You might want to smack me upside the head when you read what I'm about to tell you and I blame Essie 100%. I know the weather is lovely and mild at the moment, but when the autumn collection from Essie arrived at my desk, it made me yearn for autumn. Proper autumn. I want to be able to wear scarves because it's chilly out, not just because I've spilled something down my top at work and need to hide the stain. I want to go to Starbucks and get a Pumpkin Spiced Latte because I need to be warmed up and have no fear of turning into a sweaty Betty because it's already warm out and drinking something cosy like that just makes for a clammy Karen. I'm ready to put the bright summery nail polish shades away for the next few months, so while it mightn't be autumnal outside, it shall be autumnal on my nails!

Essie's six strong autumn collection is aimed at neutral lovers but don't worry, there are two intense shades for those of us who need a little something extra on our nails during the chillier months.

Take It Outside is a pale taupey grey with a hint of pink undertones to it. The pale nail was huge during the summer and it's nice to know it's continuing and we don't have to completely submerge ourselves in darker shades this season. Chic and sophisticated, that's what this is. And it's what I pretend to be when wearing it.

Fall In Line is a soft, dusky jade shade that's one of the more unique colours to come from Essie in a while. If you're unsure about wearing greens, then you have to check this out because the grey undertones gives it an air of Downton Abbey about it. Ladylike, muted and delicate. I am none of these.

Partner in Crime is to nail polish what hot chocolate is to autumn. It's warm and cosy and makes you feel like wrapping up and going outside. Essie do brown shades like nobody else and this is deep, mysterious and now I want chocolate.

The Perfect Cover up is a beautiful deep teal shade that's my kind of neutral polish. Dark enough to look like a forest green at first sight, but further investigation and you'll see the cool teal undertones coming through. Stunning dahling!

All you need to do is have a look in the shops to know that cobalt blue is continuing to be huge this season and if you're watching your cash like moi, then there are ways of incorporating it into your look without breaking the bank. Cobalt accessories are one way of going about it, and of course, nail polish. Style Cartel seriously packs a punch in terms of vibrancy and it's a winner. This is my favourite of the six.

Finally, it wouldn't be an autumn collection from Essie without a red and Dress To Kilt is a beaut. I'm a firm believe that you can never have too many red polishes and there's nothing like an intense shade like this to make it look like you've made an effort with your nails.

With the exception of Take It Outside which needed three coats for the photos, the rest of the shades needed just the two coats for this finish. Is it just my imagination or have Essie polishes gotten shinier? Their wide brush makes for easy application and let the record show, I didn't need to tidy up the nails at all for these photos and I'm no professional when it comes to nail polish application!

The Essie Autumn 2014 Collection will be on stands soon and shall set you back €9.99 a bottle. Do we like?

Karen Constantine blogs for the award-winning Lovely Girly Bits. Click here to read more of her reviews and beauty advice.

You can also find her on Twitter - @lovelygirlybits