Ouch! I have a new found respect for beauty gurus. Lip swatches are tough business! My favorite season for makeup and fashion is fall, so it's no surprise that I have tons of favorite fall lipsticks. And I've narrowed the list down to 9 ultimate favs this year.  

Before I jump into the reason my lips are technicolor, a mini-announcement: I'm a Lucky Contributor! Which really isn't a huge deal, but is pretty big to me :)I'd seen this little badge all over the blogging community for so long, so I'm excited to finally be a part of the club. I have 3 post (including, this one!) published over there, and I need your help. If you have a moment, please click over there and "heart" my posts! It would mean so much! I've also popped the badge into my sidebar so you can check out my published posts whenever you can :)

Okay, on to the fall lip colors!

Colors are shown left-to-right.

Go Nude

MAC Hug Me - It's like being wrapped in the warmest hug of liiiffee! Hug Me is my perfect nude. MAC says it's a flesh pink, but in my opinion, it's much more neutral. I line my lips with MAC's lipliner in Chesnut, and baaam! Love.

YSL Rouge Volupte in #09 Caress Pink - Lipstick gods have spoken. The obsession with YSL lipsticks is real, y'all. And this color, described as a muted raspberry pink, is a great pink for my skin tone during the colder months (or any month really) <33

Jordana Lipliners in Coco Loco and Rock n' Rose - Everybody's looking for the perfect "Kylie Jenner lip" and while I'm not sure that this combo is dead on, it's pretty close. Thanks to Vicky Logan on YouTube!

Be Bold

L.A. Colors Glazed Lip Paint in Coy - This is puuurple. This bold lavender shade was released as part of a spring collection, but I like it as a brave choice for fall as well. It's not an everyday color, but on a certain girl's night out with a brown liner, it's a great pop.

MAC Rebel - Rebel is my fall JAM. Every fall, I put "wear dark lipstick" on my fall bucket list with this color in mind. It's probably my most worn lipstick during the fall, followed closely by Hug Me and the Dior one below. I'm on my second tube because it's cannon.

Dior Rouge Favori #752 - One of my favorite reds if not my favorite. It's a warm-toned red which is perfect for my skin tone and it's kind of a talisman for me. I wore it to my first ever law school Barrister's Ball, and it seems to be present for so many other memorable moments. Plus, I'll rock a red lip every damn day of the year.

Do Dark

NARS Valparaiso - Described by NARS as a rich raspberry, this pure matte lipstick is perfect for fall. I've had this little baby in my makeup collection for a few years now, and I'm always excited to rediscover it every season, like "oooh, I forgot all about you!".

Wet N' Wild Cherry Bomb - Both this shade and the next were featured in my "Vampy Lips" post. Cherry Bomb is a black cherry colored, semi-matte, super long-wearing lipstick. I pop it on my lips whenever I want to feel done up with very little makeup.

Wet N' Wild Vamp It Up - This deep purple, almost black isn't for everyone, but I've been rocking it like crazy this fall so far. I pair this lippie with basic liner and lots of lashes for an insta-glam look.

Really like any of the lipsticks mentioned above? Well, not only are three of them sold at Sephora (NARS Valparaiso, Dior Rouge Favori and YSL Caress Pink), but the beauty megastore has a gazillion to choose from. All the more reason to enter the Sephora giveaway! It ends November 9th. I truly wish I could enter, but alas, you must enter and win so I can live vicariously through your purchases :)




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What are your favorite fall lip colors?

Cozy & Chic Fall Accessories

Fall-O-Ween is still in full effect even though I was absent there for a few days (check out the beginning of yesterday's post to find out why). I still have plenty to share regarding my favorite season, so expect to see me popping up on your blog feed quite a lot in the next couple of weeks. You may even see me during the weekend. Oooooh.

We've already talked about how much I love Fall-O-Ween because of the decor, books, beauty, music and nails. But I also just love accessorizing for fall. I get a majority of my fall accessories from store like Forever 21, H&M, and, sometimes, ASOS Online because they always stock really cute pieces at very affordable prices. When colder weather hits, I can hardly wait to cuddle up in a warm, chunky scarves and rock those suede booties I love. Getting dressed for a crisp fall day is so fun and easy, which is why fall fashion is my favorite.

Cozy & Chic Fall Accessories by ❤︎Kari featuring a Pumpkin Caramel Latte Candles

Tortoise Sunglasses - I adore these quirky patterned sunglasses all year 'round, and I don't put them away for fall simply because the sun's play hide-and-seek. Throwing on a pair of cute sunnies, to me, is so chic all the time.
Faux Readers - Another fashion trend for the entire year, but I've recently been liking the idea of adding these specs to complete a look. Not only do they instantly make you look smart, but they remind me of libraries and books, and I mean, helloooo, I love books. Win!
Cozy Scarves - I don't doubt this is on everyone's "fall list". Simple a must-have, especially in a basic color to go with everything in your closet.
Rings, Rings & More Rings! - I tend to load up on rings in the summer and fall. Don't ask me why, I just do.
Berry Nail Polish - I reserve my berry-colored polish for fall. It just feels special that way. I also really love the way deep-purples look against my skin tone.
Booties - About two years ago, I bought a pair of suede, black booties from Urban Outfitters for $80. Best eighty dollars I've ever spent! I've worn them so much yet they are still in amazing condition. Because they're suede, I don't like pulling them out until it gets cooler, but when it does... those babies are a fall staple for sure.
Animal Accents - Hello, leopard print everything :)
Wide-brimmed Hat - Who says a big, floppy hat is only appropriate for the beach? I laugh in the face of fashion faux-pas. I'm loving this wide-brimmed fedora for fall.
Bold Lipstick - We've talked about this :)
Studded Items - I'm in lurrvvvee with this Alexander Wang Rocco bag. It's gorg. It's also very expensive, but let's not talk about that. Any studded accessory is perfect in my book.
Bow-shaped Things - Bows are acceptable anytime, but these berry ones are great for the season.
Colorful Stockings & Socks - How fun are the 2 socks above?
Florals - For some strange reason, I've been really into florals for the past year. Floral bedding, floral skirts, florals in general. And this floral watch is no exception. I think the brown band makes it less spring-like and more fall wearable.
Candles - Because candles are accessories too. Kinda? :\ The Pumpkin Caramel Latte one is heavenly.

Those are my chic and cozy accessories for fall. What are your favorites?



Speaking of cozy things, you may want to check out this week's giveaway! I went a little crazy online shopping the week and picked up a few extras, including a candle and scarf, by accident :) Enter below, if you'd like to win this quick little prize.
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Don't forget! The Fall-O-Ween Giveaway #2 is ending tonight! 

If you like fall beauty, be sure to enter before midnight!

Spooky Nail Ideas For The Artistically-Challenged

One thing I've always been jealous of? People who can do their nails really well. Cause homegirl is pretty terrible at it; and by homegirl I, of course, mean me. Really though, how do you people create these amazing designs? Teach me your wayyys!

Now I may be nail decal illiterate and unable to polish my right hand without smearing everything (lord, help me!), but I want themed nails too, especially with Halloween approaching. I'm not going for anything too elaborate (that would be a big fail), but I'm already feeling so festive, my nails should be too! So if you're challenged like me or can't go completely all out because of work or whatever, try your hand at these 4 designs I was able to successfully pull off (so basically a kindergartner can do it).

Shout out to my ratchet lil DIY dotting tool at the bottom! You da best :)

Spooky nails are great, but so's a deep purple or berry shade for fall! My dear Deb mentioned that she love Bahama Mama by Essie, and well, now I'm polishing my nails that color. What Deb says I do #basic :)

If you've written about fall beauty or any Fall-O-Ween themed posts recently, link up below. I'd love to read all about it!

Giveaway Time!!!

Interested in rocking a dark lip this fall? Thinking about trying a spooky nail on for size, or just in love with berry-toned polish? Enter to win this neat little bundle of goodies! Fall-O-Ween giveaway #2 features: Wet n Wild lipsticks in "Cherry Bomb" and "Vamp It Up", Ardell "Demi 105 lashes (all from the previous post), and the black and white nail polishes used above. You seriously want this beauty stash!

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Also, don't forget to enter the Gone Girl Giveaway! It ends Sunday night!

Tell me about your favorite fall beauty products in the comments below!

Vamp Life: How To Rock A Bold Lip

Now, while red lipstick is like my uniform and I'll don a dark lip any day, I find that I gravitate to deep reds and purples when the weather gets colder. Although every YouTube beauty guru pumps out tutorial after tutorial incorporating a dark fall lip, I prefer pairing my vampy lip with lots of lashes, and minimal eye makeup. In fact, I usually slap on a dark lipstick and mascara when I have very little time or will to do my makeup but want to look presentable.

This fall I'm mostly excited to keep two shades, Wet N' Wild Cherry Bomb & Vamp It Up, in rotation (as well as MAC's Rebel because, hello, fall staple right there!). So in honor of vamp season (Vamp season = the premieres of both Vampire Diaries and Originals this week), I present my favorite dark/bold lip look!

PS. This was posted from the corner of my local Starbucks because my internet is out. That's how much I love you <3

Giveaway/link-up post coming, oh so, soon!

Are you into vampy lips for fall? What's your favorite shade?

FALL (in love): A Playlist

Just like with novels, music seems to have a season for me too. For me, autumn is the perfect time to listen to slower, softer songs, without letting go of the feel good songs of the summer. This playlist progresses from the mellow to the upbeat tracks I've been loving. It's the kind of playlist that I love to throw on when I'm in a chill mode, especially while I'm walking around the city. The slower, more "epic" tracks are great for writing sessions when my novel soundtracks just aren't inspiring me. And the more upbeat, catchy songs are great for anything active. Many of the tracks that make it to my playlists during this time are from some of my favorite fall t.v. shows, like Sons of Anarchy, Vampire Diaries and The Originals.  I also like to combine newer songs with some older ones for the perfect mix. My favorites include "Bartholomew" by The Silent Comedy (played during the Klaus massacre scene in The Originals), "Rainy Day" by Guster (from the movie "Life As A House"), and "Black Widow" by Iggy Azalea & Rita Ora, and "2 On" by Tinashe & Schoolboy Q.

So here's the songs that got me through September and will carry me well through Fall-O-Ween! I hope you find a few to enjoy :)

I also love this mash up of Calvin Harris' "Summer" and Lana Del Ray's "Summertime Sadness" by Charity Vance!

What kind of music do you listen to in the fall? Love any of the tracks on the list?

Also, don't forget to enter the giveaway for Gone Girl!

Fall-O-Ween Reads [& a Giveaway!]

Better late than never, right? :)

In case you missed it, Fall-O-Ween kicked off this past Wednesday. And yeah, I'm still brimming with excitement. I really need to find a better word for that. Elation? :\

Is it just me or do you tend to read novels according to seasons? I mean, if a book I'm really looking forward to is released, I'll read it right then no matter what. But I usually binge on cute contemporaries during the spring and summer, while devouring on darker fantasy and dystopians during the fall and winter. And oddly enough, I find that I focus on classics and philosophy type books in the depths of winter. Seasons for reading... who knew?

Well as it's Fall-O-Ween, I've got a horrific list of scary reads on the blog today in video form. Oh, and don't worry! For those of you who aren't into the fright, I've also got a list of books I plan to read for fall (coming very soon!), many of which are darker, but not horrifying. Something for everybody! But even if you're not into it, check out the end of the scary video anyway - spoiler alert: things are being given away!

As it's first friday, it's time for the first linkup! I don't expect everyone to be as into the season as I am, of course, but if you've written a Fall-O-Ween related post in the past week, share it with us below. If it's about books then great, but it could be anything - fall makeup, decorating ideas, recipes, favorites, recaps, birthday plans, fashion - you name it! I'm ready for an influx of Fall-O-Ween spirit.

Giveaway!

And finally (& probably the best part!), use the Rafflecopter below to enter the first giveaway of Fall-o-ween! Details of the prize in the "Scary Books" video above!
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Welcome October, I've Been Waiting! (& Hello, Fall-O-Ween!)

Words cannot express how ridiculously excited I am now that October is finally here. Actually, maybe that one can: ridiculously. I am ridiculously excited for all things fall and October and Halloweeny-related, and I've been itching to spill about my plans for weeks! Sure, those three things (fall, October, Halloween, hereinafter referred to as "Fall-O-Ween" 'round these parts) are normally associated with dying. But just like Beth from Attachments, October makes me feel alive. The weather is perfect, the energy in the city is always lively, I can wear riding boots everyday and hello, Indian Summer!

But what does all that mean? 

Posts about any & everything Fall-O-Ween:
Expect a lot more of me, showing up on this dear blog of mine. I had a thought of turning this into a Blogtober (blog everyday in October) sort of thing, but who am I kidding?... However, 3-5 times per week? Yeah, that's happening.

Giveaways:
Another thing that's happening - small giveaways. No car for you; this isn't the Oprah Show :) But I love Fall-O-Ween so much that I wanted to share a bit of it with you all this month!

Link Ups:
Is fall your favorite season? Do you go all-out for Halloween? Do you blog about anything Fall-O-Ween related? If so, pop in to TKD every Friday in October and simply link one of your posts for us to see! (Also, feel free to grab the button below if you like).

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<a href="http://www.thekaridiaries.com" title="The Kari Diaries"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/muchos_besos/hello_falloween.png" alt="The Kari Diaries" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

With all that introduction out of the way, let's kick off Fall-O-Ween right! Remember the little sneak peek in this post? Well, last week, I made my little apartment a bit more cozy by decorating for fall. I may add a spider, trinket or cobweb here or there as Halloween approaches, but most of the decor stays the same until December. We're picture heavy today, so check out lots more after the cut!

Dark Lips & Weekend Trips, I'm Ready For You, Fall!

I've notoriously created seasonal bucket lists chalked full of tons of activities. So many that, of course, I rarely completed every item on my list. It's almost laughable how much of a fail those bucket lists became. You'd think I'd learn my lesson and not be so overzealous this season. Well, kinda. While those lists had 20+ items, this season I've aimed for 15.

I'd like to make a little project out of this, so I'm going to attempt to document the completion of items on the list by taking lots of pictures and by blogging and using social media to track progress. That way, at the end of the season, I can dedicate a post to my results.

Last fall I was really behind the season, posting my fall bucket list in October. This year, I'm getting ahead of the curve. As usual, I've been ready for fall since mid-August, and thinking about all things fall and my plans for October (!) get me excited. It's like I can't sit still.

By the way, how gorgeous is that scene above? Fall, where are thou?
 
Do you have a bucket list for fall? What's on it? Inquiring minds want to know. And my inquiring minds, I, of course, mean me.

Fall Bucket List

So fall began on September 22nd, but it hasn't really felt like the seasons were changing until this past weekend, so this isn't so late after all. Inspired by my Pinterest board "Things I'm Excited About", I present my fall bucket list. This is my first time physically making one (I usually just have a list of things I want to do in my head), so it's fitting that it's for my favorite season. There are probably a million reasons why I love fall. I'm excited for cozy sweaters and delicious hot coffees. I can't wait for ABC's 13 Days of Halloween, crisp air and falling leaves (although I could do without the allergies, thank you very much!). Just thinking about it all and I can't sit still. Yet almost every fall like clockwork, life gets busy, days blow by me and before I know it, I'm greeted by a thin layer of snow on a cold morning in the middle of December. Not this year!

I know it seems like way too many things to do, but I'm nothing if not overzealous. It keeps me young :) Ha!

Oh, and another great thing about fall? Fall television shows are back! Sons of Anarchy and Revenge have already returned. The Vampire Diaries and Scandal premiere this Thursday at 8pm, and The Walking Dead on the 13th. I'm a very happy girl!

Do you have a fall bucket list? Well… what's on it?!