There's only seven working weeks left in the year — how? Unbelievable as it is, we're about to start the marathon that is the final two months of the year, wrapping up work while attempting to also fit in family, a social life and some summer wellness. I love summer beauty, I find I take a much more laid-back approach. Plus, limited sets, colours and launches pop up everywhere. Whether it's a gift or treat to self, below I've wrapped up the best of October (including the new Hermès Lip Liner, a cold plunge face mask, and dryer sheets that will leave your towels smelling like milky sandalwood). Enjoy.
Kit Cold Therapy Facial Treatment
As someone who loves ice rolling, I was excited about this cold therapy face mask from Kit. It's thick and balmy, while the inclusion of menthol gives it an icy, tingly feeling. It's also packed with centella, squalane, mushroom, aloe and shea butter to soothe and nourish dry or stressed skin. A very good one to try come party season.
Trait d'Hermès Lip Pencil
Hermès continue to impress me with their considered approach to beauty; no launch is without a story, and every detail pays hommage to the origins of the house. The pencil itself, designed by Pierre Hardy, references the obstacle bar in horse show jumping (Hermès started in the saddle-making business), while the metal cap is stamped with an 'H'. It's creamy, matte and the shade range is perfect.
DedCool Xtra Milk Dryer Sheets
Sweet-smelling washing is, in my opinion, a great indication of someone who has their life together. DedCool's Milk personal fragrance is one of my favourite 'skin' scents (I prefer it to Glossier You) so there's no question that I need these dryer sheets. Not only do they reduce static, but leave your clothes smelling like bergamot and white musk. Now imagine it with clean sheets...
Crown Affair The Texturising Air Dry Mousse
Dianna Cohen, the founder of Crown Affair, taught me a lot about air drying so I was excited to try this formula. Hair mousse is traditionally sticky or crunchy, but this formula is soft and touchable while still enhancing natural movement. It's enriched with the brand's signature tsubaki oil, plus mineral salts to encourage texture. The best thing about it is that it brushes out, so you're not sentenced to a hair wash after applying. And I do think it improves my air dry.
Arkive Decorated Woods Eau de Parfum
Arkive is better known as a haircare brand, but they recently expanded to include fragrance. Decorated Woods is for hair and body, containing baobab oil for light nourishment. The smell is clean and woodsy, with ginger, spicy saffron, palo santo and patchouli. It's a little Santal but with less smoke, more lush vegetal notes.
YSL Beauty All Hours Concealer
This is everything you want in a concealer: creamy coverage, long-lasting wear and a crease-proof consistency that actually conceals while looking like skin. Use it as your sole base product, or pair it with Touche Eclat for high definition skin.
CHANEL Ombre Premiere Laque Milky Way
This CHANEL liquid eyeshadow is limited edition for the holidays, so don't sleep on it. The shade looks intimidating initially, but it's a really easy, low-fuss way to create a nighttime eye (even with minimal skills). The cool-toned purple blends seamlessly, while super-fine glitter hide any mistakes (plus, who can resist a festive sparkle?). Try applying it as you would a liner on your upper lash line and buff out with a soft fluffy brush.
Tom Ford Lip Pencil
I forgot how much I loved a Tom Ford lip until I saw the recent Angelina Jolie campaign and remembered just how good they are. This lip liner is incredible: creamy, ultra pigmented but soft enough to blend for a natural pillowy effect. The new shade range is amazing (I like Re-see).
Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair
October was breast cancer awareness month, and you can still shop this limited edition bottle of Advanced Night Repair, in support of breast cancer research. It's a very worthy cause (20% of the purchase price of each bottle will be donated to the National Breast Cancer Foundation), plus ANR is one of the most iconic serums out there — I'm yet to meet someone who doesn't notice a difference after trying it.
Clarins Lip Oil Balm
If you love the famous Clarins Lip Oil you'll adore this balm. It's super slick and hydrating, while the colour is sheer enough so that you can apply without looking. The easiest car/handbag lip product ever.
