If you could only have five beauty essentials in your purse, what would they be?
—Shirley B., Johnstown, N.Y.

Oooh! Is this like a quizzy quiz? Like the ones I am so often asked to take in my Twitter direct message inbox? Sure. Here you go.

1. Blotting tissue or powder. Some beauty magazines insist on concealer instead. But concealer only conceals. It doesn't suck up excess facial oil and conceal. If you don't use concealer, you can get perfectly serviceable blotting papers at Body Shop, but if you do need a little coverage as well as oil control, there is absolutely nothing wrong with the powders you can get from L'Oréal or Revlon at the drugstore.

We've got a confession to make: We're Kitson virgins. The famed L.A. boutique is just way too expensive for us recessionistas. Even a tiny bottle of nail polish from the hot spot will cost you 10 bucks—but not if you take advantage of mystyle's exclusive 15 percent discount.

From now through Aug. 28, you can save on Kitson's new line of lacquer, which is inspired by the colorful backdrop of La-La Land. With names like Paparazzi Red and Tabloid Pink, you're sure to be the talk of the town!

Head over to mystyle's Exclusive Discounts gallery to get the promo code.

What can I do to get an overall good home manicure? For example, I hate when my polish bubbles up on my nails.

—Shirley B., Madison, Ohio

First things first: You should use only a small, thin layer for each coat of polish, and you should let each coat dry completely before applying the next one. I also ran this question by Claudia Vieira, an expert manicurist at Salon Capri in Newton Highlands, Mass. Vieira has worked on the hands of Jessica Alba, Marcia Cross and Jennifer Aniston. She informed me that, when it comes to preserving the smoothness of polish, slow and steady wins the race.

"Skip the fast-dry oils and sprays," she advises. (They also happen to make polish prone to chipping.) "It's better to let nails sit under a dryer, use a low-powered fan or simply air-dry. Trying to expedite the process with a product is risky."

Some other tips for an inexpensive but effective home manicure:

You'll want to drink do this pedicure at home! Amy Ruiz of Bliss Spa Los Angeles shows you how.

Things we want to buy today.

1. Rock It: Misfits belt, 'cause we like the geometric shape; $17.99.

2. Bloom It: Popit lavender orchid, for tropical accessorizing; $5.

3. Eat It: French toast stamp from Fred Flare, for a quick Parisian breakfast; $6.

4. Print It: Kimchi Blue ruffle tube dress, to go comfy chic; $58.

5. Button It: Merona Collection twill jacket, to jump on the white blazer trend; $39.99.

6. Lace It: Cheap Monday Katie lace top, to layer over a cami on the weekends; $30.

7. Drop-Waist It: BCBG striped racerback dress, for a sporty nautical look; $88.

8. Manicure It: OPI Done Out in Deco nail polish, 'cause a light lilac is the perfect new neutral; $7.32.

9. Drawstring It: Guess Valerie knit vest, for a draped take on the trend; $69.

10. Jean It: Arden B denim tube jumpsuit, to show off our curves; $68.

Fergie always leaves us wondering what fashion disaster she's going to sport next. There have been hippie headbands, ankle-monitoring bands and a harness, which made another appearance today in New York City. Fergie-Fergs was in the Big Apple performing with the Black Eyed Peas for the Today Show's concert series in what has to be one of her most shocking getups yet. Those striped talons look like an eagle on acid perched on top of a bird handler's pimped-out leather glove. Forget that boom boom pow, Fergie gotta get-get some new nails!

Click below to see other stars in fashion that makes us cringe in mystyle's Don't Try These Trends At Home! gallery.

What are the best topcoat polishes out there? I need something to make my nail polish last longer after going to the salon.
—Cassandra M., Brookeville, Indiana

You are just gonna love this recession-friendly answer. For I have tried many a topcoat, from Jessica's shiny formula (thanks to diamond particles?!) to brand names I can't even remember right now. All of them are fine, but the brand I have returned to again and again over the years is Revlon.

With everything '80s making a comeback, it's no surprise metallic nails are in. They're easier to pull off than neon, and when done in light silver, like Kate Winslet's frosty mani at the Golden Globes, they look as neutral as pale pink. Even a darker chrome or gunmetal is less scary than last year's black. Then there's liquid gold varnish, which has the same luxe feel as Viola Davis' slinky lamé Oscars gown. 

What do you think of the new beauty trend? Vote below, then keep reading to see which star has the Midas touch—and how you can get the precious-metal look at every price point.

What are the hot nail colors for spring?
—Naomi S., Bethesda, Md.

Inky darks are still in. Glam-rock metallics or plexi-pop hues will serve you well. Vampy reds are still fine. But here's a head-spinner for you: solid nudes. Not sheer nudes—you know, those reliable, comfy standbys that flatter everyone and last forever. No, no, fashion, you had to go do something totally insane. And give us something really, really difficult to wear.

Here's what caught our eye on the Web this week:

After celebrities like Nicky Hilton and Katy Perry step out in the collection, Matthew Williamson for H&M opens up to the public, causing quite the commotion. One Manhattanite even used her unemployment check to shop! (Flat Broke & Fabulous)

Lauren Conrad takes a break from expensive jersey to design for Kohl's. (LA Times Image)

The newest in nail color? Chalky pastels. (The Cut)

Kate Moss rips a Balmain dress straight from the runway! Somewhere, the fashion gods are crying in horror. (Daily Mail)

Gap delves into the world of trendy denim. Hipsters, get those credit cards ready. (Fab Sugar)

The latest singing sensation Susan Boyle gets a semi-makeover. (Daily News)

Audrey Tautou's smokin' poster for her upcoming Chanel flick stirs a controversy in Paris. (E! Online)

Speaking of gay Paree, Lady Gaga goes quilted cuckoo at the Grand Palais museum. (Red Carpet Fashion Awards)

Things we want to buy today…

1. Bloom It: USB tulip hub, for cultivating a tech garden; $22.

2. Carve It: United Nude Mobius high wedges, 'cause we haven't seen anything like them; $181.61.

3. Faux It: Forever 21 Fab colored reptile-skin wallet, for a fun take on snakeskin; $9.50.

4. Double-Use It: Elizabeth and James convertible trench, 'cause you can wear it both as a coat and a dress; $595.

5. Dot It: Merona crew-neck cardigan, for a bright spring sweater; $29.99.

6. Accessorize It: Cutesy Girl square stud wooden bangle, for chunky stacking; $9.49 $8.54.

7. Racerback It: Laurie B Classic Ethic vest, 'cause we like the draped neckline; $171.

8. Nail It: Mini manicure pens, for touch-ups; $3. 

9. Denim It: Insight Oh Why dress, to embrace the exposed-zipper trend; $77.

10. High-Waist It: Urban Renewal Remnant pencil skirt; for a vintage feel; $48. 

After years of wearing flip-flops or sandals to the nail salon, the thought of wearing a covered shoe—let alone a pair of bulky Ugg-like boots—seemed completely uncouth.

But L.A.'s recent wet, chilly weather made me slip on a pair of Bootie Pies—suede boots that protect pedicures thanks to a collapsible patent-leather front flap—faster than you can say "touch-up."

We're giving away Mattese N.Y.C.'s nail enamels in Beguiling (a deep red/purple) and Tropicana (a metallic brick red) to five lucky winners—they're the perfect shades to get you into the holiday spirit.

Click here to enter for a chance to win!

Should I give my service people a little extra this time of the year—or can you suggest appropriate gifts?
—Jenny, Memphis

Tipping insanity is upon us! The 15 percent rule is threatening to fly, just fly, like one of Santa's reindeer, out the window! Lash yourself to your wallet, mateys!

We're giving away this fabulous set of nail polish from Superstar Nail Lacquer. We hear our very own Niecy Nash of Clean House is a fan of the new line.

Click here for a chance to win!