My own wishlist

Even though I don't wear much makeup, I'm a huge fan of blush. You can wake up exhausted and puffy-eyed, and if you put on a swipe of blush, you look like a fresh-faced beauty who just stepped in from the cold.

NARS Orgasm was my favorite for years (and one of the most award-winning blushes of all time), but NARS just launched a new color called G-Spot, and it looks amazing. Deeper, sexier, it apparently brings out a sultry plum color in your cheeks. Lucky Magazine calls it "wildly flattering." Aren't you psyched to try it? I'm secretly hoping to find it in my stocking. :)
P.S. The full Cup of Jo 2011 Gift Guide.

Lip salve

Are you a lipstick or chapstick girl? I'm usually a fan of red lipstick, but Alex shies away from kissing me when I'm wearing it because he doesn't want to wear it, too.

So! My friend Leigh told me about Rosebud Salve, which is soft, supple and slightly rose-scented. It will keep your lips moisturized and rose-tinted all winter. I brought some with us while traveling this holiday, and the crazy bonus is that you can also use it for dry skin in the winter, sunburns in the summer and diaper rash! Have you ever tried it?
(Photo by the Sartorialist)

My one-day hair makeover

The other morning, I gave my hair a makeover...
Read more »

6 spring nail polish trends

My twin sister texted me from a San Francisco nail salon the other day. Standing in front of endless rows of polish, she had no idea which shade to choose. "Which colors are 'cool' right now?" she asked. Well, after our half-joking conversation, I researched this season's nail polish trends, and ever since I've been noticing (and admiring) these gorgeous colors on pretty girls around the city. Nails are on fire this spring!

Which color, below, do you like best? What color is on your fingers and toes as we speak? (My nails are currently orange, but my next color will be mint:) xoxo
Six nail polish trends: Very pale pink (or even beige), mint, lavender, bright orange, fuchsia and orange/red. (Find similar colors here, too.)

(Top photo of my sister and me. Polish layout by Em for Cup of Jo. Flower photos, cropped, by Paris Apartment, Flora Abundance, Kari Herer, Tongue in Cheek, Oh Happy Day and FlirtyFleurs.)

Do or Don't: Black nail polish

The other day, I was watching the (surprisingly funny) show New Girl, and the gorgeous character Julia was wearing black nail polish. Instead of looking goth, her black polish looked grown-up and sexy. Since then, black nail polish has been popping up everywhere: pretty girls around town, celebrities at events, even the finalists on The Bachelor. :) What do you think? Would you wear it?

(Photos by New Girl, Getty Images and The StreetStyle)

Bright pink lipstick

I usually wear red lipstick, but I'm really digging the hot pink lipstick that's poping up everywhere these days. I'm planning to try some at Sephora this weekend, and I've heard that best colors are NARS Carthage (if you want matte) or Stila Caprice (if you want shine). Would you wear it? Could pink be the new red?

(Photos by Luca Cannonieri for Diane von Furstenberg, People Magazine and Daymion Mardel)

How to feel gorgeous on a date

With Valentine's Day (and mating season:) fast approaching, let's chat about our beauty secrets when going on dates! Here's my little routine...
First, Bare Escentuals foundation with SPF has changed my life. It makes your skin look clean, pretty and glowing. Honestly, I've felt a little self-conscious about my skin as I've gotten older, but this foundation is a miracle. It covers everything beautifully, without looking like you're wearing makeup. It's my holy grail foundation, and I highly recommend it.
Second, I wear this Fresh Sugar Passion lip treatment when I'm on a dinner date or bike ride with Alex. The hint of bee-stung color brightens up your face, while the hydrating treatment makes your lips soft for kissing.

What makes you feel naturally beautiful? Please share your secrets...

(Photo of Gemma Arterton by Elle Magazine, via W&D)

Travel backpack

This BAGGU backpack looks genius for traveling. It folds up into its own tiny pocket. So, you can use it for picnics, beaches or exploring; and when you buy too many souvenirs, gifts, clothes and snacks on your trip--poof!--you have an extra bag to carry everything home on the plane. (You always need an extra bag, don't you find?) I just ordered a neon one for future trips.

What are your travel essentials? Red lipstick? Wool socks? A flashlight?
P.S. My #1 beauty product on vacation, five shoes for traveling, and 10 trips for traveling with a baby.

Pretty hair while traveling

Have you guys ever tried dry shampoo? It's a lifesaver when traveling. You just spray the shampoo on, and it instantly makes your hair look clean and full of volume. So, if you have an overnight flight, or can't check into your hotel right away, or explore a big city all day, you can still look fresh and gorgeous.

My friend Caroline (of hair tutorial fame) first told me about it. "I swear by it," says Caroline, who travels all the time for work. "After being touristy all day, I hit my hair with the dry shampoo, and it looks clean and pretty at night."

Caroline's favorite is Klorane. "Every magazine editor and stylist uses this one," she says. "You'll see it on all their tables." Bonus: It's very gentle with natural, non-toxic ingredients.

Have you used dry shampoo? Any favorite beauty products when traveling? I'd love to hear!

(Thanks, Caroline)

New Year's Eve hair

My very first post on Cup of Jo talked about how I was staying in for New Year's Eve. But! If you're heading out this year, how cute would it be to wear something sparkly? Loving this gift bow, jumbo bobbi, heart headband and star headband. xoxo

P.S. Also! Look at this skirt! It's like a mermaid:)

Holiday hair tutorials

My lovelies, for parties and holiday dinners, feel free to look back through Caroline's 8 hair tutorials. It would be fun to wear a braided crown or three twisted buns with a little black dress! Find all eight tutorials here... xoxoxo

* Pretzel braid
* Gibson roll
* Chestnut bun
* Braided crown
* Braided top bun
* Three twisted buns
* Side ponytail
* Messy French bun

P.S. And the complete Cup of Jo 2011 Holiday Gift Guide.