September 2011 Faves

I woke up today with no clue that it was October until I turned on the computer. Sad. Luckily I had prepared in advance for my September faves post and taken pics.

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer

Previously discussed here.

While I like the product, I was surprised to find myself reaching for it repeatedly in the past few weeks. My face isn't doing so well right now. I've been struggling with outbursts of acne all summer and still wake up with a new spot almost daily. My reaction is to cover up the whole thing, but a part of me wants to let the skin breathe and try to recover from whatever the heck is going on internally. So I've been using this tinted moisturizer and using the next product to spot correct.

theBalm Time Balm Foundation

I haven't mentioned this product since featuring it in one of my very first posts, here. My opinion on it remains the same and I've been using it primarily as a concealer, though there are days when I will use it as a full coverage foundation. The thing is, while it has great coverage, it's not mattifying and slides around the face by late afternoon. Still, it's nice to have the option and I like the minimalist packaging that will tell me exactly how much product is left. I use the shade Medium because my post-summer skin is too light for Light.

I'm determined to use up the whole thing but I wonder how long that will take. There's an awful lot left.

Sorry, no swatches but here's a close-up that might give you a better idea of the texture. Although I've had it for a year, the texture remains smooth and there's no change in smell, look or feel. I like using my fingers to warm up the product and applying evenly. For a lighter coverage, a traditional foundation brush also works well though it will take extra time to blend properly.

Physician's Formula Multi-Colored Pressed Powder

Look, you guys -- I hit pan! Sound the trumpets!

I like the convenience of pressed powders and I like powders that add a little extra coverage. I also like it when it comes with a mirror and a puff.

Beige isn't my exact match but it's not noticeable unless I really pile it on. A light dusting with a kabuki brush sets the makeup nicely. This has a super matte finish, though, so it will make the face look rather dimensionless and flat. But that's okay for me since I need to work on my contouring and highlighting techniques!

MAC Satin Powder Blush in Equilibrium

I picked this up at the beginning of September (see here for the haul post) and wanted to use it for a while before doing a full review. That's still coming up. For now, I'll just mention that it works more as a contouring aid than a blush that adds flush. But like I said above, I need to work on my contouring skills, and it couldn't have landed in my hands at a more timely moment. This gives me the cheekbones of...

Well, maybe not quite. But close enough for me!

Revlon Colorburst Lipstick

I'm turning into a Colorburst lunatic. I've been raving about their lipsticks and glosses for the past month to anyone who will listen. I haven't been this crazy about drugstore lippies in a long time.

I love the sleek, black quilted look. 

And my favourite shade is in 065 Rosy Nude. When I wear it, it says: "I'm obviously wearing lipstick but in a shade so stealth you just know that I'm polished yet not seeking extra attention." It's smooth, has a lovely glide, and best of all, doesn't smell plasticky or funky.

Clinique Quick Eyes Cream Shadow

It says "quick eyes" -- so I had to have it. I know Clinique gets a lot of negative reviews for their eye shadows and I agree that they're way too subtle. But that's kind of what I love about it.

The packaging is also kind of "meh" but I like the convenient tube that can be carried around and the doe foot applicator that makes dabbing on the lids a breeze.

This is shade 09 Sea Shell and leaves just a whisper of pale shimmery taupe. For the colour fiends who love strong pigment and obvious sparkle and shine, this will be a major fail. But for the more shy and neutral makeup lovers like me, this is the perfect thing to dash across your lids in the morning for an extra something-something without looking like you actually did do that something. Ha!

Susanne Lang Cashmere 51 Eau De Parfum

First mentioned in this post here, I've been enjoying it more lately as the temperature turned cool and crisp. Somehow it has the exact feel of soft cashmere enveloping you against cold winds.

The official description from Susanne Lang:

As warm, luxurious and opulent as the feeling of cashmere on naked skin. Cashmere combines glowing amber, incense, and saffron with exotic spices discovered during a stroll at dusk through an indian spice market.

Lately I feel like my taste in perfumes and scents in general are changing. I was iffy on Cashmere for a long time, not totally on board with the spice aspect that hits the nose first upon first whiff. But the richness and complexity of warmer scents are starting to appeal more and more and I find myself bidding temporary farewell to fresh citrus and powdery florals. Cashmere wears wonderfully well and grows warmer and more familiar the longer I leave it on. Somehow it both comforts and defends.

Slatkin & Co. Marshmallow Fireside Candle

Speaking of comforting, though I usually don't like overly sweet scents (it comes and goes), there's something about this candle that just makes me feel all tucked in and nice when I burn it just before bedtime.

I loved toasting marshmallows by the campfire, which was the activity you do as a child just before getting tucked into your sleeping bag on a camping trip. I like mine very lightly toasted and browned on the outside and the inside all melted and gooey.

I think they got the mixture of sweet marshmallow and toasty fire just right. 

Lately there's nothing I like more than falling asleep to the feel of cool autumn breeze with the lingering scent of toasted marshmallows in the air.

If you didn't already do a post, what were your September favourites?