Happy Halloween!

First of all, if you’re reading this on the East Coast or any place affected by Hurricane Sandy, my thoughts are with you. I hope you made it through the storm safely.

If you can celebrate today, here’s to hoping you have a hauntingly good day, and an eerily thrilling evening. Here are some glorious Halloween-esque photos to get you in the mood.

A gorgeously-decorated modern mantel. (Image by Sweet Something Designs)

Metallic pumpkins (image via Country Living)

A collection of random bones and skulls, dipped in green glitter. (Image by Francois Dischinger for Martha Stewart Living)

Halloween candy bar. (Image via House of Smiths)

Lethal libations, perfect for your Halloween party. (Image via Martha Stewart Living)(Image via Shopbop on Pinterest)

Halloween Makeup Tutorials

Still searching for a Halloween costume idea? No worries…I’ve done a little researching for you and found some really cool Halloween makeup tutorials. A few crazy, colorful cosmetics can totally transform you so that your face can be costume-worthy all by itself.

Pop Art Character tutorial: This is one of my all-time favorite looks. In this video by BellaSugar, MAC Pro Artist Tiffany Johnston recreated a character based on comic artist Roy Lichenstein’s signature style. It’s an iconic look, so you’ll be instantly recognizable, and it’s a fun take on a pop culture moment. (Image via PopSugarTV)

Sugar Skull tutorial: I love both the fancy-creepy feel of this look, and the Halloween-esque history behind it. Sugar skulls are the hallmark of Mexico’s Dia De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) holiday in which people remember loved ones who have passed.  People in Mexico typically take their celebrations to cemetaries where loved ones are buried (how fitting is that for Halloween?). The sugar skull tradition supposedly dates back centuries, when people began crafting skulls out of readily-available and inexpensive sugar to represent their deceased relatives. The skulls were then placed on tombstones, front doors, and other locations to honor the soul’s return home. This look makes you practically unrecognizable, and it’s so much fun to create. Watch this video for inspiration, then craft your own personalized sugar skull look. (Image via Michelle Phan’s YouTube)

Cleopatra tutorial: I cannot get enough of the Pixiwoo ladies. These professional artists (and sisters) are amazing at recreating celebrity-inspired looks, and their makeup skills are just ridiculously advanced. I love this Elizabeth Taylor-style Cleopatra look because it lets you have fun with makeup, experiment with color, and incorporates the style of the ’60s.
PS: The Pixiwoo gals have done quite a few Halloween tutorials. Browse their YouTube channel for more amazing tutorials for a superhero, Audrey Hepburn, Frankenstein, Cleopatra, Catwoman, Corpse Bride, Barbie, and even a fashion zombie. (Image via Pixiwoo on YouTube–a must-bookmark!)

Midas tutorial: One more from the Pixiwoo ladies, because it’s just so good. If you get lucky, everything you touch will turn to gold when you’re dressed up as Midas. I love everything about this gold look, from the “melting” liquid gold dripping from her eyes to the slightly spooky spikes on the upper eyes. I really appreciate the artistic talent that went into crafting this. (Image via Pixiwoo on YouTube)

Click through for more great Halloween inspiration.

Fall 2012 Trend: The Gilded Eye

Gold in all shades–champagne, yellow-gold, white-gold, bronze, copper–were spotted on the AW2012 runways. Some looks were muted for real-life wearability, where others went all-out glitzy. If you want to rock the gold eye, this trend is super easy to pull off. Here are a few products that will give you that molten golden, sultry look.

Lorac 3D Liquid Lustre in Gold Glitter ($16): This topcoat creates a shimmery gold veil on your lids. So pretty alone or layered over another gold shadow for an extra blingy effect. (Image via Sephora)

Stila Eyeshadow in Prize ($20): Like a gold medal for your lids, this soft shade is more yellow-based than some of the other options listed here, making it really flattering for warmer or olive skin tones. (Image via Sephora)

Make Up For Ever Glitter in Gold 1 ($14): Because if you’re going to do it, you might as well go all out. Swipe an eye gloss or brush a clear mascara over lids before pressing the glitter on; it’ll give it something to adhere to and make your look last longer (plus, you’ll have less of a mess to clean up).

Check out more gold picks after the break.

Inspiration Board: mid-October 2012

Here is a glimpse of some images that I can’t take my eyes off of lately. Hope you enjoy. (Click the grid to see a larger version.)

Top row, from left: Accessories in autumnal tones (image via Classy in the City). Burberry fox and owl rings, and fox bangle (image via Burberry). Lauren Conrad in comfy autum attire in NYC this week (image by Disciullo/Bauer Giffin). Pear & Sharp Cheddar Grilled Cheese Recipe by Oh My Veggies!, an excellent blog for vegetarian & vegan recipes (image by Oh My Veggies).

Second row, from left: Coffee & the paper (image from julie marie craig’s Flickr page). A painted pink pumpkin serves as a vase for colorful flowers in this innovative take on autumn decor (image by Chatelaine via Babble). The perfect spot to laze–with breakfast in bed–on a chilly autumn weekend morning (image via Pinterest).  Flawless makeup in Burberry’s autumn/winter 2012 campaign (image via Burberry).

Third row, from left: Cozying up by the fire with a thick blanket & a cup of coffee/cocoa/tea (image via Providence Ltd. Design). Gilded candle holders on wood slabs (photo by Aaron Snow Photography). Camel & gold, stacked bracelets & a big chunky turtleneck: possibly the perfect autum outfit (image via Pinterest). Welcome pumpkin DIY tutorial by The Paper Mama via BHG (image by The Paper Mama).

Bottom row, from left: A city stroll through falling leaves (image via Dallas Shaw). Pretty, clean, seasonal makeup on the Dior AW2012 ready-to-wear runway (image via Eyeshadow Lipstick). Fall mantel by Pottery Barn (image via Pottery Barn).  Yummy, cinnamon-y baked French breakfast donuts (image & recipe by Jessica Simpson for Camille Styles).

Weekend Snapshots: Early October

Autumn is in full swing, and I’ve been trying to take advantage of it every chance I get, before it gets so cold that I have to hunker down under blankets for months. Here are a few snaps I took during the first two weekends in October. Cool air, lots of sunshine, falling leaves…and plenty of pumpkins.

A quick, easy craft project: glittered mini pumpkins. (I used Martha Stewart Crafts Fine Glitter in White Gold). Perfect for scattering around the house for some glinty fall decor.

Shamelessly drooled over my new copy of The Brown Betty Cookbook. The ladies of Brown Betty Dessert Boutique, one of my favorite bakeries in Philadelphia, share family recipes passed down through generations, and the stories that inspired them. The flour is going to be flying in my kitchen this holiday season.

Had dinner and drinks with a friend from out of town.

Olive-shaped lights at the martini bar.

Terrariums, orchids, and glass bottles dot the windowsills of this local bar.

Yesterday we went to an orchard about 1/2 an hour away to pick out some plump pumpkins and chomp on some freshly-picked apples (and maybe a fresh cider donut or two).

At this time of year, what could be better than Pumpkinland?!

I loved these creamy white pumpkins, smudged with just enough dirt to remind you that they were plucked fresh from the soil…

…and loved the muted colors and soft stripes on these…

…But eventually I chose a few of these sugar pumpkins.

Our visit wouldn’t have been complete without a journey through a corn maze. So fun!

Hope you’re enjoying autumn. Any suggestions on fun things to do? Leave them in the comments!

Fall 2012 Trend: Power Brows

The power brow is having a moment. Full, lush brows were spotted on fall runways everywhere, from New York to Milan. Unlike most runway looks, this enduring trend is something that looks good on virtually everyone. A heavier brow frames your face and balances out your features when shaped according to your facial features.

So how do you get these larger-than-life brows? If you’re genetically blessed like the model pictured here at the Alberta Ferretti show and you have naturally thick brows, all you need is something to keep the hairs in place. I swear by MAC Brow Set in Clear ($16), a gel that gives brows a little shine and really holds their shape. Another great pick is MAC Brow Finisher ($15), a clear wax stick that goes on matte for a really natural effect (you don’t get any of the glossiness of brow gel with this product).

Continue reading for more brow tips.

OPI Pink of Hearts Set

To commemorate National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, OPI has released a limited-edition duo of polishes. Pink of Hearts ($14) is a cheery, hopeful set that celebrates hope and the continued search for a cure.

The set includes 2 polishes: I Think In Pink, a creamy, cool-toned light pink, and You Glitter Be Good To Me, which contains fine and chunky pink glitter. Both caps feature the iconic pink ribbon.

OPI donated $25,000 to Susan G. Komen For The Cure in support of the 2012 Pink of Hearts program. Your purchase of this product helps support the committed donation.

Image via OPI/Amazon

Fall 2012’s Best Beauty Buys

This season has brought a ton of new beauty products to the market. With all the new innovations and cutting-edge concepts, it’s hard to decide which products to buy. So, I’ve narrowed down the sea of cosmetics to a few new picks that worked really well for me. I think these are the best of the best, and you just might, too.

1. Best Eyeshadow: Bobbi Brown Powder Pearl Eye Trio ($46)
These three metallic loose powder shadows each come packaged in a lipstick-tube-like vial. Untwist the cap and you’ll find a convenient domed sponge applicator at the end of the wand. Swipe this across your lids, and you’re glowing in approximately 4 seconds. Easy glamour. Set includes Black Pearl, Pink Pearl, and Moonlight shades to get you ready for day or night.

2. Best Lipstick: Too Faced La Crème ($21)
Fall is the time of year to ease into a more substantial lipcolor, and slightly shift away from the gloss you’ve probably been wearing all summer. For the lipstick-phobic, this formula is perfect because it delivers sheer color that still feels cushy and comfortable on lips. They’re separated into four shade categories: Pinks, Nudes, Reds, and Spices. Read more about this ‘stick here. https://sugarsocial.wordpress.com/2012/08/24/too-faced-la-creme-color-drenched-lip-cream/

3. Best Fall Nail Shades:
Jane by Rescue Beauty Lounge ($18): Quite possibly the most perfect greige.
Toni by Zoya ($8): Get in on the Bordeaux/oxblood trend with this creamy shade.
Siberian Nights by OPI ($8): A dark, stormy purple that looks like the night sky on your hands.

4. Best Brow Filler: Make Up For Ever Aqua Brow ($15)
Natural-looking, waterproof, durable, long-wearing, easy to apply, comes in 7 shades. Can’t stay enough good things about this new arch definer. Read more about it here.

5. Best Lip Relief: Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment SPF15 in Berry ($22.50)
It’s pricey, but so worth it. This little stick glides effortlessly over dry, chapped lips, coating them in a cushiony veil of hydrating comfort. The new Berry hue leaves behind a lovely autumnal stain so you get a bit of color, too.

6. Best Palette: NARS Andy Warhol Debbie Harry Eye and Cheek Palette ($65)
Nestled inside this slim palette are electro-pop shades inspired by Blondie’s Debbie Harry and Andy Warhol. Includes four eyeshadows (Sparkling Turquoise, Twinkling Purple, Starry Black, White Shimmer) and two blushes (Shimmering Pink Champagne and Brilliant Cream). I love the idea of a fun, modern take on an ’80s-inspired eye for nights on the town.

7. Best Cheek Color: Tarte Maracuja Cheek Tint ($25)
This gel blush has a nice texture, great staying power, and the maracuja in it helps reduce redness and inflammation in your skin. This keeper comes in four perfectly-flushed shades.

8. Best Mascara: MAC Haute & Naughty Too Black Lash ($20)
This is like the original Haute & Naughty formula, but super inky for thick, full, dark-as-night lashes. There are two wands tucked inside of this tube. Unscrew the top cap to use the skinny wand that provides a natural effect; twist off the glittery cap for a lush brush that creates dramatic lashes. Layer the two for a really knockout flutter.

Fall 2012 Beauty Trend: Bordeaux

Bordeaux–that deep, burgundy, wine-soaked color–is huge this fall, both in fashion and beauty. Although it’s intense, it is wearable, and can be quite flattering when you want to make a statement. Here are a few ways to sport the trend without going overboard.

The photo above was snapped backstage at Gucci’s FW2012 ready-to-wear show. The model is wearing a bordeaux lip stain–a classically beautiful way to sport this bold hue. Notice how the makeup artist did an ombre effect, lightening the color as it progresses toward the center of her mouth. This is a great way to wear this shade, as it takes some of the harshness out of the color. A few product picks: L’Oreal Infallible Lipstick in Bold Bordeaux ($10); Revlon ColorStay Ultimate Liquid Lipstick in Brilliant Bordeaux ($11); and Rimmel Lasting Finish Lipstick in Bordeaux ($7).

The easiest way to work bordeaux into your beauty routine is on your nails. Essie’s Wicked ($8) is one of my favorite nailpolish shades. This oxblood hue is perfect for this time of year, and works with virtually all skin tones. Keep nails on the shorter side when wearing this or any dark polish; if they’re too long, you risk them looking like talons. (Image via Essie)

Finally, you can wear bordeaux on your eyes. I like it as a quick swipe across the lashline for a pop of unexpected color. Wearing it on the lower lid can make your eyes look red, so use it on the upper lid only. MAC Shade & Smoke Shadow/Liner in Beth Mask ($22) is a great shade. If you’re the daring type, go all out and do a smoky bordeaux eye. NYX Cream Shadow in Chestnut ($5) is a good match, and you can’t beat the price. Pat the color onto the lid and layer it until you’ve reached the desired effect. It’s not for the faint of heart, but it’s definitely show-stopping. (Image via Polyvore)

A few tips on wearing bordeaux:

• Only wear it on one feature at a time. If you’re doing bordeaux lips, don’t wear a lot of your color on the rest of your face. If you’re rocking a bordeaux eye, keep your lips nude and neutral. Focus on one feature to make the most impact and keep the look classy and on-trend.
• This color can be tricky to wear well, especially if it doesn’t work with your natural complexion. If you’re very fair, you might think this rich shade is too intense for you, but you can wear it — just adjust it to your liking. For example, if you’re wearing it on your lips and you feel like it’s too dark, blot it out with a tissue or layer a lighter shade of lipgloss over it. If you’re wearing it on your eyes and it looks like entirely too much, just do a tiny bit at the outer corners of your lids to add some drama to your look. If you’re confident in it, it will look great!

Essie We’re In It Together Collection For Breast Cancer Awareness

This October, Essie launches We’re In It Together, a 4-piece collection that commemorates National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Shades in this collection are: We Are In It Together (shimmery pale pink), I Am Strong (creamy true pink), Good Morning Hope (sheer light pink), and Check-Up (mid-tone cool pink). Bottles are $8 each, limited-edition, and available wherever Essie products are sold.

If you have an extensive collection of Essie polishes and love the color pink, Essie is running a promotion through October called 31 Days of Pink. The idea is to wear an Essie shade of pink each day in October to show your support for breast cancer awareness. Below is a chart of suggested colors for each day of the month.Will you be purchasing or wearing any of these new nail shades, or making a contribution to any breast cancer awareness charities this month?

Images via Essie