Makes an interesting and enlightening read.
http://www.cosmeticsdesign-europe.com/Products-Markets/Blogs-drive-beauty-purchases-more-than-magazines
I love using them - give me a great picture of what is going on in the world and what others think. Does it influence my spending habits? - Yes, it probably does, give unbiased opinions in most cases as they are done by independent people.
I am curious on feedback and comments from you guys that use blogs - do you guys use blogs? do you have your own blog? How often do you visit blogs? What benefit do you get from having a blog? Benefit from the blogs you visit?