I am still feeling skincare over makeup, and can slap on my daytime makeup in less than 5 minutes. I am addicted to essential oils and keep little bottles of them on me at all times. I have just switched to Dr. Barbara Sturm cream just in time for the cold and am using her super-rich body cream as well.

I discovered a new cheek and lip tint in the most perfect (and totally universal) tone and I am really into a red eye shadow situation for evenings when I want to look a little vampy. What else… Oh, perfumes and candles! Fall is all about finding your scent and creating a warm, cozy place to come home to. Read on for the full September beauty edit of the best products to try for the season ahead.

Ellis Brooklyn SciFi EDP

Raaw in a Jar Blue Beauty Drops

CAP Beauty Matcha Match Stick Box

Glass Dharma Glass Straw

001 Skincare London Pure Active Peel

Byredo Rose Of No Man’s Land Roll-On EDP

RMS Beauty Garden Rose Eye Shadow 19

 Charlotte Tilbury Matte Lipstick Amazing Grace

 Pursoma Earth Bound Body Mask

 Susanne Kaufmann Nourishing Herbal Whey Bath

Dr. Barbara Sturm Anti-Aging Body Cream

Living Libations Rose Glow Complexion Mist

 Olio E Osso No. 2 Balm in French Melon

 Rituel de Fille Ash and Ember Eye Shoot in Viscera

True Botanicals Antioxidant Booster

Instead of covering it all up, aim for a natural glow. Enhance your best features and subtly disguise your problem areas. To do this, all you need are a few essentials.

Invest in a summer perfume, a new lip gloss and fun convo-starting sparking earring. You can put away (for now) your heavy eye shadows, crimson nail polishes and your contouring creams in favor of a light translucent powder, a skin perfecting anti-aging mist (that can go on-the-go) and of course a luminizing SPF. These are the products you need for the warm weather season ahead.

Bobbi Brown Gel Liner

This eyeliner doesn’t budge, even in the balmiest of summer nights.

Becca Under Eye Brightening Corrector

This corrector creates a soft, diffused radiance that evens and brightens your skin tone. Use on top of your concealer. This was a tip was one of my besties.

Dyson Hairdryer

The is THE ultimate hairdryer. Every girl needs it because it will forever change your hair styling game. It’ll leave your locks smooth, not stringy.

Elizabeth and James Nirvana Perfume Oil

This rollerball (one that a lot of my editor friends wear) is the perfect little pick-me-up to keep on your body at all times. Smell like peony and tender musk.

 Gypsy Water Hair Perfume

One spritz of Byredo’s hair perfume will last all day – the scent subtly diffuses as you move, which is perfect for summer strolls. This fragrance is an uplifting, slightly woody blend of juniper berries and incense with a base of vanilla and sandalwood.

Tom Ford Fleur de Portofino Eau de Parfum

This scent was inspired by the abundant white flowers of the Mediterranean White Acacia tree. Think: Calabrian Bergamot, Sicilian Lemon and Tangerine. At first, it’s a light mix of citrus and florals, then it transitions to a comforting vanilla and honey base. This is my go-to summer scent.

Marc Jacobs Beauty Enamored Hi-Shine Nail Lacquer, Fluorescent Beige 142

Fluorescent Beige is a soft pink hue with rich mauve undertones and an iridescent finish that creates that wet look… like you just stepped out of the pool.

Chanel Nail Polish, Pirate

The newly renovated 5-free formula actually improves the quality of your nails. Pirate is a Chanel original and is “the only red that matters,” according to Jess King.

La Mer Soft Fluid Foundation SPF 20

Two of my friends had this on over the weekend and it gave them the prettiest and glowiest complexion. It’s super light, covers redness and sunspots and contains the brand’s famous “Miracle Broth.” This foundation leaves your pores refined and your imperfections virtually gone, while SPF and antioxidants help protect your newly flawless skin.

Herban Essentials Assorted Essential Oil Towelettes

Keep em in your car, beach bag, on your bathroom counter or in your kids’ bedrooms. These all-natural towelettes clean up the stickiest of fingers and the dirtiest of faces.

Sanitas Skincare Brightening Peel Pads

Recommended by the women of Dangene, so you know it’s good. They’re great if you suffer from acne, eczema, rosacea or just want sparkling skin. These super easy-to-use pads are made with this perfect cocktail of acids: Lactic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Alpha Hydroxy Acids, Salicylic Acid and witch hazel.

RMS Beauty Champagne Rose Luminizer

RMS’s newest luminizer is like the original but this time with a blush-pink champagne tint. It’s avant-garde and rosy.

Zara Pearly Strappy Sandals

They look just like the Chanels. Just trust me, you will get 1000 compliments.

Tatcha Water Cream

This oil-free, anti-aging water cream releases a burst of skin-improving Japanese (so you know they mean business) nutrients that help you achieve pore-less-looking skin. Once applied, you skin is left with the most beautiful sheen!

Sachajuan Hair Cleansing Cream

By now, you should already understand our obsession. Read about it here.

Bite Lip Pencil

Finally, a lip pencil that matches the exact color of your lips. I like to fake a better pout with shade 010.

Coqui Coqui Beeswax Candle Coco-Coco

The milky coconut fragrance, infused into the black beeswax of this hand-poured candle is soft and sensual, with a subtle, bitter, green edge. Think sexy summer nights.

Eres Strapless Bathing Suit

This is one of the most classic Eres suits and it’s truly the most flattering. I always want to put on. You instantly feel chicer. The problem is that I want one in every color.

Dr. Barbara Sturm Sun Drops SPF 50

This liquid sun umbrella feels more like a lotion and is this summer’s lip, hand and eye MUST.

After a quick Google, I found that girls were raving about the product and how unique it made their hair feel. They said the first few days of use left their locks a tad greasy, but once their scalp adjusted, their hair was squeaky clean and perfectly textured. I knew I had to get involved.

I finally took the plunge about a week ago. The first wash was definitely strange, because there isn’t the foaming effect you get from typical shampoos. My hair is also super thick, so I was worried I wasn’t getting full coverage. But, I carried on. Once I got out of the shower, my hair smelled unbelievably good and felt super clean. Once I gave it a good blow dry, it was soft and voluminous, like I had just gotten a professional treatment. I had people stopping me the next day to ask if something was different!

As I continued using, the greasiness did subside and I was left with that perfect French girl hair texture. It was perfectly undone, but still had a nice and healthy shine to it.

If you are in a shampoo rut, this is your fix. Have you tried this product at all? Let us know in the comments!

Story by Lexi Tollefsen. Image, Bella Hadid by Daniel Jackson for Teen Vogue Volume 1 2017.  

Colette is always a good place for beauty research. The beauty section isn’t big, but they carry some of my favorite lines as well as a few I had never seen. I am not super familiar with Edward Bess, for instance, but the pot of royal blue jelly caught my eye. The muti-tasking lip balm/eye gloss/blush, looks blue but actually turns pink upon contact with the skin. It’s magic.

Then I spotted the little corner of Joelle Ciocco. I am so intrigued by this brand! The Line in New York carries it and Clémence of Beauty and Well Being also swears by it. My attention was immediately drawn to the apricot-colored jar of Blossom Ceraxe. I just had to have it. It’s a super rich ointment that smells like orange blossoms. It’s made of essential oils like Mimosa and Damascus Rose and is super rich in fatty acids to repair skin and boost elasticity. The texture is ridiculous.

After Colette, I walked down to the Biologique Recherche lab where I got down to business with P50. (I wrote ALL about my findings here.) I picked up a bottle of P50’s latest launch for hyperpigmention, as well as one of their best oxygenating masks. I am already hooked, and have been using it every day since. It keeps my skin so plump and hydration.

The last stop on the beauty train was at Christophe Robin. I got a much needed haircut — just a trim — stocked up on my favorite hair thickener, the Instant Volumizing Mist with Rosewater. You guys, this stuff is the best AND it smells like roses. Plus, it was cheaper than the US versions, so I felt so lucky.

Have you ever been to Paris? What are some of your favorite French beauty essentials? Tell me everything in the comments!

AT HOME (PRE-FLIGHT)

Take a real shower. Not that half-a** kind where you only wash what’s necessary. No I’m talking the real deal. Do a full body scrub using Earth Tu Face Salt Scrub on semi-dry skin.  Wash your hair with something awesome, like Christophe Robin’s Purifying Scrub with Sea Salt followed by Robin’s Volumizing Conditioner. Shave your legs. You are going to feel great, trust me. Then slap on something really nourishing like May Lindstrom’s The Good Stuff. It’s totally organic and all natural and smells like cocoa. It’s my latest body addiction. I will also blow dry my hair, so that I feel prettier.

BUT FIRST…WIPES!

The first thing that I do once I get settled in my seat is to whip out my wipes and wipe down the arm rests, the cushion area behind my head and neck and any other place that I am likely to touch. Then using another clean wipe, cleanse your face, neck and hands. Simple Skincare and Josie Maran both make great and inexpensive wipes. I like to make sure the wipes are clean and not filled with chemicals, because I really like to use them liberally.

SKIN

On a clean face, spray something. I like SK-II’s Mid-Day Essence Spray. You get all the Japanese pitera benefits but in the easy-to-use spray form. For those of you with no shame like me, use SK-II’s Facial Treatment Mask and just leave it on until all of the moisture has absorbed onto your skin. When you take it off, you can just pat the product into your face, and any excess (especially around the neck) can be whipped off with your handy wipes. There really isn’t anything else better. Otherwise, pop on a clear and more discrete mask like Laurel Organics Honey Berry Enzyme Mask for 10-20 minutes. Wipe it off using one of your handy wipes. I also keep travel size skincare serums and moisturizes and I am always switching them up. I’ll use Tata’s Serum and then I’ll slap a pea-sized amount of One Love Organics Wonder Balm One. Love Organics makes a great eye cream, and it’s super nourishing and compact – making it ideal for travel. I really love that one.

HAIR

I like the Tangle Tease brush because its super small, and it doesn’t rip out my hair. So give your hair a good brush, why not. Just don’t freak out your neighbor.

HANDS

I am addddicted to Weleda’s Skin Food Hautcreme for my hands. It’s goopy and thick, so your only need a little bit. But it moisturizes like nothing else. I randomly saw it at the grocery store here in Zurich, and now I can’t stop using it. I even keep one in my car.

SPIRIT

Bring on some essential oils. I feel essential oils are this world of their own. It’s kind of like their own club. Once you get into them, you become addicted (kinda like crystals) and you can’t leave home or anywhere without them. The cool thing is that there is an oil for every situation. On the plane, I will roll Tata Harper’s Aromatic Stress Treatment on my neck, pulse points and on the palms of my hands and breath in deeply 3 to 5 times. This really helps relax my mind. More on essentials oils coming soon.

MAKEUP

Let’s face it, everyone likes to arrive feeling concealed. I will apply a bit of RMS Beauty’s “Un” Concealer, Living or Magic Luminizer and Magic Mixer and Tata Harper’s clear Be True Balm to my lips and lids (I trick I learned backstage at NYFW). On my brows, Glossier’s Boy Brow.

COMPRESSION SOCKS

Yes, this is a real thing. This is if you don’t want your legs to swell up like a balloon. And it works. I buy mine here.

Right before I moved to Zurich, I met with a fellow expat, Clémence von Mueffling. The French beauty is a professional who has an amazing track record in the industry. Her resume boasts names like Clarins and Dior, but once you know her, this comes as no surprise. She was simply following in the family footsteps.

Both Mueffling’s mother and grandmother were beauty editors at THE French Vogue. Now she lives with her husband and twins in New York and is the Founder & Editor of newly launched beauty site Beauty and Well Being. She’s got a wealth of beauty knowledge that’s filtered through the lens of her classic French POV. During our meeting, I legit wanted to ask her one million questions, but of course I tried to contain myself.

Lucky for me, she was kind enough to spill her well kept secrets. You’re going to want to savor this one, girls. Here is my interview with the ever so sweet Clémence.

What are the French more into, clean or organic? 

In France, each neighborhood has its own café, bakery and pharmacy. So at a young age you start to buy your skincare products from pharmacists. These are usually very ‘clean’ pharmaceuticals brands that are super effective and not too expensive. This is how we start good habits by buying ‘clean’ beauty products.

Glowing skin or matte?

The older I get, the more I want some glow!

As beauty editors, we are able to try so many different brands and products. What skin products or brands do you always come back to?

Avène, La Roche-Posay, Bioderma, A-Derma, Esterderm for Sun protection, Joëlle Ciocco, Clarins, Embryolisse and Filorga.Which American beauty brands would you consider your favorites?Aerin, Supergoop!, Soapwalla Kitchen, Rahua, SkinCeuticals, Kiehl’s.

The French are known for being really into scents. Tell me about your favorite yummy smelling perfumes, body oils and shower gels.

Just yesterday I used the Mediterranean Honeysuckle Body Cream by Aerin. It has the nicest fragrance that remained all day. It reminded me of the summer and its shimmering beaches.

I love body oils too, usually in the evening after I shower. Some of my favorites include: Joëlle Ciocco, Soapwalla body oil, Nuxe and the incredible Leonor Greyl Huile Secret de Beauté.

I always have Clarins Eau Dynamisante, which I use like a cologne. It has been a staple in my bathroom for 20 years!

For shower gels, depending on my mood, I will use Dr Bronner’s shower gel with the Almond scent. When I need to be very energized I use Clarins Tonic Body Oil, and when I want to feel glamorous I use Frederic Malle Eau de Magnolia’s shower gel.

What are your favorite skin devices for at home use?

I have been faithful to Nu Skin for years. Both my mother and grandmother use it too! This at-home spa treatment revives and invigorates your skin, and smoothes lines and wrinkles.

A few days ago I was introduced to Foreo’s LUNA, a Facial Cleansing Brush & Anti-Aging Device.

Where do you go for facials?

I go to Renew Spa in NY as well as Caudalie Spa.

Do you believe in botox/fillers?

I believe in non-invasive techniques, such as micro current.

Who is your dermatologist?  

He is in Paris… but I try to see him twice a year! His name is Philippe Simonin.

What is your skincare routine?

A toner in the morning, some Avène thermal water and an eye contour (these days I am trying BioEffect). Depending on the ‘mood’ of my skin, I may or may not use a serum, then a moisturizer such as Caudalie, Filorga or Avène. I will use an SPF only if I know that I will be in the sun.

In the evening I like to double cleanse. It is my relaxing moment. I use products with lovely textures and scents. Such as Joelle Ciocco cleansing milk, Tata Harper cleansing oil, or de Mamiel cleansing balm.

Then I use a micellar lotion and my Avène thermal water. Sometimes I just finish with that spritz of water if my skin feels hydrated enough. In the winter I may feel the need to add a cream such as Nuxe Crème Fraiche or an oil such as Marisa Berenson’s prickly pear oil. These days I am loving a night serum by Bio Effect.

 Is that Mason Pearson brush all that it’s cracked up to be?

My mother would always buy a Mason Pearson for my sister and me. And I have to say that there is no equivalent in terms of quality. They are expensive, but so worth the price. Clean them regularly and you will keep them for years!

For hair care I love Christophe Robin, David Mallet and Leonor Greyl. I also use Rahua and sometimes Klorane or Furturer.

What are some of the most important lessons that you learned from your mom and grandmother?

To be feminine at all times! And the older you get, the more disciplined you have to be with your beauty and wellness routine.

What is your definition of beauty?

Beauty comes from a woman’s femininity and elegance. It is also the glow that comes from her skin, her smile.

Let’s talk makeup. What are your essentials?

By Terry for foundation, Guerlain for blushes and YSL for the eyes! What products are currently in your handbag?

Aerin’s rose hand cream, a Bioderma lip balm, Eau de Magnolia perfume in its traveling size, a nail file and a Shiseido Pureness compact blush.What skincare products give you the best life-changing results?

These days I have been very impressed with Biologique Recherche Lotion P50 (despite the not-so-nice smell), Bio Effect night Serum and Marisa Berenson’s face oil. 

For better skin texture, which products would you recommend?

More important than products, I would recommend a good cleansing routine, as well as regular skin massages and a healthy diet.

#1 beauty secret is… the face massage. 

Tell me a little about your diet and skincare routine…

My diet is a very simple, balanced diet. I still love my croissants, and I eat tons of dark chocolate every day. However, I did stop eating processed foods and sodas and I have become a ‘flexitarian.’ According to the author of the ‘Omnivore’s Dilemma,’ Michael Pollan, it means someone who does eat some meat – but only sometimes.

Beauty trend that you completely dislike?

Harsh skin treatments such as Fraxel and Dermabrasion.

In college, my best friend and I often found ourselves hosting wild and typically late night parties at our apartment. Now as an adult, I love to host. I love all the details, planning and personalization that goes into having your friends over and what is more fun than bringing people together. I am a bit of a perfectionist, so to keep myself sane, I always prep the night before. The house needs to be totally clean with full rolls of toilet paper in the bathrooms, the menu needs to be seasonal, surprising and work for all my friends with allergies and dietary restrictions and there has to be just the right amount of alcohol (aka always have more than you think you will need). Oh and the music is key. I will usually tap a friend for her perfect playlist. The idea is to keep everyone comfortable and give them what they want. In the end, it’s never going to be perfect, but you gotta just go with it and like everything else, practice makes perfect. The more experience you have, the better and more confidant of a host you will be become.

Since December is the ultimate celebratory month, I thought I would share a few of the best tips I’ve picked up over the years. Here’s what you need to know before your next party:

Tip 1: Be mindful of the powder room. Keep a cool mouthwash near the sink, you never know who might feel like they need a swish swish. Candles are great too. I like to keep them lit in the bathrooms to make people feel more comfortable.

Tip 2: If you are serving dinner, set out place cards. There is nothing more awkward that people having to fight over their seat. Trust me, this will ease everyones mind and signal that your dinner is of importance.

Tip 3: Don’t waste money on expensive glassware and napkins. Buy in bulk because they easily break and get stained. These Pottery Barn linen napkins are they best. They look so expensive, yet you can throw them in the washing machine. You can even get them monogrammed.

Tip 4: Always serve appetizers. Crudités (with this dip), crostini or soup shooters will keep people from drinking too much while they wait for dinner and it will keep them out of the kitchen. Should you not be having dinner, make sure you have plenty of snacks. I’ll typically serve an equal(ish) balance of healthy vs. something more indulgent or festive. I am very into presentation and these cheese knives make it easy. Radishes (left with the green stem on) dipped in pretty bowl of my sister’s salt in another one of my go-tos. On the dinner table, I like to leave her salts around the table. They are so good and everyone can customize their own plate. They make everything taste better.

Tip 5: Make sure you have a steady supply of champagne because champagne is always the answer. It gives the feeling of “we have something to celebrate!” even when you don’t. And don’t feel like you have to spend a fortune. My personal favorite is McFadden’s sparkling wine. It’s $25 and it’s the best thing ever. I drink this like water. Complete the look with these adorable cocktail napkins.

Tip 6: Don’t go overboard with your look – keep it classic and comfortable. A light wash of foundation with a pop of something bright will say, “Hey I am confidant in my own skin.” Ditch your high heels for something flat. The guests are on your home turf, after all. Keep your hair neatly pinned back and splash on Chanel’s reinvented No. 5.

Byredo Hand Cream (or toothpaste) Squeezer (which goes well with this and this)

Rodin Olio Lusso Travel Kit 

 Cocktail Napkins

Master & Dynamic Headphones

Rebecca De Ravenel Earrings here and here

Jane Austen Book Set

Smythson Panama Mini Jewelry Case or the Smythson Travel Wallet

Utowa Brush Set

Mason Pearson Brush

Just to give you a few ideas, these are the items that are currently in my cart. I am paying special attention to the gifting section.

Slip Pure Pink Sleep Mask

Tangle Teezer

Drunk Elephant Trio

Harry Josh Blowdryer

Foreo Luna

NuFace Trinity Toning Kit

By Terry Baume de Rose

Drunk Elephant Whipped Cream

Avene XeraCalm Cream

Beautyblender with cleaner

When your thanksgiving is spent with family, friends or just you and your better half, make it festive. Paint your nails red. Try a new face mask. Don’t overcomplicate things with a ton of makeup. Simplify. All you need is concealer, a little luminzer, powder and a bright lip.

These are some of my favorite beauty products to get me through Thanksgiving weekend. What are yours?

Tata Harper Cream Blush – The safest and easiest way to add a fresh flush to your face.

RMS (New) Magic Luminizer and Kabuki Brush – This is how you achieve that glistening Instagram Strobing effect.

Burberry Military Red Nail Polish – Hands down, the best blood red.

Dior Rouge Dior 772 Classic (New) – It’s a matte, blue-toned mauve-pink and so 90s. One of the best lipsticks I’ve tried in years. All of the brand’s new matte shades are actually the bomb. Try them all!

Tata Harper Illuminating Moisturizer – No makeup needed when using this. PS – It’s made with diamond dust.

Dr. Barbara Sturm – Everyone’s buzzing about this Germany-based line. This mask was a game-changer for me.

Christophe Robin Color Fixator Wheat Germ Mask – Another new beauty crush. After one use I could see a massive difference. Full review is here.

Byredo Mojave Ghost Hand Cream – I always have one or two of Byredo’s hand creams in my purse, and this baby is one of my favorites.

Rodin Lavender Body Oil – What can I say. It’s just heaven.

Le Metier de Beaute – I recommended this to a friend today. It’s still my favorite foundation. Two years and counting.

Antonia Burrell Mask Supreme – For those who suffer from acne or greasy skin, this is your new best friend. Just ask Jessica Richards.

001 Skincare EYECYCLE – Drain Toxins and brighten your eyes. Boom.

Coqui Coqui Beeswax Candle Tabaco – One of the only candles that the whole family can agree on.