1. Beauty Research

• Target audience: Adults of all ages who want to know the best way to care for their skin. The diverse selection of topics includes acne, wrinkles and under-eye circles. Some of the entries blend fashion and beauty like false eyelashes and handbags.
• Written by: Co-written by Karen, an aesthetician and dermatology nurse, and her friend Gina, a self-proclaimed skincare junkie, who’s tried almost every product on the market.
• Why we love it: Smart, sassy and informative, this blog gives readers the practical scoop on skincare and related topics from two points of view with years of experience. The advice is well-written, easy to understand and does a nice job of explaining not only which products to choose for a particular skin concern, but also why these products will work. The tone is entertaining without being preachy.
• Best of the blog:
  • The joker face (injectible filler gone bad)!
  
  
  • Pondering plastic surgery? I am!
  
  
  • The big O!...O2 that is!

• Sample advice: "One of the most common questions asked by oily skin types is, "Do I need a moisturizer?" Some experts will tell you that all skin types require moisture. Others say that oily types don’t need to moisturize. I say let your skin tell you."

2. Beauty Beat

• Target audience: Best-suited for teens and young adults, this blog contains a wealth of information on acne, skin types, hair and makeup, natural beauty and how to create a personalized daily routine.
• Written by: A beauty buff who combines her own trials and tribulations with skincare research and help from experts to give readers a complete, smart perspective for every topic.
• Why we love it: This blog runs the gamut from how to combat skincare conditions to how to shape your brows. While many of the topics are best suited for teens, there’s also plenty of information to help any reader, including: dispelling common skincare myths, shopping on a budget and choosing the right active ingredient to target adult acne. Got a skincare question? Beauty Beat will answer every question directly, so readers shouldn’t be shy about chiming in!
• Best of the blog:
  • Mineral makeup: What companies don’t tell you
  
  
  • Line it up: Eyeliner tips and tricks
  
  
  • Chapped, cracked lips? Choose your lip balm carefully

• Sample advice: "Luckily I think that this is a problem that can easily be solved. You say that you haven’t changed products recently...I think the solution is you NEED to change products. If the water is drying, then you’ll need to combat this with your skincare products. For the skin, I would switch your ordinary body wash for something specifically meant for sensitive skin. Ideally, choose something fragrance-free, with ingredients like colloidal oatmeal and skin moisturizers."

3. The Skin Guru

• Target audience: This blog will appeal to a large audience, as posts are both engaging and informative. There’s a wide array of topics, making the information relevant for everyone from teens and young women to moms and men.
• Written by: Dr. Leslie Baumann is the chief of the Division of Cosmetic Dermatology and a professor at the University of Miami School of Medicine. Her best-selling book, The Skin Type Solution, has been hailed as an invaluable resource for any woman wanting to understand how to take care of her skin. In addition to her vast skincare knowledge, Dr. Baumann offers insight on the latest advances in cosmetic treatments and procedures.
• Why we love it: Who wouldn’t want to get the scoop on skin issues from a distinguished dermatologist 24/7! Both a scientist and writer, Dr. Baumann is able to clarify complex skin conditions so readers can easily comprehend the information and appreciate her insight. A deep understanding of the skin and all its quirks gives Dr. Baumann an edge on skincare advice (translation: a big plus for us!). She also understands that not every woman has a budget that can accommodate top-of-the-line beauty products. As such, she offers suggestions for every price range. Her blog is organized like a textbook, making it a go-to source for your skincare needs.
• Best of the blog:
  • Sweat too much? Find out what celebs use
  
  
  • Take the sting out of windburn
  
  
  • Smooth skin for slinky holiday dresses
  • Sample advice: "Not all umbrellas are created equal: the most important factor to consider is the tightness of the fabric’s weave. The more space between threads, the more sun that fabric allows through. Dark fabrics will also better protect you than light ones. Not sure how much protection your umbrella offers? Hold it up to a light bulb. If you see a lot of light get through, then the sun’s rays will, too."

  4. Makeup and Beauty Blog

  • Target audience: Beauty addicts of all ages (and budgets) interested in hearing first-hand about new products; sales and deals; and reading easy-to-follow tutorials on everything from smoky eyelids to sultry lips.
  • Written by: Karen, "your friendly neighborhood beauty addict," who’s a freelance writer and product junkie. Her love for makeup seems only surpassed by her love for humor: One poll asked readers to choose between having red eyes and a green tongue.
  • Why we love it: You’ll find polls, contests and reviews useful for every woman who’s looking for the next "it" product. Not only does Karen offer honest opinions of her endless makeup trials, but she also describes such details as a product’s color, texture and scent, making readers feel like they’re actually testing the product. Karen’s large color photos with various beauty experiments — from clumpy lashes after a bad mascara trial to a set of sheer shadows smeared onto her hand — are very useful in helping readers choose their beauty products wisely.
  • Best of the blog:
    • Halloween for beauty addicts: Choose your makeup treat
    
    
    • When makeup and accessories collide
    
    
    • How would you describe your signature makeup look?

  • Sample advice: "Sometimes I feel like a disorganized mess, especially when it comes to my makeup. I think some of it has to do with the process I like to use when I plan my looks in the mornings, how I like to set products out on the bathroom counter, contemplate each one, feel around through different eyeshadows and lipglosses until a combination strikes my fancy. But some of it has to do with makeup storage choices. If you’re like me and struggle to stay organized, here are a few simple makeup storage ideas."

  5. Future Derm

  • Target audience: With a variety of skincare topics and relevant research, this blog is a must-read for every woman.
  • Written by: Future dermatologist and current medical student Nicki Zevola, who’s studying at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.
  • Why we love it: Nicki combines rigorous research from peer-reviewed journals with her personal perspective. She shares her experiences using an array of products and provides expert skincare information. She neither harps on dermatology jargon nor dumbs down her entries. You get the perfect mix of data, opinion and personality. Reading her blog is like chatting with a friend and skincare specialist in one.
  • Best of the blog:
    • 4 common skin care products to avoid for great skin forever
    
    
    • Spotlight on: Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids
    
    
    • This just in: Why stress destroys your skin

  • Sample advice: "My point is, don’t be dragged into "natural" products like they’re matte makeup products and leg warmers in the 80’s. Although natural sounds healthier and more beneficial now, natural ingredients can hurt your skin too. Be careful - check with your dermatologist before starting a new skin regime, consult actual scientific research journals (not cautionary databases that make the FDA seem like a sitting duck) about your skin care ingredients, and be aware that natural skin care companies are no different than regular skin care companies, selling you products. Some are great, sure, but just like with the chemical products, some aren’t. Be aware. Balance chemical and natural, and go with what your dermatologist recommends and what makes your skin look and feel its best!"

  6. Aging Fabulous

  • Target audience: Designed especially for women over 30, this is an excellent blog for any woman curious about the many anti-aging products on the market as well as all things beauty-related.
  • Written by: Teri Cosenzi has tried it all! And she talks about her experiences with tons of passion and personality. Her reviews are both interesting and useful, leaving readers with enough information to decide whether they’d like to try a particular product on for size.
  • Why we love it: With the slogan, "This is when the fun starts," Teri doesn’t let frustrations like wrinkles and age spots get her down. Instead, she tries every product on the planet that aims to pamper and protect aging skin — and gives us the details on her experiences. In addition, you’ll find a variety of posts on everything from best beauty buys and celebrity secrets to dermal fillers and diet and fitness help. Teri’s honesty and humor about the aging process make her easy to relate to as she shares her journey to beautiful, healthy skin.
  • Best of the blog:
    • For a better first impression, keep smiling and pass the Botox.
    
    
    • Share some SPF with your BFF!
    
    
    • Madonna is now 50 and fabulous!

  • Sample advice: "I know that we try to age as fabulously as we can, but really - when it comes down to it, aging is hard. It is tiring. Trying to find this fountain of youth to feel good and look good. It is just not appearing right before my eyes."

  7. A Mom in Red Heels

  • Target audience: Though this blog is geared toward moms, many women will find the advice inspirational and useful. So any woman interested in all things beauty and style can learn something new.
  • Written by: Tammy, a mom of two, who loves her red high heels and wants to empower moms to feel and look great.
  • Why we love it: Expect a great mix of product reviews, profiles of real moms, fashion and makeup tips, celeb beauty and green goodies. Her posts are mainly snippets but, though brief, they’re informative. Her blog isn’t about focusing exclusively on looks (and making that a pivotal part of life). Instead, it’s about taking time out for yourself to concentrate on well-being. It’s a place where moms can be themselves and don’t have to feel bad about caring about cosmetics, focusing on fashion and ultimately wanting to look and feel good.
  • Best of the blog:
    • How you can look your best every day
    
    
    • Victoria Beckham: Get her 'Allure' cover look
    
    
    • Fall makeup trend: Pretty power pouts

  • Sample advice: "When a woman becomes a mom, she should not give up on herself as a woman. Becoming a mother does not mean she suddenly becomes last on her priority list! In fact, she should make every effort to pamper herself often. She should fix herself up each morning and feel good about how she looks. She should wear stylish, well-fitting clothing and keep a modern hairstyle. She should wear red high heels as often as possible."

  8. Viva Woman

  • Target audience: For any woman interested in skincare and beauty. This blog has a natural and organic twist, but readers will enjoy an array of topics from anti-aging to skincare advice and even forays into fashion.
  • Written by: Sesame, a self-proclaimed skincare addict based in Singapore, who’s become increasingly interested in the natural and organic approach to beauty, which she covers occasionally in her blog.
  • Why we love it: Viva Woman is packed with personal experiences, product reviews and beauty advice. In addition to exploring natural approaches to beauty and skincare, you can find the 411 on basics like tips on optimizing your moisturizer and applying foundation. Sesame also clears up important, but often misconstrued topics, including whether mineral makeup has harmful effects, what kinds of ingredients actually clog pores and how to create your own effective beauty concoctions.
  • Best of the blog:
    • Using mineral water in your beauty regime
    
    
    • EO Revitalizing Lotion for Legs & Feet
    
    
    • Toners affect efficacy of active ingredients

  • Sample advice: "I am so loving my oats now! Mixed with yogurt, it makes the best facial mask and delivers instant wonderful effects for me. Benefits of oats for our skin: Oats possess some wonderful skin care properties because they have the best amino acid balance of all cereal grains and a high silica content, making them great emollients that restores the skin’s natural moisture. They are also said to be highly absorptive, hypoallergenic, and can be used to cleanse, exfoliate, soften and soothe the skin; suitable for most skin types."

  9. A Girl’s Gotta Spa!

  • Target audience: Anyone who loves spa treatments and wants to learn about a variety of salon and spa retreats and getaways around the world. But, it isn’t all about spas. You’ll also find tons of product reviews, the latest hair trends and how-tos and great giveaways.
  • Written by: Shannon, a career woman, who specializes in blogging and social media, and mom of four boys. In 2005, she started this blog "to connect her love of beauty products with reviews that consumers could relate to."
  • Why we love it: Well-written and engaging, this blog is true to its goal: readers will easily relate to the product reviews and Shannon. Reading her blog is like talking to a smart, skin savvy friend. She takes us through the latest trends and gives a straightforward scoop on products. Plus, there’s always a selection of impressive giveaways. You also get information on hair trends at various fashion shows and advice to recreate the looks. In addition to being informative, the blog is simply fun: Sometimes, Shannon has her kids join the reviewing process.

  • Best of the blog:
    • 5 skincare questions for dermatologist, Dr. Benabio
    
    
    • Hair trends spring 2009 at Catherine Malandrino
    
    
    • Need a 401K facial: 5 Alabama spas launching economic inspired spa treatments

  • Sample advice: "When you’re out in the sun, don’t forget about protecting your hair! Below are a few summer haircare tips."

  10. Smarter Beauty Blog

  • Target audience: Because there isn’t much information for mature skin, this blog is ideal for younger women, who’ll easily relate to each blogger’s experiences. Also great for anyone who doesn’t take skincare too seriously!
  • Written by: Several bloggers who try various products and have lived to tell us all about it! Case in point: One blogger samples natural deodorant, sharing how it fared during a shopping session, running on the treadmill and wearing a shirt of synthetic material.
  • Why we love it: The writing is witty, amusing and fun, so before you know it, you’ve easily poured over several posts in one sitting. Oftentimes, you’ll find yourself relating to the post, exclaiming, "me too!" while laughing out loud. Along with the hilarity, the bloggers at Smarter Beauty Blog provide information on common skincare and beauty concerns by sharing personal experiences and citing experts.
  • Best of the blog:
    • Spring 2008 runway looks - The stupid, The ugly, The crazy
    
    
    • How to get rid of your female mustache: Whiskers belong on cats
    
    
    • When should you chuck OLD makeup?! Is it dangerous?

  • Sample advice: "Is your mascara clumpy? Is your foundation thickening? It is difficult to know when to get rid of cosmetics because most don’t have an expiration date, and of course I understand it is hard to chuck expensive cosmetics but not doing so can actually be dangerous for your health because bacteria could literally be growing full force in your old makeup containers. Which can cause you pink eye or peri-oral dermatitis that might irritate the skin and cause little red bumps that look like acne. Yuck!"