So…what is the Monday Poll?

Excellent question! It isn’t, contrary to its name, an actual poll, like with little clicky buttons. It’s just a list of more or less random questions I’ve been posting on this blog every Monday morning for the past quadrillion years (since 2007).

1. Something you do to help make your makeup routine a little easier when you’re getting ready?

I keep a small bag within my regular makeup bag filled with the barest of the bare essentials. Now that I see that in writing it seems a little crazy, LOL! But yeah, having a super pared down mini bag helps a ton. Inside it I have brow pencil, mascara, undereye concealer and a cream blush that doubles as a lipstick.

2. When it’s rainy outside, how do you typically do your hair?

I don’t even bother, really. I run a brush through it and throw it in a bun or a ponytail.

3. What’s your favorite fall lip color?

Matte red, baby!

4. What’s the newest thing in your makeup bag?

I bought a waterproof mascara by Maybelline that’s $5 on the recommendation of a tv/red carpet makeup artist who said she’d been using it for years. We’ll see if it’s any good!

5. Something you love about fall beauty?

Dark, short, shiny nails. I think they look chic!

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

P.S. Here are the questions to copy/paste with your answers in a comment. Talk to ya soon.

1. Something you do to help make your makeup routine a little easier when you’re getting ready?
2. When it’s rainy outside, how do you typically do your hair?
3. What’s your favorite fall lip color?
4. What’s the newest thing in your makeup bag?
5. Something you love about fall beauty?

Autumn is in the air, and with the transitioning leaves comes a shift in lipwear for the upcoming season. It’s time to trade in our signature summer colors in favor of cinnamon-y, caramel-esque, and berry-licious shades characteristic of harvest time. These five picks are sure to get you ready for fall.

Koh Gen Do Liquid Rouge Lasting Color Balm inCinnamon, $58

Fusing the payoff of a liquid lipstick with the hydrating comfort of a balm, this rich formula drenches skin in a coppery-tan hue with a whole lot of hydration. You’ll feel the 97% emollient ingredients doing exactly what they’re supposed to. The formula melts effortlessly onto lips, instantly elevating any fall beauty look with cinnamon-colored warmth.

SACHEU Lip Liner STAY-N in nOOHde, $14

There’s a way to maintain your fall lip look all day and night without reapplying – and you’re looking at it. This lip liner stain defines lips for up to 12 hours (sometimes longer, I can attest), while nourishing skin with vitamin E and hyaluronic acid. Trace your lips with this caramel brown stain and enjoy a base ready for all your seasonal looks.

rms beauty Legendary Lip Oil in Milla, $25

Sometimes all we need is a swipe of lip oil to liven up neutral-hued fall makeup. Apply this richly-tinted, deep plum shade and experience high shine without the stickiness. The formula’s skin-loving lineup of organic jojoba oil (an rms original herbal blend) and bitter cherry seed oil will have your lips feeling conditioned with lightweight, buildable color.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Matte Lipstick in Berry Mocha, $26

We believe that everyone needs a brown-berry lip shade in their bag—we also think matte lipstick deserves a comeback. Great for all skin tones, this indulgent shade with cool berry undertones delivers intense payoff. Unlike matte lip formulas of the past, this one features a soft, emollient feel that won’t dry out skin for comfortable color that lasts.

MOB Beauty Soft Matte Lipstick in Redemption, $24

This list would be incomplete without an autumn-approved red shade. This dark red lipstick just might be your go-to throughout fall and into the winter holidays. It’s deep, high impact, and velvety—plus it blurs imperfections with a velvety finish.

September is all about transitions, so it only makes sense that your beauty routine should follow suit. This month, launches from beauty brands like Malin + Goetz and By Rosie Jane blend all the best bits of summer and fall. Whether you’ve already started you autumnal Gilmore Girls re-watch or are holding onto the final weeks of summer, there’s some newness for everyone. Think: citrus-y perfume, pumpkin spiced body-care, and hair tools that do it all.

Read on for our picks for September’s best beauty launches.

Native Vanilla Cream & Pumpkin Body Wash

Pumpkin spice latte season has officially arrived, but the delectable scents don’t have to stop at your go-to coffee shop. Native’s Vanilla Cream & Pumpkin scent is available now, and it promises to add some sweet pumpkin goodness to every step of your self-care routine.

Sidia x Sofie Pavitt Face The Studio Candle

A spa day is always a good idea, but it’s not always that easy to get on the schedule. Now, you can embrace the relaxing vibes of your favorite treatment room from the comfort of your home. Sidia and cool-girl esthetician Sofie Pavitt teamed up to launch The Studio Candle. The scent channels the vibes of Pavitt’s NYC studio with notes of yuzu, rhubarb, neroli, and blonde woods.

Malin+Goetz Niacinamide Restorative Cream

Malin+Goetz’s latest and greatest is a new face cream that addresses signs of aging, including fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin. With niacinamide and gentle actives (like nameko mushroom and alpha arbutin), this formula works to hydrate your skin while improving its texture and tone.

Sarah Creal Beauty Eyes Up Creamy Kajal Liner

It’s hard to find an eyeliner that lasts, especially on textured eyelids. This new launch from Sarah Creal Beauty aims to remedy that. Created with 40+ users in mind, the creamy liner is formulated for easy application and a smudge-proof finish.

Eighth Day Ultra-Rich Intensive Moisturizer

Some skin-care is worth the investment. This new moisturizer from Eighth Day was developed by dermatologic surgeon Dr. Antony Nakhl to address skin concerns at the cellular level. It’s formulated with three weights of hyaluronic acid and the brand’s signature peptide-rich plasma to restore skin’s volume and boost hydration.

Anastasia Beverly Hills MicroStroke Brow Pen

There was a time when intensely bold brows were all the rage, but now, a more realistic look is dominating beauty trends. This new MicroStroke Brow Pen from Anastasia Beverly Hills makes this so much easier to achieve. The pen has an ultra-fine tip, making it simple to create thin strokes that mimic real hair. The spoolie on the other end helps finish off your brows.

Shark Glam Hot Tool Air Styling & Drying System

Shark’s new Glam Hot Tool Air Styling & Drying System has everything you need to unveil your best hair yet—seriously, feel free to get rid of the rest of your hair tools. It can replace your go-to flat iron, curler, round brush, and hair dryer. All the tools use a combination of ceramic coating and airflow technology for a frizz-free, glossy finish and speedy styling. Plus, you can choose from a Straight/Wavy or Curly/Coily system for your perfect blowout.

Dae Cactus Fruit 3-in-1 Styling Cream + Taming Wand in Desert Peach

A slick-back is easier said that done, but this launch from Dae makes touchups easy. Tamp down flyaways and smooth frizz with the brand’s beloved travel-sized styling cream and wand, now available in a yummy peach scent that you’ll want to wear as perfume. 

Dior Rouge Dior On Stage Lipstick

Your lips deserve the best. Dior’s new Rogue On Stage lipsticks give your pout some instant color and hydration. The result? Smooth, plumped lips with noticeable pigmentation. Available in 10 long-lasting shades, there’s a lipstick option for everyone.

Estée Lauder Glossy Pout Tinted Lip Oil

Lip oil is always a good idea, especially as temperatures cool down and dry lip season begins. New from Estée Lauder, this oil uses hyaluronic acid, botanical oils, and vitamin E to provide 24-hour moisture. 

Aerin Amber Musk Vanille Eau de Parfum

A change of seasons is the perfect time to find your next signature scent. Start with Aerin’s newest launch, the Amber Musk Vanille Eau de Parfum. This limited-edition gourmand fragrance has notes of vanilla and marshmallow. Orange flower and rose centifolia add a floral layer to the sweet scent.

By Rosie Jane Remi Eau de Parfum

Citrus scents and flavors are everywhere in the summer months, but that doesn’t mean you have to leave that zest behind. By Rosie Jane’s new perfume contains notes of mandarin, cardamom, and white amber for a fresh fragrance that’s warm and citrus-forward—perfect for the final days of summer.