The cooler months mean fresh new looks on our nails. While summer ivories were white hot, October calls for deeper, moodier shades. A true iconic shade over the years that will never be out of style is Chanel Black Satin, a pure and direct black that is particularly popular this year. Essie’s fall collection splashed onto counters with rave reviews of For The Twill of It, a holographic and nuanced purple silver that looks far more expensive than its drugstore price tag. Those who prefer classic and feminine shades might opt for burgundies like Deborah Lippmann in Just Walk Away Renee or OPI In the Cable Car Pool Lane from the recent San Francisco Nail Lacquer Collection. Just like for the eyes, gray can be a beautiful and office-appropriate neutral. Yves Saint Laurent La Laque Couture’ Nail Lacquer in Gris Underground has impeccable formula and a shiny finish. For nail art lovers and the more adventurous, try metallic French tips in platinum or gold.
Gray Days
We don’t often think of gray as a neutral, but this wearable shade is a hot basic for the fall season. All over the runways, gray lids were spotted. Surprisingly, it can work on a range of complexions and works best as just a wash of color, making it an easy look to achieve. Inspiring shades include L’Oreal Colour Riche Eye Shadow palette in Cookies and Cream and NARS Namibia from the fall collection. Using your ring finger, gently pat gray on lids from lash to crease. Finish with a thin line of inky black liner and volumizing mascara, like Revlon Lash Potion.
Heavy Cream
Skin care regimens can and should change with the season. It is no surprise that we amp up hydration as the weather turns cooler. Richer creams enter the rotation. While sunscreen is always a mandatory step, we can back off the ultra-high SPF with more limited outdoor time. The change of pace also means fall and winter is the perfect time to be more aggressive with skin care ingredients. Retinoids and peels can be used in the summer despite popular belief, but they do make skin more sensitive. October is the perfect month to add in these refining products if you are a new user. As a note, add them gradually and one at a time to ensure the least amount of irritation to the skin. Kate Somerville RetAsphere is a two-in-one retinol night cream that is ideal for beginners. The active ingredient is delivered in a lipid shell, preventing dryness and sensitivity. Glycolic acid is another ingredient that can refine skin, making it appear younger and more even. Bliss “That’s Incredi-Peel” Daily Peel Pads are no-rinse, making them a breeze to use. Using an innovative delivery method allows the glycolic acid to be released and absorbed over time, minimizing harsh irritation. The best-selling Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Daily Face Peel also works well on any skin type, including sensitive, and works to even tone and fight blemishes.
