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.

The post Fall Shoe Edit appeared first on Makeup by Ana B.

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!

The post Sweater Weather Reads appeared first on Makeup by Ana B.

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!

The post Artist Approve Setting Powders appeared first on Makeup by Ana B.

Shop the Looks:
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1.For the laid-back bride – Callahan Nayeli Dress
2.For the glam bride – MacDuggal Illusion Neck Sequin Gown
3.For the fashionista bride – Dress The Population Mila Long-Sleeve Wide-Leg Jumpsuit
4.For the classic bride – Luella One Shoulder Slip Dress
5. For the chic bride – Norma Kamali Long-Sleeve V-Neck Single-Breasted Jumpsuit

Don’t forget to book your trial for your wedding day to have the perfect look!

The post Fall Bridal Looks We’re Loving appeared first on Makeup by Ana B.

City Chic

For Thanksgiving dinner embrace the chic urban vibe with a cozy sweater paired with a sleek leather skirt and stylish boots. This ensemble strikes the perfect balance between comfort and style, ensuring you’re both fashionable and ready to indulge in the festivities of the evening.

Shop the look:
Sweater | Skirt | Boots
Bag | Necklace | Gloss

Comfy & Cozy

Thanksgiving is all about comfort and togetherness, so opt for a comfy and cozy style that allows you to fully enjoy the feast. Slip into an oversized sweater, pair it with soft leggings, and complete the look with comfy Chelsea boots. You’ll be ready to savor the delicious meal while feeling relaxed and warm throughout the evening.

Shop the look:
Sweater | Leggings | Boots
Bag | Earrings | Gloss

Elevated Casual

Elevate your Thanksgiving dinner style with an effortlessly chic twist on casual. Choose a cozy sweater dress that combines comfort with a touch of sophistication. Paired with knee-high boots, this ensemble strikes the perfect balance between relaxed and refined. You’ll look fabulous and be ready to enjoy a delightful holiday meal with family and friends.

Shop the look:
Sweater Dress | Boots
Bag | Earrings | Gloss

Understated Elegance

For a Thanksgiving dinner that exudes understated elegance, slip into the Anthropologie Somerset Velvet Print Maxi Dress. Its rich textures and intricate prints create an effortlessly sophisticated look. Pair it with velvet heels to elevate the ensemble. This style choice showcases your impeccable taste, making you the epitome of grace and refinement at the holiday gathering.

Shop the look:
Dress | Heels
Bag | Necklace | Gloss

Hosting Thanksgiving this year? Check out our Thanksgiving Guide to hosting with all our tips and tricks for making an unforgettable dinner for your loved ones!

The post 4 Outfits To Wear This Thanksgiving appeared first on Makeup by Ana B.

Country Chic

For a country-chic wedding nestled in the rustic charm of a farm or beneath the towering redwoods, opt for a timeless ensemble that effortlessly blends with nature’s beauty. Embrace relaxed elegance with earthy tones and flowing fabrics, creating a look that’s as enchanting as the venue itself.

Shop the look:
Dress | Earrings | Gloss | Bag | Heels

DC Rooftop

Elevate your style for an elegant rooftop soirée in the heart of the nation’s capital, Washington D.C. Embrace sophistication with sleek, modern attire, and be ready to dance under the stars in this dazzling cityscape setting.

Shop the look:
Dress | Earrings | Gloss | Bag | Heels

Black Tie Affair

Step into the world of timeless elegance as you dress to impress for a black tie wedding this fall. With sophistication as your plus one, prepare to be swept away by the magic of an unforgettable and opulent wedding celebration. 

Shop the look:
Dress | Earrings | Gloss | Bag | Heels

Cocktail Barbie

Get ready to channel your inner “Cocktail Barbie” at the upcoming fall wedding. In your chic cocktail attire, you’ll be a vision of style and grace, turning heads and raising glasses in celebration of love.

Shop the look:
Dress | Earrings | Gloss | Bag | Heels

Winery Elegance

As you step into the rustic vibes of a winery wedding, nestled in Virginia wine country or the heart of Italy, embrace the elegance of this celebration. Your attire will blend seamlessly with the vineyard’s beauty, creating unforgettable moments under the golden fall sun.

Shop the look:
Dress | Earrings | Gloss | Bag | Heels

Need more fall inspo? Discover what your new nail color will be with our post on 5 Nail Colors You Must Try This Fall!

Thumbnail Photograph: Kimberly F. Denn Photography

The post 5 Outfits For Fall Weddings appeared first on Makeup by Ana B.

1.Pinky Nudes

Pinky-nudes never go out of style, and OPI’s ‘Tickle My France-y’ was Ana B’s go-to shade this fall. It’s the perfect hue to complement your autumn wardrobe, adding an understated elegance and sophistication to your fingertips.

2.Dark Brown-Reds

Embrace the rich, sultry allure of fall with ESSIE’s ‘Wicked.’ This deep, dark brown-red hue is your go-to nail color for adding a touch of mystery this spooky season.

3.Cool Soft Greys

ESSIE’s ‘Cut It Out’ in cool, soft grey is the understated elegance your nails crave this fall. Perfect for those cozy sweater weather vibes and endless cups of warm tea.

4.Bold Reds

Elevate your fall look with “I Love You Just Be-Cusco” by OPI, a bold red that’s as timeless as autumn itself. It’s the perfect shade to make a statement during those cozy seasonal gatherings.

5.Muted Navy Blues

ESSIE’s ‘Left On Shred’ brings a touch of muted navy luxury to your fall nail game. Dive into the season with a color as deep and intriguing as the fall night sky.

6.Burnt Reds

OPI’s ‘My Solar Clock Is Ticking’ is the fiery, burnt red hue your nails need this fall. Embrace the season with a bold, passionate color that’s as warm as an autumn sunset.

Don’t forget to love your skin as the weather turns cold! Shop Ana B’s Fall Skin Care for her go-to products for keeping her skin hydrated and healthy all season long.

The post 6 Nail Colors You Must Try This Fall appeared first on Makeup by Ana B.