How To: Saved Chapped Lips!

Winter is definitely here and while the snow is pretty and I'm loving snuggling up with a hot cocoa and watching a Christmas movie, it's that time of year where chapped lips really wreak havoc. Sometimes it's not that bad and a little swipe of lip balm does the trick but a few weeks ago I got chapped lips and I got them bad. It was seriously awful; they were cracked and peeling and just not cute or comfortable at all.

Since then I've started a little routine and it's worked wonders for me. My lips are smooth and soft and perfectly ready for any and all matte lipsticks you want to throw at me.

All you need for this is your regular everyday toothbrush, a good lip balm (I've using my Maybelline Baby Lips Dr Rescue in Too Cool, but any deep hydrating lip balms will do – I would recommend a medicated one), and a lip scrub (I've got Lush Santa's Lip Scrub but, again, any brand you like is fine). The steps are pretty simple and it's quickly become a regular part of my nighttime and morning routine.

The first thing is to use the toothbrush to buff away any dead skin. I do it right after brushing my teeth before bed. Just brush over your lips in little circles. You can change the pressure depending on how rough of a shape your lips are in. In the beginning I was really getting in there because there was so much dry skin that I really needed the extra elbow grease to get rid of it all. Now I just do a light little swipe around and I'm good to go. You just want to make sure you really are getting rid of all the dry dead skin so the lip balm can really penetrate.

Next I apply a very generous layer of lip balm – like really slather it on. The idea is that you're about to go to sleep so it's okay if you kind of get it all over. Sometimes the skin above and below your lips can get a bit red and sore so go ahead and get it all over. Don't be afraid.

Then you just get in bed and go to sleep and then when you wake up your lips should be pretty noticeably smoother. That's not to say that this is an overnight treatment, but I always find the morning after sleeping with a good lip balm on really does leave my lips feeling much softer.

After the other bits of my morning routine (face washing, tooth brushing, hair combing, etc.) but before starting my makeup, I'll pop on a decent amount of lip scrub just to polish. You can then lick off the scrub (I think most are edible) but I usually only get a little taste and then rinse the rest off with water because it is sugar and I don't want to have a sticky mouth (plus the Lush one I'm using at the moment does live a little bit of a red stain behind). 

Lastly I put on a thin layer of lip balm again. I try to do this right before starting my makeup so that after I get done with foundation and eyeshadow and blush and all the other fun stuff it's absorbed mostly because having too much lip balm on my lips when I go to apply lipstick makes the color just slip right off. You can then reapply lip balm throughout the day as needed, of course.

A few other chapped lip tips are to really try and keep yourself hydrated. I know it's hard in the cold months to really want to chug a cold bottle of water but it's so important. You can even try some teas or something (but try to stay away from caffeine). 

The other thing is to try and avoid very drying lip product when you're really suffering. If you really want some color try a tinted lip balm or anything that is moisturizing. Even with a layer of balm underneath, so many lipsticks can really affect your chapped lips, making them go from bad to worse. You can go back to your favorite matte lipsticks in a week or so but hold off while you're trying to bring your lips back to life.

That's it for my chapped lips routine! After about a week and a half of this I really did have soft and smooth lips. I've still kept up with this though, just now as more of a preventive measure than as a fixer. 

Let me know if you've got any tips or good products for beating those winter dry lips. Thanks so much for reading!

Caitlin xx

November 2013 Favorites!

Can you believe it's December already!! This month has flown by and I guess I can't really complain because December means Christmas and shopping and food!!

Anyway, let's get into the products I've been in love with this past month of November.

First up is MAC Powder Blush in Desert Rose. Oh my god, this color is amazing. I was seriously in the market for a good matte natural flush shade and this one is so so perfect. It's so great for the these months and just brightens your cheeks like you've just come in from cold. The texture is also nice and soft and blends super well and the formula is, of course, gorgeously pigmented. I'm in love. I don't know if I'll ever use another blush again (I will, probably but shh).

I know I mentioned this in my Lush haul but I'm so obsessed I had to mention Ocean Salt again. Seriously, whenever my skin is feeling gross and dull I just use this in the shower instead of my regular cleanser and I feel like I come out glowing.

How much can I gush about MAC Paint Pot in Let's Skate without sounding like a nut? I'm a huge fan of all of the Paint Pots and I use them pretty much daily as an eye shadow base or sometimes just as an allover color on lazy days. Let's Skate is a pale pink with a little gold shimmer that is so so sparkly and festive. I've been using it under pretty much all of my eye looks lately just for a little more festive fun and sometimes on it's own because it's gorgeous. And the name is so freaking cute. When they first introduced Let's Skate it was part of the limited edition Glitter & Ice collection but I'm so glad they decided to keep it around permanently because it's incredible.

A couple weeks ago I picked up the Urban Decay Black Market Pencil set and I have to say it was one of the best purchases I've ever made. I've been a big fan of the 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencils for a while now and I figured a little set of six colors would be perfect. I was right! I don't really think I'll use another eyeliner because these are amazing. They're so soft and go on smoothly but they don't budge once they're on. After a super long day where the rest of my makeup is long gone my eyeliner is still perfect and on point. My favorite colors have been West (a dark brown pearl, that is exclusive to this set, unfortunately) and Desperation (a taupe-gray matte that you can pick up in full size too).

Okay, there's been a whole lot of buzz over the Revlon Colorburst Matte Balms and with good reason. They're a really unique formula and combine the trends of matte and chubby lip crayons. I also really love them because they're still a balm so they're decently moisturizing (with shea, mango and coconut butter) while still giving a matte finish which is pretty nifty. They're incredibly pigmented too. The only thing is that if your lips are already chapped and/or cracked the matte finish is really going to show it, so try to keep your lips in good shape or wear a lip balm underneath. I'm crazy in love with the color Standout but I have three others that have been getting a lot of wear. Still, Standout is my staple right now because it's a pretty neutral matte red which is kind of perfect for the season.

I would be lost without this product, if I'm being honest. Maybe it's the most boring in this post but it's kind of changed my life. Maybelline Baby Lips Dr Rescue in Too Cool has been my go to this past month because I've had unreasonably dry and cracked lips. This weather has been doing me no favors. But this medicated formula has been keeping my lips beautiful. I love that the eucalyptus soothes right on contact to give some immediate relief in dire situations. After a week of using this baby, my lips look so healthy.

Who doesn't love a sparkly nail polish for the holidays! Butter London West End Wonderland is the perfect gold glitter polish and I've been putting it over pretty much every color to sparkle things up. The glitter is pretty dense too which I love, but you can also apply it lightly for sparser glitter. I've been loving it especially over Butter London Bramble, a really gorgeous bright eggplant purple. Bramble is also really gorgeous on its own.

I cannot tell you how much I love this candle. The Bath and Body Works Vanilla Snowflake Candle is just, in a word, delicious. Obviously, it smells like vanilla but it also has hints of cool mint and creamy coconut that make it so refreshing and unique. I've already picked up another 3-Wick and, since they've expanded this line into hand soaps and other home fragrances, I might need to pick up more.

As for music, One Direction's third album Midnight Memories released this month and it's so good. The sound is a lot more mature and rock-inspired and it's just really really fun. My favorite songs include Happily, Little Black Dress, and Better than Words.

I have also been obsessed with Peppermint Mochas. Honestly, I've probably had one at least five times a week since the first of November when they finally brought them back out. I realize I've jumped the Christmas gun a little bit but I can't be bothered to resist it. They're so delicious and make me feel so cozy and warm on the inside, like I should be curled up by the tree and fireplace watching old Christmas movies and wrapping presents. I could go for one right now!

That's all for my November favorites! Tell me what you've been loving this month!

Caitlin xx

Sweater Weather Tag!

Ah, yes, welcome to Tuesday already. Kristin (alittlefille) tagged me in this one last week and what a cute name it is so let's get into it!

1. Favorite candle scent?

My all time favorite fall candle is Cider Lane. It smells pretty much exactly like caramel apples which I adore and always reminds me of fall. Burning it brings back all those memories of apple orchard field trips as a kid.

2. Coffee, tea, or hot chocolate?

It pains me to have to pick but, being a working girl, I've got to go with coffee. I love a good dark roast or the Salted Caramel Mochas at Starbucks. Peppermint Mochas are my all time favorite, but I feel like that might be jumping the gun a little bit with this very autumnal tag.

3. What's the best fall memory you have?

Picking an all time favorite memory is really hard to pin down, but I just always cherish all the memories of going to soccer games with my family – be it my own or my brother's or for the team my dad coached. It was always a big weekend event and I'll always look back on those times fondly no matter what.

4. Which makeup trend do you prefer: dark lips or winged eyeliner?

Dark lips! Super dark vampy lips or cranberry lips have been my favorite all season long. I think they're pretty easy to wear once you kind of take the plunge and have some confidence. Winged eyeliner is always a staple but I'm so into dark lipsticks right now.

5. Best fragrance for fall?

I don't know about best but I've been pretty much only wearing PINK Warm & Cozy. I mean, I guess it makes sense for fall because it really is a comforting scent. Sometimes I spice things up with a little bit of Taylor by Taylor Swift over it.

6. Favorite Thanksgiving food?

Chestnut stuffing! I mean, I will take any and all types of stuffing you'll give me, but my aunt makes the most delicious chestnut stuffing. It's full of cranberries and chestnuts and sausage; it's incredible. You can just have a little slice as a meal and be full for hours.

7. What is autumn weather like where you live?

I live right outside of New York City, so our autumn is pretty picturesque and what you might imagine autumn would be like. It's a bit warm in the beginning and then it'll transition to very very chilly days – like today. (I'm still cold and I've been home for hours.)

8. Most worn sweater?

Honestly, my most worn sweaters are the cardigans I picked up from Target earlier in the season. They're super versatile and I wear them at least three times a week because they're so great to layer for work. My favorite sweater is a super cute grey one I got from Old Navy last year – it has sheep on it.

9. Must-have nail polish this fall?

Navy. I'm all over navy for all season and even into winter I think it's going to be so great. My favorite is Butter London Royal Navy.

10. Football games or jumping in leaf piles?

I don't really know how these compare unless they mean a pickup football game in the yard with your brother and friends or something? Either way I'd definitely pick football. Playing football, going to football games, or watching them on TV; I'm a huge huge football fan.

11. Skinny jeans or leggings?

I can't believe it, but I'm going to pick leggings. I work my PINK leggings almost every day this week, today being the first day in a long while I broke out the skinnies. And I've actually put my leggings back on as soon as I got home. They're just so comfortable and easy and they go with most outfits.

12. Combat boots or Uggs?

Combat boots, only because I don't have Uggs right now. But I am looking into getting some soon, I think.

13. Is pumpkin spice worth the hype?

Pumpkin spice is delicious and anyone who tells you differently shouldn't be trusted.

14. Favorite fall TV show?

American Horror Story! Every season has been so good and creepy and so perfect for the season of Halloween but Coven has been so so incredible. It's the perfect mix of creepy and campy fun and it's about witches! There's a lot of moments that are definitely pushing boundaries but that just makes everything so much more interesting.

15. What song really gets you into the fall spirit?

Every year, as soon as September comes around, I have to breakout Death Cab for Cutie's Transatlanticism. I know that's a whole album but it screams autumn to me and every track is perfect. If I had to pick one song from it it'd be "We Looked Like Giants".

Thank you so much for reading and definitely do the tag if you want to! It was a fun one!

Caitlin x

Holiday Lush Haul

They are coming!!! The holidays are literally right around the corner and the air is cold and crisp and it could snow any second, so you know what that means: it's time to pop into Lush.

Now I'm pretty new to the whole Lush thing, having not really considered myself a bath person and being a little intimidated by their multitude of projects but I've decided to give it a go with a little hand-holding from my love, Kristin of alittlefille. Plus their limited edition holiday products are a little hard to resist.

That being said, I might have gone a little overboard on both permanent and holidays things. Disclaimer: the products in this post are actually from two separate shopping trips, as if that makes it any better.

 

The first thing I picked up was Ocean Salt – a great face and body scrub made from fine and coarse sea salt, lime extract, and vodka! I've been using it pretty regularly since I picked it up a few weeks ago and it's extremely wonderful. The sea salt exfoliates and brightens my dreary, dry, winter skin while the avocado and coconut hydrate. It's great for all skin types: oily, dry, or combination. Now, since my skin is pretty sensitive, I've been using it twice a week in the shower but if yours isn't quite so fussy, you can use it as often as you'd like! Plus it smells incredible! Like a tropical cocktail!

Next up, is a limited edition facial cleanser called Bûche de Noël, named for a French Christmas dessert often made from from almonds which makes sense since this thing is packed with them! In the shop, the Bûche de Noël comes as a little log and they just slice you off a tiny piece which is very cute – like you're getting a little slice of cake. Then when you get your slice home you break off a tiny piece, get it wet, and it'll make a frothy little paste to scrub over your face. So far, I've been loving it. The smell isn't as nice as I thought it might be seeing as I adore almond and almond scents, but in the end it's so effective I don't really care. The ground almonds exfoliate while the almond oil and cocoa butter hydrate and there's a little shot of brandy to tone as well. 

Another face product I picked up (can you tell I'm a little obsessed with skincare at the moment?) is the Mask of Magnaminty. I've actually only used this once so far, but I think it's pretty great. It's a clay mask made with fresh peppermint to deeply clean out your pores and it's made with vanilla absolute and honey to calm and soothe redness which I've been seriously struggling with lately. Now, because of the peppermint, if you have sensitive skin, the girl in the shop told me to only use it for five minutes but following those instructions I've been totally fine. They also say you can use it on your back (or anywhere else on your body, I imagine?) but I'm not really sure how you're supposed to apply it unless you have a helping hand.

 

Moving on to the fun stuff!! I know this one is a little bit dated but when I was in the store last week they still had a few left and they're still up on the website! This is Pumkin and isn't he the cutest little bubble bar you've ever seen!!! I picked up two of him, actually, a few weeks ago and he smells lovely – much like the Figs and Leaves soap – very fresh while musky. He turned my bath a lovely bubbly orange as well. His eyes are made of chocolate chips and he has a stem made of licorice, both of which the shop girls said you could eat, but really I don't think I'd recommend that. They both melt into a hot bath anyway.

I also picked up this FUN Christmas set. Now, if you are unfamiliar with FUN it's this play doughy like thing that you can use as bubble bath, soap, or even shampoo. And you can mold and play with it too! Now, I'm guessing it's mostly made for kids to make bath time "fun" but when you're a grownup with your own money you can do whatever you want. Since I haven't used FUN before, I decided I'd try a little bit of few of their scents with this little gift set (that I'm gifting to myself). In this one, is red (smells like mandarins), a green (smells like lemons and limes), and a bit of their limited edition gold FUN (that one smells like a honey toffee).

Now isn't this Magic Wand just precious! It's a bubble bar right on a little stick so you can cast some bubble right in your bathtub. It smells deliciously like cotton candy– just like Snow Fairy – and makes your bath water pretty and pink. It's a great bang for you buck too since you can use this for up to ten baths. The one pictured above has already been used twice!

 

The Golden Wonder bath bomb is so gorgeous both to look at and to use. The bomb itself is a little gift box coated in a gold shimmer with a cute little white bow on top. It smells like a fruity-citrus champagne and when you drop it in the bathwater it bursts with a gorgeous teal color on the inside along with teeny little stars that will eventually dissolve as well. It's probably the most fun bath bomb to use and it'll leave your skin with a faint sparkle as well.

I think the Melting Snowman bath melt is going to be my favorite of this whole haul. I've yet to use him, but he smells fantastic – like spicy cinnamon and cloves – perfect for winter. He's also a bath melt so he's got lots of hydrating butters – like Shea and Cocoa – plus some almond oil to help soften dry winter skin. Plus how freaking cute is he!

I make sincere apologies for being so awful and using up half of these two wonderful bath bombs but I wanted to mention them because I adore them. The one of the left, called So White (clearly), beautifully smells of apples which is my all time favorite scent. It looks boring on the outside but it looks a little bit like a snowball which is cute plus the inside is a purply-pink to turn your bathwater. The one of the right is Lord of Misrule. Named for the ruler of the Pagan Feast of Fools, this bomb smells like spicy black pepper and patchouli. The outside is so cute – green and specked with pink and yellow with a little inlay that mimics those little paper hats that come out of Christmas crackers (which apparently come from the Lord of Misrule, himself). The inside of this is also a lovely purple.

The Comforter bubble bar is massive! And gorgeous too! The scent really is comforting – a sweet, but not overly sweet, black current. I just want to run a bath and make heaping bubbles with this and forget about the world. Plus did I mention it's huge! You could easily make several baths out of this one, depending on how bubbly you like your baths to be.

 

 Lastly, I picked up a new lip scrub because my old Bubblegum one was pretty nasty and I was so pleasantly surprised to see they had a new limited edition flavor. Santa's Lip Scrub tastes freaking delicious, like cherry cola, and it's super cute too with tiny little edible hearts inside. If you've never used a Lush lip scrub before I highly recommend them especially for this season of super chapped lips.

That's my whole exhausting haul! Let me know if anything has sparked interest for you or if you have any other Lush recommendations! 

Caitlin x

NOTD #1: Butter London Royal Navy and West End Wonderland

Today my nails have a little bit more pizazz than I usually go for. I love sparkles, I do, but glitter nail polish is difficult in many ways – mainly it's a huge pain to remove even with all the tips and tricks I've uncovered over the past few years.

However, I've been feeling extremely festive lately (I've had two peppermint mochas in as many days) and the quickest way to showcase that is to add a little bit of sparkle on my fingertips. I didn't want to go too seasonal, as it is still a bit early, so I skipped the reds and greens and opted for my go to color this fall – Butter London Royal Navy. It's a gorgeous deep creamy navy and an overlay of Butter London West End Wonderland really makes it pop. I feel like I'm looking into a midnight sky on a clear night after the first snow of the season. It's such a beautiful combination and I've received a few compliments on it already!

What's on your nails this week, lovlies?

Caitlin xx

October 2013 Favorites

 

How in the world is it November already? It feels like only last week we were ringing in a brand new 2013! But that's okay because it's time for Christmas music and decorations and... well, let's not get ahead of ourselves! 

October has been a rather busy month for me – mostly busy working to be honest with you. But I've had my fun and a lot of that fun did indeed involve spending a lot of money on things I maybe didn't need, but wow, I've fallen in love a few times.

My first favorite this month is Tarte's Lights, Camera, Flashes Statement Mascara. I'm a huge mascara junkie and sometimes my collection of 11 full size tubes gets a little overwhelming (yeah, I know I don't know who needs 11 mascaras either). I've had this one for awhile and for some reason decided to get it a try again and I've rediscovered my love for it ten times over. It makes my lashes full without being clumpy and they still feel soft, not crispy. The formulation holds the curl of my lashes all day and it's super black too which always adds a touch of glam. Seriously just a little concealer and this mascara and I feel put together.

I do have two lipstick favorites this month (surprise, surprise) and the first is Rimmel London Lasting Finish by Kate Lipstick in the shade 09. It's a beautiful pinky berry red that I am obsessed with for fall. The color payoff is stunning and the formula is shockingly hydrating. The wear doesn't last outrageously long as the name might suggest, but considering it's a drugstore lippy it doesn't really bother me to have to reapply it every few hours (actually, I kind of always feel a little bit fancy pulling out my lipstick and compact in public). 

My second favorite lipstick this month is Mac's lipstick in Just a Bite – a limited edition shade that was a part of their Indulge Fall 2013 collection. First off, I'm obsessed with the name and maybe that's half the reason I picked it up in the first place. It makes me think of sexy vampires or something, which is appropriate since the shade is a beautiful vampy brick red. I love that it's not too dark so it's work friendly (for me, at least) but it still makes me feel like I could sprout fangs or turn into a bat or something.

As I mentioned earlier, this month has been crazy for me, mostly work-wise. I'll have a late night and then have to be at work at the crack of dawn. Needless to say, my under-eye circles have been monstrous and Origins GinZing Refreshing Eye Cream has been a life saver. The formula really brightens up my eyes, reduces puffiness, and makes me feel awake even when I could probably sleep for another four hours.

Now that fall is definitely here, my skin has been feeling it. Luckily, Clinique was having a gift this month so I moseyed on over to the counter at Macy's (actually moseyed is definitely not the word to describe my experience at the counter but that's another story) and picked myself up a new foundation (also another story) and discovered the Moisture Surge Intense Skin Fortifying Hydrator. It's been so hydrating for my combination skin. The only thing is that it doesn't contain any SPF so I've been using it just at night before bed with a different moisturizer in the morning.

This next one started out as a bit of a joke. I was in the market for a small travel sized hand lotion to keep in my purse because autumn dries out my hands something fierce. I went into Pink and fell in love with the Warm & Cozy scent but of course they didn't have it in a travel size but I still wound up buying a few full size things anyway. One of them was the Pink Warm & Cozy Luminous Body Butter. First off, this scent is to die for and the whole range is really part of my October favorites because of course I now own everything in the line. The toasted vanilla and peony is light and absolutely makes me want to curl up with my blanket like the name implies. Now, the body butter itself is rich and creamy and melts right into my thirsty skin and it leaves a little bit of a shimmer as well which maybe isn't for everyone but it makes me feel like my skin is bright and healthy. And yes, I eventually did pick up my travel sized hand lotion.

Did you know that I love Taylor Swift? If you didn't I'm definitely curious to know how you stumbled here because she is one of my absolutely favorites and her scents are so spot on; I'm obsessed with all of them. Her latest scent, Taylor by Taylor Swift, released a few months back and I finally picked it up (well, my mom gifted it to me). Taylor is fresh and more mature than the Wonderstruck scents but still has lovely fruity and floral notes. It's delicious and it feels like it suits me.

Lastly, I've been burning the crap out of my Bath and Body Works Pumpkin Pecan Waffles candle. It smells deliciously like brown sugar and maple syrup with a hint of nuttiness and spice and it makes me so hungry. Now everyone knows that the Bath and Body Works candles are spot on but seriously, even when this isn't burning the scent lingers and sometimes I'm half expecting there to be fresh waffles cooking in the kitchen. The mason jar is also a nice touch and adds a little rusticity that's perfect for fall.

One last favorite, of mine that's not pictured at all is Taylor Swift's new song (I told you I'm in love, okay) "Sweeter than Fiction". It's so upbeat and I envision it playing over a montage of my life while I struggle to make it in the big bad city or something and it makes me feel like I can do anything! Check it out if you haven't yet.

I hope y'all have lovely Octobers and that November looks to be shaping up well. It finally is feeling like a good chilly autumn out there which I love because I have so many great cozy hats and scarves and other fun cold weather things to break out. Let me know what your favorite things have been this past month and what you're looking forward to in the rest of 2013!

Caitlin xx

Fall Fashion Must Haves

It's here! The past week or so has had me pulling out sweaters and jackets and boots. Even still, I've noticed plenty of holes in my plenty extensive wardrobe that have had me scouring every online shopping site I can think of. These are the five things that I feel I must have my hands on immediately (and a few I have scooped up already).

Oxfords oxfords oxfords! They're absolutely my number fall fashion pick and unfortunately the one thing on this list I don't have yet. These cute ones from ALDO are an adorable and easy way to help transition your favorite summer dress into a perfect autumn outfit.

Cardigans may seem like a no brainer but honestly they're my go to this season. Layering pretty much never goes out of style and it's basically a requirement at work so I picked up a few of these lightweight ones from Target and I think I'm going to have to go back for more. They're soft and cozy while still being a bit breathable for the warmer autumn days.

A spacious structured tote is a definite must have for me. In the summer, I like to have a small bag so I'm not lugging around a thousand pounds in 90 degree weather but, if I'm honest, I'm a big bag girl at heart. This bag from ModCloth is incredible and perfect for carrying around a book or two and all your other essentials.

I can't lie, I'm absolutely obsessed with colored tights this season. I have a few left over from last year but this year I've gone a bit crazy and picked up a few more (and I've always got my eye on more). I love to wear them under those summer dresses and skirts I'm not ready to let go of or a pair of cutoffs for a more laid back look. H&M has a great selection of styles and colors and always has me coming back for more. My favorite colors for this season include cranberry and navy.

Last but never least: riding boots are a classic autumn staple. Whether worn with skinnies or a skirt and tights, a good pair of riding boots helps pull together any outfit and make it look clean and polished. I love those brogue detailing on these ones from Tommy Hilfiger.

That's all for my fall favorites. Of course, I'm always looking for more styles to try so let me know what your favorite fall fashions are. What is the one item you couldn't get through autumn without?

Caitlin xx

Favorite Fall Nail Colors

I think the perfect way for me to kick off this blog is with two of the things I adore more: the season when leaves crunch under you boots and nail polish! These are the colors that I think will look great with your fingers wrapped around a steaming cup of spiced chai.

Navy is the color I've been most excited for this season and I've been on the hunt for a really great color for months now. I picked up Butter London Royal Navy not too long ago and it's a gorgeous true navy with a lovely creme finish. Essie After School Boy Blazer is also a great option. While darker, its name is adorable. Zoya Sailor is a quite a bit lighter and won't get mistaken for a black.

Plum is always a perfect color for fall –– almost vampy without getting too Elvira. China Glaze Urban Night is a rich creme that leans almost towards eggplant. OPI Casino Royale is a great true vampy plum that's lighter and Nars Endless is a wonderful darker alternative.

Grey has been a trendy color for fall for the past few years now (and even made its way into Spring 2013) and I see no need for it to leave any time soon. Essie Cashmere Bathrobe is, as the name suggests, a lovely warm color with a very fine silver shimmer. China Glaze Recycle is a lovely middle of the line grey creme while Sally Hansen Wet Cement is a beautiful dove grey color.

Last year it was all about oxblood, and while that trend may be continuing I think a lovely brick red is a bit better of an alternative. It also sounds nicer, don't you think? Favorites in this color include: Butter London Old Blighty, a lovely color that lies right between red and brown; China Glaze Brownstone which is a bit less browned; and Zoya Pepper which is definitely the most red of the three.

Orange has been in all through this past spring and summer and I'm not ready to let go of it yet. For autumn, I'd opt for some tones that are less orange sherbet and more pumpkin spice. China Glaze Life Preserver is a burnt orange with warm undertones. OPI Hot & Spicy, funnily enough, is a bitter of a softer more coral shade but will still look great through the chillier weather. Butter London Jaffa is a bright bright orange that will keep you toasty.

Copper is my go-to metallic for this season. It's rich and warm without being as heavy as a gold or bronze. Butter London The Old Bill is a great light color that evokes worn antiques. Zoya Penny is a bit more gold toned and is warm and bright. e.l.f. Copper is lovely medium shade with rosier undertones.

Last but never least, a beautiful beige lacquer will make any look prim and polished. OPI Tickle My France-y is one of my all time favorite colors; it leans a bit mauve but it's cool tone leaves it perfect for fall. Butter London Yummy Mummy is a gorgeous medium beige with a hint of silver shimmer. Deborah Lippmann Naked is the most natural of them all –– a light creamy beige that isn't too boring or flat.

So what are your favorite shades for autumn?

Caitlin xx