My summer was spent (in small part) building up my skincare arsenal and simplifying my beauty routine. Lately I've been auditioning new lotions and potions, clearing out my makeup bag and considering a signature scent. I've never really been one to pay close attention to the condition of my skin but (since turning 25 last year) it felt like due time to step things up atop my vanity. I definitely still feel like a novice when it comes to beauty but I thought it might be fun to share a few things I'm currently loving.

Although most people feel frazzled in the drier months of Fall and Winter, my skin really freaks out when things warm up. Glossier has been a holy grail discovery this year and I'm OBSESSED with their branding, story and CEO Emily Weiss. I start each morning with the milky jelly cleanser and priming moisturizer with a few spritzes of Mario Badescu's rosewater facial spray in between to tone. When things are looking grim, drying lotion is my best friend (THE. BEST. for zapping blemishes). Add in a few masks here and there (I haven't yet found my favorites but I've had a blast trying out sheet masks) and you're golden.

I've been sticking to two different scents for a while now and am craving something different! I usually wear Jo Malone's blush suede & peony (my husband gave it to me on our wedding day and it always brings back sweet memories) and wild bluebell (it reminds me of childhood). I've been dying to try Byredo's 'gypsy water' (I mean... that name!) but would love to know what fragrances you're loving.

All in all, it's fun to experiment with new products and I'm loving this phase of pampering my skin. Do tell! What is your routine?

I always fall into the same old hair routine... wash and go without styling. This summer, bohemian braids are everywhere and I'm excited to switch things up a little! My friend Twiggy Romei came over recently and helped me dream up two (pretty simple) styles for all of you boho babes.

We started with a fishtail. Be sure to really pull the pieces of your braid apart for a messier, more relaxed look. The more texture and movement in your hair, the more interesting your braid will look!

Next we created this half up/half down look that I fell in love with! As a girl who likes to let her locks flow freely in the wind, I was happy to add a little interest with two tiny plaits but leave the majority of my 'do down. Twiggy did a great job getting me to step out of my hair comfort zone!

Free People top & bra
shop this post

A big thank you to Twiggy and Jessy for spending a Sunday playing with my hair! It was such a fun treat!

My love of neutrals translates all the way to my finger tips! Since I'm usually not one to sport bright pink nails, I like to spruce up my hands with interesting geometric shapes like these DIY triangles.

To achieve a similar look: paint your nails any nude shade of your choice, use transparent tape to create triangle shapes with the tip of your nail as the base and fill in your "stencil" with a darker shade.

I like to make painting my nails a relaxing little ritual. I almost always light a candle, surround myself with a little greenery (the scent of fresh greenery just can't be beat when you're trying to unwind) and sit myself in front of something fun (like Gilmore Girls on Netflix) that will keep me distracted while I wait out the drying time. Is it just me or do you always have 100 things to do when your nails are drying?

Julep was kind enough to offer their pro tips for winterizing your nails:

+ CLIP & SHAPE
Shorter nails are clean, healthy and gorgeous for winter. For smooth edges, start with the coarse side of your emery board and finish with the finer side.

+ CUTICLES: BE GONE!
Soak your nail beds for at least 30 seconds. For a spa experience, heat up your cuticle remover in a mug of warm water first. Use a cuticle pusher or orange wood stick to gently push your cuticles back.

+ EXTRA OOMPH
Polish your clean, winter-ready nails with two coats of Oxygen Nail Treatment to keep them strong and healthy. Moisturize twice a day to keep your 'tips hydrated and happy through dry winter months.

Don't forget to check out Julep for a few of my favorite neutral shades!
 

p.s. Juelp reached out and asked me to share their winter nail care tips, however, I am not being compensated for this post and was not provided any products for review. All opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that allow Chelsea & The City to keep creating original content.