Our Beauty Editor’s October Favorites

I have been trying and testing many new beauty products and have chosen my top five for the month of October! From an incredible new eyeshadow palette at a great price to an all natural foundation that totally delivers, I hope you will find something here that works for you, too.

14e Cosmetics Aloe Nourish Foundations and Skin Tints

I am always on the search for natural foundations and tinted moisturizers that are not only nourishing for my dry, acne prone skin, but also deliver pretty coverage and hold up through my long days. I am using and loving the Aloe Nourish Foundation and Sheer Tint formulas from 14e Cosmetics (I am the color Sand). They are both aloe vera based (no water!) and work to improve skin in the areas of breakouts, early signs of aging, and moisture retention.

The Foundation provides buildable medium coverage with a semi-matte finish that looks natural on the complexion. The Skin Tint provides sheer coverage and has a super lightweight, almost gel-like, consistency that seems to instantly reduce the look of my pores. I love that they are 100% natural, vegan, and cruelty-free. And word has it the founder, Los Angeles-based makeup artist Emma Fortini, is developing even more shades to suit darker skin tones. Big thumbs up!

Jouer Essential Matte and Shimmer Eyeshadow Palette

I have to admit, I am not a huge eyeshadow fan. But jouer’s newest eyeshadow palette has got me changing my mind! This slim compact contains twelve beautifully-pigmented shades (five shimmers and seven mattes) perfect for creating just a simple wash of color to a full on smokey eye. I have been wearing Dew (a candlelit soft cream tone) all over my lid with Macchiato (a matte neutral taupe) in my crease for a natural, classic look. All of the eye shadows are generously sized and the price of $40 is fantastic!

No matter your eye color or skin tone, these champagnes, pinks, warm and cool browns and bronzes will provide you with an endless combination of looks to try this fall.

Lalun Seasonal Skincare

I began using Lalun Seasonal Skincare in June. Not only was I impressed with the products in the Summer Lavender collection, but I was also fascinated with the concept of adjusting my skincare regimen for each season. The line offers a simple program (winter, spring, summer, fall) that honors the skin’s response to the seasonal rhythms of the year and helps the skin rebalance itself as the weather changes.

Every ingredient used is wild, raw, edible, seasonal, organic and fair trade. They are as close to their origin as possible and each cleanser, cream, oil and mist is manufactured personally by Lalun’s creator, Maggie Mahboubian. The standout products for me are the Summer Lavender Moisturizer, a raw, cold-processed hydrating cream, and Silver Moondrops, a blend of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant oils. If you would like to give the line a try, there are convenient trial kits that contain a two week supply of the cleanser, toner, and cream for only $18. The full size three piece kits are $70. I cannot wait to dip into the Autumn Gold collection as we head into fall!

Cocokind Organic Lip Balm

As we get deeper into fall, I find myself reaching more often for something to soothe my dry lips. I am really digging the Organic Lip Balms from Cocokind. First of all, they are super yummy. Second, they contain only organic virgin coconut oil, yellow beeswax and oils. Third, they provide a protective barrier while sealing in moisture. And best of all, the Cocokind company has a really strong belief in giving back. They donate proceeds to give clean water, meals, and books to children all over the world. I love that something as simple as purchasing a personal care item can help support the greater good. I urge you to check out their extensive line of coconut oil based skin, body and baby products – all safe, organic and natural.

LUSH Sexy Peel Soap

I have a thing for bar soap. I look for long lasting, non drying, fantastically fragranced bars that don’t break down and get all mushy in my shower. I was shopping in the LUSH store one day, gushing over all their Bath Bombs, when I came across the most wonderfully uplifting smelling bar of a soap. The Sexy Peel bar soap contains the peels of organic oranges, limes and lemons to give it an exfoliating texture. It leaves me feeling squeaky clean and energizes me with it’s bright, citrusy scent. Waking up is hard to do, but this heavenly little block of sunshine makes it a little bit easier!

Illustration by Francesca Giaimo