I’m still in disbelief that it’s October. We
have a little less than three more months left of 2014. Holiday season is among
us people! Hallmark already has their Christmas décor out and we all know that
on November 1st, the Christmas music will be blaring from every
store. But before all of that chaos ensues, let’s talk about some September
favorites, shall we?
1.
Dior Ultra Addict Lip Gloss in
#452 Pretty Rose – I’ve had this for a few months
now but I didn’t really appreciate it until recently. When I first got this
gloss the pigmentation actually disappointed me until I realized, it’s supposed
to be sheer. In September I began wearing this gloss over a lip liner that is
ever so slightly darker than my natural lip color. I apply the liner just on
the bottom center of my lower lip and to define my cupid’s bow to enhance the
shape of my lips. This gloss just gives the prettiest, healthiest look and is
hydrating like a balm. It’s become my go-to gloss for minimal or no makeup
days.
2.
Maybelline Color Elixir in #065
Caramel Infused – When I first got this gloss
last Fall I was really put off by the scent and taste, so I didn’t wear it a
ton. I decided to put it on this past month and have been reaching for it
frequently since. The scent and taste don’t bother me like it used to and I
love the finish it gives. As my best friend said, “You’re lips look luscious!”
and what chick doesn’t want luscious looking lips?! It’s a beautiful shade that
enhances your natural lip color. The formula is thick but not sticky and hydrates
well.
3.
L’Oreal Miss Manga Mascara
(non-waterproof) – This mascara is great! I’m not
super picky when it comes to mascara because I have really long lashes, so it
doesn’t take much for my lashes to look like something. This mascara makes my
lashes look unreal. I don’t wear waterproof mascara often, so I expect my
non-waterproof mascara to not smudge (asking for a lot, I know…). But guys!
This barely smudges on me! My waterproof L’Oreal Carbon Black smudges like
crazy on me and this one doesn’t and
I have oily skin, so that’s a big deal. If you’re in the market for a new
mascara, give this one a go. It’s become one of my favorites.
4.
Maybelline Fit Me Foundation in
shade #240 – This is another product I
purchased last Fall and I only wear it during the cooler months because it will
melt off my face in a heart beat in the hot summer heat. During the cooler
months, when set with a mattifying powder I can actually wear this for a few
hours before needed to blot. This foundation is marketed towards people with
dry to normal skin, but I’ve been able to make it work for me. Bringing it back
out this fall reminded me of how much I like it. It’s lightweight, light to
medium coverage, it’s a perfect match for my skin tone, and gives a healthy
glow without making me look like a face-planted a bucket of fried chicken.
5.
Formula X for Sephora Base Coat – This base coat is the best base coat I’ve ever tried. Period. My
nails won’t chip for a week! I’m really impressed. It’s a sticky base coat so
polish really adheres to the nail. It’s a bit pricey for .40 fluid ounces
($10.50), but I always do my own manicures, so it’s worth it.
6.
Estelle & Thild Face Cream,
Fragrance Free for Sensitive Skin – I’ve
wanted to try something from this brand when Estée from essiebutton on YouTube
raved about it. However, it’s pricey (retail for this particular face cream is
around $48. I paid $13) and not the most readily available. I was browsing
around the skin care section of TJ Maxx and lo and behold! there was this face
cream! I snatched it up and it’s been love ever since. This is a thicker,
richer face cream that I only use at night on nights I apply a facemask, so about
3 times a week. I used detoxifying masks that can really leave the skin feeling
tight and dry. On those days I want a heavier face cream that is really going
to hydrate my skin and this fits the bill. It’s too heavy for me to use on
daily basis but perfect for when my skin needs a little extra TLC. And the
ingredients are natural and organic. Win!
7.
Crabtree & Evelyn Avocado,
Olive & Basil Hand Cream – This is
another TJ Maxx purchase. I’m always on the hunt to find the best hand cream
and this may be my favorite thus far. It smells great, it’s super moisturizing
and it has great ingredients. I picked up another in the scent Rosewater. When
I apply this at night, my hands feel unnaturally soft in the morning. This
comes with a hefty price tag at $20 a pop, retail. I paid $6 for mine. Check
out TJ Maxx to see if you can score a tube.
8.
The Body Shop Atlas Mountain Rose
Body Butter – I love rose anything. I love
the smell, the look of roses and even the taste (if you’ve never tried Rose
black tea, you’re missing out). Rose is absolutely one of my favorite scents,
right along with bergamot. I stumbled across this body butter at TJ Maxx (one
of my favorite stores if you haven’t noticed already). I took one whiff and was
like, “Yep, I’m gon need that.” It’s a fresh scent without smelling heavy, or
like a grandmother. Yet, there is a complexity to it. With my body chemistry it
takes on a warmer quality that makes it appropriate for the cooler months. It’s
unique also, which is what I look for in a fragrance. I love it so much I went
on The Body Shop and ordered the fragrance mist, the shower gel, the perfume
oil and a back up of the body butter. I. Can’t. Get. Enough.
9.
J.Crew Factory Statement Necklace – I’ve been looking for a statement necklace like this for a
while, a little over a year actually. This necklace is perfect for dressing up
or down. I wanted a necklace like this to pair with button downs and plain
sweaters. It’s sparkly without being gaudy. I probably wear it 3+ times a week.
I have no shame.
Those are all my favorites for the month of
September! What were some stand out products for you this past month?
-Alana
