So, I realize it’s been quite a bit since I’ve posted (and by that I mean maybe a week) but I’m trying to space out my entries a little more. It may have something to do with the fact that I am about to enter into an extremely busy season consisting of the following: incessant research and writing for my Master’s thesis, a destination wedding and a couple makeup opportunities, two jobs with inconsistent schedules, and my husband’s ministry. Fall 2012 is going to be a blur, and it’s going to be over in a minute.

But while we’re at Fall of 2012, might I mention that it is September? August has always been one of my least favorite months for various personal reasons (although this past one was my best yet), and so each year I crave that stretch into September, when everything finally begins to transition ever-so-slowly. Out here in Orange County things really transition slowly (it pretty remains summer out here until mid-October), but I think that’s the reason why I love the transition into fall so much- we get so little of it here that I relish every crisp, chilly bit. I savor every red-orange leaf that I see falling off a tree and every evening I step out and feel the slight need for boots. But of course, what makes this seasonal transition even more delightful is advent of fall fashion and fall beauty.

This particular season’s offerings consist of the usual suspects when it comes to colder weather: red, matte lips, smokey eyes in earthen tones, burgundy nails, and flushed cheeks. But my personal favorite for this go-round of autumn is what I like to call the bold, bordeaux lip. It’s dark and mysterious yet still warm … ugh, just makes me drool for autumn even more. It’s like the perfect companion for a mug of hot tea on a November Saturday morning at some quaint sidewalk cafe … while wearing faux fur.

This is, by far, the season’s easiest beauty trend to try. You can spend six bucks at the drugstore or up to thirty at Nordstrom and come out with the same awesome results. I also love that it’s a small, subtle way to add just a touch of goth to your look. I’ve had this L’Oreal Colour Riche lipstick in Spice for some time and it’ll be yielding itself quite handy. It’s a deep wine shade with some hints of brick-red. I also love Laura Mercier‘s lip stain in Mulberry for a lighter, slightly more pink-infused take on the look. This shade would be better for my fair-skinned friends (because with colors like this, it’s wise to test out various shades on your skin before committing to one). Also, you don’t have to layer on the stuff- you can apply one layer and then blot for a stained effect.

Kate Bosworth’s look seen here from this year’s MET Gala has seemed to provide the most memorable piece of evidence for the trend (photo provided by InStyle magazine). If you aren’t into how this looks, remember that you can always choose a less dramatic shade (and don’t be giving Kate the face … it’s the MET Gala. You’re supposed to go bold or go home). xo, MR