Thanks so much to everyone who sent "congratulations" on my pregnancy. This is our first and we are really excited! For those of you who are also pregnant, you can look forward to several skin care reviews (stretch mark creams, leg gels, etc.) over the next 5 months. I hope you enjoy it, and if you have any product suggestions, please don't hesitate to let me know.

Here in Portland, OR, it seems like summer just started, but believe it or not, fall is just around the corner. The change of seasons always means pretty new colors and often new products from all of our favorite lines. This week, my fall preview shopping started with some great new shades from Maybelline's Gypsy Chic fall collection, including Salon Finish Nail Enamel (around $3) in "heather perle" and Great Wear Budgeproof Lipcolor (around $6) in "heather". Naturally, I couldn't resist those colors! I've always liked the Great Wear lipcolor (really lasts without being dry or crumbly), and this medium plum, very slightly shimmery shade is perfect for fall.

On the new product front, Maybelline has introduced Great Wear long-wearing Blush (around $5) in a variety of pinks, peaches and browns (I choose "woodrose"). If you need stay-put color, have oily skin, or like more control over your blush color, this silky cream-powder is a nice choice. The included sponge lets you put the color right where you want it, then it lasts all day without too much fading.

Coming in September, Bobbi Brown Essentials' collection for fall includes new colors and several new products. The prettiest by far are the new shimmer lipglosses ($18) in "white sugar", "sand sugar", "rose sugar", and "cocoa sugar". The fall collection will also feature a new blush shade in "pale pink" (great for pale skintones), new lipstick shades in "mango" and "wine", and new nail wash shades in "nude", "rose", "red", "wine", and "raisin". Personally, I think it's great that the line is expanding outside the basic browns, and these deep jewel tones are stunning.

Bobbi Brown's growing line will also add a Conditioning Brush Cleaner, Fresh Glow Cream Foundation ($35) with vitamin A, oil-free Gentle Foaming Cleanser ($27), and a conditioning hand and nail cream. As soon as these new products become available, I'll be sure to have plenty of in-depth reviews for you.

For more information about Bobbi Brown Essentials, or to find a counter location near you, check out the website at http://www.bobbibrowncosmetics.com. The new fall collection isn't online yet, but I imagine it will be soon.

I rarely indulge in what I consider "luxury" cosmetics like La Prairie or Chanel, but this week I couldn't resist trying Chanel's new Lip Blush ($28.50) lipcolor. Packaged in individual color compacts, this lipcolor is unlike any lipstick I've tried; think of it more like a cream-to-powder shadow for your lips. Apply the velvety cream with the enclosed brush, and it sets to a smooth but still somewhat creamy, satin finish. You can blend the color to a sheer wash, or build it up for more richness and depth. The staying power rivals regular lipstick, and the silky feel definitely beats most long-wearing formulas. Lip Blush comes in four knock-out shades: "innocent", "pout", "bizarre", and "kissed".

Coming up next week, I am pleased to bring you a review of Hard Candy's Training Brow eye brow makeup kit, as well as Lip Works lipbalms from English Ideas. See you then!