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Allure/Gabi Thorne

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At Allure, we get inundated with the latest and greatest beauty offerings every day. Most of it is exciting, some of it confusing, and sometimes it gets overwhelming, especially now that our homes have become our offices. Alas, that is the beauty editor's burden to bear.

When we really like something, you can trust that our opinion has come from vetting it against everything we've seen before, including our longtime favorites. (We've even written love letters to some of the products we hold most dear.) But we're always open to finding — and sharing — new favorites. It's a big beauty playground out there, so we'll gladly do the dirty work to test everything under the sun. And the crème de la crème often graduate to our Best of Beauty trials.

But let's stick to the present for now. Each week, Allure editors select the new hair, makeup, and skin-care products we're currently obsessing over. Trying to narrow down our favorites to just one or two products can be hard, but we manage. Check out what our editors can't get enough of right now.

All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

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  Tarte Sea Hydroflex Serum Foundation

  "Applying a few drops of Tarte Sea Hydroflex Serum Foundation is like walking around with a ring light affixed on my face. It temporarily plumps fine lines with hyaluronic acid while the natural-finish tint helps even and brighten my overall tone." — Dianna Mazzone, senior beauty editor

  $39

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  Ouai X Byredo Leave-in Conditioner Mojave Ghost

  "I was already a fan of Ouai's leave-in conditioner. It's great for everyday use, especially to loosen and make my Afro-textured hair more pliable when I style it — it's never failed me. Last year, Ouai released a version of its dry shampoo in collaboration with Byredo, spiking it with its Mojave Ghost scent. The smell was heavenly. Truly. But dry shampoo, well, dries out my hair like nobody's business, so I sadly couldn't use it. This year, the folks at Ouai really came through, adding the Mojave Ghost fragrance to its Leave-in Conditioner formula. I have never been happier. I get the same beautiful moisture and frizz control from this that I typically do, but now my hair smells even more heavenly. I've had it for a few weeks, and I'm already 1/4 through my bottle. That's how you know it's good." — Jihan Forbes, staff editor

  $26

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  Alpha H Hylauronic 8 Super Serum

  “Not going to lie: I stole this serum… from my husband. Out of the three skin-care products he uses (don't even get me started), he loves a hyaluronic acid serum. Well, so do I, and when I recently found myself out of my current hyaluronic acid serum, I needed a quick replacement. So, I reached into his side of the bathroom cabinet and discovered the Alpha H Hylauronic 8 Super Serum with PrimalHyal Ultrafiller — and have been secretly using his stash ever since. I like that it's slightly thick in texture and dries down without leaving a sticky feeling, which makes it a perfect primer for my night cream. I've been using it so much I think he's starting to notice it's almost gone. Oops." — Sarah Kinonen, associate beauty director

  $62 at Alpha-H

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  Evolve Satin Wide-Edge Bonnet 1660 in Fuchsia

  "Because I'm often at home, I practically live in a bonnet or durag to keep my 3C curls protected and tucked away. The Evolve Satin Wide Edge Bonnet 1660 in Fuchsia recently joined my collection, and I've been obsessed with it mainly for the thick band, which helps smooth your hair and edges while keeping the bonnet secured. The satin bonnet is a perfect size, so I can use it for my teeny-weeny-afro or with longer, braided protective styles. Recently, I've been wearing the pink bonnet over my waist-length cornrows, and the thick black band has worked great to keep the braids secure." — Gabi Thorne, editorial assistant

  $6 at Target

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  Rare Beauty Perfect Strokes Universal Volumizing Mascara

  "This mascara does, indeed, give you the perfect strokes. The big, fluffy applicator brush on the  Rare Beauty Perfect Strokes Universal Volumizing Mascara delivers the ideal amount of product to add volume and length without getting all clumpy. It also doesn't flake, and I love the pretty pink packaging." — Kara McGrath, deputy editor

  $20More from Allure

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  Beautyblender Bounce Always On Radiant Skin Tint

  "I always thought that as I got older I'd reach for fuller-coverage foundation, but as it turns out, it's lighter formulas that make my skin look its most radiant. That's especially true of Beautyblender Bounce Always On Radiant Skin Tint, which has recently become my go-to base for any day I deem deserving of a little makeup. I cannot get over the instantaneous, natural-looking glow it gives me — it's like what I'd hope my complexion would look like without makeup if I stuck to my skin-care regimen more diligently. And thanks to hyaluronic acid and niacinamide in the super-blendable, buildable formula, it's essentially part of my skin-care regimen." — Marci Robin, contributing editor

  $29

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  First Aid Beauty Face Cleanser

  "This cleanser's creamy, fragrance-free formula with calming aloe vera has the power to remove every trace of mineral sunscreen, makeup, and grime on my face at the end of the day but never leaves my reactive skin red or irritated. And because First Aid Beauty Pure Skin Face Cleanser is so gentle, I also don't worry about it interacting with the actives — like retinol — I'm using during the rest of my routine. It's turned the act of washing my face at night from another item on my to-do list to a soothing ritual — in more ways than one." — Dianna Mazzone, senior beauty editor

  You can find First Aid Beauty Face Cleanser in the October 2021 Allure Beauty Box. 

  $22

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  Amala Detoxifying Body Smoothing Polish

  "Roughly once per week, I like to use a body scrub that's infused with chemical exfoliants to rub away rough or dead skin. Amala's Detoxifying Body Smoothing Polish has exactly what I need with crushed olive seeds that aren't too big or too small and willow bark extract, which has a similar effect to salicylic acid. After each use, it leaves me with baby-soft skin." — Gabi Thorne, editorial assistant

  $48 at Amala Beauty

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  T3 AireBrush Duo

  "With this 2-in-1 styling brush, my thick 3A/3B curls stand no chance against the interchangeable styling heads and five heat settings the T3 AireBrush Duo brings to the table. I'll start by using the paddle brush to pull out my tight ringlets and switch over to the round brush that clicks into place to create a bouncy salon blowout in less than an hour (which is groundbreaking for all the hair I have). Last but not least, I'll use the cool-shot button, locking in my hairstyle and creating that sleek, healthy hair shine." — Talia Gutierrez, beauty assistant

  $180 at T3

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  Oribe Valley of Flowers Eau de Parfum

  "I never thought a floral fragrance would become my signature fall scent, but here we are. Right off, Oribe's Valley of Flowers Eau de Parfum hits you with a clean mix of Bulgarian rose, jasmine, and peony scents, but wears into musky, amber notes that balance it out for cooler, darker days." — Kara McGrath, deputy editor

  $125 at Oribe

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  CoverGirl Outlast Extreme Wear Concealer

  "I've never been much of a concealer person. Rather than reaching for a product that (usually) requires an application tool, I'd make do with a quick slathering of tinted moisturizer and call it a day. Recently, I came across the new CoverGirl Outlast Extreme Wear Concealer, though, and let me tell you: I've never ditched foundation so fast. While lightweight in texture, this creamy formula goes a long way — only a few dots under my eyes, around the nose, and on my chin is all I need — and lasts all day without piling, smearing, or creasing. Oh, and did I mention it's only $10? A certified steal." — Sarah Kinonen, associate beauty director

  $10 at Target

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  Whish Pink Champagne Lip Balm with Bakuchiol

  "Every time I get fillers, my lips require hydration at all times. My remedy of choice lately has been the Whish Pink Champagne Lip Balm. The translucent, jelly-like formula slicks on like a gloss to bathe lips in a soothing layer of hydration. Plus, I love how it gives them a non-sticky shine. When its sheen wears away, though, my lips are left just as moisturized as when I first slathered it on. Best of all, the balm is spiked with bakuchiol, a buzzy ingredient known as a gentle, vegan retinol alternative, to help smooth away flakiness and inflammation. It's typically found in serums and cream, so this was my intro to bakuchiol's lip-nourishing benefits." — Devon Abelman, beauty editor 

  You can find Whish Pink Champagne Lip Balm in the October 2021 Allure Beauty Box. 

  $20 at Amazon

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  You Go Natural T-Shirt Bun

  "On those days where I'm too lazy to do anything to my hair, I wear the You Go Natural T-Shirt Bun. The hair turban is made with a stretchable jersey knit material that has been pre-tied into a bun; all you have to do is put it on. I love its satin lining as it's super gentle on my 3C curls. Of its 19 solid-colored and printed styles to choose from, the Olive hue shown above is my favorite."— Gabi Thorne, editorial assistant

  $35 at You Go NaturalMore from Allure

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  Courtesy of brand14/15

  Pat McGrath Labs Mothership IX: Huetopian Dream

  "We already know Pat McGrath Labs' makeup is top-tier, so you won't be too surprised to hear I am absolutely loving the Mothership IX: Huetopian Dream palette. Its combination of my favorite foiled, shimmery shades in hues of bronze, warm pinks, and purples go on with the swipe of a finger — my preferred way application technique for this formula. The mattes, on the other hand, blend out beautifully with a brush, and with this palette, you don't need to do much. A little two-shadow look has enough dimension in it for folks to think you did the most when really, you did that with minimal effort." — Jihan Forbes, staff editor

  $125 at Pat McGrath

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  Ellis Brooklyn Super Amber Eau de Parfum

  "If a Barefoot Dreams blanket could take the form of a scent, it'd be Ellis Brooklyn Super Amber. The eau de parfum has notes of vanilla orchid, cedarwood, and musk, but amber is the star of the show — and makes this blend so warm and enveloping, you'll want to wrap yourself up in it all winter long." — Dianna Mazzone, senior beauty editor

  $105

Keywordseditors' favoritesbeauty productsallure editorshair careskin caremakeupfragrancehair toolseditors picksshoppingshopping guideAllure Beauty BoxABB Productsbrow pencilFoundationbody lotionHuda Beautydeciemlip balmscowash

Allure / Soleil Summer

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Nail polish sets, perhaps more so than any other type of beauty product, are quite possibly the perfect holiday present. They are truly the gift that keeps on giving — the recipient gets multiple shades, all of which last and last as they're used over and over again. And considering that the public-health circumstances of the last couple of years turned many of us into well-practiced at-home self-manicurists, they serve as an opportunity to keep up our recently improved nail-painting skills. Nail polish is loved by people of all ages, and really, can you think of any other non-edible product better suited for an advent calendar? 

Thankfully, all of your favorite brands are offering awesome kits that will get rave reviews from the folks on your gift list. Should you find yourself stumped over what to buy for your perfect stranger of a Secret Santa designee or your beauty-loving best friend has expressed interest in doing their own gel manicures, we've found fabulous nail polish sets at every price point and in a huge variety of colors. 

Our picks will give your recipients fun shades to choose from for months to come. But don't be surprised if they crack the bottles open immediately, especially considering how festive some of the selections are.

All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

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  Smith & Cult Holiday Glitter Kit

  It won't come as a shock if you spot the person you give the Smith & Cult Holiday Glitter Kit wearing one — or all three — of the colors at a New Year's Eve bash. The Message (a metallic crimson), Sugarette (a smoky white), and Glass Souls (silver glitter in a clear base) are party-perfect with their wintry, festive feel. We especially love how Glass Souls looks gorgeous on bare nails or over its fellow Holiday Glitter Kit polishes as a topper, not to mention that the set's velvety sack also comes with a nail file.

  $54

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  CND Vinylux Party Ready 2021 Collection

  Sure, you could just buy a shade or two from CND's Vinylux Party Ready 2021 Collection, but considering how classic and versatile each and every color is, you might as well get your favorite manicure-loving mate the entire sextet. They all work so well for both formal and low-key holiday parties, as well as every imaginable occasion to come in 2022. Our favorite shades would have to be Glitter Sneakers, a shimmering true gold, and High Waisted Jeans, an intense navy blue.

  $44

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  Ciaté London Mini Mani Month 2021

  The removable illustration by designer Ruby Taylor on the environmentally conscious packaging of Ciaté's advent calendar is reason enough to get the Mini Mani Month 2021 set. So cute, right? But what's inside — 22 mini Plant Pot Polishes and a full-size Plant Pot Polish — makes it a true treasure. The huge array of shades are joined by a non-nail product: a deluxe Watermelon Burst Hydrating Primer, which is vegan just like the polishes.

  $65

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  Nails Inc Nail Spice Gingerbread-Scented Nail Polish Set

  You may want to give Nails Inc's Nail Spice Gingerbread-Scented Nail Polish Set a little early so your recipient can enjoy its polishes' holiday-inspired aroma throughout the season. As for the shades, there's no time of year they won't look lovely. All four — Pudding Lane, Bread Street, Honey Lane, and Nutmeg Lane — represent a range of beige- to brown-toned neutrals that go with absolutely everything.

  $22

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  Le Mini Macaron Rouge & Moi Le Maxi Deluxe Manicure Set

  Got a friend who's confidently ready to try doing their own gel manicures? Le Mini Macaron's Rouge & Moi Le Maxi Deluxe Manicure Set tells them you support their DIY ambitions. It comes with everything they need to get started: an LED lamp, 20 remover wraps, a nail file, a cuticle stick, and of course, gel polishes. The four shades of pinks and reds are romantic and timeless, making their lasting power all the more appealing.

  $65

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  Deborah Lippmann Beautiful Dirty Rich Gel Lab Pro Color Set

  Deborah Lippmann's new Beautiful Dirty Rich set is a gorgeous gift for anyone who loves doing their nails, but it'll be especially appreciated by those who are already big fans of Gel Lab Pro Color because it features nine brand-new shades they won't yet have in their collection. The combination of creamy and shimmery finishes in both neutral and vibrant colors means an option for every mood, and as usual, you can expect longevity that rivals gel formulas.

  $45

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  Sundays Polish Box of 3

  The Sundays Polish Box of 3 is a great gift for someone you know really, really well. Like, can-pick-out-three-perfect-nail-polish-colors-they'll-adore well, because that's exactly what you'll do. Choose from more than 50 shades — may we suggest the Best of Beauty Award-winning pale pink shade, L.01? — that will be presented in a lovely white box. Base coats and topcoats are options, too, just in case your friend appreciates practicality. 

  $55

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  Essie Art of the Manicure

  No manicure is truly living its best life without a proper base coat, topcoat, and cuticle oil. So while Essie has seemingly endless shades to choose from, we'd be remiss to not recommend the brand's Art of the Manicure set for someone who's serious about a thorough at-home manicure. It includes the manicure-extending Here to Stay Base Coat, the gel-like, Best of Beauty Award-winning Gel Setter Top Coat, and the noticeably conditioning Apricot Cuticle Oil. These game-changers mean manicures that are longer-lasting and healthier-looking than color alone could ever appear.

  $25

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  Orly Momentary Wonders Lacquer Kit

  Orly's new Momentary Wonders six-piece set is somehow both ethereal and bold. Perhaps it's the common thread of shimmer in each and every new shade, four of which — Flight of Fancy, Awestruck, Dancing Embers, and Touch of Magic — skew somewhere in the range between purple and pink. The golden Whispered Lore shade adds to the royal feel of the lineup, while the not-quite-white Ephemeral lightens an otherwise darker array of hues.

  $57

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  Coach x Sephora Collection Tea Rose Nail Set

  The Coach and Sephora Collection collaboration could not be cuter (this is an actual fact), and the Tea Rose Nail Set may very well be the cutest of the cute. It includes a duo of flower-topped bottles — one shiny, pink polish, and one two-in-one base coat and topcoat — whose design alone makes painting one's nails all the more enjoyable. And if your recipient is looking at the packaging wishing they could somehow implement the illustrations into their manicure, well, they can: The set comes with nail stickers featuring a unicorn, T-rex, shark, and (more) flowers.

  $18

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  Nailtopia Jingle All the Way

  Nailtopia has always taken its nontoxic, cruelty-free, vegan formulas very seriously, but that doesn't mean the brand — and your gift recipient — can't have a little holiday nail-polish fun. The new Jingle All the Way set feels just the right amount of frosty with its shimmering array of blue and purple lacquer. And with several pastel shades, this set begs to be worn well into spring.

  $15

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  OPI Holiday '21 Nail Lacquer Mini 25-Piece Advent Calendar

  OPI's Holiday '21 Advent Calendar may be festive, but the brand is not playing around. It has included an incredible array of 22 mini nail lacquers — a combination of shades from the new Celebration Collection and indelible favorites likes Lincoln Park After Dark and Strawberry Margarita — so your recipient has seemingly endless options for whatever look they're going for. They'll also receive mini versions of the RapiDry Top Coat, Bubble Bath Nail Envy, and Original Start to Finish three-in-one so they have a truly complete nail wardrobe.

  $70

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Source: Alaina Kaczmarski for The Everygirl

When the little delivery monster calls out to me when the clock strikes 7 p.m. and everything in my fridge just “doesn’t sound good,” I can rarely resist. I live alone; eating out is honestly more economical sometimes, and there’s always less clean-up than cooking at home. Win, win. But I was getting to a point where I craved getting coffee and a bagel in the mornings, a burrito bowl for lunch, and sushi for dinner—and my body and wallet were straight-up begging me to cook a damn meal for myself.

I embarked on a journey to eat at home for two weeks (coffee runs not included), and I’ll be honest: It wasn’t easy. Will I ever be the person who cooks everything at home and only goes out for a little special treat? No, I will always make impromptu Pad Thai runs whenever it strikes my fancy, but I learned a few tricks to combat the delivery demon once and for all. Here’s what I relied on the last two weeks: 

 

Source: Alaina Kaczmarski for The Everygirl

 

1. Meal Kits

I was always under the impression that investing in a meal kit would be just as expensive as getting takeout except with all the clean-up I don’t want to deal with, but Blue Apron made me a believer. I get a takeout-worthy meal for cheaper than I’d spend ordering out, get to flex my cooking muscle, and can always try new things. Blue Apron makes eating at home feel like you’re doing something special. I live alone, so I always eat one portion for dinner and the other for lunch the next day, so I get two meals out of each, which saves me a massive amount of time and money in the long run. And every meal is truly as good as something I’d get delivered, but I rest assured that my wallet will thank me afterward. 

Blue Apron introduces me to tons of new ingredients and recipes that I otherwise would never pick up for myself—like a vegetarian pasta or a fish I’ve never cooked before. They have a variety of meals and new foods that I’m always excited to try (but admittedly get excited when my favorite recipes pop back up too!). This week, I tried a pasta dish with pancetta and breadcrumbs. If I saw that on Pinterest, I’d skip right over it because I wouldn’t know what I was doing, but now, I put the recipe card in my kitchen cabinet and already have plans to make it again.

When cooking got a little old, my Blue Apron box revived me again. If you want to try Blue Apron too, sign up to get up to 14 free meals (!) and free shipping on your first box!

 

2. Meal Planning

I am the first to admit that I do not like meal prepping, but I stand by planning my meals. While this isn’t necessarily food, it’s truly what kept me accountable. I keep a planner with my meals for the day, and every Sunday, I plan my meals and make a grocery list simultaneously. Then, I know I have everything in the fridge to make what I want and I’m not scrambling to get all the ingredients when the day comes (á la the French). 

 

 

3. Frozen Meals

I would live on frozen gyoza and rice if that wasn’t super weird. I am the first to admit that even on my best day, I don’t want to spend a bunch of time in the kitchen prepping, and I really don’t want to buy a ton of veggies and produce that’ll just go bad in my fridge when I inevitably don’t use them up. I relied heavily on frozen options to get me through the nights when I didn’t have anything prepped. 

I did a big haul of frozen fruits and veggies, rice, meat, and easy one-pan meals to get me by, and I used at least one of them every single day. This alone saved me so much money instead of letting food—that I really had intended to eat but just didn’t get to in time—in my fridge go bad. This also was a godsend when it got to the end of the week. When I’m “out of groceries” (AKA all my favorites) is when I really fuel the delivery monster, but having stuff in the freezer once I’d used up all the meat and pantry items I had at the beginning of the week kept me on track. 

 

4. Pasta

There are about a thousand variations of pasta out there, and I’ll be honest, I’ve cooked probably 800 of them. Noodles are always on the docket because I can keep a few different types on hand with all the classic sauce combinations. I love classic vodka rigatoni, spaghetti, udon or soba stir fry, spicy garlic noodles—I don’t discriminate. All noodles are good. To make them feel special, I always add a protein and doctor them up with seasonings and sides, like a salad or steamed broccoli. 

 

 

5. Bagged Salads 

If you were a fly on the wall during my workdays, you would see me eat a plethora of pre-made salads. It’s a running joke that I bring it to the office pretty much every single week. They’re so easy, and if you ask me, a good bagged salad tastes as good as the $15 salad the rest of my coworkers go for. I always add a good protein (I swear by frozen air-fried chicken nuggets—don’t knock it ’til you try it) and make sure the package has all the fixings, like croutons, dressing, and toppings. These are so easy to pick up from my local grocery store every week, so I never have an excuse to order out my lunch. Plus, they pack up easily to take to the office. 

I usually stick to ones that have good toppings, like Asian Crunch or Bacon Ranch, and I eat a Caesar (with either romaine or kale) once a week.

 

6. Comfort Food

While I love a fancy quinoa bowl or a $12 smoothie as much as the next person, the majority of my takeout budget is just on comfort food. You know, pizza, late-night mac and cheese, tacos, and burgers. But keeping versions of my favorite comfort foods at home made it easier to not order them out. When I knew I’d want to order pizza during a movie night with friends, we opted for a frozen one with a bunch of appetizers instead. I keep frozen mac and cheese in my fridge for late nights, and I made sure to add a taco night into my weekly rotation. Once I tuned into what I spend the most time craving, I made sure to keep it at home so there were no temptations (this really helps if you crave a 10-piece chicken nugget and fries after a night out—trust me).

 

What happened after 2 weeks?

Well, first, I went to an epic sushi dinner. But then I looked back at everything I’d spent over the previous two weeks compared to before I tried this experiment, and the result was astonishing. I had been spending so much money eating out, whether on my own or as a social activity with friends, that I could pretty easily curb. There’s no reason to order out every time my friends want to have a night in or when I’m walking home and something (@burrito bowl) sounds good in the moment, and now I have a solid list of options for when those moments strike. 

Plus, I can’t deny I feel eons better when my diet isn’t exclusively carbs and sodium, but I think I knew that and just pretended I didn’t. Hopefully, this reminder will actually stick. 

 

Craving Fast Food? Try These 15 Homemade Options Instead

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This post is sponsored by Blue Apron, but all of the opinions within are those of The Everygirl editorial board.

Source: Hulu

Crime podcasts, YouTube channels, TV shows—you name it, and I’m there. So when the Hulu original true crime and comedy hybrid Only Murders in the Building dropped, I was intrigued. An avid Nancy Drew fan (and self-proclaimed lock picker) in my childhood, I knew this show would be right up my alley. And once I saw that Selena Gomez would grace me with her presence in every single episode of the series? Well, now I had to watch.

The murder mystery TV show stars Gomez along with renowned actors Steve Martin and Martin Short as an unlikely trio of friends in the exclusive Upper West Side Arconia Building as they solve the murder of fellow resident Tim Kono. As any true crime junkies would, the three realize the police are wrong in their ruling of Kono’s death as a suicide. With a passion for uncovering the truth and searching through a dead neighbor’s apartment, they take the mystery into their own hands. Documenting their progress, the three create a podcast called, you guessed it, Only Murders in the Building. While each member of the group possesses a deep love for true crime, their conflicting personalities and ability to turn any situation into a hilarious exchange create a thrilling yet quirky adventure. It’s heartfelt, it’s funny, and there’s a dash of danger—a perfect recipe for a true-crime show.

Though the anticipation of having to wait for new episodes every week week nearly killed me, I made it to the final episode and just need to talk about all of the best moments from the series (and the plot twists!). Here are the best moments and takeaways from Only Murders in the Building—and don’t worry, you won’t find major spoilers here!

 

 

1. Selena Gomez Can Do No Wrong, Ever

While this may have been a well-established fact if you ever paid any attention to anything Ms. Gomez has worked on, from her own makeup line to her most recent acting gigs, it’s clear that Selena can truly own any role she gets. In Only Murders in the Building, Gomez plays Mabel, a mysterious yet sassy and wicked-smart city girl whose affinity for solving mysteries makes her all the more drawn to the case of Tim Kono. Describing sneaking into a dead guy’s apartment and going through his stuff as “an afternoon,” Mabel doesn’t shy away from danger. I mean, our first introduction to Mabel is seeing her relish in a dream of stabbing a man to death with her knitting needle, so we know we’re in for a powerhouse of a woman.

While Gomez does an impeccable job of playing the witty, independent woman we all want to be, she also flawlessly shows a more vulnerable side to Mabel. Let’s take, for example, Mabel’s relationship with Charles (Steve Martin) and Oliver (Martin Short), two “olds” who make up a caring yet, at times, awkward remainder of the mystery-solving trio. When Charles commits a 21st-century faux pas of signing his name at the end of a text to Mabel, we see our first instance of a smile from the tough-as-nails New Yorker Gomez portrays. I even found myself chuckling as she responded, “FYI, you don’t need to sign your name.”

 

2. We Need More Parodies of Crime Shows

Regarding the story itself, Only Murders in the Building is a show I never knew I needed in my true crime love life, but wow was I happy Hulu brought us together. Even in the first episode, the lively theme song is our first clue in seeing that this isn’t going to be the dark, serious murder mystery we’ve grown accustomed to. From our introduction to Charles, a Hollywood has-been, and Oliver, an absolute theater-geek looking to make a quick buck anywhere he can, we can see that though the show depicts a grisly murder, it doesn’t take itself too seriously. And as a viewer with a love for the kind of humor this comedy-meets-drama supplied on the regular, I was happy to sit back and laugh.

On the surface, Only Muders in the Building appears to be a crime drama. If you look past the clever dialogue and utterly absurd situations each character finds themselves in, it is about solving a murder. But, with a deeper look, we see that the show is genius in that it actually satirizes other murder mysteries. Completely self-aware of 2021’s influencer culture, our characters don’t want to simply solve a mystery, they want to create an entire podcast centered around the death of a neighbor—and, of course, get rich while doing it. With references to murder mystery tropes like following a cab around a city to a plethora of old-school Hardy Boys references, this gives us a refreshing take on the classic crime drama genre.

 

 

3. You Don’t Have to Have Everything Figured Out, No Matter Where You Are in Life

This show was more than I expected in its perfect blend of comedy and crime, but what I really didn’t expect was the show’s depiction of Charles and Oliver. While Charles is an ex-actor of a somewhat forgotten TV series, Brazzos, Oliver hasn’t had much luck in his theater career despite seemingly giving it his all. Both men clearly want more out of their lives, and, as unconventional as it seems, solving a murder together was just what they needed to finally find a larger purpose.

Only Murders in the Building makes a bold choice to focus on the personal growth and, as I have dubbed, a second coming of age story of two characters you would think would have everything figured out by now. Instead of giving us the worn-out narrative of the ambitious 20-something-year-old trying to make it big in their career, we see Charles and Oliver struggle with decision-making in their family life and financial situations. Charles grows from a socially anxious loner to the level-headed, sure-of-himself leader of a podcast. Who would have thought a retired actor and Oliver, a theater director who hasn’t had work in ages, were the perfect recipe to run such a successful podcast? If anything, Charles and Oliver show us that you don’t need to have everything figured out early in life; you just have to roll with the punches and follow your passion.

 

4. Sting Really Should Have Done More Acting

The cast of Only Murders in the Building is star-studded, with the likes of Tina Fey and Jane Lynch accompanying the already impressive main roles. However, just four episodes in, in an episode appropriately titled, “The Sting,” we see former frontman of the Police, Sting, appear as one of the murder-fearing residents of the Arconia. The “Every Breath You Take” singer stars as himself—because seriously, who else could Sting play?—and for a brief minute, he even becomes a suspect of the murder.

Each scene with Sting made me laugh, from the moment our mystery-solving trio brought him a turkey dinner to Sting’s several diva-esque outbursts. We’re able to join Charles and Oliver in their starstruck excitement since, they too, make a big deal out of the fact that the music icon is in the show.

Though the show didn’t bless us with his presence in every single episode (sigh), we do learn that he can hold his own as an actor. I mean, seeing that he depicted a slightly more aggressive and cocky version of himself, I was considering if Sting could really be a cold-blooded killer. Bottom line: I fully expect Sting to do more acting in the future because it’s clear that he has the acting chops.

 

 

5. You Really Don’t Know Your Neighbors

With a title containing the word “murder,” you already know that the show is going to give twists and turns and a healthy dose of betrayal. And let me tell you, we get all that and more. Throughout the series, the show slowly introduces us to every Arconia resident—AKA a possible killer—and their backstories and alibis as Oliver, Charles, and Mabel come closer to revealing the murderer. At first, each character appears normal and even bland, but we come to find out what makes each person tick, what they may have noticed the night of the murder, and in the case of Howard, the father of a recently deceased cat, what’s in their freezer.

While I’m all for seeing the residents of the Arconia bicker, banter, or yell at each other—pure entertainment—I began to wonder how well I really know my own neighbors. Only Murders in the Building goes to show that not everyone appears as they seem. While I’m not a proponent of running around thinking my neighbors are murderers (my life is far too boring for that sort of thing), the true crime genre makes a point of saying you never know that much about a person from mundane elevator small talk or passing each other on the street.

Truly, we never know what someone else is going through, so shouldn’t we make it a point to get to know our neighbors a little better? Without a trio of strangers talking to each other, we never would have gotten our favorite podcasting group. So maybe take this as a sign to strike up a conversation with your neighbor—just hope that they don’t have a cat in their freezer.

 

6. Don’t Listen to the (Podcast) Haters

A little cliche in and of itself, if the characters of Only Murders in the Building can teach you anything, it’s to focus on what you know is best for you because you know yourself best. If Mabel would have listened to her mom and stayed away from the investigation, she wouldn’t have solved the murder. If Oliver would have listened to literally anyone around him, he wouldn’t have initiated a podcast that became one of New York’s favorites. Sure, facing danger like this may not be the best advice to listen to, but there’s some truth in that you can’t listen to what everyone else says you should do. Sometimes, you have to go off the beaten path.

Oliver, especially in his own eccentric way, can be a handful and sometimes completely cringey. I mean, trying to sell your murder podcast merch at a resident meeting about said murder? Not the move. But the way he marches to the beat of his own drum, fearlessly making a scene but getting stuff done everywhere he goes, basically made him my role model. It was his own idea to look into the case when the police ruled Tim Kono’s death to be a suicide, and it turns out, he, along with Charles and Mabel, were right in doing their own investigation.

Oliver, while unconventional, is a reminder that in all you do, going your own way—whether it’s to create your own podcast, start your own theater production, or maybe even cook a turkey for a dinner party with Sting—can be just what you need.

 

 

7. Bonus: Trust Your Gut Feeling

Without giving any *major* spoilers away, the last episode of the series comes with a huge plot twist. Though our favorite trio has taken down Tim Kono’s killer, we still see Mabel feel a little uneasy as everyone around her celebrates a closed case. Over a glass of champagne, she asks, “Doesn’t it feel like there’s still a few loose ends?” That’s when I knew in my gut that something wasn’t right. Of course, the finale of the episode reveals a bloody truth and we know Mabel was right in trusting her own intuition and keeping her guard up, even as Charles and Oliver relaxed.

And what can us mystery fanatics learn from this? Whether you’re searching for a killer or wondering if you kept your garage door open, trust your gut feeling. You’ll thank me—and Mabel—later.

 

Final Thoughts

Only Murders in the Building is what I would call a joyous yet dark misadventure of what has to be the most lovable trio of amateur sleuths. While at heart the show is a story of a murder and an unpredictable mission to find a killer, there’s so much more than that. Mabel is tough as nails and totally an inspiration to me (and my closet), Charles shows me that letting go and taking a breather are necessary, and Oliver is a reminder to not care about what other people think.

Whether you watched the series along with me or needed a reason to start it, you’ll definitely want to solve the mystery of what happens in season two. Hulu confirmed Only Murders in the Building for another season, and while it may be wrong, I can’t wait for more murders and misadventures at the Arconia. So, while we wait, pick up a Hardy Boys book, grab your knitting needle, and pay attention to your neighbors—you might even find your own mystery to solve.

 

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French style is effortless, distinct, and has the rest of the world wondering if there’s something in the l’eau. Women around the world have tried to emulate French girl style for years, and I am no exception. In fact, I’m such a Parisian-wannabe and so into French fashion that one time I moved to Paris for six months to intern for ELLE France and take classes on the history of French fashion (shameless plug, but whatevs). The truth is that the cliché is right: it really is that special je ne sais quoi. But until we can identify the quoi in their style, here are six styling tips I picked up while in Paris that you can use, no matter where you live. 

 

1. Stay simple

Because I idolize her (and had a lot of exams revolved around her in my fashion class), one of  Mademoiselle Coco Chanel’s famous style rules was “Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take one thing off.” In other words, it was the old school version of “do less.” French style is about simplicity, which means letting a few key pieces speak for themselves, like a few delicate pieces instead of stacks of jewelry. If you want to wear a statement piece, choose only one, whether it’s a hat, statement pair of shoes, or scarf (very French, non?), and pair it with the best Parisian accessory: simplicity.

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2. Have a go-to uniform

Every Parisian celebrity and style star, whether it’s Jeanne Damas, Clémence Poésy, or Audrey Tautou, have an outfit formula that they wear over and over again. In fact, this might be the secret to their unfailing style–they know exactly what works, what they like, and what they feel comfortable in. In other words, when you got a good thing, why change it? To make your own uniform, have a go-to outfit combo like skinny jeans, a tee, and a blazer, that you know you feel great in, and buy multiple different styles and colors in those same pieces. Can’t think of a go-to outfit formula? Check out our French Capsule Wardrobe for inspo. 

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3. Use the element of surprise

Model and style icon Ines de la Fressange said that the key Parisian style secret is to “Always keep them surprised. If they think you’ll wear heels, wear flats. If they expect flats, wear heels.” I’ve been a personal fan and follower of this rule ever since my mom and I got in fights because I wanted to wear high heels to high school (true story). Bottom line: even if you have a uniform, don’t let it make you predictable. Add an element of surprise in every outfit you wear, whether it’s a single rip in your otherwise brand new jeans, or a fancy jacket with your casual tee.

 

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4. Try relaxed silhouettes

That “effortlessly chic” style is hard to fake, but I learned that a big proponent of the “I woke up like this” style has to do with the silhouettes. You won’t find many tight or bodycon silhouettes in French fashion. Instead of tight skinny jeans that you can hardly move in, Parisians opt for slightly straight legs and a relaxed fit. Instead of a bodycon dress for a night out, a Parisian might opt for a pair of trousers or maxi dress. When a tight pencil skirt is worn, it is well-tailored, perfectly fitting, and paired with a loose fitted top so the silhouette is not too skin tight. Play around with whatever silhouettes you feel best in and then rock it, knowing that the “effortless” comes from what we genuinely love.

 

5. Mix dressy with casual

Ines de la Fressange offered ways to master the “offbeat look à la Parisienne” to the New York Times, saying, “Wearing jeans with gem-encrusted sandals, not sneakers; a pencil skirt with ballet flats, not heels; an evening dress with a straw handbag, not a gold clutch; a chiffon print dress with battered biker boots, not brand-new ballet flats; a sequined sweater with men’s trousers, not a skirt; a tuxedo jacket with sneakers, not femme fatale stilettos.” In other words, the key to Parisian style is sophistication mixed with imperfection. Always add a casual element to a dressy outfit or a dressy element to a casual outfit. Never try to make anything too perfect, whether it’s your outfit or yourself.

 

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6. Perfect how you wear it

“[French style is] more the way you mix the clothes and how you move, how you open your bag, how you cross your legs—just little things that make a difference,” French fashion editor Carine Roitfeld, famously said. “With French women, you first see the woman and then you see the clothes.” Perhaps the most important way to achieve Parisian style is to work on the aspects that are more mental than exterior: perfect your posture, feeling confident everywhere you go, and never forgetting to smile. Clothing can only do so much–Parisian style is more than skin-deep.

 

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Historically, at least a few trends every year are shocking in nature. Did I think I’d wake up one day in fall 2021 and realize I have a full stack of sweater vests in my closet that I rotate through every week? No, but that’s where the year has brought me. Another thing that feels shocking? That regular folk are now wearing leather pants on a regular Tuesday afternoon.

No longer a back-of-the-closet item that’s reserved for last-minute Sandy from Grease Halloween costumes, faux leather has been spotted on everything over the past year, and pants are at the top of that list.

The thing about them is that unlike jackets or tops, there’s a lot of room for error in a faux-leather pant. You buy the wrong pair, and you’ll be squeaking down the street, constricted and uncomfortable every time you brave leaving the house in the them; it’s something that has (very unfortunately) happened to me many times—until now.

 

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Curve Love Vegan Leather ’90s Straight Pants

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Abercrombie has been consistently stepping up their game for the past couple of years, and I’ve found myself reaching for their pieces in my closet constantly. I truly have not been disappointed by a single item I’ve gotten from them as of late, so when I saw that they had a version of their famous ’90s high rise jeans in faux leather, I immediately ordered them.

 

 

Abercrombie’s jeans are some of my all-time favorites, and a big part of that is because of their fit. I am generally a size 27 in pants, but a lot of straight-leg pairs haven’t quite fit right because I have some muscular thighs to account for. I’ve found that their Curve Love line is my absolute ideal fit of pants, as they have an extra two inches of material through the hip and thigh. Those two inches have made a world of difference for me and have given me some of the best-fitting pants I have ever found (and, honestly, ones I’d pay much more for given how high-quality they are).

When I slid these pants out of the package, I knew they were a hit right away. Unlike many faux-leather materials, they felt buttery soft and lightweight, and when I put them on, I genuinely did not want to take them off. The other faux-leather pants I own are a nightmare because the inside is almost a fleece-like material, which makes my legs hot, sweaty, and stuck—not ideal. These were both flexible and breathable, which made them feel more comfortable than even my favorite jeans.

The fit of these is absolutely true to size. They also come in their standard jean fit, multiple colors, and a cropped and skinny version. I am absolutely in love with this deep, rich brown, especially with the creams and burgundies in my closet this time of year, but the black are a classic that I’m planning to pick up as well. 

I’ve spent a lot of time (and far too much money) trying to find an inexpensive but high-quality pair of faux-leather pants, and my mission has finally come to a close. Don’t waste your time trying to find something better than these—as someone who has tried just about every brand of faux-leather pants on the market, these are the best bang for your buck. 

 

Abercrombie & Fitch

Curve Love Vegan Leather ’90s Straight Pants

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Abercrombie & Fitch

Vegan Leather ’90s Straight Pants

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Abercrombie & Fitch

Curve Love Vegan Leather ’90s Straight Pants

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Abercrombie & Fitch

Vegan Leather Ankle Pants

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Abercrombie & Fitch

Vegan Leather 90s Straight Pants

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Fall is officially here, which means it’s time to dust off your favorite boots and bring them back into your wardrobe (or, if you’re like me, wear them every single day). Our favorite, timeless pair to dust off and throw on? Our trusty over-the-knee boots.

There’s nothing an over-the-knee boot can’t style up and make a bit more chic, and while boot trends come and go, there’s a reason they remain a closet staple (and it’s not a reason you have to look very hard to see).

Want to have an arsenal of ways to wear your over-the-knee boots this fall? These six looks will deliver, every single time.

 

1. With a sweater vest and white button-up

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Take inspiration from the hottest knits of 2021 and pair your OTK boots with a sweater vest and button-up. The look has a touch of prep incorporated, but is a classic, wearable look.

 

2. With a sweatshirt dress

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For a look that’s endlessly casual-cool, pair heeled, over-the-knee boots with a sweatshirt dress. Not only will you be ultra-cozy, but you’ll nail the celeb-off-duty weekend look that is a win every time.

 

3. With a midi skirt

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For a go-to look for every party you might have coming up for the chillier seasons, a pleated maxi skirt, sweater, and your OTKs is a slam dunk. It’s elegant, versatile, and can be worn to countless occasions.

 

4. With a sweater and skinny jeans

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For a casual day out, a classic combo of skinny jeans, a cardigan, and your OTKs is something you can always turn to. If it’s extra chilly, top it off with your favorite wool coat for an added layer that’ll bring even more chicness to the look.

 

5. With a flowy dress

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We all have our favorite dresses, but when the temperature starts to drop it’s hard to feel festive with that much leg showing. Thigh-high boots are the best way to keep your look chic and weather appropriate. Plus, it keeps you from having the debate about if tights really go with your look.

 

6. With all black

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All-black looks are nothing new, but if you couldn’t already tell, monochrome always looks trendy. Get extra style points for layering different textures of black together to ensure your look is still dimensional.

 

The Only Boots You Need for Fall 2021 (And What To Wear Them With)

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Get ready to indulge in hot sex, intense love poems, and the transformative power of beauty because Scorpio season is upon us. Saturday, October 23, through Sunday, November 21, is about to be the sexiest, spookiest time of year — mark my words. 

No matter what your sign is, the tortured artist in us all will be brought front and center. However, Scorpios and those with the sign heavily in their charts will feel most empowered during Scorpio season. You may want to check in with your placements to see just how intense this time will be for you. 

As Allure's resident astrologer and a Scorpio myself, I know a thing or two about making the most out of this epic time of year. Let's do this.

What's Scorpio all about, anyway? 

Just like the other fixed signs — Taurus, Leo, and Aquarius — Scorpios tend to be creatures of habit. Cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn), on the other hand, tend to be leaders, and mutable signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces) are flexible and down with change. The fixation most near and dear to Scorpios, in particular, is dark glamour. Although every sign gets to enjoy a bit of black lipstick and passionate sex during this time, Scorpios live in the shadows all year long. 

As a water sign (along with Cancer and Pisces), Scorpio is also all about emotions. They feel them — from the highest of highs to the lowest of lows —  deeply, passionately, and boundlessly. Feelings they're experiencing for a partner are often expressed in extravagant ways. They're the ones who think sending a former lover a vial of their blood made into a necklace or get matching tattoos after the third date is a good idea. Intense is the word most commonly associated with Scorpios, and they tend to live up to the hype. 

Scorpio is ruled by Mars, the passionate warrior who loves fucking and fighting. As a result, the zodiac's scorpions tend to be incredibly interested in sex. Unlike air signs, who are fantastic at flings, Scorpios prefer to fall in love hard and fast before rolling around in the sheets. And once things heat up, they're typically loyal for the long run. 

Another ruling planet for Scorpio is Pluto. As the god of the Underworld, Pluto allows us to explore our shadow side through self-care techniques, such as therapy, meditation, and sex. The influence of this planet also helps us confront death, and as a result, make the most out of life, which could explain Scorpio's intensity and devotion to constant transformation. 

Unsurprisingly, the tarot card associated with this sign is the Death card. This startling name may help with their goth cred, but this major arcana also centers on renewal and self-discovery after a time of change. Scorpios often live dozens of lives in one lifetime, starting over again and again to learn more about themselves. They are constantly evolving, but when they do settle down, it's usually for the long haul. Although a breakup with a Scorpio may involve a morbid touch, these creepy critters always come out on top — with new hair and a healthier attitude about life. 

How can I use the power of Scorpio season to my advantage? 

During Scorpio season, everyone gets a chance to tap into the high-octane energy of having a metaphorical stinger. As this is an intense time, you'll probably want to focus on experiencing life-changing orgasms, not heartbreak. To avoid the latter, beware of jealousy. Not only are Scorpios prone to it, but they are also the detectives of the zodiac, making them excellent private eyes and journalists. If a Scorpio becomes interested in something — or someone — they uncover every single fact about that thing or person on the internet and beyond. 

This inquisitive energy can help you reach perfection in your latest hobbies or even executing your dream Halloween costume. However, if you use this power for evil, you'll find yourself doom scrolling through your partner's ex's Instagram and starting a fight over something that happened five years ago. Avoid deep dives into your lover's past or any suspicions you may have during this time and take their words at face value. Put this hungry energy into learning a new skill or changing up your look before the holiday-filled Sagittarius season begins. 

As the sign of the transformation, no one does makeovers better than a Scorpio. This season is an ideal time to change your hair color, get a new tattoo, add another piercing to one (or both) of your ears, or experiment with eye makeup outside of your typical comfort zone. Fellow emotional water signs, Cancer and Pisces, would be wise to lean into beauty rituals as an act of self-care during Scorpio season. You may find yourself feeling extra vulnerable during this time. Scorpios may have a stinger, but it's usually used to sting people before scuttling off into their caves after a moment of vulnerability. Meanwhile, air signs, Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius, should practice grounding exercises, such as tapping or meditation, during Scorpio season. Usually, you can live life safely detached from emotions, but Scorpio season tends to bring up all of the feels. 

Although everyone feels seductive during this time, fire signs, Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius, will feel their sexuality in full force. Remind yourself that sex is healthy and natural and explore kinks without any silly shame holding you down. As Scorpio season does fall around Halloween, and fire signs understand the power of costume, slip on a wig or play around with new makeup to help you step into your most fantastic fantasies. 

If you're satisfied with your current look, your skin-care routine can undergo a refresh. Test out a toner or change up your cleanser selection with a formula that better removes all your signature sultry makeup with one step. Also, take advantage of Halloween to play dress-up. You don't have to even go out, especially if you're concerned about COVID-19, but, for the love of infamous Scorpio Marie Antoinette, at least put on something fancy and frivolous for the selfies. 

As Allure's resident astrologer, Sophie Saint Thomas believes in the power of glamour and embracing one's sexuality — all the while, looking to astrology to navigate the intricacies of modern life. She is also the author of Sex Witch: Sex Witch: Magickal Spells for Love, Lust, and Self-Protection and the upcoming Glamour Witch: An Empowering Sex-Positive Guide with Spells and Witchy Beauty Tips for all Budgets and Body Types. 

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If we're being honest, we've been thinking about winter nails since spring. There are just so many great nail trends out there that we could easily fill an entire calendar. And with 2021 almost behind us (insert huge sigh of relief here) and a new season nigh, we thought: Why not celebrate by sharing some of our favorite winter nail designs? After all, whether you've made a safe, triumphant return to your favorite nail tech's station at the salon or you're continuing to do our own manicures — we'd bet you've gotten really good at them — Instagram has offered endless creative inspiration for end-of-year looks.

Luckily, nail artists have been pumping out awe-inspiring nail looks like it's no big deal (talent like this totally is, though), and we've been keeping tabs on all of the ones we want to try come wintertime. Ahead, you'll find a diverse array of designs for every kind of aesthetic taste. There are festive jewel-toned creations, new and exciting ways to wear sparkle, astrology-themed art, ombré, and much more. (Plus, some insight and product suggestions from the creators themselves.)

Now, without further ado: All the winter nail inspiration you need to get you through the season.

All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

1. Martini Mani

Instagram/@betina_goldstein

Betina Goldstein proves that nail art needn't be literal. Even without a martini glass painstakingly painted on each nail, it's obvious that this manicure is inspired by the pimento-stuffed manzanilla olives that traditionally garnish the gin-and-vermouth cocktail — something we wouldn't mind sipping by the fireplace this winter. With its solid base and simple circles, it's chic and easy art that can be done at home, and on any length nail.

2. Amethyst Nails

Instagram/@nailss.by.gracie

Amethyst is easily one of the most beloved winter birthstones, but you don't have to be born in February to admire its beauty — or want to interpret it as winter nail art. Welsh nail artist Grace Andrew created this gemstone look by mixing several Ugly Duckling gel colors together for a variegated effect, topped off by organic-looking lines swiped on with a skinny nail brush.

3. Tapered Curves

Instagram/@paintboxnails

This abstract idea is so simple yet so chic for a winter manicure. A rich beige polish makes for a classic base, but black tapered curves — some sprouting from the tips and some from the cuticles — add a cute yet boldly contrasting element. Although created by a nail artist at Paintbox in New York City, a steady hand and two polishes are all you need to recreate this yourself at home. Feel free to mix up the color combination.

4. Galaxy Nails

Instagram/@talons_tarot

Galaxy nails have been trending for quite some time, and it's easy to see why. How stunning is this magical manicure? With the right magnetic, iridescent polish in a deep, dark color — nail artist India Jade used Pure Nails Halo Gel Polish in Luna, but KBShimmer makes a number of non-gel magnetic polishes — you can easily recreate a gorgeous, wintry night sky on your fingertips.

5. Monochromatic Crocodile Nails

Instagram/@ghost.nails

Nail artist Zoe created an animal-scale texture illusion by adding a pattern of wavy blocks of glossy polish atop a matte base. With black for both finishes, the look is remarkably versatile, leaving the boldness up to the long, pointy shape. And darker shades are always a welcome pick for winter manicures.

6. Jewel-Tone Splatters

Instagram/@nail_datewithalma

Festive winter nails don't have to come in traditional holiday colors. Jewel tones always look amazing in the wintertime, and on a manicure, a blend of several is even more special. Here, nail artist Alma used Dip Hustle Co's Teal Armor dip — a gorgeous green base with yellow and rose gold foil pieces — to create an elegant splattered effect. And here's a fun way to take advantage of winter's longer nights: This particular polish glows in the dark.

7. Black & White Squiggles

Instagram/@talons_tarot

While an expert nail artist like India Jade may have an especially easy time created this high-contrast manicure, it's not a difficult project for at-home amateurs either. Cute on all nail lengths, this look requires only a black polish, white polish, skinny nail brush, topcoat, and a desire to doodle on your nails. No need to try to copy this exactly — there's no wrong way to draw on the curvy lines, and any color combination you love besides black and white will look lovely, too.

8. Icy Cuticles

Instagram/@betina_goldstein

You may avoid ice when you're walking or driving during the coldest months of the year, but an icy effect on the nails is a winter-wonderful idea for a manicure. Betina Goldstein keeps it simple but still summons the glam with this creation, keeping the base clear and glossy. The stand-out detail of this nail art is the silver pieces along the cuticles — Goldstein tells Allure she used crushed metallic pieces from the craft store — extending halfway up the sides of the nails. It's giving benevolent ice queen, don't you think?

9. Twinkling Tiger Stripes

Instagram/@claudia.cndea

How do you make a tiger-stripe manicure even more fierce? Try deep, winter-perfect, sparkling shades of purple instead of the usual orange and black. Nail artist Claudia created this moody take on an animal print by using CND's Dark Dahlia and Drama Queen shades — a midnight purple and shimmering magenta, respectively — for the two-tone stripes. It's moody yet party-ready — and isn't that the default winter vibe?

10. Black & Bright

Winter doesn't have to mean switching from bright colors to dark ones. You can embrace both with a French moon manicure like this one by Goldstein. She used Chanel's Boy De Chanel Colour in Black as the base on every nail and switched it up on the tips and moons of each one with Le Vernis Nail Colours in Harmony, Melody, Cruise, Arancio Vibrante, Egéríe, and Mirage. It's a combination that lets you hold onto the vibrant shades you love while incorporating the moody darkness so often seen in winter nail looks.

11. Champagne Sparkle Nails

Courtesy of Instagram/@nailsbycanishiea

"I love combining different glitter polishes for the perfect winter wonderland look," Canishiea Robinson tells Allure of this sparkly two-toned manicure. To get this look at home, you'll need two glitter nail polishes (Essie's Summit of Style and Zoya's Magical Pixie Dust will do the trick) and mini faux pearl appliques, which you can find at just about any craft store, as well as on Amazon. This set features ones with flat bottoms so they're easier to apply.

12. Gold Foil Nails

Courtesy of Instagram/@nailsbycanishiea

This green and gold manicure by Robinson looks straight out of an art museum — and that's exactly the vibe she was going for. "Negative space, color blocking, and watercolor designs are so eye-catching," she says. "These combined with a translucent background and gold foil make all the elements shine." Believe it or not, you can score both gold and silver foil on Amazon for as little as $5. 

To achieve the watercolor effect shown here on the mustard nails, simply dip a small sponge in a tiny amount of polish and dab it on lightly. Then finish off with a glossy topcoat (like this one) and your foil.

13. Modern Candy Cane Nails

Courtesy of Instagram/@nailsbycanishiea

"I love a deep rich burgundy paired with color blocking and line work," says Robinson in regards to her inspiration for this look. "Together they create the perfect winter manicure." This abstract, geometric style design is a great go-to for beginners because it really only requires some basic painting and a little line work. So long as you have a deep red, pearlescent white, and true black polish on hand — as well as a toothpick for doing the thin stripes — you'll be good to go.

14. Scorpio Szn Nails

Courtesy of Instagram/@nails_and_soul

Los Angeles-based nail artist Nia Ho is the brains behind this brilliant astrology-inspired look, which features cosmic details and subtle touches of sparkle. "For this Scorpio nail look, I used mostly black color on every nail, as well as some holographic black and silver glitter," Ho tells Allure. "I also hand-drew the little stars with white nail polish and used chunky glitter to create the galaxy sky."

You can definitely make this Scorpio-themed manicure your own by switching up the designs. That being said, you'll want to have some black and white polish on hand, along with both fine and chunky glitter options, too. It also couldn't hurt to get a stencil or a sticker (such as this one) for the scorpion itself.

15. Multicolored Marble Nails

Ho calls this magical multicolored manicure her "freestyle marble look," and well, it's definitely a fitting name. "I first applied a teal base color on the whole nail and then added white and black to create a marble effect," she says of her process. "Then I cured them in LED light and applied a teal jelly polish on top. Lastly, I tapped a little gold foil on each nail to finish it." Don't have a perfect teal polish in your collection yet? We recommend Sally Hansen's Miracle Gel Nail Polish in Combustealble (a true blue-green teal hue with minimal shimmer).

16. Gold Sparkle Striped Nails

Courtesy of Instagram/@nails_and_soul

This stunning style is another one that's ideal for folks who are new to nail art. It doesn't require much legwork or that you know any tricky techniques, so it's inherently less intimidating than some of the other manicures on this list. 

"For this look, you can use a clear or sheer natural color for the base — then use white and black nail polish to create your shapes before adding the thin gold lines," explains Ho. "Getting the gold line as straight as possible is the most important aspect because the black and white parts underneath will be covered by the gold, so it ultimately doesn’t matter if they're not perfect," she says.

17. Gilded Dipped Nails

Courtesy of Instagram/@nail_unistella

This ultra-glamorous red and gold manicure comes courtesy of nail-art queen Park Eunkyung Unistella, who's famous for her dreamy, out-of-this-world designs. To achieve a similar look at home, apply a pair of glossy red press-ons and then paint the tips with an opaque gold polish, like Essie's Good As Gold or Nabi's Mirror Effect Nail Polish in Gold. Oh, as for those gorgeous gold decals? You can score them on unistella.com.

18. Snow Day Nails

Courtesy of Instagram/@nail_unistella

To recreate Unistella's epic snowflake manicure, you'll want to get yourself a set of clear acrylic nails (the shape is of course up to you), some glue that dries translucent, and, most importantly, fake snow, like the kind in this packet, which can be used for all kinds of arts and crafts. Once you've got your supplies on deck, apply a little glue to each acrylic and wait for it to get tacky — then sprinkle some of the faux snow onto each nail and play with it until you're happy with the finished look.

19. Evergreen Dream Nails

Courtesy of Instagram/@ginaedwards_

Another amazing idea for those new to the nail-art world is this shimmery emerald manicure by celebrity nail artist Gina Edwards. "A quick tip for achieving strong lines when doing your nails like this is to use Scotch Tape," she tells Allure. For this particular look, Edwards used the Sinful Colors Shine Gel Tech Polish in Magic Dragon, though any shimmery dark green shade will work just the same.

20. Maroon Marble Nails

Courtesy of Instagram/@cgoldnglam

"This dusty plum shade is a great transition color if you're afraid of going too dark with your winter nails," says Houston-based nail artist Cecily Ellis, who runs the account @cgoldnglam on Instagram. Her advice for recreating this look? "The accent nails can be done by using a nail art brush to create the marble lines, and the beauty of marble is that there's no perfect way of doing it." 

Product-wise, Winstonia's Super Fine Nail Art Brush is a solid and inexpensive option. And as for the dusty plum polish, this one by Tammy Taylor Nails is beautiful, as is OPI's Malaga Wine.

21. Winter Pink Ombré Nails

Courtesy of Instagram/@cgoldnglam

"This french ombré design is a great way to maintain a classic look but still be on-trend," says Ellis, who adds that the best way to get a super seamless ombré finish like this is to use a makeup sponge with white polish. "Doing a glam accent nail using gold glitter or flakes is also a great way to take it up a notch during the holiday season."

22. Heavy Metal Ombré Nails

Courtesy of Instagram/@ginaedwards_

Don't be fooled: This edgy metallic manicure is less complex than it looks. In fact, it can easily be recreated at home with any neutral shimmery shades in your collection. "Use a fan makeup brush to lightly metallic glitter onto the tips of your nails for an extra special effect," says Ellis, who adds: "My inspiration for this set was NYE — there's nothing better than a little sparkle to help bring in the new year, especially on your fingertips."

23. Leopard Print Nails

Courtesy of Instagram/@cgoldnglam

Who says animal print isn't winter-appropriate? No one, that's who. So why not wear the fun style on your nails this season? For this look specifically, Ellis used a true holiday-red polish, little gold studs, and gold leaf to top the accent nails for a super-glam feel. 

24. Next-Level Red Nails

Courtesy of Instagram/@nailsbycanishie

For this festive negative space look by Robinson, you'll need your favorite shimmery red nail polish, a gold shade of your choosing — and of course, a dotting tool (like this one), as this will help you get a really precise finish. In terms of execution, simply paint each nail red, starting just slightly away from the nail bed, and then add a gold dot in the space between your cuticle and the polish.

25. Golden Eye Nails

Courtesy of Instagram/@nails_and_soul

Another foolproof winter nail look to try is this unique gilded take on the French manicure by Ho. In addition to gold, black, blue, and white polishes, you'll also need a fine line brush to create the eye on the accent nail. You can also use tape for the tips to ensure they come out looking extra clean and polished.

26. Animal Print-Tipped Nails

Courtesy of Instagram/@nails_and_soul

This animal print design done by Ho is yet another fun twist on the classic French manicure, and it's surprisingly easy to execute. A few items you'll want to have on hand include black, clear, and terracotta-toned polishes, a sponge to get the subtle marbling effect on the tips, and an ultra-shiny topcoat, like CND's Super Shiny High-Gloss Topcoat. To get this look, paint your nails with a light pink or ivory nail polish, and then use your beauty sponge to blend the black and brown shades together for the marble finish. You can also use a toothpick to swirl the colors together until you're happy with how it looks. Then apply a topcoat to add extra shine and longevity.

27. Blue and Gold Holographic Nails

Courtesy of Instagram/@sweetandsavynails

This dazzling holographic design by nail artist Savannah Walker is perfect for beginners and experts alike who prefer a shorter nail look. Start off by applying a clear base coat and then create the blue triangle designs on each digit using an aqua-colored polish (this one), that's also holographic. Then simply outline each triangle in gold using a fine line brush — that, or a toothpick will also do the trick. Finish with a shiny topcoat to seal everything in place and prevent chipping.

28. Glam Nude Nails

Courtesy of Instagram/@nailsbysophiaf

This gorgeous look created by Flordia-based artist Sophia Fraccalvieri is proof that nude nails do not have to be basic or boring. All you need is an opaque, beige-colored polish and holographic nail decals (such as these or these).

29. Black French Tipped Nails

Courtesy of Instagram/@sweetandsavynails

Walker created this sophisticated manicure with a pearlescent base coat and creamy jet-black polish — indeed, it's that simple. Of course, you'll probably want to use a stencil or fine line brush when doing the tips, but so long as you have a steady hand, you should be just fine.

30. Artsy Pine Tree Nails

Courtesy of Instagram/@nailsbysophiaf

How freaking cool is this abstract pine tree design by Fraccalvieri? She calls the look "art ink trees" and created it using products from Bio Seaweed Gel USA and Magpie Beauty. Depending on your artistic abilities, you could do this with a sponge, a stencil, or even freehand if you dare.

31. Silver Drip Nails

Courtesy of Instagram/@chalkboardnails

A great way to take the drip nail-art trend into winter is by using metallic colors, like nail artist Sarah Thompson did here, as sparkle and glitter are often associated with wintertime, the holidays, and snow. A few silver polishes we adore are Sally Hansen's Xtreme Wear in Silver Storm, Color Club's Halographic Hues Nail Polish in Harp On It, and OPI's Infinite Shine in The Latest. As for how to create the drip design, your best bet is to use a tiny detail brush — or a stencil like this one from Amazon.

As far as coffee flavors go, pumpkin spice earns the top spot for the most polarizing. Some have never hopped on the bandwagon, others were on it only to realize it wasn’t as great as the world made it seem, and then there are those of us who fall asleep at night dreaming about the pumpkin spice coffee they’re going to have in the morning—this is for those who fall into the latter.

You can call it basic or lame or even disgusting, but pumpkin spice coffee in the fall is one of the true unmitigated joys of this lifetime, and thanks to the caffeine gods, you no longer have to pay $6 at Starbucks to get the PSL taste in your coffee. Just about every company that makes creamer comes out with a pumpkin spice version for the fall, so I set out to do the impossible: decide which one is the absolute best.

You should enjoy every fall morning and every last drop of your pumpkin-spiced goodness without needing to weed through the nasty creamers first. I tried every single pumpkin spice creamer I could get my hands on (from four different grocery stores, mind you)—here they are, ranked worst to best.

 

#5: Starbucks Pumpkin Spice

For obvious reasons, every year, this is the pumpkin spice creamer that calls my name. But every year, I refuse to learn, so I buy it and am disappointed by it. Sweetness doesn’t bother me (and I like my coffee quite sweet), but to me, this gives me all sweetness with minimal pumpkin. It tastes like what I imagine turns a lot of people off from pumpkin spice, as it tastes overbearing to me in a way that makes me want to opt for a caffeine headache instead of finishing my drink. Every time I put this in my coffee, I noticed I was throwing half down the drain, which tells you all I need to know.

Rating: 2/5

 

#4: Natural Bliss Pumpkin Spice 

Of all of the plant milks, I definitely prefer oat the most in my coffee, so I really expected to love this, but alas, it was extremely disappointing. If you’ve ever had Dunkin’s pumpkin spice, this tastes really similar, but with a weirder aftertaste. If you want a non-dairy option, hold out for #3.

Rating: 2/5

 

#3: Starbucks Non-Dairy Almond & Oat Milk Pumpkin Spice Latte

This one is a mouthful and is doing the absolute most, but it’s much better than its dairy-derived sibling, which is saying a lot considering I usually prefer dairy-based creamers. 

I generally find almond milk creamers to be watery and never give what I need, but this creamer is very good. It has a hint of an oat milk taste (which I like) and overall feels less overpowering. If you want a non-dairy option, this is definitely your best bet, and if you’re choosing between this one and the classic version, choose this one. 

Rating: 3.5/5

 

#2: International Delight Pumpkin Pie Spice Creamer

I am not a creamer elitist, which means that I am not averse to a good ole’ splash of an International Delight creamer in my coffee. This was the dark horse of the group that I didn’t expect much from, but the more I tasted it, the more I liked it. This was tied as my most-reached-for of the bunch, which was a huge test given the entire shelf of pumpkin spice creamers I have now had in my fridge for over a week.

This is everything I want a pumpkin spice creamer to be: It isn’t too spicy or too sweet, it’s right in the middle, and never feels overbearing like the Starbucks one was. It adds a lovely hint of fall flavor that keeps my coffee still tasting like coffee but with a splash of pumpkin. 

Rating: 4/5

 

#1: Chobani Pumpkin Spice

A few weeks ago, my fellow editor Beth told me that this was the best pumpkin creamer she’d ever had, and after testing it for a few weeks, I knew this was the one to beat.

Out of all of the creamers I tried, this one tastes the most like a real pumpkin drink you’d pay for at a coffee shop. It doesn’t have any of the weird aftertaste or spiciness—it is simply perfect. It turns my homemade Americano into one that I can trick myself into thinking I paid $6 for—and honestly, I might even prefer it to actually getting a pumpkin drink at Starbucks.

Rating: 5/5

 

Bonus: Silk Maple Brown Sugar Oat Creamer

This one doesn’t get to be a part of the official ranking, but since it’s still a fall creamer, I knew I needed to try it. Honestly, this is one of the best creamers I have ever tried. If you’re familiar, it tastes almost identical to the Starbucks Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso but encapsulated in a perfect, non-dairy creamer that you only need a splash of. If you find this, definitely pick it up.

Rating: 5/5

 

We Tried All of The Starbucks Fall Drinks—Here They Are, Ranked

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