The phrase "happy wife, happy life" always makes me laugh. I've heard it at countless weddings -- said both in earnest and in jest -- and on many episodes of "House Hunters" (aka the best show on television) in reference to closets and kitchen upgrades. And while there's something inherently sexist about the expression, it's also kind of great because it gives us all the power.

Naturally, "happy wife, happy life" was destined to become a nail polish color. And the always-clever folks over at Essie used it to christen a punchy, powerful red that's part of the new bridal collection. Spiked with coral, Essie Nail Polish in Happy Wife, Happy Life, $8.50, is decidedly more spring-y than a true red, and it's flattering on most skin tones. And when people ask me about the color, I have no trouble remembering the name. It also goes perfectly with the white dresses and gingham midi skirts I plan on wearing this season. And then, of course, there's the fact that it's Essie, so you know the polish rocks. Why would I wear anything else for the next six months?

Even though my husband is not a fan of red nail polish, he hasn't mentioned my manicure. After all, you know what they say: "happy wife …" --Dawn Davis

Let's get one thing straight: I hate long showers. I'm a crank-the-water-temp-up, jump in and scrub as quickly as possible kind of girl -- unless I'm indulging in Lalicious Sugar Scrub, $35. I have to force myself to ration it, as I've been known to scoop giant greedy handfuls out of the container and slather it on with abandon because I get so excited.

It's made with pure sugar crystals that get the exfoliating job done gently and efficiently, and the granules melt away into the shower (so there aren't any microbeads that end up in unusual places). It's also packed with cold-pressed coconut and sweet almond oils that lightly linger on my skin, negating the need for body lotion. The Aloha Tiare scent is divine -- it smells just like a tropical garden, and is soothing enough convince me to slow down and relax, even if it's only for a few moments. -- Allie Flinn

The less fuss to a flawless complexion, the better -- that's my makeup philosophy. So when my fellow beauty editors started waxing poetic about the life-changing magic of primers, I wasn't drinking the Kool-Aid. That is, until I found Too Faced Hangover Replenishing Face Primer, $32.

Living in a desert climate with naturally dry skin leaves my skin looking parched, ruddy, wrinkle-prone and sometimes swollen -- in other words, my skin looks hungover, even though I'm (usually) not. This primer glides on and immediately gets to work moisturizing, utilizing all-star skin ingredients like coconut water, probiotics and electrolytes. Unlike most of the primers I've skeptically slathered on, this one is silicone-free, making it non-clogging and pore-friendly. Makeup slides on to my moisturized skin flawlessly, with no pilling.

Like a dark pair of sunglasses or a strong cup of coffee, this primer acts like a buffer between me and the real world when I need it most -- usually every morning around 8 a.m. Hangover or not, consider me a believer.

I've never really been a bronzer person. Lipstick, yes. Eyeliner, certainly. But bronzer? Afraid my amateur bronzing skills would leave me looking glaringly unnatural, old compacts collected dust in the back of my blush drawer for years. But, having lived in Southern California for some time now, I figured it was finally time to introduce a little sun-kissed glow to my complexion.

Enter: Becca Limited Edition Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed, $38. This luminous rose-gold powder put to shame all my past forays into bronzer. Used with Becca The One Perfecting Brush, $49, I dust this shimmery goodness under my cheekbones, down the bridge of my nose and around each temple to create radiance and contoured angles all at once. The technique took some practice, I'll admit. But thanks to this product's gorgeous, one-of-a-kind "blushed copper" color and impressive staying power, I am hooked on glow.

I hate the feeling of lip gloss. The goopy-ness, the wetness, the hair plastered to my face ... it just gets an all-around "no thanks" from me. A little tube from TheBalm, though, has changed my position on lip gloss forever.

TheBalm Read My Lips, $15, is so unique because it's -- stay with me here -- slippery. It's not sticky, and it makes my lips glide over each other in a way I've never experienced with another product. It has a supernourishing, moisturizing and refreshing feeling. Any cracks or dry patches on my lips are instantly transformed in one swipe. The formula contains ginseng, a skin-regenerating antioxidant, so I feel like I'm giving my lips a little treat with every application. My lips look full and healthy -- just what you want from a gloss. I can't resist the pop art packaging and subtle fruity scent, either.

Another bonus is the color payoff--it's rare that a gloss has a completely opaque shade. All of the colors are high-impact, and the "Bam!" color seems to flatter everyone. I can't wait to get my hands on more shades. --Kelly Searle