{beauty board} while you were sleeping

Confidently say I woke up like this with 8 beauty products that work miracles on hair, skin, nails, and lips while you're catching your nightly zzzz's!

{1} Ciaté Knight in Shining Armour Overnight Nail Mask {$17.00}

{2} SEPHORA COLLECTION Sleeping Mask in ROSE and PEARL {$4.99 each}

{3} VITA LIBERATA Self Tanning Night Moisture Mask {$45.00} Put it on before bed and wake up with a healthy, natural-looking glow!

{4} BRIOGEO Rosarco Oil {$24.00} Keeps strans shiny with a mix of argan and coconut oils.

{5} sara happ The Lip Slip® - One Luxe Clear Shine Lip Gloss {$18.00} Worn overnight it hydrates; worn during the day it adds shine.

{6} CATRICE Lash Boost Growth Overnight Serum {$8.99}

{7} Derma E Overnight Peel with Alpha Hydroxy Acids {$18.75}

{8} PHILOSOPHY Clear Days Ahead Overnight Repairing Pads 60 Ct {$42.00}


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xx

currently crushing...

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8
Gotta love those noir hues and gilded baubles.

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xx

NOTD: nails inc. Devonshire Row

Two coats of nails inc. in Devonshire Row. Grape-y Purple Creme.

Based on nails inc.'s description of this shade being a deep rich lilac, and the color in the bottle appearing v. radiant orchid, the last thing I expected was for this shade to be so dark; but on the nail, it definitely is.

Devonshire Row is a red-toned purple that leaves the color looking v grape-y in hue that feels more fall than summer {no big considering it is almost fall}. The formula here is pretty flawless, reaching opacity in almost one coat, and being very fluid during application.

My one qualm: Within a few hours of applying top coat, the shine begins to fade. Deal breaker? No. But it does require a top coat touch-up to keep it looking glossy.

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?

xx

verushka

Free People Lace Verushka Mini Dress in Golden Honey and Black {also available in Ivory}.

This flirty frock was made for fall. How perf would it look paired with a slouchy cardi, OTK socks, and lace-up booties? Total style crush!

xx

links à la mode: the IFB weekly roundup {september 10, 2015 edition}

With so much focus on fashion designers, celebrities, models, and of course all you fabulous fashion bloggers, it’s easy to get a case of the have-not’s and poor-me’s.

This week several IFB bloggers showed how to look chic while not breaking the bank. Between the Racks in particular is described as having a passion and addiction to shopping for designer on a budget, but i’d call it a gift. Others, search out trends like studio 54 glamour from favorite moderate retailers. While another, talks about editing and refining her current wardrobe. The budgeting continued on with beauty posts, and one blogger has a routine post of “Third Thursday Thrifts.”

There were also wonderful pointers on how to dress for one’s size, shape, and age. The latter isn’t exactly what you’d expect.

My favorite quote, “This one is gonna kill the author.” Please everyone, go find it.

Links à la Mode, September 10

• A Handful of Stories: I Dabbled in Witchcraft
• Between the Racks: Summer Leather
• Bows & Fringe: Third Thursday Thrifts
• Cat Eyes & Skinny Jeans: {Beauty Board} Babe on a Budget | Heavy Metals Edit
• Classified Closet: London Nostalgia || Travel Diary 001
• DressCode | HighFashion: 70’s Trend F/W 15/16 | Disco
• Epouser La Mode: Embrace Your Curve
• Fashion Tales: DIY Decor | Paper Trimmings
• Funky Jungle: I Packed My Suitcase | Holiday Ramblings Part 1
• KP Fusion: Tips on Finding Time to Blog
• Kremb De La Kremb: 24 Things I Shouldn’t Have Worn - OOOPS!
• Lake & Moon: Fall Fashion | Seventies Glam Wardrobe on a Budget
• Les Assorties: Staple Edibles Turn Into Inventive Sketches
• Modavracha: Meet Tatiana of Hekyma Blog
• Moments 2 Stop: Healthy Hair at the Super Market
• Musings of a Fashion Designer: Style Icon | Tilda Swinton
• MySelf Expressed: Twice as Nice | Books and Uniforms
• Reasons to Dress: My 5 Must Have Items to Avoid Looking Like a Tourist in Italy
• Savoir Style: How to Style Car Wash Pleats
• The Well-Appointed Catwalk: The New Denim | Fall Flares for Petites

SPONSOR: Amazon's Shopbop WAYF, James Perse, M Missoni, L.K. Bennett, Equipment, Tie Neck Blouses, Plaid Blouses, Leather Pants, Lace Dresses, Men's Crew Neck Sweatshirts


xx

China Glaze Happy Campers Micro Mini Set Swatches + Review

I'm more of a glamper than an actual camper, but when I spotted China Glaze's Happy Campers Micro Mini Set, I couldn't get over just how well it captured the essence of fall / sweater weather, and had to pop it in my basket. No regrets, ladies! You will love the range of autumn-inspired hues and finishes in this collection. Trust.

Cabin Fever is a Cranberry Duochrome with a Bronze , Copper, and Pink Color Shift. Dead. This color right here is life. Cabin Fever reminds me so much of a scarab beetle - it has that same gorgeous shift that you simply cannot stop staring at. The formula was amaze here. I found it to reach opacity v. quickly, and wasn't brushstroke-y. This is 2 coats.

Sleeping Under The Stars is an Indigo Creme with Pink/Lilac Microshimmer. So, in the bottle the microshimmer is crazy visible, almost leading you to believe that Sleeping Under The Stars has a duochrome shift like Cabin Fever; but, alas, it doesn't. Truth be told, the shimmer is so hidden, that you can barely see it on the nail - even when you're standing in direct sunlight. Womp womp. I wasn't crazy about the formula here. Though it was opaque in one coat, the formula was v. thick and resulted in staining. This is 1 coat.

My Lodge Or Yours? is a Dusty Mauve Rose Creme. This one right here managed to make my Top 3 list from this collection - it just feels like the perfect shade to pair with sweaters, scarves, and boots come fall. The formula was fab on this one - very rich, gummy, and opaque right from the first coat. This is 2 coats.

Wood You Wanna? is a Taupe Brown Metallic Shimmer. Yaaasss! I'm not usually one for metallic shimmers but this one is straight. up. lush. Not to mention ridiculously unique. I mean, when else have you seen a taupe brown metallic with red undertones. It's virtually unheard of - yet so perfect. The formula was a total breeze with this one. Wood You Wanna? is the surprise standout shade of this collection. This is 2 coats.

Change Your Altitude is a Gray Putty Creme. A few years ago, when gray cremes were hard to find, Change Your Altitude would have likely been my favorite shade from this collection; but now that gray cremes are so commonplace, this one falls into my ho-hum pile. Pretty, but nothing exciting. The formula was good here. I found it to be a little thin, but it did reach opacity with little effort, and was a nice density. This is 2 coats.

Free Bear Hugs is a Chocolate Oxblood Creme. You guys, I am so upset because Free Bear Hugs was my main motivation for purchasing this collection, and it was a total letdown color-wise. I was expecting a rich, melted chocolate brown creme with oxblood undertones, and this definitely didn't deliver that; rather, it looks like your ordinary, run-of-the-mill merlot. I'm not sure if I got a bad bottle or something, but it definitely wasn't what I was seeking. Not to mention that the formula was thin - I definitely could have gone with another coat. This is 2 coats.

AVAILABILITY: ULTA.

PRICE: $15.00 for the 6-Piece Mini Kit; or $7.50 per full-size bottle.


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xx

currently crushing...

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9
Clearly obsessing over dainty baubles, denim on denim, and bronze smoky eyes.

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xx

{beauty board} fall 2015 polish report

Ready your polish collection for fall with glamorous glitters and high-glam gloss in rich, irresistible jewel tones that bring pure luxury to your mani game!

{INK} JULEP SANAA - Sapphire for September {$14.00}, ZOYA Nail Polish in IBIZA {$9.00}, and JINsoon Nail Polish in VERISMO {$18.00}

{COPPER} NARS Nail Polish in DELOS {$20.00}, ZOYA Nail Polish in CINNAMON {$9.00}, and Olivia Palermo x Ciaté London Nail Collection in NEW ENGLAND FALL {$24.00}

{GRAPE} DEBORAH LIPPMANN Nail Polish in GOOD GIRL GONE BAD {$18.00}, JULEP RAYMA {$14.00}, and BURBERRY BEAUTY Nail Polish in OXBLOOD NO.303 {$22.00}

{MERLOT} JULEP FAZIA {$14.00}, LAUREN B. BEAUTY Nail Polish in THE CHATEAU {$18.00}, and RGB COSMETICS Nail Polish in CRMSON {$18.00}


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xx

{fashion folio} of leather and knits

Sweater: Karl Lagerfeld Dana Striped Open-Knit Sweater | Boots: Vince Camuto Hillsy Almond Toe Ankle Bootie in Black Leather | Ring: BOERA Shield Glam Ring in Silver | Pants: Frame Denim Le Skinny Stretch-Leather Pants | Clutch: Sole Society Justine Conversation Oversize Pouch in Black | Ring: Pamela Love Double Cage Ring in Silver | Lips: Too Faced Melted Liquefied Long Wear Lipstick in Melted Nude | Nails: Formula X The Colors in Larger Than Life

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xx

happy labor day!

cheers to three-day weekends and fall feels in the air.

Happy Happy!


xx{via}

what's your hair-o-scope? {madison reed collab}

I'll be honest, I'm not the biggest believer in all that horoscope hoopla, but I am a fan of horoscopes based on personal style. Case in point: my monthly re-reads of Tali and Ophira Edut's Shoestrology: Discover Your Birthday Shoe {it's basically a style essential, so check it!}. Given that little anecdote, it should come as no surprise that I was intrigued by the...Madison Reed Hair-O-Scope. And yes, it is even cooler than it sounds!

For those who haven't met Madison yet {and yes, we're on a total first name basis - NBD}, it is a hair coloring company focused on healthy hair. The result? A dye that is free of harsh chemicals, making their colors a good thing for your locks. Bonus: they have a super fun hair dye adviser that acts as your own personal colorist to find the hue that's perfect. for. you.

But back to the Hair-O-Scope. As a Sagittarius I, admittedly, know nothing about my sign {for shame}; but...the Hair-O-Scope that Madison Reed produced for me is, by all calculations, v. accurate {I mean, my life is spent fighting frizz - I totally need a primer!}.

Sagittarius (November 23 - December 21)
Self-reliant Sagittarius, you inspire the people around you to find their own paths and feel optimistic. It may be all those travel snapshots you share on Instagram!

It’s hard for a bad hair day to bring you down, but even free spirits crave a little control. Tame frizz with a lightweight hair primer to add to any style you choose. Then declare independence from salon scheduling with home hair color that frees you up to live your life.
Don't you just love it?!

While the hair-reading is oh so true, the whole Instagramming travel snapshots isn't necessarily factual. But, I do dream of traveling the world and Instagramming my travel shots, so it's like the Hair-O-Scope tapped into my psyche, which is practically the same thing, amiright?

What does your Hair-O-Scope say about you?


xx

makeup inspo

xx

{beauty board} babe on a budget: heavy metals edit

New season calls for new beauty loves, and for fall I'm totally digging metallic errythang. Here are 7 of my favorite finds. P.S. they're all under $10.

{1} E.L.F. STUDIO Baked Eyeshadow in TOASTED and BRONZED BEAUTY {$3.00 each}

{2} NYX COSMETICS Born To Glow Liquid Illuminator in SUNBEAM and GLEAM {$7.49 each} Sunbeam is perfect for a soft winter glow; Gleam is magical for those sunkissed summer months!

{3} MILANI Milani Color Statement Lipstick in BRONZE BEAUTY {$4.99}

{4} RIMMEL Wonderlash Mascara in EXTREME BLACK {$8.99}

{5} SONIA KASHUK Dramatically Intensifying Kajal Gel Eyeliner in BLACK 01 {$8.99}

{6} WHIM Fall Nail Lacquer Collection in CRACKLING EMBERS, FALLEN SUNSET, and TALL, DARK & RICH {$10.00 each}

{7} E.L.F. Essential Smudge Pot Cream Eyeshadow in GOTTA GLOW {$3.00}


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xx


Thanks to Rimmel for sponsoring this post!

{fashion folio} 70s throwback

Top: TOPSHOP Lace Inset Poet Blouse | Boots: EXPRESS Faux Suede Over-The-Knee Flat Boot in Cognac | Hat: TOPSHOP Wool Fedora Hat | Skirt: TOPSHOP Cord Button Front A-Line Skirt | Mascara: GUERLAIN Maxi Lash So Volume | Eyeliner: Olivia Palermo x Ciaté London Smoked Out Gel Kohl Liner in Black | Bag: TOPSHOP Fringe Suede Crossbody Bag in Tan | Lipstick: URBAN DECAY Matte Revolution Lipstick in 1993

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xx

butter LONDON x ALLURE Arm Candy Fashion Size 4PC Collection Swatches + Review

Having never before tried butter LONDON polishes, I felt that their Limited Edition Fall 2015 collab with Allure magazine was a great starting off point. After all, if it's backed by the Allure beauty experts you know it's going to be Fab with a capital F, amiright? Enter the butter LONDON Arm Candy Fashion Size 4PC Collection. You know how I feel about mini collections, so, of course, I snagged this luscious little quartet {featuring shades that are exclusive to this set}, but if you're craving more butter LONDON x Allure, six additional full-size shades have been released, which you can buy separately {deets on these at the bottom of this post}. Ready for swatches?!

Front Row is a Wine Creme. Front Row can best be described as classic fall fare. The color isn't terribly unique; but OMG it is gorgeous - and an essential if you love that vampy vibe. What sets Front Row apart from similar shades is its strong brown undertones that give it a bit of a 90s throwback {so on trend!}. The formula here was v. simple to work with. A little patchy during application; but overall quite easy to even out. This is 2 coats.

So Major! is a Loden Green Creme with Microshimmer. So Major! is the standout of this collection, and may just be one of the most unique shades to hit the polish scene in quite some time. The microshimmer adds an interesting dimension to the hue that just looks divine and feminizes the strong shade a bit. This one reminds me of pumpkin stems for some reason, so it will be on major rotation come October. Love the formula here - opacity builds perfectly. This is 2 coats.

Violet's Revenge is a Blurple Creme. I definitely wasn't expecting to find a blurple shade in a fall collection, but I'm not complaining because Violet's Revenge is gorgeous! This definitely serves as the quartet's summer-to-fall transitional shade, as it's bright enough to fit in with summer festivities, yet dusky enough to work with autumn's changing weather. The formula here is v. thin - we're talking watercolor paint thin - so it does come off as patchy on the nail {especially during coat 1}. It does, however, build opacity nicely with minor fuss. NOTE: This one is far more purple-toned IRL. This is 2 1/2 coats.

The Sweet Spot is a Dusty Pink Creme. As odd as it sounds, pink / nude cremes seem all the rage for polish collections this Fall. My reason for kinda sorta loving this one? The dusty mauve undertones which make The Sweet Spot feel perfect for sweater weather! Formula here is awesome to work with. Swipe, let dry; swipe, let dry...finished! It's very easy breezy, and who can resist a polish like that? This is 2 coats.

AVAILABILITY: Ulta for the mini set; Ulta or Sephora for individual, full-size bottles {of different shades in the collab collection}.

PRICE: $30.00 for the quartet; or buy individual bottles separately for $15.00 each.


xx

september crush list!

1. ophelita off the shoulder Off the shoulder tops are my year-round obsession, but I'm especially fond of them come fall given their penchant to look a-ma-zing with boots and skinny jeans. This year, I found l-o-v-e in Missguided's Ophelita Off Shoulder Knit Sweater; and while the Wine and Black shades are my personal faves, I may have caved and bought all 7 colors. So worth it though, right?!

2. matte pink pouts + deep black liner Ordinarily nude lips are my jam, but I've been loving the look of a matte pink pout paired with a fierce cat eye. Currently I'm feeling Maybelline's Color Sensational Creamy Matte Lip Color in Blushing Pout {the lilac undertones are so flattering!}, stila's Stay All Day® Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner in Black, and Maybelline's Color Sensational Creamy Matte Lip Color in Pink Sugar {you can never go wrong with bubblegum pink!}.

3. distressed denim Distressed denim feels so apropos for fall given its penchant for looking absolutely amaze when paired with ankle booties {I'm currently loving these} and slouchy sweaters. My top picks at the moment are Rag & Bone/JEAN's Dre Skinny Boyfriend Jeans in Thrasher, and Blank Denim's Distressed Skinny Jeans in Good Vibes {the wash is perfection for pairing with pastel knitwear come winter!}.

4. glossy brown lacquer September typically spells burgundy, bordeaux, or merlot nails for me; but this year I am all about glossy. brown. lacquers. I'm talking rich browns with red undertones that look like melted dark chocolate. They're impossibly chic and feel downright de rigueur for fall into winter. My two faves? WHIM's Catwalk, and China Glaze's Free Bear Hugs. So lush, yes?

What's on your September Crush List?


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xx

NOTD: Formula X Invincible

Two coats of Formula X in Invincible. Warm Vanilla Creme.

Le sigh. I love colors like this - they're a great creamy-nude-meets-opaque-white hybrid that just feels cozy and will be sososo perfect paired with oversize sweaters and boots come fall / winter.

Invincible is brilliant to work with. The formula is creamy and straight-up yum, molding to the nail beautifully with no muss or fuss. If you don't have a shade like this in your polish stash, you definitely need to add Invincible to your shopping list!

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?

xx

links à la mode: the IFB weekly roundup {august 27, 2015 edition}

Reminds me of reading storybooks as a child. To reach the end of the book was so final. No more pages. The End.

IFB bloggers expressed mixed emotions regarding The End of Summer. Sadness over leaving discovered lands and excitement over what is to become. Many focused on the trends now and to come; talking about skirt shapes, skinny scarves, and going platinum to name a few.

There was also much to glean style inspiration from, for both women and men, in the coming “dark and decadent” Fall months. Take a look at soiree’s, kitsch fashion, menswear, and those who have a knack for designing with sustainability in mind.

Plus, one blogger purchased her very first pair of Christian Louboutin heels… and, even in the Fall, they lived happily ever after.

Links à la Mode, August 27

• Arisgold: How to Wear Suede Fringe Jackets for Fall 2015
• Bawse Girl: What to Wear on a First Date | Do’s and Don’ts + A Guy’s Perspective
• Cat Eyes & Skinny Jeans: {Beauty Board} Dark Shadows
• Fashion Blender: Practicing My French Chic
• Flash [Frame]: What to Know Before Your Strip
• Happy. Pretty. Sweet.: Inspired by The Great Gatsby
• Hey Just Jei: Spotlight Review | Brother’s We Stand, Alec Bizby’s Double Faced Kimono Cardigan
• Lobler & Delaney: 5 Jewellery Designers Worth Stalking
• Miss Trend She: Pro-Sustainability Fashion Designer Encourages Industry Movement
• Moon and the Mirror: The Soiree of Excess
• MySelf Expressed: Inspiration Board | The Skinny Scarf
• Rafa’s POV: Stylish Backpacks Will Make You Want to Go Hand-Free!
• Red Alice Rao: Why Kitsch Fashion is Everything But Ugly
• Sassy Ethnic Bohemian: Closeup | Traci Claussen of Repurposing NOLA is Recycling Piece by Peace
• SassyPlus: Roses are Red, Fall is Blue
• Stellah Charles: Leather Skater Skirt
• The Wanderbliss: All Day All Night | W T F{loral}
• Trollsen Twins: Traveling is the Ruin of All Happiness!
• With Love Lily Rose: How to Protect Christian Louboutin Red
• Zamri’s Big Fat Blog: Just Like April, I’m a Clubber in the City Again

SPONSOR: Amazon's Shopbop Soia & Kyo, Faribault Woolen Mills, Woolrich, Nour Hammour, Vasic Collection, MM Druck, APL Shoes, Ray-Ban, Uri Minkoff, Flare Jeans


xx

oui, paris

Michaela Buerger I Love Paris Sweatshirt in Light Grey.

Loving this little French-inspired number. It would be pure perfection paired with skinnies and slouchy boots for fall.

xx

currently crushing...

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8
Dreaming of dark and vampy hues of fall. Who's with me?!

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xx

{fashion folio} weekend casual

Dress: EQUIPMENT Slim Signature Washed-Silk Mini Dress | Rings: REBECCA MINKOFF Stack Triangle Ring Set in Gold/Clear | Earrings: GORJANA Taner Bar Shimmer Mini Stud Earrings in Gold | Eyeshadow: BECCA Ombre Rouge Eye Palette | Bag: SOLE SOCIETY Emmie Perforated Hobo w/ Tassel in Black | Lips: NARS Lip Gloss in Striptease | Shoes: LOUISE ET CIE Isabelle Ankle Strap Sandal in Black | Mascara: Lancôme HYPNÔSE DRAMA Instant Full Body Volume Mascara in Excessive Black

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xx

mark. Nailed It Matte Trend Mini Nail Lacquers Swatches + Review

After my last experience with matte polishes, I didn't think that I'd be using them again anytime soon; that is, until I spotted the latest: mark.'s Nailed It Matte Trend Mini Nail Lacquers. The colors were so incredibly pretty {not to mention fall-apropos}; and, given all of my prior success with mark. polishes, I absolutely could not pass them up. Thankfully, I did not, because they are a-ma-zing!

Violet Riot is a Deep Blurple Matte with Hidden Violet Shimmer. This color is life! I am not even able to articulate how much love I have for this color - it is just brilliant! Violet Riot is everything a matte polish should be. The color is luxe and vibrant, yet maintains a softness due to the hidden shimmer {which creates that yummy lit from within effect}. The formula here is so unbelievably amazing - it's the perfect consistency, so it goes on smooth and finishes effortlessly. This color alone is reason to buy this duo. This is 1 1/2 coats.

Teal Appeal is a Teal Matte. I love teal shades for fall, so a teal matte? Give it to me now! Teal Appeal is so on point for autumn transitioning - it has that brightness that recalls summer juxtaposed with a dusty jewel tone that is full-on fall. While this shade is undeniably gorgeous, it didn't grab me the way that Violet Riot did. I think what would have made Teal Appeal more appealing {no pun intended} would have been hidden shimmer. Regardless, still a beauty - and a complete breeze to work with! This is 2 coats.

AVAILABILITY: mark.

PRICE: $7.00 for the duo.


xx


This post was sponsored by mark Avon. All opinions expressed herein are my own.

{beauty board} dark shadows

Get into the fall groove with dark and decadent perfumes, vampy polishes, smoldering shadows and liners, and luxe lippies!

{1} VICTORIA'S SECRET VERY SEXY Eau de Parfum {$52.00}

{2} DEBORAH LIPPMANN MISS INDEPENDENT {$18.00}

{3} VELOUR SILK LASHES FULL OF IT {$23.00}

{4} MAKE UP FOR EVER Artist Plexi-Gloss in 502P PEARLY BEETLE {$19.00}

{5} E.L.F. Studio Moisturizing Lipstick in BORDEAUX BEAUTY {$3.00}

{6} VICTORIA'S SECRET NIGHT Eau de Parfum {$52.00}

{7} SONIA KASHUK Limited Edition-Ombre Obsessed 7pc Brush Set {$27.99}

{8} STILA Magnificent Metals Foil Finish Eye Shadow in METALLIC MERLOT {$32.00}

{9} MAYBELLINE Eye Studio Master Kajal Eyeliner in ONYX RUSH {$4.86}


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xx

NOTD: AILA Nail Color in Mister Pookies

Two coats of AILA Nail Color in Mister Pookies. Steel Gray Creme with Purple Undertones.

Having never so much as heard of AILA Cosmetics before, I was super excited to find Mister Pookies in my August 2015 ipsy Glam Bag, and literally took it for a spin within minutes of unboxing!

Mister Pookies {doesn't the name make you think of a cute and cuddly puppy?!} is officially one of my new favorite fall shades. The color is just spot on for those beginning days of autumn, and feels like the perfect companion to chunky knits, riding boots, and apple picking.

The formula here is beyond flawless. I truly think this is the creamiest polish I have ever laid hands on, and loved how fluidly and smoothly it covered the nail, making application downright divine.

Hooray for new brand discoveries - I officially need more AILA polish in my life. Stat!

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?

xx