The Nail Wardrobe: Autumn Essentials

Since the last post introduced some autumnal shimmer back into the life, I figured why not continue with the autumn theme. The focus this time will be non-shimmery nail choices – as an aside, what do you call regular nail polishes that don’t have any sparkle? Matte? No, but they’re shiny.. Cream finish? I’m not really clear.

Anyway, these picks are my favourites for the fall and winter – and definitely more office-appropriate if that is a concern.

1) American Apparel Nail Lacquer in Factory Grey
American Apparel nail polish is actually really, really good–it dries fast and doesn’t chip too badly. It’s not a product I ever see mentioned on the beauty blogs or YouTube channels I watch, but I’ve been a fan for a long time. This is my favourite fall pick, as it is neutral, but quite a lovely dark grey, with almost bluish-purple undertones that make it less ‘dead’ looking. *Note: upon further perusal of the website, they don’t appear to have this colour anymore on the online store? I’m not sure if it’s still available or if you can still purchase it in stores.

2) Nails Inc. Nail Polish in Jermyn Street
I don’t even know how to describe this colour. It’s a mid-tone brown with some red/purple thrown in? It actually paints on much darker than it appears in the bottle, but to me it’s quite a unique colour and perfect for the cooler months without being too dark or too grey.

3)  L’Oreal Nail Color in #470 Haute Couture Red
This is not a special colour or formula, what I am trying to say with this one is that everyone should have a dark, vampy red in the fall. It’s a no-brainer and always in!

4) Essie Nail Lacquer in Haute in the Heat
Strangely enough, Haute in the Heat was part of Essie’s summer collection a few months ago, but when I picked it up, I was instantly drawn to the deep raspberry colour–it was lovely for summer and I think it’s deep enough, but will still brighten up your fall wardrobe. This might be my favourite nail polish purchase of the year (and I am OBSESSED with buying nail polish).

5) Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure in #510 Pat on the Black
A discovery from last fall, this deep, almost-black purple is a beautiful colour, a good substitute for a dark red, but still chic. Love the Complete Salon Manicure range from Sally Hansen–very affordable and it has a good formula. I find it’s quite difficult to find a dark purple that doesn’t have any shimmer in it, so I would love to know if you guys know of any good dupes!

I have many, many more polishes that I wear in the fall, but these are some of the ones I will be painting on the most. Let me know what your favourites are!