers at the time and she published my first blog review!  She was so supportive and I had so much fun I was inspired to start my own.  I hoped that in writing about my discoveries and featuring comparisons, other women would be able to get a better idea of what a certain product looked like rather than relying on over-the-phone descriptions or sketchy online retail swatches.

Every blog seems to carry a special voice.  What's your special message on your blog?  
 The main focus is on the things I like; high-end luxury brands, some hard-to-find brands, a few outfit features here and there.  I try to feature things in a new and creative way, such as my color-focus features or monthly highlights.

Have you always been a beauty fanatic or did it come later in life and what made it blossom?
 At the age of 2 - I was a beauty disaster (aka every mother's nightmare).  I would pour shampoo down the toilet, twist up my mother's lipsticks and smash them, and draw all over the wall with beauty products.  I once cut my mother's hair while she was napping!  At age 4 I cut my 2 year old sister's hair when my dad was "babysitting" us.  Of course I don't remember any of this, but apparently I had a "thing" for scissors. In my teens I only wore makeup for ballet recitals and swore I'd never wear makeup or anything pink off stage.  Then I hit the age of 17 when I discovered Stila and MAC and my obsession with beauty products took off.  I'm not exactly sure why the drastic change, but I went from being anti-girly to girly overnight.

Tell us a little bit about yourself
 I'm 29, married, and just finished my master's degree.  I currently work full-time as a finance and marketing analyst.  No kids, but we have our pets (2 dogs and a cat).  I enjoy baking and cooking when I have the time and like watching TV.  My must-see weekly shows are 30 Rock, The Office, Fringe, Bones and The Closer.

What's your daily beauty routine?
  It usually takes me about 45 minutes to get ready in the mornings. I'm not a morning person, so I have to admit, sometimes I'm running out the door with only powder/foundation and finish the rest in my car at stop lights.  When I do have my act together the routine is:  straighten hair, wash face, prep skin with something (different every day), foundation/powder, Edward Bess highlighter or bronzer.  Next comes eye makeup.  I usually do the lips the last thing after breakfast or morning coffee.

How many lipsticks/glosses can be found in your handbag at any given time?
 Probably 4-6.  There are times when I clean out my purse and find 10 different lip products.  I usually throw in a couple per weekday, sometimes I forget to take the previous day's lip items out and gets out of hand.

What's the best beauty advice you've ever received?
  "It's just makeup, have fun, if you mess up you can always start over," from one of my favorite Chanel makeup artists.

What's the most surprising thing you have learned since starting your blog?
 There are good angles and bad angles for taking pictures, not just for your own face, but for products as well.