Editor's note: In celebration of the new year, many of 2010's most popular posts will be rewritten and updated in order to attract a new host of readers. In the meantime, enjoy!

While 2010 brought many successes and some disappointments, we are ecstatic to see what 2011 will bring. We predict the new year will produce amazing partnerships and opportunities that will only help Blaq Vixen Beauty rise as one of the leading beauty, style and lifestyle blogs for women of color. Each of our fans, readers and supporters have played such a huge part in our development and popularity. For that, we couldn't possibly thank each of you for being an inspiring asset to our community and presence on the web.

With that said, as we finally say goodbye to 2010 and greetings to 2011, we wanted to round up the most popular/most read/most viewed posts on Blaq Vixen Beauty this past year: (more....)

Editor's note: Since I only made it halfway in my Clinique Even Better Clinical regimen (6 weeks), I can't really write a full review on it yet. Since the majority of my visitors come to Blaq Vixen Beauty searching for information on this product, I figured I treat this post as a Q&A, not an official review. Updated 6 April 2011.

Question: Are you using Clinique Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector correctly?

Answer: "Hannah," a Clinique consultant over at Paula Begoun's Beauty Bunch blog, provided this simple regimen (with some of my recommendations thrown in) just in case you are not sure:

1. Clean your face completely - simply removing your makeup does not count!
2. Apply the Dark Spot Corrector directly on the skin.
3. Apply Clinique Even Better Skin Tone Correcting Moisturizer.
4. Liberally apply a broad spectrum (protects against UVA and UVB rays), water-resistant sunscreen with a SPF of at least 30+ 15 to 30 minutes before going outdoors. Please be consistent in applying the sunscreen after apply the serum. Remember, a few hours of excess sun exposure can stimulate your pigment-producing melanocytes and undo week of skin care (source). DSC contains melanin-inhibiting ingredients which will make your skin sensitive to the sun.
5. Use twice daily - morning and night. One bottle is a 4-week supply if used correctly.

Prepare to invest in three bottles of Clinique Even Better Clinical to see the full benefits of the bottle but Hannah says that you should see results with the first bottle. I'm refraining from adding my two cents here. :)

As you can see, both the JolieMD Metamorphosis 2-Step System as well as CoverGirl LashBlast Fusion came in the mail today. As excited I am that I finally received the system to test out, I've decided to only use it after I complete my Clinique Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector regimen, which I started last Thursday.

I like the original LashBlast and LashBlast Length, so I hope that LashBlast fusion delivers thickening, lengthening and separating. Can't wait to test it out!

With reports as early as October of last year, I am almost embarassed to admit that I knew zilch about Clinque's Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector until I hit my local Clinique counter yesterday. I was curious to see what my shade would be in Clinique Even Better SPF 15 Foundation in the winter.

The sales rep adamantly assured me that Ginger was my shade both in the winter and the summer. If I went any lighter, the foundation will turn ashy on me. So I guess I should stick with Ginger to find out if the foundation will truly even out my skin in conjunction with the original Clinique Even Better Dark Spot Corrector and Clinique Skin Tone Correcting Moisturizer with SPF 20.

The clinical version is something else, based on an article at Moodie Report. Declared as "a breakthrough for technology," but more specifically one in the field of hyperpigmentation, Clinique Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector features the brand's patent-pending CL-302 Complex.

Are you a fan of the original Clinique Even Better Dark Spot Corrector? Curious to see what makes Clinique Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector different? Read on!

A fellow beauty enthusiast spilled an invaluable beauty secret: the "pat/press" method. Finally, there's a way to "get your skin care down pat."

Risi Leanne, one of the editors of the Palacinka beauty blog, revealed, "I learned from the Clarins skin care team to always apply cleanser, eye cream and moisturizer (this is the correct order) with the "pat/press" method. Instead of moving the cream around my face in a circular motion, I warm it up in my hands - then press on. It gives my skin an instant glow and I find the product absorbs much better. My favorite is Clarins Multi-Active Early Wrinkle Correcting Lotion with SPF 15."  (beauty secret #5)

Still interested? Read on!

Instead of doing a 5-minute face or even a 15-minute face, I did a 10-minute one. Here is what I used:

facial wash. SensiClear kit, which I was supposed to review this past Sunday. I'll have to start scheduling my Skincare Sunday posts just in case I'm too tired to blog.

moisturizer. Clinique Even Better Skin Tone Corrector and Clinique Even Better Skin Tone Correcting Moisturizer SPF 20. I used both products twice today. I plan to use them again right before I go to bed.

foundation + powder. Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse Foundation in Dark 2, which I think looks a little too light in this photo...or maybe it's the M·A·C Mineralize Skinfinish in Dark that did the trick. Earlier, when I first applied it, it was too dark. This was even with Black Opal Invisible Oil Blocking Powder. However, it could just be the camera that I'm using...miss my Canon PowerShot!

primer. Clear Prep FX Matte Foundation Primer and Anti-Acne Treatment

eyeshadow. Love My Eyes Roll on Eyeshadow in Copper Mist. Surprisingly, this eyeshadow is pigmented. It also takes care of the metallic lid trend that I wanted to try. Maybe if I feel motivated, I'll smoke it out.

mascara. The review for CoverGirl LashBlast Lash mascara is in draft. I love that this mascara doesn't leave my lashes stiff and flaky.

lipgloss. Korres Jasmine Lip Butter with Lancome Color Fever Plumper in City Mauve over it. I hate that my mom's camera washes out the color. It's a mauve nude shade.

hair. I threw it up in a messy (and I do mean messy) ballerina bun earlier but since I wanted to make sleek down my edges and make it look perfect, I took it down. Then I twisted it up in the back and clipped it. I'm running low on my Soft and Beautiful StyleProtect Sculpting Gel and I'm trying to preserve the little that I have left. That's why my edges are sticking up! My swoop bang is nonexistent since I kept brushing my hair back. No, I didn't go to school like this. It was only after I got home that I decided to fix my hair.

What do you use for your 10-minute face?

Are you a member of the InStyle Trendsetters panel? If not, you should, as you might be personally selected for potential participation in an exclusive InStyle Trendsetter beauty product trial! I was!

Today, I received full-sized bottles of the Clinique Even Better Skin Tone Corrector (which won CEW's Insider's Choice Award) and the Clinique Even Better Skin Tone Correcting Moisturizer SPF 20 from InStyle. I am so psyched!!! Besides the trio of SoftLIPS Pure Natural Lip Balms that I got from ChickAdvisor Product Review Club, this is best shipment that I've ever received from a beauty panel. Here is what I have to do:

STEP 1. Begin daily use of Clinique Even Better Skin Tone Corrector and Moisturizer.

STEP 2. Use the product daily for four weeks.

STEP 3. Be on the lookout for InStyle's follow up survey which will arrive the third week in September via e-mail. (Sept. 13-19)

STEP 4. Respond to the follow up survey right away. It is every important that I respond to the survey immediately when I receive it.

Intrigued? Read on!

Talking about Christian Siriano's makeup line for Victoria's Secret feels a bit like coming home, since my review on their Beauty Rush Lip Glosses was one of the first few posts I published here on Blaq Vixen Beauty. Then, this past Monday, while waiting at the Clinique counter, I found myself checking out the newest Victoria's Secret additions. I read the Victoria's Secret fashion show (VSFS 09) is taking place in New York the first time in four years today. I wonder if we'll see Neomie Lenoir, Sessilee Lopez, and Emanuela de Paula at the show this year? Your thoughts?

What's your secret?