1. Host a Fall Soirée

Bring the season to life right at home with a fall-inspired gathering. Think warm candlelight, cozy textures, and a charcuterie board that feels almost too pretty to touch. We shared a little inspiration on our recent Instagram Reel and blog post— proving that hosting doesn’t have to be complicated or over the top. With seasonal cocktails, rich fall colors, and good company, you’ll have everything you need for an unforgettable evening.

2. Go See a Show at The Kennedy Center

A night at The Kennedy Center is the perfect way to dress up, unwind, and soak in a bit of culture. From Broadway favorites to symphonic performances, the venue always delivers an unforgettable experience. Ana recently saw The Sound of Music and couldn’t stop raving about how magical it was. Add it to your list for a romantic date night or a girls’ evening out — it’s a quintessential fall outing that feels just the right amount of fancy.

3. Start a Book Club

Cooler weather calls for cozy rituals, and there’s nothing better than gathering your friends for a good book and a glass of wine. Choose something from our Sweater Weather Reading List to kick things off, then rotate hosts and genres each month. It’s the perfect excuse to slow down, connect, and carve out time for something that’s just for you.

4. Visit Cox Farms Fall Festival

If you’re in the mood for nostalgia, nothing beats a day at Cox Farms. It’s a Northern Virginia fall staple for a reason — think hayrides, pumpkin picking, giant slides, and all the apple cider and kettle corn your heart desires. Whether you bring your kids or go with friends for a carefree day, it’s an instant mood booster that captures everything we love about autumn.

5. Hike at Great Falls

Few things compare to the beauty of Great Falls in the fall. The golden leaves, crisp air, and sound of rushing water make it one of the DMV’s most scenic escapes. It’s the ideal weekend reset — take a slow morning, grab a latte, and enjoy one of the many trails that offer stunning overlooks. Pro tip: go early to catch the soft morning light (and avoid the crowds).

6. Go to Night of the Living Zoo

Halloween season gets a sophisticated twist at the Smithsonian’s Night of the Living Zoo. It’s an adults-only evening with live music, themed cocktails, and costumes that go way beyond your typical spooky party. With the zoo as your backdrop, it’s a night that’s equal parts festive and unique — a must for anyone who loves a reason to dress up and celebrate.

The season is fleeting, but its magic lingers — in the laughter, the golden light, and the little memories made along the way. What is your favorite thing to do in the fall in the DMV?

xo, The MAB Team

The post 6 Local To Do’s This Fall! appeared first on Makeup by Ana B.

Whether you’re planning a friends’ night in or a backyard gathering, here’s a peek at how we created our chic, autumn-inspired evening — and how you can recreate it, too.

1. Setting the Mood & The Décor

When it comes to fall entertaining, atmosphere is everything. We wanted our soirée to feel warm, welcoming, and effortlessly elegant — a space where guests could laugh over wine, graze on beautiful boards, and wrap up in cozy throws as the sun set.

We layered in all the textures that make fall feel so good: soft plaids, neutral pumpkins, dried leaves, and gentle candlelight. Tables were lined with mini pumpkins, flickering flameless candles in votive holders, and touches of orange and cream plaid in a cute table cloth – the perfect balance of rustic and refined.

A curated playlist of acoustic favorites and soft indie songs (you can find plenty of “Autumn Chill” playlists on Spotify!) played in the background, setting a relaxed yet upbeat mood.

2. The Food Spread: Yummy Eats Made Easy

We kept the menu simple but stunning with help from Wegmans catering. Their options made it effortless to serve crowd-pleasing favorites that looked as good as they tasted.

Here’s what we served:

-Sushi platters for something fresh and unexpected – a MAB fave every get-together!

-Mini sandwiches filled with turkey & brie, roast beef & horseradish, and pesto veggie.

-A charcuterie board overflowing with cheeses, meats, nuts, and fruits.

-Seasonal salads with roasted vegetables and cranberries for color and flavor.

The food table doubled as part of our décor — we used wooden boards and textured linens to give everything that elevated “effortless hostess” look.

The Sweet Touch: Our S’mores Board

No MAB soirée would be complete without a signature dessert moment — and our s’mores board stole the show. Guests roasted marshmallows over the firepit and got creative with their combinations.

Our favorite board additions:

-Graham crackers (classic and chocolate)

-Assorted cookies (fudge stripes or oreos)

-Milk, dark, and white chocolate bars

-Marshmallow fluff spread for a decadent topper

-Reeses Chocolate for an elevated chocolate center

We displayed everything on a large wooden tray, creating a look that was both beautiful and inviting. It was the perfect way to wrap up the night — a little nostalgic, a little gourmet, and a whole lot of fun.

3. Our Signature Drink: Fall Sangria 🍎

We wanted a drink that felt festive but easy to batch — something that guests could sip all evening long. Enter our Fall Sangria: a mix of crisp apple cider, Sauvignon Blanc, a touch of bourbon, and slices of fresh fruit.

What we mixed:

-4 cups apple cider

-1 bottle Sauvignon Blanc

-1 cup bourbon (we used Four Roses for a sweeter addition -adjust to taste)

-1 apple and 1 orange, thinly sliced

-3–4 cinnamon sticks

We combined everything in a large pumpkin pitcher, let it chill for a few hours, and served it over ice. The result? Cozy, spiced perfection.

Non-alcoholic twist: Use sparkling apple cider instead of wine and skip the bourbon for a family-friendly version that’s just as delicious.

4. Hosting Tips from Our Team

A few takeaways we’ll be using again (and again!):

-Prep everything early so you can enjoy the night — assemble boards and chill sangria before guests arrive.

-Layer your lighting — mix candles, string lights, and lanterns for a soft, flattering glow.

-Keep bugs away with citronella torches and bug spray to keep away any lingering mosquitoes .

-Keep the playlist going — music is key to keeping the energy warm and inviting.
 

Our fall soirée reminded us that you don’t need a special occasion to celebrate — just good friends, good food, and a little creativity.

Here’s to savoring the season, one cozy gathering at a time.

xo, The MAB Team

Fall soirées aren’t the only thing on our list this season! Ready to explore all the cozy, colorful fun the DMV has to offer? Head over to our blog to see 6 Local To Do’s This Fall — the perfect companion to your next pumpkin spice moment.

The post Host Your Own Fall Soiree appeared first on Makeup by Ana B.

Shop the Shoes:
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1.Marc Fisher Ander Western Boot in Tan
Western-inspired boots are everywhere this season, and the Ander is a polished, versatile pick you’ll style year after year. Want the look for less? Target has a fabulous Western boot that delivers the same trend at a fraction of the price—perfect for testing the style without the splurge.

2.Women’s Annette Satin Slingback Heels in Animal Print
For the nights when your outfit needs a statement, these slingbacks deliver just the right mix of playful and sophisticated.

3.DREAM PAIRS Ballet Slingback Flats
Comfort meets femininity in this affordable dupe—an effortless way to bring balletcore into your fall wardrobe.

4.Evonna Maryjane Flats
Classic with a modern twist, these Maryjanes add polish to any outfit—perfect for dressing up denim or pairing with cozy fall skirts.

5.Birkenstock Dupes Women’s Suede Clogs
The cozy “it” shoe of the season, these clogs bring effortless comfort and style—wear them with socks for a laid-back fall vibe.

6.Marc Fisher Gentle Dress Boot in Black
A sleek, versatile boot you’ll wear on repeat—perfect for pairing with dresses, trousers, or your favorite denim this fall.

7.Veja V-12 Sneakers
Sleek and sustainable, the V-12s are your everyday sneaker with a side of cool-girl energy—ideal for casual Fridays or weekend errands.

Fall is the season for chic shoes, cozy layers, and a little extra fun—so consider this your lineup for stepping into the season in the perfect shoes. And if you’re really in the fall mood, curl up in your new kicks with our Sweater Weather Reads—because shoes + books = the ultimate autumn vibe.

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Shop the Reads:
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1.The Many Lives of Mama Love is raw, emotional, and powerful—perfect if you’re into memoirs about reinvention, resilience, and real-life redemption arcs.

2.If you’re in the mood for sweet sisterhood stories and a behind-the-scenes look at growing up in a famous family, Sisters First is a warm and nostalgic pick.

7.The Glass Castle is one of those wild, real-life stories that’ll have you saying “wait… what?!” every other chapter—and still leave you inspired in the end.

10.Obsessed with a twisty thriller? The Silent Patient will have you turning pages all night trying to figure out why she stopped speaking—and what really happened.

Add even more books to your TBR list with Ana B’s Cozy Season Reading List!

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Shop the Products:
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1.MAC Studio Fix+
A backstage classic that hydrates while it sets, perfect for layering throughout long shoot or event days.

2.Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Spray
A must-have for bridal glam—this lightweight mist gives a soft-focus finish that truly doesn’t budge.

3.Skindinavia Setting Spray
Designed for high-performance wear, it’s the go-to for oily skin or anyone needing serious staying power.

4.L’Oreal Paris Infallible Spray
Budget-friendly and shockingly effective, this drugstore gem keeps your look intact for up to 16 hours.

5.One/Size Until Dawn Mattifying Spray
The ultimate matte-finish spray—sweat-proof, waterproof, and perfect for hot lights or dance floors.

Prefer setting powders? We’ve got you covered with our Artist Approved Setting Powders!

The post Artist Approved Setting Sprays appeared first on Makeup by Ana B.

Shop the Products:
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1. Laura Mercier Translucent Powder
A forever classic—lightweight, flashback-free, and perfect for bridal touch-ups.
2. Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Powder
Like a real-life filter—blurs, smooths, and adds just the right amount of glow.

3. Huda Beauty Easy Bake Loose Powder
Sets everything in place with a soft matte finish that holds up from getting ready to dance floor.

4. Maybelline Fit Me Loose
Drugstore gem with luxury-level payoff—perfect for everyday and bridal trials alike.

5. Haus Labs Bio Blurring Powder
Clean, skin-loving, and seamless—this powder smooths while letting skin breathe.

Tell us your favorite setting powders below!

xo, The MAB Team

Head to our Artist Approved Concealers for the must haves to cover dark circles and help you look awake!

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Zion Itinerary

Where to Stay

With our group of 7, it was important to us to find a place that was large enough for us to stay together. We decided on the Lafave Luxury Villas, luxurious rentals only a mile away from the Zion main entrance and located centrally in the little town of Springdale. It was the perfect base to come back to relax after a day of hiking! We also considered glamping at AutoCamp Zion, but ultimately decided against it since none of the accommodations could house us together. Worth a look if you’re going with a smaller group!

What to Do

I love being active on trips and I was so excited to see some iconic sights while we visited Zion. We started our trip with The Narrows – roughly a 5-6 mile hike round trip – and I cannot recommend Zion Guru Guided Tours enough! With your booking they guide you through the trail, pointing out key facts and answering questions, but they also supply you with specialized footwear and neoprene socks (both necessary for the water sections), a walking pole and a dry day pack to put your water bottle, snacks, and phone. You won’t regret doing this hike – or seeing mountain goats along the route!

After our first long day of hiking, we gave our legs a break and explored Springdale – the gateway town to Zion. There are a bunch of cute boutiques to get cute clothes, jewelry, and hiking gear, but my favorite part of the day had to be our spa day. We went to Deep Canyon Spa at Flanigan’s Resort and the salt stone massage was absolutely luxurious after a long day of hiking.

After a day of relaxing fun, it was back to the primary purpose of our trip – hiking Zion and seeing all the views! We decided to do a couple hikes solo instead of using a guide and two that we loved were the Emerald Pools Trail and the Grotto Trail. The Emerald Pools Trail is stunning with 3 levels of pools and waterfalls, a less intense trail than the narrows that’s a little over 2 miles round trip – so great for an easy morning hike! The Grotto Trail is another easy hike (1 mile round trip) that’s relatively flat, but you can see tons of wildlife along the loop. Another great option for when your legs are still recovering from The Narrows!

If you’ve been following me for a bit you know I love a guided e-bike tour – so I jumped at the opportunity to take one through Zion! It was an easier way to see more of this National Park in the few days we were exploring. Endorphins were at an all time high from all the movement I was doing over this trip!

Since we were typically on the go and having early mornings and long afternoons out on the trail, it was important to us to get quick and healthy meals that we could take on the go with us. A couple spots we loved for yummy breakfasts were Oscar’s Cafe (hearty & delicious food) and FeelLove Coffee (great coffee and healthy bites). We loved being able to power up quickly and head out on the trail! Another must stop to dine is King’s Landing Bistro – an American/European fusion bistro that delivers all the views of Zion and seriously good food. Highly recommend making a reservation so you can get a good spot!

There’s truly so much to do in Zion – from guided tours to solo hikes and exploring the nearby town, you will be able to fill your trip up with incredible views!

What to Wear

When I packed my suitcase for this trip, it was important to me to be prepared for all the hiking and walking we would be doing! I packed clothes that would be comfortable for movement while keeping me cool and boots that would protect my feet without leaving blisters. Below I’m sharing some of my must haves for this trip to help you prepare for yours!

Shop the must haves:
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I can’t stress enough how important it is to invest in a good pair of hiking boots to keep your feet protected! Tennis shoes work, but they don’t have the same grip in the treads like hiking boots, which are also made to protect your ankles from rolling/sprains. Pair them with some thick, moisture wicking socks and your feet will thank you for protecting them from blisters!

We didn’t dress up much on our trip, but we did have one fabulous girls night out where I got to wear this romper from Abercrombie that I’m obsessed with! It was so fun to feel cute after a day of hiking with my girls and have some cocktails at Bit N’ Spur – which is a must add to your trip for delicious tex-mex style food and cocktails!

Outfit details:
Romper | Boots | Earrings

This Zion girls trip was easily one of my top favorite trips—combining my love of time spent with my girls and getting my body moving! There’s just something about fresh air, stunning views, and belly laughs with your people that fills your soul in the best way. I left feeling recharged, inspired, and already dreaming up our next adventure. If Zion’s not on your list yet, trust me—it should be.

xo
Ana B.

Head to my LTK to find all my travel recs and must haves!

The post Ana B’s Guide to Zion National Park appeared first on Makeup by Ana B.

Shop the contours:
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1.Makeup By Mario Contour Stick – in Medium
Creamy, blendable, and foolproof—this stick melts into skin for natural definition without harsh lines (plus, it comes with a built-in brush!).
2.Westman Atelier – in Biscuit
Clean, creamy, and totally luxe—Biscuit gives the perfect cool-toned contour with a skin-like finish that blends in seconds.
3.Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Bronzer – in Shade 2
This velvety matte powder gives a seamless sculpt and soft warmth—like contouring with a real-life filter.
4.MAC – in Harmony
An OG for a reason—this muted taupe-brown blush doubles as a contour shade for soft, shadow-like definition on lighter skin tones.
5.Fenty Beauty Match Stix – in Amber & Mocha
Amber brings that perfect cool contour for fair to medium tones, while Mocha is a go-to for deeper skin—both swipe on and stay put, even in summer heat.

What is your go to contour?
xo, The MAB Team

Need more summer makeup inspo? Our artists also shared their Approved Foundations For Summer to help you glow all summer!

The post Artist Approved Contours appeared first on Makeup by Ana B.

Shop the blush:
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1.Dior Backstage Rosy Glow – in 001 Pink
The blush that went viral for a reason—this cool pink reacts to your skin’s pH for a custom flush that actually lasts in summer heat.
2.Rare Beauty – in Hope & Happy
These lightweight liquid formulas melt into the skin, giving you that hydrated, dewy flush that screams “clean girl summer.”
3.Patrick Ta – in Not Too Much / She’s A Doll
Double the glam with this duo—use the cream for a soft tint or top with powder for that bold, editorial flush that stays put all day.
4.Charlotte Tilbury Cheek to Chic – in Love Glow
This two-tone blush gives you that signature CT glow—romantic, radiant, and universally flattering with a soft shimmer finish.
5.MAC – in Warm Soul
The ultimate sun-kissed neutral—peachy-bronze with a hint of sheen that works with every summer look, from no-makeup to full glam.

Ready to have your beauty stash perfectly tailored to your skin type? Book our Beauty Concierge Service and let our pro artists help you upgrade your makeup and skin care!

The post Artist Approved Blush appeared first on Makeup by Ana B.

Shop the products:
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1.Tower 28 Swipe Serum Concealer
Clean, dewy, and packed with skincare—this one feels like nothing on the skin but still gets the job done.
2.Tarte Shape Tape Creamy
A softer, more hydrating spin on the OG—gives full coverage without settling into fine lines, even in the heat.
3.MAC Studio Finish Concealer
Creamy, compact, and water-resistant—ideal for precise spot coverage that won’t budge.
4.NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer
Hydrating, blendable, and never cakey—this classic is a go-to for a bright, refreshed under-eye look that lasts.
5.MAC Pro Longwear Concealer
Sweat-resistant with serious staying power—perfect for summer brides or all-day events.

Need more summer makeup inspo? Our artists also shared their Approved Foundations For Summer to help you glow all summer!

The post Artist Approved Concealers appeared first on Makeup by Ana B.