We at PEOPLE are really serious about beauty tests. We regularly evaluate thousands of pitches and products, but every now and again, a select handful find a permanent place in our beauty regimens. For that reason, we compile a monthly list of our A-Listers.
We greeted fall’s splendor with wide arms in September. When the temperature dropped below seventy-five degrees, we started pulling on Rory Gilmore-style sweaters and reaching for darker lip colors, such as this tinted balm from Alicia Keys’ beauty line. We also started stocking up on ultra-hydrating body lotions (one intense moisturizer on sale helped our writer’s seasonal eczema), and body scrubs with pumpkin spices (though we don’t suggest tasting them).
Continue reading to see the 12 things that in September made us crave fall. The most favorable news? Nothing goes above $30.
Tower 28 Beauty SOS Gentle Hydrating Gel Cleanser + Makeup Remover
“I know double cleansing is all the rage, but to be honest, I’m lucky if I have enough energy left at the end of the day to single cleanse, given the chaos that comes with being a working parent during back-to-school season (and really, every time). I adore this new Tower 28 face wash because of this. Thanks to calming components like aloe vera and oat extract, it removes all of my makeup and sunscreen without leaving my skin feeling tight and dry. —Director of Style and Beauty, Andrea Lavinthal
Blake Brown Wild Nectar Santal Fundamental Nourishing Shampoo
“I was curious to try the Blake Brown haircare collection because my hair type is similar to Blake Lively’s. It not only performed as promised, but it’s now my go-to hair system. The brand’s hair mask, which smells like you just walked into a botanical garden, and this shampoo are staples in my routine. These make up the trifecta of hair care when paired with the All-in-Wonder Leave-in Potion. The hefty container is the one downside, but it’s not a deal breaker because my hair’s texture is amazing and I can now go several days without washing it. —Editor of Shopping Madison Yauger
Tree Hut Pumpkin Pop Shea Sugar Body Scrub
“I discovered the much-loved Tree Hut Sugar Scrub on TikTok, and it quickly became my go-to product for my ‘everything shower’ regimen. The $11 scrub feels just as wonderful as some of the more expensive products I’ve used, and it also leaves my skin feeling smooth and ready for shaving. Additionally, although many pumpkin smells can be overpowering, the addition of apple and sandalwood helps to counterbalance the aroma. It is essentially “fall in a jar.” —Director of Content Strategy Karli Bendlin
Keys Soulcare Comforting Tinted Lip Balm
“As if I manifested my ideal fall lip color, this lip balm from Alicia Keys’ beauty brand appeared in my life. I’ve been searching for it.” The neutral mauve shade “Devotion” goes well with both warm and cool makeup looks, and its consistency, which contains avocado oil, gives my lips all the moisture they require when the weather becomes chilly. It provides just the right amount of shine, is highly nutritious, and is buildable. Plus, when the fall wind gets up, my hair doesn’t stick to my lips. Writing about shopping, Alyssa Brascia
Nooni Lip Oil
“I didn’t think this Nooni lip oil had lasting power until I used it on my own, even though I had seen a TikTok about it. This lip stain feels moisturizing and juicy on the lips, in contrast to other lip stains I’ve tried. My stunning berry-colored stain remains when the non-sticky gloss fades off, and I want to wear it throughout the fall. Writer about shopping Cai Cramer
PHLUR Somebody Wood Eau de Parfum
“I am in full fall mode, regardless of the 70 degree weather outside. I couldn’t have been more thrilled to sample some of Phlur’s great fall-forward perfumes. Somebody Wood smells like a lengthy walk through the lush foliage of Central Park—woodsy yet fresh, clean yet seductive, and oh-so-cozy. I’ve definitely discovered my go-to fragrance for the coming season. —Writer about shopping Genevieve Cepeda
Touchland Power Mist Hand Sanitizer
“Touchland hand sanitizers are my favorite since, in my view, their mister is the best out there. This month, the brand debuted two fall scents: Salted Caramel and Pumpkin-Tini. Thanks to this, my hands can now smell like my favorite fall candle. — Associate Editorial Director Erin Johnson
Pixi Beauty Sheer Cheek Gel
“I use a lot of Pixi skincare products in my daily regimen, but after visiting their Los Angeles boutique, I’ve recently become interested in the brand’s makeup as well. There, I came upon the Sheer Cheek Gel, a buildable and blendable aloe vera-based blush that gives you a naturally wind-kissed look (like you’ve been out pumpkin picking on a delightfully cool afternoon). I use this in the cherry hue “Flushed,” which creates a gorgeous cheek stain that looks like wine lips. It’s a fantastic autumnal glam topper. The Editorial Assistant, Michelle Lee
The Lip Bar Clean Up Gel Facial Cleanser
“A gel cleanser may not seem like the ideal fall alternative, but this rich face wash is incredibly nourishing to my skin during the transitional months.” My skin never feels tight or stiff after using it, nor does it feel thin or runny. I can’t use a facial cleanser with strong fragrances, therefore it’s crucial to me that this one has the lightest perfume and lathers like a cream cleanser. Although Melissa Butler initially gained notoriety for her expertise in lip color, she is also becoming well-known in the beauty industry. — Senior Shopping Editor Shalwah Evans
AmLactin Intensive Healing Body Lotion
Although it’s as unattractive as it gets, this lactic acid lotion saves the day in the dry months. More than any other treatment I’ve tried, this lotion relieves my eczema, which flares up in the fall and winter. This lotion greatly improves the texture and dryness of my skin because one of its main constituents, lactic acid, promotes cell turnover and eliminates dead skin cells. —Genevieve Cepeda
Innersense Awaken Body Wash
My motivation right now comes from this waking body wash from Innersense (well, that and a salary), as it’s simply a little difficult to get out of bed in the fall. I usually follow it up with either the matching Renew lotion or Blissful body butter because it smells so wonderful and uplifting. — Johnson Erin
Act+Acre Daily Hydro Scalp Serum
I’ve discovered that, particularly in the winter, caring for the skin on my head is equally as crucial as caring for the skin on my face. My newest addition to my haircare regimen is this Act + Acre serum, which is made with amino acids and multi-molecular hyaluronic acid. It actually does hydrate my scalp and increase the volume in my hair. It really does wonders to use a few drops after every wash. —Michelle Lee
