Ever wanted to get a salon gel manicure without actually having to go to the salon? Don't worry, ya girl's got ya covered. In my June faves post I mentioned the diy route that I've tried a couple of times & while that certainly makes me no expert, it's something that works for me. (maybe this is kind of a no-brainer diy, but we gotta help each other out, am I right??) 
SO, here's the WDAC way to a gel mani, in five (or four!) steps:

First things first for any good manicure: moisturizing & massaging your hands with some good cuticle cream. This helps to soften the cuticle and nail for an easier process, plus it helps with the whole salon experience, if we're being real. 
The first time I tried this I used store bought acrylic nails & I absolutely love the look & feel of them. Unfortunately the glue ended up BUSTING after a few touch ups and I haven't got around to the store for a new tube, so this time around I did everything on my natural nails. Lucky for you, it works both ways! It's all about preference. I personally love the look of oval/almond shaped nails, so I'll use the fakes when I can. Either way, you'll need to file down the nails first. (If you're using acrylics, glue the nails on & file after)
Once that's done it's time for the most simple part: the actual painting! You'll polish your nails with the color of your choice, just like normal. I normally do two coats even when I'm not doing gel because I feel like it just helps with staying power & finish. Then it's the FINAL STEP:
There are a lot of gel top coats/ polishes out there & I'm sure most of them are good, but I'm an Essie snob so I stuck with what I know & used their Gel Setter Top Coat. So much shine! When the color is dry you just swipe this over everything & let dry. GOOD. TO. GO.

Have you tried an at-home or salon gel mani? I've only tried the at-home, so maybe I'm a bit biased. Tell me which one you like better!
xo,

October Favorites

October brought some goodies into my life. (and not just yummy candy) Let's see what made the favorites:

First things first: 

I found this lovely little Mossimo crossbody and I've become obsessed. I love my Kate but I wanted something a little more autumnal/ wintery. So this bag it was. The deep burgundy and the details on the front.... it's so pretty. And it doesn't look that big, but you can fit quite a bit in there.

This Olay cleanser feels so so good and hydrating.

Pretty sure I bring out a new candle in like every month's favorites, but I absolutely this Sandalwood & Spiced Honey scent from Target. (Where else?) It basically smells like the inside of a Bath & Body Works in autumn, and who can resist the gold? That's what pulled me in in the first place....

Essie is also a frequent winner, and for good reason. This month's pick, Leggy Legend, is an October-January essential. The perfect golden hue with a fun touch of glitter screams holiday party season.

Thanks to Zoella, Rimmel Kate 107 lipstick is my #1, "ride or die" if you will. This month, I discovered that 030 is another color that everyone needs in their life. A lovely autumnal plum, it's semi-matte and lasting finish and I'm actually obsessed.

Recently there's been quite a few good albums out, and Selena Gomez is a top pick. Y'all. That album is gooood.

Also: My girl is always on the list. 

Tell me all your faves!

Essie Leggy Legend

Y'all. 

I think I may have found my favorite Essie color ever. (I know I say that about every color, but for real.)

Leggy Legend is the epitome of autumn. Gold tones, pretty, a bit of sparkle, and the loveliest of lovely. 

The formula is one of their best; no streaks or opaqueness and one coat looks great on its own, although two is my go-to.

Brb, time to wear this for the rest of forever! 

Have you tried this color? Tell me thoughts.

Essie In The Lobby

A couple weeks ago, Mandy included Essie's In the Lobby in her top fall nail picks. 

So naturally, I had to run out and get it. 

It's a pretty cinnamon color that looks perfectly autumn and the formula isn't streaky (which I'm all about) so putting on coats is easy-peasy. I like doubling up, but this looks just as good with only one coat!

I really like the way the color comes out and it's a lovely shade. 

Have you tried In The Lobby? Tell me how you feel!

My summer nail color picks

A pretty manicure goes hand in hand with summertime and can make all the difference.

Warmer months have me gravitating towards fresh and bright colors, and I've picked five of my personal favorites that transform your mani into instant summer magic.

Maybelline Color Show Pretty In Peach: I looove a good peach color and this is it. It's light and perfect for a day beside the pool, armed with peach tea of course.

Essie Blossom Dandy: I've done a post featuring this one, as it is the peeeerfect summer color. Bright but soft, it's a tropical escape in a bottle.

Essie Pret-a-Surfer: An electric blue, Pret-a-Surfer looks really nice on and the formula is smooth and pretty.

Essie Peach Daiquiri: I think this was my first experience with Essie polish and I adore this color! It's not peach so much as a coral, and after two coats it's the perfect summer touch.

Essie Tuck It In My Tux: White is a classic color that looks fabulous in any season. I like white nails in the summertime because it gives the illusion of a bit of sun-kissed skin. I've tried a lot of whites in my day and Tuck It In My Tux has my vote. 

Obviously I'm a bit obsessed with Essie polishes. #oops

Spill all your summer color/ brand picks!

Essie Blossom Dandy

On a recent Target trip, I decided to try out a color from Essie's 2015 spring collection.

I ended up picking Blossom Dandy, a pretty blue, almost turquoise color that's perfectly pastel.

I absolutely looove the formula. The color glides on and you don't need more than two coats. 

The wear is pretty decent; because I work with my hands a lot my manicures (unfortunately) start chipping fairly quickly, but this lasted nearly three days before I saw any flaws.

This is by far one of the best spring colors I've seen lately and it's definitely going to be getting its wear. Essie never seems to disappoint...... 

Lemme know if you've tried Blossom Dandy or any other colors from the spring collection!

On my nails: Essie Muchi, Muchi

I love a good light pink nail color for the spring. 

It's pastel and fresh and pretty.

Yesterday I picked up an "oldie but a goodie" of the Essie colors, Muchi, Muchi. It's a kind of opaque color that takes a couple of coats to really get the effect of. 

Once those coats are on, it's good to go!

Honestly I have yet to find an Essie color that I haven't fallen in love with. They're all so lovely.

Go grab yourself some of this polish asap! It's like spring in a bottle.

Chevron rings | LC Lauren Conrad {Similar}