Fall calls for a new makeup bag | Funmi Fetto

I've always loved the promise that September brings. Even on the first day of school, I was delirious at the smell of my new kit, protractor, compass... (I still ended up being useless in geometry, but that's not the point). Anyway, beauty could be inspired by this philosophy. September is the perfect time to get yourself a new makeup bag (or at least clean the one you have with a bang) and fill it with fresh new basics: a lipstick, a concealer, a blush, a gel for the lips. eyebrows and mascara. There. You are ready for the new quarter.

1. Glossier Stretch Concealer Balm £22, uk.glossier.com 2. Cle de Peau Beauté Crème Lipstick £44, harrods.com 3. Tata Harper Creme Blush £33.33, cultbeauty.co.uk 4. Jones Road The Brow Gel £23, libertylondon.com 5. Anastasia Beverly Hills Lash Sculpt Lengthening & Volumizing Mascara £26, anastasiabeverlyhills.co.uk

I can't live without...a cleanser as reliable as your best old friend

As a beauty editor, I know the pressure of talking about new. It's a pressure I try not to give in to, because I'm constantly reminded that just because something is glorified for its novelty doesn't mean it's good. And just because something has been around for a little while doesn't mean it's worth forgetting.

I was on vacation in Italy this summer and I realized I had left my high tech cleanser at home. I freaked out, then went to the local pharmacy and spotted this CeraVe cleanser. This is a brand I tend to recommend as the formulations are fantastic and the prices even better. But I still momentarily forgot: when you're constantly bombarded with the new, sometimes the old falls by the wayside.

Well, this cleansing gel, available for a while, it was a godsend. It's said to be great for dry, rough and bumpy skin, but I'd say any skin type – especially if it's dry, dehydrated or even oily – would love this. It's infused with hydrating ceramides and hyaluronic acid and treats blemishes without disrupting your skin barrier.

Quickly my skin was clearer, smoother and despite being exposed long in the sun, hydrated. After the holidays, I spotted the new cleanser I had left behind. I ignore it for now and focus on CeraVe. It's not new but it's damn good. CeraVe SA Salicylic Acid Smoothing Cleanser, £11.20, boots.com

On my radar… summery, cheeky, herbal scents

Scent of the season Oribe's new body and bath collection includes this divine soap in its signature scent and will have you dreaming of summer. Oribe Côte d'Azur soap, £33, cultbeauty.co.uk

Bowling with Hermès is an actor serious in the luxury space, but this playful fragrance of ginger, lychee and musk – topped with a bowler hat – proves it has its fun side. Eau de Parfum Hermes Tutti Twilly by Hermès, from £31, hermes.com

Basic remedy of plants The trend for fragrances inspired by vegetable and herb gardens continues. This basil, mint and eucalyptus candle from the Boy Smells' Farm to Candle range is one of the best to date. Boy smells herbaceous candle, £53, spacenk.com

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