Recently I received a complimentary Gillette Venus Bikini Kit, which includes a Venus Embrace razor, Venus Bikini trimmer and Olay Bikini lotion ($10.79 at major food, drug, mass and specialty retailers). Did I get quote-unquote "bikini confident" with the Venus Bikini Kit, named one of Marie Claire's "25 Products That Will Change Your Life"? Keep reading to find out!

Recently I received a complimentary sample of new Jillian Dempsey for Avon Professional Duo Eye Enhancer in Bronze/Warm Brown ($9.00 through Avon reps or at avon.com). While this isn't a product I would have selected for myself (I fear metallic liquid shadows), it's proven to be a simple, effective makeup tool for getting a great, glowing summer eye look in a minute! I guess I should have had more faith in Hollywood makeup artist Jillian Dempsey, who teamed up with Avon to create this and other clever beauty products that multi-task, aimed at saving you time and money.

Recently I received a free sample of Alba Botanica Very Emollient Sunless Tanning - Golden Tanning Without the Sun Lotion ($9.95 at Whole Foods). Keep reading to see the results of my week-long test using the product!

What they say: A golden tan year-round for face and body. Easy to use, non-streaking formula absorbs quickly for natural looking color in less than 3 hours. Light textured and fast absorbing lotion enriched with vitamins, certified organics herbs and pure plant proteins for optimum benefits. An infusion of aloe vera, chamomile, ginkgo biloba, and green tea soothes and repairs, protecting sensitive skin against the free radical damage.

To use: Thoroughly clean and exfoliate skin. Being careful to avoid eye area, apply lotion evenly using sparingly near hairline, knees, ankles and elbows. (Note: I only applied to my legs.)

I have been dying to try Sonia Kashuk's new line of nail polishes, now available at Target in ten shades for $3.99 each. So when I got word that a representative for the Sonia Kashuk brand was sending me free samples, I was beyond excited! Unfortunately (for me), I accidentally had them ship the polish to my sister in Chicago. Needless to say, she was equally thrilled to test them out and did not hesitate to sacrifice her time and energy to review said polishes for all of us. Thanks, sis!

Here's what she thought:

Recently I received a complimentary sample of Vichy LiftActiv CxP SPF20 Biolifting Daily Care ($44.50 at drugstores), which I passed along to a family member who graciously offered to test the product out and share her two cents with the rest of us. Here's how it went: