September is always a big beauty month; in fact, it’s one of our favourite times of year for new launches. During September, we see our brands pull out all of the stops just in time for, dare we say it… Christmas.
But! Even though we’ve welcomed an incredible influx of new fragrances, makeup and skincare to the site, there can only be six winners for this edit. Tried, tested and approved by our experts, read on to find your new must-have…
#1 The High-End Perfume
Yves Saint Laurent Libre Eau de Parfum Spray
Libre is one of those fragrances you could buy for its bottle alone. The stylish flacon, all wrapped up in oversized YSL couture is what initially drew me to this perfume. I’ve always had my eye on the iconic Saint Laurent Opyum heels and Envelope bag, so for me this is the next best thing! The perfect accessory to every outfit, Libre makes a day at the office feel a little bit more glam.
It smells as good as it looks! The aromatic floral composition is so sexy and sophisticated. ‘Free’ from traditional fragrance rules, YSL gives lavender (traditionally a masculine note) a soft feminine spin, which makes this scent feel truly unique.
Intrigued? Read our Fragrance Expert’s review of Libre.
#2 The Multi-Purpose Moisturiser
I rarely get excited about moisturisers, but Avene Aqua Gel is no ordinary moisturiser. Firstly, it’s a hydration hero thanks to 75% Avene Thermal Spring Water, which my eczema-prone, reactive skin has loved. And secondly, it’s not just a moisturiser. You can use it as a face cream, eye cream and an overnight face mask, which is a saviour on those ‘can’t be bothered nights’, which have become far more regular than I’d like to admit lately.
Aqua Gel is a win-win. You pay for one product, get three uses, save on time, room, and get bucketloads of hydration, which everyone’s going to need over the next couple of months. The icing on the cake? It’s a 1/3rd off throughout October! I’ll be stocking up and I recommend that you do too.
#3 The Skin-Clearing Face Wash
Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Gel Cleanser
After committing to this wash for the past couple of months, I know the reason why it’s constantly in my newsfeed. It’s not down to Facebook spying on me; it works, and I’ve got the before and afters to prove it.
Along with the Vinopure routine, I’ve been using the Vinopure cleanser twice a day for around three months now. I can honestly say that my t-zone has never looked fresher, and my skin’s texture has never felt smoother. Salicylic acid face washes are the best for the job when it comes to clearing impurities, but Caudalie are one step ahead with this foam formula. It’s 98% natural and doesn’t leave your skin feeling tight or dry after you use it.
CliffNotes: If it’s not bloggers, journalists or myself raving about Caudalie’s new Vinopure Purifying Gel, somebody else in the world is hammering home about how amazing salicylic acid face washes are for deep cleansing. A little bit goes a long way with this wash, and you can even use it on your chest and back if you suffer from breakouts.
Read Chelsey’s full review of the Caudalie Vinopure skincare range and see her before and & after.
#4 The Perfecting Powder
Yves Saint Laurent All Hours Universal Setting Powder
There’s one product that I couldn’t be without in my makeup collection, and that’s a setting powder. But it can’t just be any old translucent powder, oh no, I need it to be effective yet discreet on my face before it gets a regular spot in my makeup bag; and let’s just say that now, it will take an awful lot to knock YSL All Hours Universal Setting Powder from the top spot!
I use a setting powder for a few things. Firstly, dusted lightly over my t-zone after applying foundation to keep that area slightly more matte and to blur any enlarged pores. During the day; usually around lunchtime, I like to give my makeup a little spruce-up, and again using a small powder brush, dust a little over my makeup to eliminate any shine. I love All Hours Universal Powder because it’s so finely milled it’s almost undetectable on my skin. Because it’s colourless, it doesn’t interfere with the tone of my foundation or look cakey on my skin.
Finally, not only is this a wonderful product to use and makes my makeup look flawless, the packaging is beautiful too. Its matte black casing with gold detailing and YSL emblem sophisticatedly stamped on the front oozes luxury and makes it a joy to use – every time!
#5 The New Niche
Serge Lutens La Couche du Diable Eau de Parfum Spray
As a fan of Serge Lutens, I was instantly intrigued by the news of a new fragrance; especially as it’s the first with an oud accord. When I read the first line: “How can one attend the coronation of Satan without ever once having tasted sin?” I was converted, no matter the scent, I wanted to try it.
Luckily the scent is sumptuous. The oud is not overpowering; and because it’s mixed with cistus jam, a fruity complex and rose, it creates a strong scent that will last. Perfect for any wicked nights of indulgence you have in mind.
I would say this fragrance is best as a nighttime scent; the strong first impression gives way to a much softer dry down that sits perfectly alongside its Collection Noire brethren. Housed in the traditional bottle design this dark juice could have come from a ‘Dark Lord’.
Love Niche fragrances? Discover 10 of our all-time favourites.
#6 The Gift You’ll Want To Keep For Yourself
Benefit Babe on Board Bronze, Blush & Highlight Palette
I’m away most weekends, so the need for compact and travel-friendly makeup is key. The Benefit Babe on Board Bronze, Blush & Highlight face palette ticks all of those boxes. It includes a blusher, bronzer and highlighter in a super cute camper van tin format that has a mirror too and will easily fit in your handbag.
It includes Benefit’s cult bronzing powder – Hoola which is a natural-looking, matte finish bronzer which allows you to create a healthy glow. It also features a brand new blusher shade, Rockabye which is a super wearable warm-rose, making it the perfect everyday option. Last but not least is Dandelion Twinkle, which works great as a buildable highlighter to accentuate your features from day to night. This palette will make the perfect gift, or why not treat yourself!
