Below are a few blog posts from the Beauty Blog Network for your weekend enjoyment.

MAC Cosmetics, what’s happened to you? Megan Murray from Painted Ladies takes a hard look at the declining quality of MAC and what they can do to turn things around.

Phyrra shows a little skin with Tarina Tarantino Sparklicity Pure Nude & Pure Opal sparkle powders.

Looking for a new job? The Pink Sithhas some Interview tips to make sure you make a good first impression, talks about an app that will enhance your career networking and offers a giveaway to boot!

Girl Gloss has an Astara Mask Review

Beauty and Fashion Tech looks at the new Silk’n Flash and Go for permanent hair removal.

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Stila is well known for their awesome warehouse sale. Now the Stila warehouse sale goes online begging cyber Monday, 2011 and lasting through Friday, December 2, 2001.

This is an exclusive online sample sale, with up to 80% off of Stila cosmetics. Use it to purchase gifts or to shop for yourself.

Available: Cyber Monday, November 28^th at  Stila Cosmetics

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Beauty bloggers have joined forces to jointly giveaway a $500 Sephora Gift Certificate. What will you buy if you win?

To enter, wait for the Rafflecopter widget at the end of this post to load below (you might have to refresh the page). Each action presented in the widget will earn you another entry. Actions will only be counted one time – even if you click on the widgets on the other participating blogs. You may tweet once per day – just come back here or to any of the blogs listed below. The giveaway is open to people age 18 and over, void where prohibited,  International entries are welcome!

Please also be sure to check out all the great bloggers who contributed to make this happen!

Glitter.Gloss.Garbage

Jeweled Thumb

My Beauty Bunny

Bright Lights Big Color

Madame B Fatale

The Polish Aholic

Polarbelle

Polish Galore

Beauty and Fashion Tech

Prime Beauty

Pink Sith

The Plastic Diaries

Cosmetically Challenged

Gloria Yang

Retrodivas

Beauty Swatches

Beauty Info Zone

Makeup Merriment

Future Derm

Moxie Reviews

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I have one silver pass available to give away for the Affiliate Summit West, January 8-10, 2012 at Caesar’s Place in Las Vegas. For anyone involved in affiliate marketing, the Affiliate Summit is a great opportunity for networking and learning new tricks and techniques. For those who are just getting started blogging or who want to learn about affiliate marketing, the conference provides opportunities for meeting a lot of key people and obtaining some great information. The free pass gives admission to the Exhibit Hall, Keynotes, and Meet Market, which is great networking event and where you can also pick up party invites for even more networking that evening.

For more  info and to enter to win the pass, visit this post on my business site: Win an Affiliate Summit West 2012 Silver Pass.

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Below is some great reading this week from members of the Beauty Blog Network. Enjoy!

Phyrra ushers you into Fall the new collection from Silk Naturals.

Thu from Painted Ladies reviews Benefit’s They’re Real! mascara.

Is it a keeper? The Pink Sith has finally found a full cover foundation that doesn’t look or feel like a mask with DEX New York Mineral Retouch!

A Touch of Blusher reviews Burberry Light Glow in Peony Blush.

Beauty and Fashion Tech has updated its buyer’s guide on Home Microdermabrasion.

Girl Gloss has MAC Art of Powders Swatches.

Elke shares every single nail look from New York Fashion Week. Thanks to CND.

Cinnamon Kitten falls for Annabelle’s Smudge Paint.

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Guest Post: Enjoy Leave-In Conditioner Review

Recently my boyfriend got me hooked on some new hair care. Yes, my boyfriend. I never thought my boyfriend would care about his hair more than I do – but I can honestly tell you he has introduced me to some amazing hair care products that I might have never discovered except through him. Before I tried to be frugal by buying what I thought were some fantastic products, only to be disappointed when trying his hair products because they are so much better!

I’m proud of my boyfriend for being a man who loves to try new hair products. At first I didn’t understand why his hair care is so important to him – his hair is so short! But I guess just like a woman, a man also likes to take care of his skin and hair. If a man wants to take care of himself, I think that’s a great thing. I have to proudly admit that he’s doing a great job of taking care of his hair and skin. When I run my fingers through my boyfriend’s hair it is very soft and shiny and I’m about to tell you why.

My boyfriend introduced me to a new hair product called Enjoy Leave -In Conditioner. You can still use your normal shampoo and conditioner in the shower, but when you get out of the shower you put this product into your damp hair. In addition to being a leave-in conditioner, this product is also a color holding formula that locks in your hair color! I personally love this quality about the Enjoy line because I had never heard of a leave-in conditioner that also helps your hair color stay longer! In addition to this remarkable aspect, Enjoy Leave-In Conditioner is also recommended for all hair types and gives hair “extra” moisture, detangling, and protection. In addition, you can either leave it in or rinse it out.

I love to leave my conditioner in because I use it as an alternative to hair gel. Believe it or not, Enjoy Leave-In Conditioner honestly works just as well! Since it is a conditioner it smoothes down your hair, but does not make your hair look oily if you evenly distribute it throughout your head of hair. I have naturally curly hair so I put the conditioner in different sections of my hair, scrunch my hair with my hands, and this creates loose curls that surround my face. It’s very effective; you will achieve a beachy and wavy look that is in style right now without having to put a ton of hair product in your hair. I also was able to find the lowest price on these products so that was certainly helpful if you are wanting to save on cost. It’s great for achieving long lasting and soft waves. For men it softens their hair while making it look very healthy. In conclusion, I would encourage you to try the Enjoy line because I guarantee you will “enjoy” it!

An ocean dreamer at heart and in real life, Sierra Greenman thrives on visiting and living near the beach and could never imagine herself anywhere else. She recently ventured out into the freelance world and now is a Freelance Writer and Social Media Specialist and absolutely loves it. Writing about fashion and style are one of her many passions. You can also find Sierra at her blog Ocean Dreams and follow her on Twitter @oceandreams4u. She also is a featured fashion blogger for JoeShopping.com and her e-mail is oceandreams4sierra@gmail.com if you want to say hello!

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Get The Perfect Flip Flop Feet for Summer

For many people, summertime means showing off their feet in strappy sandals and comfortable flip flops. It can also mean the potential for more foot-related problems. The hot temperatures, dry air and increase in outdoor activities can do serious damage to your feet. There are some extra steps you can take to pamper your feet and keep them healthy and beautiful throughout the summer.

Keep Your Feet Neat and Clean

One of the easiest steps toward achieving flip flop feet is daily washing. Feet sweat more during the summer months, and keeping them clean and dry can prevent moisture-loving bacteria from growing. You can use a scented foot powder to soak up excess moisture as well. Wearing sandals or shoes that have adequate airflow will also keep your feet dry. To prevent your skin from becoming chafed, you should always wear shoes that fit properly.
Many people have problems with dry, cracked skin on the bottoms of their feet. This often worsens in the summer weather, especially in areas of low humidity. You can repair your damaged feet by using Philosophy Soul Owner Foot Cream from Nordstrom. This powerful moisturizing cream softens skin and reduces roughness.

Smooth Calluses

Summer feet do a lot of walking. Many people go barefoot in the warm weather. This can create blisters and calluses on the feet. The Dr Scholl’s Callus Reducer is a great tool for easily removing calluses and rough skin with no mess or irritation. You can also use Exuviance heel repair cream to smooth calluses and heal blisters. Vitamin E and other foot-friendly nutrients in the cream condition skin and gently exfoliate rough patches.

Use Foot Refreshing Lotions and Gels

Summertime activities can cause your feet to become sore, tired, and achy. You can refresh your weary feet by using peppermint-based lotions and gels. One of the best foot refreshers is Bliss Foot Patrol, which contains peppermint oil to revitalize feet. It is also rich in aloe which keeps skin silky soft.

Get a Pedicure

While basic foot care is important, it is not the only essential to having beach-worthy feet. Your toes are the most noticeable part of your feet, and they need extra attention during the summer. Dirt, chlorine and exposure to the elements can cause toenails to look unhealthy. The Sephora French Tips & Toes Manicure Pen can keep your toes looking pristine all summer long.

It is not difficult or time-consuming to take care of feet in the summertime. If you want to have silky skin and toes that sparkle, follow these basic steps daily. Creating a beauty regimen to spoil yourself and your feet can make a significant difference. Your feet will be healthy, feel energized and look beautiful for the entire summer. Take care of your feet now, and you will be flip flop ready in very little time.

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I have been focusing a lot lately on affordable makeup (link is to posts in the affordable makeup series) and have been somewhat neglectful of the luxury brands. Luxury has its place as well, and I adore many of the luxury items, so I thought I would try to concurrently do a series on the best of the luxury cosmetic brands. First up is CHANEL.

CHANEL is known for many luxurious items and their fragrances, handbags, and clothing probably stand out the most for many women. But Chanel makeup is also divine. CHANEL eye shadows and powders are all finely milled with full pigment. The lip products are also especially nice. Packaging is also pretty, sleek, and classic.  CHANEL nail polish also always stands out, with their limited edition items always being highly sought after and quickly sold out.

COLLECTION ESSENTIELLE DE CHANEL MULTI-USE MAKEUP PALETTE: FACE – LIPS – EYES is the best way to sample the best of CHANEL. This CHANEL Paris-New York palette is formulated with neutral colors that will compliment just about any skin tone. The collection has two cream concealers, a cream blush, three eye shadows, one cream lip color and and two glosses. the taupe shadow is particularly gorgeous. At $85 it is a great value for the brand since buying these items separately would ring up a much larger bill.

CHANEL QUATUOR BOUTONS DE CHANEL YEUX EYES is for the eye shadow lover. This highly rated quad contains four beautiful neutral shades that can be applied dry for subtle shadowing or applied with a moistened applicator for a more intense shade. The shadow has organic polymer derivatives to ensure smudge-proof long wear, particularly in high temperature or humidity.It is the best of the best and best bought in a quad to maximize the bang for the buck. Price runs around $65.

LES TISSAGES LAMÉS DE CHANEL SHIMMERING TWEED HIGHLIGHTER is simply one of the most beautiful highlighting powders ever. With woven shades of illuminating color, it is just as pretty to simply look at! Gold, bronze and copper tones cast a natural luminous glow on skin to highlight and illuminate. $60.

LES MINIS DE CHANEL GIFT SET COLLECTION OF SIX ESSENTIAL MINI BRUSHES . Personally, I love mini brushes and buy them over ones with full size handles. CHANEL makes wonderful brushes and this gift set is the perfect way to obtain them.  This professional set includes: a rounded Powder Brush for seamless application; Blush Brush to sculpt and highlight cheeks; tapered Concealer Brush to target flaws; beveled Eye Brush for precise eyelining; small curved Eye Brush for precise shading; and tufted Lip Brush for flawless coverage. The brushes are packaged in a luxury travel case with the CHANEL signature logo. $120.

CHANEL LE VERNIS NAIL COLOUR is the height of luxury nail polish.  Also, don’t forget that CHANEL has wonderful lip products, such as their CHANEL ROUGE COCO HYDRATING CRÈME LIP COLOUR which many proclaim is the best lipstick ever.

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Disclosure: This is an advertorial post.

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If you aren’t familiar with it, BB cream,which also known as blemish balm, is pretty neat stuff.  BB creams are truly multifunctional , acting as a primer, a light concealer, and often also treating various skin conditions. Most toss in sun protection and nourish the skin, and a few act as a replacement for foundation. BB creams originated in South Korea, and most brands are still from there. The main downside to BB creams, however, is that they tend to be formulated with lighter skin in mind.  Finding one for darker skin is next to impossible at times (if anyone knows of one let me know!).

There are multiple brands of BB creams, but most are in Asia. That doesn’t mean people outside of Asia are out of luck though. Many BB creams can be purchased at my favorite shopping source for all things in Asia beauty and fashion: YesStyle. YesStyle has reliable shipping to the United States, Canada, Europe, and other areas.

Finding the best BB cream can depend on what you are looking for. Some address melasma and hyperpigmentation, others address acne. Still more seek to provide anti-again treatments—all while also acting as a sunscreen and primer. There are numerous BB cream brands available.

So far, I have used Etude House BB Cream and Skin79. One neat way to try different creams, albeit all from the same brand, is to buy the Skin 79 sample pack.

If you want to learn more about BB Cream, see products and BB cream reviews of multiple blemish balm brands, and read an extensive BB cream FAQ, visit BB Cream Beauty, a new and growing site about finding the best BB cream.

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