I’ve been wearing this nail polish since high school. I saw it on my friend’s toes and went to Wal-Mart (yep, Wal-Mart) as soon as I could to grab a bottle for $1.50 or however much they were charging at the time.

Let me give you an idea of how amazing this color is. First, it’s a dusky, sexy pink. You’ll need several coats, but once you’ve got it on…it’s perfect. Second, it looks equally good on hands or feet. Third, it reminds me of January Jones’ ubiquitous pink shade she sports on Mad Men.

There are probably a million more shades like this that are better quality and go on in fewer coats, but I can’t give it up.

Love My Nails in “Palest Mauve”, $2-4, depending on where you buy

Have you tried Revlon’s new Just Bitten lip stain?

I used their Forbidden color and it came out like this!

(Sorry for the white-washed look—there’s a lot of natural light in my office and Photobooth was not impressed!)

Forbidden is kind of a pinky-nude that looks like a deeper version of my natural lip color. The stain is long-lasting and the balm moisturizes nicely—goes on smooth and not too thick. The line retails for about $6-9, depending on where you buy. (It’s available at most drugstores, Wal-Mart, Target, etc.)

I’m a huge fan of lip stains. I love how they give you a wash of color without the goopy feeling lip gloss sometimes has and without the super-saturated, fake-looking color that can come with lipstick.

Have you tried this lip stain yet?

FYI:

Jillian Dempsey is answering questions about summer makeup/beauty on Twitter today from 1-2 pm! Tweet questions to @AvonPRNewsflash, or follow the Q&A using #AvonJDBeauty.

Sounds pretty fun…see you there! :)

I’ve been having a lot of trouble relaxing before going to bed—consequently, I haven’t been able to fall asleep very easily. Even worse, I find myself waking up in the night too. I’ve had a lot on my mind, which I’m sure is a factor, and I think the weather is also contributing. It’s either really cold in our room or really warm and humid. I haven’t been able to find a happy medium!

Essence of Vali sent me a sample pack of their aromatherapy oils to try, so when I decided to take a bath on Saturday night to wind down and relax, I chose to use their Sleep Massage and Bath Oil in the tub. I was a little concerned about how strong the scent would be and if it would be overwhelming or nauseating (as some aromatherapy oils are). Surprisingly, I had to use more than the packaging suggested (maybe because our bathtub is so large?). The scent was lovely and I found myself thoroughly relaxed while I was reading my book. At some point, I put the book down and closed my eyes and almost fell asleep. I woke up to Molly and Milo’s little faces sticking over the side of the bath wondering what was going on.

Needless to say, after my bath, I put on my new robe and collapsed into bed. For the first night in weeks, I didn’t even bother reading in bed. I just turned off the light, closed my eyes and fell fast asleep.

Essence of Vali Sleep Massage and Bath Oil, $16

Do you remember my Sponge Skincare giveaway? I’ve been using Sponge’s Gel Basiliko since then and I have to say: I’m in love. It’s not exactly a Daily Deal, as it does cost $65, but I’m estimating that one bottle could last you about a year.

I’ve never been a skin product junkie. My sister kindly informed me when she was up visiting a couple weekends ago that my skin, while in general good, should be more moisturized and tended to since I could wrinkle easily later. What! She scared me into getting on the skincare train. (Although there’s nothing a little Botox can’t fix—not now, of course, but talk to me when I’m 45.)

I have seen huge improvements in my skin just using this gel for about two weeks each morning and night. The skin around my eyes is much tighter, as is the skin on my forehead where I had a few faint frown lines. I also put some on my neck and around my nose/mouth. It’s so moisturizing, but it doesn’t irritate my skin or cause break-outs. That’s a big plus, since my skin tends to get very irritated when I use heavy lotions or creams.

Well, first step down, a few more to go. My sister’s nightly skincare routine took her 30 minutes and mine takes 5, so I guess I need to up the ante. Now I just have to find the perfect daily moisturizer with SPF. The hunt is on!

I apologize for the bathroom shot, but I couldn’t wait to get home tonight to tell you about my hair!

After so many years of blond, my hair has still not received the message that it should be brunette.

It was starting to fade on the ends and I just wanted to even everything out again. I hate paying for a hairstylist to do an all-over brunette color because, really, I can do it myself for $8—(if it was blond, that would be different)—so I picked up my favorite brand this weekend and went at it.

I use Clairol Natural Instincts for a couple reasons: one, I’ve had great results with it before and I don’t want to mess with a good thing. Two, it’s not harsh on my hair. Three, I love using semi-permanent dyes on my hair because I’m not drastically altering the color—just adjusting the all-over tone and I prefer to use a stylist if I’m going permanent. Four, it takes ten minutes.

I did switch it up a wee bit this time and used Natural Instincts Rich Color Creme. I chose #31, Rich Darkest Brown. I usually go for the color right above black—which was #31 in this case.

I’m extremely happy with the results. The color is rich, the dye actually smelled quite lovely and my hair has a lot of shine and movement. As usual, the conditioner included in the Natural Instincts dye box was fantastic (I’d buy a box of dye just for the conditioner).

If you’re interested in simply slightly lightening or darkening your hair color, I’d highly recommend this brand. I’ve never had a bad result with it, and let’s not forget, it’s about $8 and 10 minutes. (You also won’t have roots to deal with: the color will gently fade all over in about 30 shampoos.)

Have you used an at-home hair dye that you really like?

RAINY DAY GIVEAWAY

I was really psyched to try the new Sponge products the company sent me. I’m not too big on skincare (bad habit, I know) and I don’t use any antiaging products (eek).

First, I used the wild rose aromatherapy mist. I kinda gave it the side eye. Spraying stuff onto my face is not something I do regularly—or ever. I closed my eyes, scrunched up my nose, took a deep breath and sprayed that mother before I could change my mind. It felt amazing! It smelled great, felt light on my face and dried quickly. I used it yesterday—a very humid day here in DC—and it kept my skin matte and soft, no grease, no sweat, no shine. I was impressed. I still scrunch up my face before I spray it, but I’m a little less nervous now. :)

Then, I tried the sweet basil gel, which moisturizes, but also has lots of anti-aging benefits. I applied it around my eyes, forehead and neck. The initial consistency was a bit aloe vera-like, but it dried in a couple minutes. I’d suggest using the gel before doing your makeup, since it’s heavier. I made sure to rub it in well around my eyes, too. The basil smell threw me at first (was I eating pizza?), but grew on me. Results don’t lie: I already see huge changes in my skin. It’s tighter, more matte all over and I look more awake and glowy.

GIVEAWAY DETAILS

Win products from Sponge Skincare!

HOW TO ENTER

• Leave a comment on this post! 

You can enter this giveaway until Sunday, May 16 at midnight.

The winner will be randomly selected and announced Monday, May 17!

RAINY DAY GIVEAWAY

Last week I blogged about my awesome eyelashes from Napoleon Perdis’ mascara and now you can win some Napoleon products for yourself! Yay! 

GIVEAWAY DETAILS

Win free products from Napoleon Perdis!

HOW TO ENTER

• Leave a comment on this post!

You can enter this giveaway until Sunday, May 16 at midnight.

The winner will be randomly selected and announced Monday, May 17!