Deep red lip color is this spring's most unexpected trend! The color is usually reserved for fall and winter, but at the Met Gala Lana del Ray, Camilla Belle, and Kate Bosworth proved this lip color can be worn year round. I was a bit surprised a few weeks back when Scarlett Johansson wore a deep cinnamon colored lip for the Marvel Avenger's premiere in London, but it seems darker red lips are really catching on! I'm particularly smitten with the shade, and I think it's perfect for those hot summer nights!

Dark lipstick can provide a refreshing contrast to some of spring's biggest trends, like metallics and pastels. Camilla Belle paired her dark lipstick with a liquid silver gown and a sleek updo for a modern spin on 1920s style. But good luck trying to get her vampy lip! She used three different shades to create her own custom lip color.

You can, however, get the look for less at your local drugstore or department store. Here are three shades to try: Colour Riche in Classic Wine $9.49 by L'Oreal at Walgreens; SEPHORA COLLECTION Rouge Cream Lipstick in Bewitch Me $12.00 at Sephora; or For something really intense try Revlon Super Lustrous Lipcolor $6.99 by Revlon at Ulta.

Mother's Day is this Sunday, and if you haven't already, it's time to get Mom something special. You've been through everything together, so now is your opportunity to show her your appreciation! Of course, you could really go all out and get her fancy anti-aging products or a day at a luxurious spa. Those are fabulous gifts indeed. Thankfully dear ol' mom will understand if you don't have lots of extra cash to spend. That's why I've rounded up several affordable yet fabulous gifts under $40 for the daughter on a budget!

Give mom a little hint of sparkle with a fabulous pair of earrings, like these Rachel Roy Sabine Round Jewel Stud Earrings ($22.00 at Piperlime). I recently bought my mom a similar pair in a light green for her birthday a few weeks ago, and they add the perfect hint of shine to every outfit! Another way to help mom accessorize nicely is with this Macy's Haskell Bracelet, Blue and Brown Beaded Shaky Bracelet ($25.00 at Macy's). Inspired by Brazil, this is perfect for when Mom is vacationing at an exotic destination or when she wants to add a bit of bohemian flair to her outfit.

You really can't go wrong with anything Burt's Bees, and this Sugar Scrub Honey & Shea ($12.99 at Walgreens). With the warm scent of honey and shea, this natural sugar scrub combines ground almonds with aloe leaf juice to leave skin polished and perfectly soft. She will surely appreciate it!

My mom really loves handbags, especially Buddha bags. While Buddha bags are a little on the pricey side, this straw satchell Hard Framed Satchel - Green ($39.95 by Kelly & Katie at DSW) would be a fantastic option. This bag is right on trend for summer and it has enough room to carry everything Mom needs.

My mom also really loves a good skincare product. Most good skincare products are expensive, but Clinique actually carries a great line of products for a reasonable price. Your mom might really love this New Mild Clarifying Lotion ($12.50 at Clinique). This comfortable exfoliator helps create smooth, glowing skin, and it clears away pollution, grime, dulling flakes. The non-drying formula is also gentle enough for sensitive skin!

I'm pretty much obsessed with MOR cosmetics--the scents are fabulous and refreshing and they carry a wide range of products to accomodate your beauty needs. Try this Essential Collection Hand Body Wash ($16.00 by MOR at Zappos). Your mom can use it as a ultra luxe hand wash or in the shower.

And don't forget, if you want to give Mom something completely free, here are a few great options: Wash dishes for her, cook her a meal, do the laundry for a week. As busy as Mom is, she just might appreciate that more than anything!

What will you be getting Mom this Mother's Day? Let me know in the comments!

If you were going to buy just five beauty products this month, here are the ones I recommend:

For all of your soft chignons and braided updos for those special events this season, you're going to need something to really accent your hairstyle. This Forever 21 Eyelet Rosette Hair Clip ($3.80 at Forever 21) is the perfect accessory, and I love the eyelet detailing!

I can't get enough of Maybelline Color Sensational Lipcolor ($7.49 by Maybelline at Ulta) and the perfect shade for summer is "Are You Red-dy?" This color is a great way to add a lot of pop to your beauty look!

For a bronzed glow, skip the orange glow of the tanning salon and get Jergens Natural Glow Firming Daily Moisturizer ($6.79 at drugstore.com). It's a classic lotion that will give you a sunkissed look in just a few days!

I am obsessed with all shades of the Sally Hansen Smooth & Perfect + Care ($5.99 at Ulta) collection. I have at least three shades of this line, and I will eventually buy them all. Why do I love it? The polish brush has a square tip, allowing easy application; it has a velvety soft finish; and it dries super fast!

For some reason, bronzing powder is ridiculously expensive--even drugstore brands can run upwards of $12--but I think if you're going to give yourself a natural glow you can get it just as easily as with Forever 21 Love & Beauty Bronzer ($3.80 at Forever 21). The bronzer comes in two shades, a dark bronze shade and a dusty pink shade. You can always mix it with your regular powder to customize your look.

What are some of your beauty staples for May? Let me know in the comments!

Your beauty routine doesn't have to take all day. Get ready in a flash by streamlining your beauty routine with these tips:

1. Prep your nails for a mani in the shower. Cuticles tend to be an afterthought when it comes to a quick, at home manicure because not many of us have time to soak our hands in warm water. Don't skip this detail next time because your short on time! Instead push your cuticles back with a warm washcloth next time your in the shower. Your manicure will look a little more professional, and you'll be glad you paid attention to this detail!
2. Use your lipstick as blush. I love that lip color can double as cheek color! When you're out and about and in need of a touch up, dab a hint of lip color to your cheeks and blend with your index and middle finger using circular motions. I recommend applying only on the apples of your cheeks, so that the color won't be too over powering. I love using Maybelline Color Sensational Lipcolor ($7.49 by Maybelline at Ulta).
3. Clear your skin while you sleep. To quickly obtain tighter pores and clearer skin, sleep with your clay mask or acne cream on overnight. If you're using a clay facial mask, your pores will feel tighter by morning! For acne creams, you have the ability to zap that zit over night! I don't recommend doing this more than twice a week, so your skin won't dry out.
4. Get a brighter smile in the shower. If you're really in a hurry (or if you just want to save time), put a toothbrush in your shower caddy! Then, instead of a quick brush before running out the door, you can spend a little extra time brushing those pearly whites.

Summer in Mississippi is hot, sticky and humid. It doesn't get any nastier than 90 degree weather with 90 percent humidity. Luckily there are some lovely summer frangrances out there to keep us Southern Belles (and you too in the north, east, or west) smelling like a rose.

I am very much in love with body oils, and my scent of choice is the Burberry Body 2.8 fl. oz. Body Oil ($50.00 at Bloomingdale's). It's a more affordable alternative to perfume, and I believe that perfume oil lasts a lot longer than regular perfume. This scent is light and smells natural, like a woodsy or grassy type of frangrance. It's perfect as a light scent for those hot summer days.

I know it's a little bit cheesy, but the VS Fantasies Fragrance Mist in Love Spell ($12.00 at Victoria's Secret) is a pretty good scent if you're looking for something that smells really good and lasts all day. This was the fragrance of choice back when I was in junior high, and I don't know who we thought we were going to put a love spell on then, but this scent totally reminds me of the eighth grade hall (and young, dramatic "love"). Nevertheless, it's a popular beauty product, and it actually does smell really good if you don't mind thousands other people smelling the same way. My only objection is that if you have it, only spray it on one or two times--it's very strong.

My current obsession: MOR Cosmetics - Little Luxuries Perfume Oil in Snow Gardenia ($17.99 at Zappos). I carry this in my bag every day and apply at least two or three times daily. The scent blends gardenia, juniper berry and angelica with a touch of ylang ylang, vanilla and sandalwood. It's absolutely wonderful, and I plan on buying the entire line in this scent, from the bubble bath to the soap. (Seriously, I can't get enough of it! Highly recommended.) And you better get it at either Zappos or Amazon, because everywhere else this scent in the perfume oil is sold out.

If you need to destress after a long day, relax in Tokyo Milk Waltz Bon Bon Bubbling Bath ($27.00 at Last Call by Neiman Marcus). There are several different scents to try from, but I recommend number 16, 10, and 14. This is another product I use nearly every day! It's the only way I can really relax. It's a bit pricey for bubble bath, but one bottle lasts about two months or more if used sparingly.

Last but not least, I love soap that contains oatmeal--the scent is just so relaxing and not overbearing at all. I love getting natural handmade soaps from craft festivals and markets, but when I run out of those, a great subtitution that is readily available is Yardley London Oatmeal & Almond Naturally Moisturizing Bar with Natural Oats Natural Oatmeal & Almond ($1.49 at Walgreens).

What are your go-to scents or fragrances? Let me know in the comments!

Are you looking for a new lip color that will really recharge your beauty look? Right now, my current obsession is CoverGirl Lip Perfection Lipstick in Embrace($6.99 at drugstore.com), but as summer draws near, I've been looking at new lip shades.

Of course, there's nothing like a few recommendations from your gal pals! That's why last week I asked the Stylecaster community what their favorite lip color is. Several helpful ladies came up with some really great shades, and they're all affordable.

From the Stylecaster community, here are their favorite lip colors:

CLAIREBSMO SAYS:

RACHELMSIEGEL SAYS:

"Hm, this Beauty High piece has some solid thought-starters. Check out the article here with two amazing lip color recommendations!"

ELIZABETHKOZERSKY SAYS:

"L'Oreal just came out with a great new line... they're half between a lipstick and a gloss and come in SO many shades. The line is called Colour Riche Balm... and they have SPF 15!! (See the L'Oreal Colour Riche Balm for Lips collection here at Walgreens.)"

SUMMER K SAYS:

"I love Cover Girl Blast Flipstick LipcolorI ($8.99 at Ulta) in "Perky Entrain." It's super-longlasting, pops with color and is EXACTLY what a girl needs when you're really pale. ;)"

MELISSA GILBERT SAYS:

"I like everything CoverGirl or Rimmel!"

(Me too, girl!)

And one of my favorite comments (because I'm so obsessed with a good lip moisturizer) comes from a guy!

ARISGOLDBERG SAYS:

If you're a blogger, definitely look into joining the Stylecaster community! I've been a fan of Stylecaster for a few years now, but their entire website and interface has completely changed--making it an indespensible tool for fashion bloggers and it has the addictive qualities of Pinterest.

What are you favorite lip colors? Share in the comments below!

Did you miss something on Beauty and the Budget this month? Don't worry, I'll fill you in on all of the gossip! So grab a cup of coffee, relax, and enjoy because here are the most popular articles from this month:

Celebrity Beauty Secrets--Find out which beauty product Karlie Kloss and I share a mutual affection for.

Spring Shoe Trends--Learn how to successfully style this chic and comfortable flat!

June Ambrose is Target's Guest Editor--Discover how fabulous Target's online blog really is!

What to Wear on Vacation--Check out my favorite items for a beach getaway!

7 Habits You Need in Your Daily Beauty Routine--Form these beauty habits to save your skin!

Thousands of new beauty products hit the shelves every year, but which products are the best buys? From best sellers to Beauty and the Budget favorites, here's a list of eight beauty products worth buying!

1. Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser ($9.19 at drugstore.com). This cleanser is dermatologist recommended, and it's perfect for all skin types! Though I haven't personally tried it yet, I have to say they must be doing something right--one bottle of this cleanser is sold every ten seconds!
2. L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara ($5.54 at Target). This is a classic mascara that I've used time and time again! Before makeup artists were as recognized as they are today, they didn't have a big budget for products. Instead, they had to buy their own products. This mascara was the one most typically used and they still use it today!
3. Physicians Formula Bronzer ($13.89 at Ulta). Physicians Formula actually developed the bronzer category. Before bronzer, there was just blush and, unless your Snooki, you had to find another way to create a "sun-kissed" glow. I remember when I first began buying bronzers, Physician's Formula was the bronzer I used. I rotate in and out with different bronzers today, but since I'm currently jonesing for some new bronzer I think I may go back to this product.
4. Sally Hansen Smooth and Perfect Nail Color, Sorbet ($5.50 at drugstore.com). I swear by this nail color! It's elegant, chic, and lovely. Plus you can apply up to three coats for a matte look, or one or two coats to give your nails a pearly sheen. The applicator brush is square, so you won't get nail polish all over your cuticles and fingertips (I'm THE messiest manicurist ever, so this really works for me), and it has a glossy, velvety finish. I've become sort of a walking spokesperson at work for this nail color, and I think everyone should certainly
5. Pond's Cold Cream ($8.99 at Ulta). It's a classic, and you just can't mess with a classic! Although I don't recommend using this on your face if you have oily skin, it is perfect as an eye makeup remover. If you look in my makeup cabinet, you will always see Pond's Cold Cream. I have been using it for over 10 years now.
6. Estee Lauder Foundation Brush ($32.00 at Neiman Marcus). I have almost bought the entire line of Estee Lauder makeup brushes. With a little bit of saving and a few returned Christmas gifts, I've been able to get about eight of these makeup brushes. I couldn't live without any of them, but if I had to choose just one, I would say the Foundation brush is the best buy out of the entire bunch. It's basically what sold me on makeup brushes in general. It allows for a smoother, more even application of foundation compared to makeup sponges. For those of you who read this blog often, you know I'm a fan of inexpensive makeup buys but you also know I wouldn't splurge on something unless it is truly worth it!
7. John Frieda Frizz-Ease Hair Serum, Original Formula ($8.99 at drugstore.com). For a woman who lives in the humidity-stricken south, I know what it's like to have frizzy, unmanageable hair. This product nearly saved my social life back in eighth grade when I first began using it. For those of us who don't have naturally silky hair, this product is a must-buy! It protects your hair from humidity and makes it more manageable.
8. Burts Bees Lip Balm ($1.99 at Motherhood). You gotta love this chapstick! It's a classic and perfect for those with dry, chapped lips. Plus, it's one hundred percent natural!

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You don't have to wear a silly green tee to avoid being pinched on St. Patrick's Day. On one of the only widely celebrated holidays that sort of involves fashion, you can quickly celebrate this holiday in style! Below are three easy ways you can wear green, and you don't have to sacrifice your personal style to pull off a fashion-forward celebratory look!

Go for a bold beauty look with green eyeliner. Leona Lewis pulled this look off fabulously! To match her green dress, she added a hint of green liner to her lower lash line. If this look is done subtly, it can work really well for you. I would add a hint of shimmery shadow to offset the boldness of the green. I also love that she paired this look with a beautiful coral lip color and matching blush. It's perfect for her skin tone!

Accent your look with green accessories. If green really isn't your thing, you can always find accessories with green accents. Accessories are a great way to add personality to your ensemble! For something a bit vintage (and a bit dramatic), you can't go wrong with this Beaded Stretchy Ring ($4.80 at Forever 21). Not only is it chic, but the price point is unbeatable! You can even throw on a few more jewels, like a necklace and earrings, to really accent your outfit!

Go bold with a green pant. On the other hand, if you love green go ahead and buy some green pants. Bright pants are so on trend for spring, and I suggest getting a pair in all of your favorite summer colors! These pants are the perfect compliment to a floral blouse and nude pumps. You can even throw on a classic black blazer and white button up to make this look work for the office, too! For St. Patrick's Day, I recommend these Style deals Essential Woven Capris ($14.80 at Forever 21).