This week’s Bionic Asks… What are your favorite beauty blogs?

Out of the wide wonders of the blogosphere, which beauty and makeup blogs do you read on a daily basis? How did you find your favorites?

Unfortunately, I don’t make it to my favorite blogs everyday, but I do visit them weekly and catch up on articles by email at the end of the day. My “best of” list is basically the Bionic Beauty blogroll. And after you all share your fave blogs below, I can hopefully expand my blogroll with some new sites!

Welcome to another installment of the Bionic Boondoggle! It’s basically a “best of” roundup from the perspective of moi.

My snake-bitten ankle is finally healed and I’m doing strengthening exercises daily. I’m still visiting north Florida and loving the area here more and more! For a little get-outta-the-house time, my friend and I headed to the Devil’s Millhopper park in Gainesville. We packed our cameras and a few of our Moleskine journals and sketchbooks. I also wore tall, heavy leather boots. I have vowed never to hike without leather boots on again. No more snake bites for me, thank you very much.

Devil's Millhopper - One really old sinkhole!

I love greenery, shade (as you can tell by my paleness), and humidity. The Devil’s Millhopper suited me perfectly. There were teeny waterfalls winding through limestone covered in liverworts, lichens, and mosses. The waters flow through the porous limestone, making its way into the Florida Aquifer, and finally… very very slowly flows towards the Gulf of Mexico.

A trickling stream through limestone rock covered with mosses and liverworts

On our trek, I spotted a few native orchids (unfortunately not in bloom), some really cool aquatic plants, tiny glossy mushrooms, and more ferns than I’ve ever witnessed in one locale. It was truly a fabulous day! The only mar on the day’s perfection… I seem to have dropped/left/lost my digital camera. So if anyone found a pewter and black Olympus digital camera at the Millhopper over the weekend, could ya please send it back to me? I’ll bake you brownies and my famous banana bread! I miss my super-macro mode already for taking makeup shots. Grrrr.

Writing in my journals + surrounded by greenery = Happiness in Bionic-land.

Anyhow, let’s get on Boondoggling, shall we?

Ever wondered what some of those big long tongue-tying names are in your hair care products? Beauty with Brains gives you a 101 course on Polyquaternium 11.

Beauty and Fashion Tech uses skin care products from Arcona and Peter Thomas Roth to help cure her adult acne.

My dog “The Amazing Woo” is holding giveaway for a pet goody bag from Chicken Soup for the Pet Lovers Soul. Y’all should enter if you’ve got any furry friends!

E.l.f. Cosmetics has some pretty fabulous discount codes that are available for a very limited time. Shop quickly, everyone!

• Get a free 3 piece back to school makeup set from e.l.f. cosmetics when you purchase $20 or more in their makeup goodies. Use code BTSAF. This coupon code expires August 31, 2010.
• Now through August 31, you can save 30% off elf’s Studio Makeup collection with a minimum $20 purchase. This offer is valid with coupon code STUD30.

Lastly, here is my favorite quote from the book I finished last week…

“Truth can never be defeated, Sarene. Even if people do forget about it occasionally.”
~King Eventeo in the book Elantris by Brandon Sanderson.

Have you spotted anything wonderful around this web this week? Feel free to share sales, favorite quotes, funny videos, or whatever strikes your fancy in the comments section below

Heading to a salon Grand Opening!

While it looks like not much happened on Bionic Beauty today, I’ve been working behind-the-scenes since 8am. Hopefully you all will benefit from the upgrades soon. I’m working on an improved navigation bar so everyone can find articles related to a specific topic in an easier and quicker manner. Also in the plans- a FAQ page and a page listing the most-popular tutorials. I’m open to other suggestions to improve Bionic Beauty, just leave your thoughts in the comments.

Now, let’s get down to a Bionic Boondoggle! For those of you who don’t know what a Bionic Boondoggle is… it’s basically a mash-up of wonderful things that caught my eye recently.

First up… the sales!

• Get a FREE $5 gift card from e.l.f. cosmetics with a $20 purchase! Just use coupon code CINCO when you checkout.
• From now through April 30th, get 25% off your entire purchase plus get FREE standard ground shipping at Sally Beauty’s website! Enter promo code 555919 at checkout. I know I’ll be stocking up on Ion Color Brilliance hair color! I just wish I could use this in their brick n’ mortar stores as well, but I guess we can’t have all our wishes granted.
• YBF Skincare is celebrating their 3 year partnership with The Skin Care Shop. Between now and June 1st, YBF is giving away over $1500 of their incredible skin care products via Twitter! Head over to the YBF website for the giveaway schedule and learn how to enter!

From around the web

• Mo at Mythbuster Beauty got her hands on MAC’s new Stacked Crushed Metal Pigments and created a very pretty makeup look! For non-MAC peeps (me included), I’m not sure what that fancy-dancy name means, but I think they are powdered shimmery eye shadows. *wink*
• I’ve long been a fan of Kristarella for her awesome web design skills and extremely helpful tutorials. She’s pretty much my blogging idol. Recently she posted an article chronicling her weight loss that I felt should be shared. It was so open and real – she definitely qualifies as a Powerful Beauty in my book!
• One of my fave indie makeup lines, Purely Cosmetics is exhibiting at the IMATS makeup show in LA on June 26th and 27th. If you’re going to be in the area, please stop by the PC booth and tell Robyn I said “Howdy!”. I really wish I could go. Alas, some day… maybe.

And last, an explanation for my picture- this weekend, I got dazzled up to attend a friend’s salon/spa grand opening in trendy SoBe. So that’s me playing grown-up-prom-night. Fun times!

Now it’s your turn to Boondoggle! Have you spotted a funny video, or a quote you love, or a moo-lah saving sale? Did you do something extremely fun or meaningful this week? If so, please share!

This Sunshine Award was given to me by Josie from DIY Beauty Remedies!

Josie loved Bionic Beauty enough to choose it as one her twelve picks to receive The Sunshine Award. Thanks a googleplex, Josie!

Now, here’s how this works…
I nominate twelve blogs that, in my opinion, are worthy of the Sunshine Award, because well, they bring a bit of sunniness to my day. Every single day. Thank you all for providing such lovely, informative and witty writing!!

The Cheap Chick – Erin’s writing never fails to make me laugh. Plus you can’t beat a blog that combines humor *and* money saving tips! I can’t believe we’ve known each other for over two years!
Girl Gloss – Carleen is an enabler. She feeds my lip gloss, balm, and stain addiction!
GouldyLox Reviews – Honest reviews combined with actual personality in her writing makes GouldyLox a standout.
In My Pro Opinion – Want some tips straight from a pro makeup artist? Melissa Street has the blog to read!
Life Candy – Nenette is another of my long-time blogging friends. She rocks, and so does her blog! You’ve got to check out the Freebie List article… (it’s not free samples, by the way, this is *your* personal famous-person freebie list). It’s a total riot! And leave your list while you’re there!
Mineral Makeup Coach – There must be thousands of mineral makeup blogs on the internet. Kelley gives it to you straight. And I love her fact versus fiction quizzes!
Mythbuster Beauty – Jen, and co-author Mo… I can’t say enough good things about either of these ladies. And their goodness is certainly apparent at Mythbuster Beauty. Jen and I started our blogs around the same time, and thankfully the internet fairy brought us together. Giveaways, reviews, tips, tricks- they cover it all!
Older Girl Beauty Blog – Paula’s blog covers the beauty in all of us. Of course she has honest and thoughtful product reviews, but she takes it a step further to help women realize that beauty isn’t just the 5’10″ tan, blonde, 105lb waifs we are bombarded with in “beauty magazines”.
Purely Cosmetics’ Shopaholic – Robyn is a friend, pal, buddy, and so much more. Of course, she’s the owner of Purely Cosmetics (my favorite makeup foundation), but even if she wasn’t I would enjoy her blog. Life adventures, crafty makeup projects, and behind-the-scenes footage of makeup events… all rolled into one fabulous blog!
The Southern Accent – Calling all Southern Gals, animal lovers, spa fiends- You’re gonna love Lisa’s blog. The Southern Accent covers everything from charity fundraisers, green/eco-friendly living, spa and body products, and of course… fuzzy critters! Lisa writes with a heart-felt compassion that is truly rare in the blogosphere.
Vampy Varnish – Long before I started Bionic Beauty, nail polish was one of my weaknesses. I have Caboodles and fishing tackle boxes packed full of polish. Kelly and Vampy Varnish help me decide which colors go on my “wish list” and which ones aren’t worth my hard-earned cashola.
The Amazing Woo – I admit this is my dog’s blog… but I can’t resist giving my pooch a little lovin’ too. After all, he has brought sunshine to my darkest times… I love you, Willie Woo.

The nominees above can post twelve blogs they think are deserving of the Sunshine Award (this can be on your blog sidebar, or within a post itself). Link to all the nominees blogs (just like I did above), link to the person who presented you with the award. And when you’re all done with that, let your everyone on your list know they’ve won! Comments or emails work great for this step, by the way…

To all the Bionic Beauty readers out there… now you know which blogs I read on a daily basis. Even if I don’t comment all the time, I’m still there lurking and loving their writing!

I have been remiss in posting a Bionic Boondoggle for a long time. Okay, so it’s been months (and months) to be transparently truthful. Since my 2010 is finally settling down, I rounded up some of my favorite things from the interwebs this week…

Looking for a laugh? Nenette over at LifeCandy always keep me on my toes. Hilarity ensues when you mix VHS tapes, cat poop, yoga pants, and coffee into one article… Mark my words, you may need brain-floss after reading this. *wink*

Just for some "pretty" this week...

True or False? The Mineral Makeup Coach wants to know if you know your skincare myths from facts. Does oily skin need less moisture than dry skin?

Since most people love to win things, Jen at Mythbuster Beauty is holding a giveaway for a $150 gift card to SkincareRx! There are loads of ways to enter, but do so quickly because the deadline is February 8, 2010 (USA residents only).

DIY makeup organization that is as functional as it is beautiful. Robyn from Purely Cosmetics blog gets uber-crafty creating her own Book of Shadows!

Licensed esthetician and an all-around wonderful person, Jessica, debunks a few of the common skin care myths. Jessica’s blog is chock-full of skin care reminders, information on ingredients, and intelligent research.

A heart warming tale of WHY all products from Cactus & Ivy have been, and always will be, cruelty-free…

American Apparel is coming out with their own nail polish… and oh my… that gray color on the front left is screaming my name!

For balance, here’s some animated humor- check out Simon the cat in “Cat Man Do”. He is THE ultimate in snooze alarms.

Did you spot anything inspiring or fun on the internet this week? Feel free to leave your favorite links below!

I haven’t put together a Bionic Boondoggle for quite some time… but I have quite a few small tidbits of news to share, so I thought today would be perfect! There’s a huge sale at Sephora, a fantastic Mario Badescu giveaway, and a new blogroll member…

First up… it’s Sephora’s Family and Friends Sale time! The sale launched today (October 19th) and runs through November 2nd. You’ll get 20% off almost all of their cosmetics, makeup, skin care, hair care, nail polish, etc.
Simply use the coupon code FF2009 when you check out. Plus orders over $50 get FREE shipping!

One bit of warning, I recommend you shop as soon as possible since this sale is so popular. It’s not uncommon for items to sell out within a few days.

Other specials at Sephora.com…

• Get a free Bare Escentuals 10 day trial makeup kit with a mini kabuki brush with any order. Use discount code TRYBE at checkout.
• Get a free Bare Escentuals Buxom mini lip gloss. You even get to pick your shade! You do have to register to be a Beauty Insider for this special to apply (but it’s free to join). Use coupon code BUXOMKISS at checkout.

With all those great discounts and freebies, who can resist a little Sephora.com shopping! What do you plan on buying?

Mario Badescu skin care is having a fabulous contest for acne suffers! I adore their Buffering Lotion and Drying Cream. Five lucky winners will receive a consultation with one of our skin specialists and a customized regimen of Mario Badescu Skin Care products. Don’t delay… head over to MarioBadescu.com to enter now!

I’ve also added a new link to the Bionic Beauty “blogroll”. This is the official welcome to the Cosmetology School Guys “Beauty Schools” website. Beauty Schools is a thorough guide for people seeking a certified cosmetology school. It’s simple to navigate and since some of you may be looking along this career path, I thought it may be helpful to include. Have a visit and tell them Bionic Beauty sent you!

You can find a rotating list of my favorite sites in the far right sidebar under Links Bionic Loves. It refreshes with a few new sites every time you visit! If you’d like to view the entire list of my favorite sites, simply visit the Bionic Beauty Blogroll page.

The lovely Gio, the brain behind “Beautiful with Brains” interviewed me on her blog just yesterday. If you’d like some background on why I started Bionic Beauty, my favorite products and what I think gals should live by, feel free to read the interview. Plus… we’d both LOVE to hear about your favorite must-have products!

Makeup Artist Melissa Street, has featured Bionic Beauty’s “Rainbow Lips” over at her blog: In My Pro Opinion – Epic Makeup!

I’m incredibly honored by the lovely things she said about my rainbow lip creation. Plus the fact that I’ve heard young Bionic-gals in the making are inspired by the look!

Be sure to check out Melissa’s blog for intel on spring trends and makeup from an artist’s point of view. You’ll love it!

I’m a day late in posting this… my weekend got a little busy. The Bionic-sister was in town and we did some gardening, movie watching and nail painting. I, of course, sent her home with a ton of shampoos, lotions, and other “essentials”.

I was also at the Washington Nationals Spring Training game this week! Lots of fun in the sun… but I was covered head to toe in zinc sunblock. Gotta protect my paleness. What did you do over the weekend?

My favorite articles from this week:

Kelley from the Mineral Makeup Coach blog (and founder of PRIIA Cosmetics) wrote an amazing article: “Teens, Dairy Products and Acne- Is there a connection?“  While it says teens, the information contained in the article is handy for anyone who suffers from occasional or regular breakouts.

Sarah is a lucky duck. She has this store called Bath Junkie close to here where they let you mix your own fragrances for your bath products, make it your own color (everything can match your tile now! tee hee!) and then the store employees add the necessary ingredients for what you chose. So everything’s pretty, scented and super fresh. Darn it… I want one!

Jen from Mythbuster Beauty was featured on We Heart This. Congrats Jen! Be sure to read the interview with her… even I learned some new tips, and facts about Jen.

Decorative Diva did a super cool manicure and pedicure over the weekend. Love the colors! I’ll be trying something similar on my hands this week.

Very special sales worth noting…

• Loose Lips NY is holding a March Madness special (see, it’s a sports theme this weekend on Bionic Beauty!) use code marchmad20 for 20% all orders the month of March.
• $2 shipping at e.l.f. Cosmetics with coupon code SHIPTWO (on orders of $20 or more). Woo hoo!
• Eeek! My favorite mineral makeup line, Purely Cosmetics has their foundations on sale ($18 instead of the normal $22)! And… there’s a very cool flat-top synthetic Kabuki brush which is $20 ($5 off) and perfect for all of us moving to synthetic or taklon brushes. Ok, ladies, I’m off to stock up on my California Blonde foundation!

Did any articles catch your eye this week? Special quotes or songs or photos that inspired you? Share your loves in the comments!

I’ve discovered another wonderful site for the ladies! Here We Are with Luci’s tagline is “The busy women’s guide to a better, brighter, easier lifestyle on our way to running the world!”

Luci’s blog has articles on women’s business, independent business, beauty, style, shopping, health, relationships, television and well, just about anything us chicas are interested in. Be sure to check her out!

As always, you can find Bionic Beauty’s full list of Links Bionic Loves on the blogroll page -or- check out the right sidebar for a list of these blogs that rotates upon each visit you make!