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When it comes to beauty, I'll admit that I can always learn more about having a healthy complexion. So when I heard of a book that Japanese women consider to be their go-to guide to skin care, I took notice. Esthetician Chizu Saeki's The Japanese Skincare Revolution ($14) has recently been translated to English, and it draws upon her 45 years of beauty industry experience.

Focusing on a simple, cost-effective approach, the majority of this short read centers on positive thinking (quit zeroing in on those spots and fine lines) and ideas for tweaking products you already have. The most important tool for beauty? Your hands, says Saeki.

What separates this book from others is her fun ideas: a DIY lotion mask made with cotton pads, a honey lip treatment, a shower cap steam pack (scary looking, but effective), and a water bottle face massage that I'm dying to try. Interactive and engaging, Saeki also includes surveys to help you determine what type of skin you have and tests to determine elasticity, moisture levels, and symmetry of the face (my right side is the "slacker" side). We all know we don't need to spend a fortune to look like a million bucks, and I'm all for Saeki's feel-good message. It's like having an older, sage relative dishing advice. "Take in beauty with all your senses," she says. And now I'm off to practice my facial exercise routine by reciting the five Japanese vowels: ah-ay-ee-oh-oo.

Unless you've been hiding under a rock, you'll know that NARS Orgasm blush is a favorite of makeup artists and customers alike. The warm pink shade with golden shimmer really does seem to flatter most skin tones. Last year, the iconic brand with the iconic product introduced a lip gloss and nail polish in the same shade. But, when reader Mizz_Jennii tried NARS Lip Gloss in Orgasm ($24), she wasn't that impressed, calling it "easily duplicated." Ouch. Here's her review below:

I had to try this gloss after hearing so much great stuff about the blush and nail color. OK, not impressed at all! It's a pretty color — very universal. I prefer my MAC Lipglass in Nymphette: same color match and it's cheaper!

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You say honey, I say honey, but what color comes out on your hair? People have different interpretations of hair color descriptions, so just as it's smart to take pictures of what you like and don't like, to the salon, it's wise to keep track of your color.

My favorite stylist keeps index cards on all her clients with their colors, conditioning treatments, cuts, etc., which proved very handy when I relocated. I just had her copy it for me, down to application notes and times. Even if you're not planning to move or change stylists, many people have eliminated nonessential beauty treatments due to the recession and it'd be rather helpful to know what your highlights and lowlights were when the economy picks back up again, right?

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