Fall Fragrances

While many companies have released their fall fragrance lines, we here in New Orleans know that there is at least another month or so of steamy heat, so we stay in a look-don’t-change-yet mode, keeping things light and fresh with a water or citrus bent. Fall scents mean deeper, warmer smells like fig, light amber, tea, and/or herbs and spices (bergamot, basil or vetiver, to name some), that form fragrance foundation. A deeper, petal-rich rose also appears along with a little oud and musk. The list of this season’s most delicious releases include:

Jo Malone: Mimosa & Cardamom

Aesop: Tacit

Bottega Veneta: Knot Eau Florale

By Kilian: Voulez-vous Coucher Avec Moi

Annick Goutal: Vanille Charnelle, Ambre Sauvage & 1001 Ouds

Avery: Avery Perfume Collection

I have been waffling between Roads Co.’s “This Weekend” and BodyTime’s iconic China Rain oil rollerball. Toward the end of September, I find myself partial to Diptyque’s Philosykos, considered by perfume gurus Luca Turin and Tanya Sanchez (authors of Perfumes: The A-Z guide) to be “… the first proper fig in perfumery. Excellent.”
 

What I’ve Been Loving, Using and Reading

With that in mind, my daytime go-to routine begins with a gentle morning cleanse with Vital Assist Daily Probiotic Cleanser, followed by a Pixi Glycolic Toner, two or three drops of Herbivore Botanicals Orchid facial oil, Vital Assist TINTsmart SPF35 Sunscreen/Primer, a swipe of black eyeliner on primed lids, a sweep of W3LL PEOPLE Expressionist Mascara, Charlotte Tilbury Bronze and Glow and Bombshell lip balm in Ruby.

At night, I’m currently in love with some cool Asian brands that are all the rage. I take off my make up with Sephora’s Triple Action Micellar Water, then second cleanse with Tatcha Camellia Cleansing Oil. Several times a week, I follow with the very gentle yet effective AmorePacific Treatment Enzyme Peel, then Belif The True Cream Moisturizing Bomb or Kate Somerville Nourish Daily Moisturizer (depending on how much hydration I need), four or five drops of Sunday Riley Luna Oil and then a spritz of Glossier’s Rosewater Soothing Mist.  

I’m a magazine fanatic, so my monthly stack towers with Marie Claire, Allure, Thoughtfully, etc. I also visit to YouTube to faithfully watch videos from Pretty, Shiny, Sparkly; VivianneDoesMakeup; The Raeviewer; Hello October; Lisa Eldridge; Caroline Hirons; and Sali Hughes. Speaking of Sali Hughes, put her Guardian beauty column on your regular Internet reading list and her newly released book, Pretty Honest, on your holiday wishlist.
 

What’s In Store

I recently hit the Sephora VIB Rouge brunch party and picked up some new products – reviews next month. I also splurged on a Hakuho-do Small Teardrop Pointed Highlighter brush; it’s so soft and just the right size to tap on Becca Highlighter in Opal or Laura Geller’s Baked Gelato Swirl Illuminator in Gilded Honey. Sephora has some great staff that can give guidance and nice testers to try before you buy.

L’Oreal’s Color Riche Le Matte Lip Colors are insanely good, with deep pigmentation, smooth, silky texture and incredible lasting power. All five shades are gorgeous, but I’m partial to Mad for Matte, a rich orange red.

Brow products are everywhere! My fascination with Korean brands has led me to Cungah 22 Dong Gong Minn Brow Maker. The two-in-one applicator (brush and sponge tip) is odd but effective in creating shape and definition. Best of all, it lasts all day without smudging and is waterproof.

If sculpting and shimmer is what you like, contour and highlighters continue to rule the day. Apart from the holidays, I prefer a subtle, healthy glow from a light hand with nourishing facial oil or balm-like lotion. Check out Tony Moly Luminous Goddess Aura Beam.

Fall palettes are abundant! Virtually every line has a stunning shadow palette with both brights and muted colors. The one palette that everyone will want is Hourglass Cosmetics Holiday 2015 Palette of blush, highlight, bronzer and finishing powder.

Gwyneth Paltrow fans take note: Goop will become a beauty brand in collaboration with Juice Beauty. The six-piece range is expected to his stores in early 2016.

Have questions or products to recommend? Email SouthernGlow@MyNewOrleans.com.