Are you a die-hard beauty addict? Read on to find out which beauty panels are worth your time and membership!

Before I started my own beauty blog and learned the real deal behind some beauty bloggers and the products that they reviewed, I was under the impression that these women were "rolling in the dough." In my mind, how else were they able to review high-end beauty products week after week?

Ultimately, the researcher in me went to work and was surprised that some beauty bloggers were sent free, full-size makeup samples to review along with various levels of mind-blowing, jaw-dropping swag.

Although that is glamorous, all I wanted to know was which drugstore products were diamonds in the rough - specifically, which ones could enhance my beauty as a woman of color. Furthermore, if I did have to drop several pretty pennies to own that one holy grail product, I'd appreciate a thorough and informative review.

However, who can ignore free beauty products and other opportunities? If you are a makeup newbie like me and want to expand your cosmetic collection through product review clubs, there's no shame in that! Even if you are a seasoned makeup addict, make room for more!

And there's the opportunity to amplify your voice by providing your opinions and reviews on the products that you receive. Check out these beauty panels that I've discovered:

ChickAdvisor Product Review Club

Although based in Canada, ChickAdvisor's Product Review Club is worth signing up for. I received full-sized samples of the latest in the SoftLips Canadian line: Softlips PURE Natural Lip Balm in Fragrance Free, Bergamot and Citrus. The co-founder, Ali de Bold, was sweet enough to type up a personal note, saying that she hoped I enjoyed the lip balms. Not only was I pleased by the personal touch but the packaging was darling too! I just hope I have more opportunities to review products from ChickAdvisor! In order to be eligible, you have to be a registered ChickAdvisor member, have written 5 informative reviews on your own and must remember to review any products that you have received within 14 days.

Allure Experts Panel

While hitting up one of my favorite beauty blogs, Spoiled Pretty, I happened to come across this post in which Daneen gushed about the miracle that is Exceptionnel de Chanel Intense Volume and Curl Mascara. Thanks to Allure's Experts Panel, Daneen was able to have "a little Chanel in her life." I do too - through medium-sized, white Chanel earrings that I snagged through iOffer. However, I'm not only interested in Chanel but other department store beauty products that I can snag for free and discover either the mystique or the curse behind them. Allure is a perfect match for this goal!

Glamspotters

Touted as the entrance to Glamour's exclusive world of all things glam and fabulous, Glamspotters is another beauty and fashion panel that I came across. The latest products to be given away were the Herbal Essences Hydralicious Shampoos and Conditioners. At this point in my life, caring for my hair has become a priority as I would like to achieve length and durability. I've personally never tried Herbal Essences but as I continue on my hair journey, I figure that branching out to new hair product lines wouldn't hurt...right? Besides, the hydralicious part sounds oddly comforting! I can't wait to see what other opportunties a Glamspotter like me will have!

Marie Claire Velvet Rope Club

I spotted an advertisement for Marie Claire Velvet Rope Club in an old issue of Marie Claire. According to the ad, "The ALL NEW Velvet Rope Club is Marie Claire's exclusive insiders' society for women to express their valuable opinions. Because we know you're more than a pretty face, we invite you to join the Marie Claire Velvet Rope Club. You'll have the opportunity to share your thoughts on everything from the newest 'it' bag to your favorite shade of lipstick. Velvet Rope Club members are also given exclusive access to special offers, insider events, sweepstakes, and more."  I just signed up today and one thing that I have found interesting thus far is that at the bottom of the sign-up form, there are two checkboxes asking if you have spent $300 plus on beauty and $1000 plus on clothing. I would definitely check this out if this sounds like you on a regular basis!

I'll be updating this article with more beauty panels that I find across the beauty blogosphere so come back for more opportunites!

Picture sources: ChickAdvisor, Allure and Glam