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October Editors' Picks 2019

For the month of October, there were a variety of fun and innovative beauty and wellness products that made our list of favorites. Some of our discoveries included rainbow eye gels, honeydew and watercress-infused face creams and gels, luxurious sleeping masks, relaxing bath beads, cooling eye shaper tools, and more. Check out our October Editors’ Picks and let us know if anything catches your eye—or if there’s a product that we should have on our radar!

Algenist GENIUS Of Algae Supplements ($65 for a 30-day supply)

With these supplements, you are able to add them into your daily routine by putting two teaspoons into any food item, hot, cold or alcoholic beverage, salad dressing, marinades, or even just sprinkled on top of your favorite snack. The supplements are packed with essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, are nutrient-rich, maltodextrin-free and made from algae and proprietary whole food blends that provide the best nutrition for the body’s largest organ, the skin. The three unique variations that target common skin and health concerns include Chlorella (to promote collagen), Spirulina (to support a healthy gut-to-skin connection), and Irish Moss (to provide immune support and assistance.)

amika Limited-Edition Fluxus Touchable Hairspray ($25)

This limited-edition hairspray was launched to support HairToStay, a nonprofit organization that aims to increase awareness for scalp-cooling technology—a system that works to prevent hair loss during chemotherapy—and provides financial support for cancer patients to receive this hair-saving treatment. The limited-edition version of Fluxus Touchable Hairspray will support HairToStay with one dollar from every purchase going towards their mission. Fluxus Touchable Hairspray is a stylist-favorite spray that provides a flexible, medium-strength hold, and was formulated to easily brush out of hair. The ultra-dry mist is infused with Sea Buckthorn Berry extract, which works to enhance hair’s health and increase shine, along with a copolymer that protects against high humidity while leaving hair with a natural feel—no stickiness or flaking.

Atomic CBD-Enhanced Lip Gloss ($26)

Atomic Makeup has pioneered the new CBD Makeup category within the beauty industry. They are the first brand to launch a line of richly moisturizing lip glosses that feature the naturally occurring anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and moisturizing properties of pure CBD ( 0% THC) while adding color and shine. Available in a variety of fun colors.

Aveline Shea Butter Shave Cream ($8)

This soothing blend of shea butter and botanical oils protects, conditions, and lubricates skin for easy hair removal and an effortless shave.

Beauty Kitchen Rainbow Pride Collagen Eye Gels ($24)

In just 10 to 20 minutes, Collagen All-Natural Eye Gel Masks, cooling trans-dermal gel patches, infuse the eye area with age-reducing properties and concentrated doses of firming natural ingredients to de-puff, tone, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, while penetrating into deep layers of the skin. This amazing set includes Aloe and Rose Collagen Eye Gels, Vitamin C Collagen Eye Gels, Gold Collagen Eye Gels, Green Tea-Infused Eye Gels, Golden Ocean Collagen Eye Gels, and White Tea Collagen Eye Gels.

Benefit Cosmetics Brow Zings Pro Palette ($39)

This slim, portable palette includes 12-hour longwearing brow powders to fill & shape, high-pigment waxes and a clear wax to sculpt & define brows. Plus, three different brush types for all of your brow needs: a dual-ended hard-angled brush, a flat, tapered brush and a blending spoolie brush. Available in 2 palettes covering all brow shades.

Biossance Rosy Duo Glow ($72)

Curated in collaboration with Breast Cancer Prevention Partners (BCPP), the brand has paired its brightening facial oil and new, vegan lip balm in a limited-edition kit. Vitamin C in Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil enlivens complexions with healthy-looking radiance, while hyaluronic acid and ceramides in Squalane + Rose Vegan Lip Balm deliver long-lasting hydration and fuller-looking lips. Packed in a “Spread Love Not Toxins” deluxe, double-zip cotton canvas and sustainable, non-toxic plastic tote.

Brunette The Label “Blonde” Step Sister Crew Neck Sweatshirt in Acid Wash ($99)

This is a relaxed fit sweatshirt that sits away from your body but still feels like your size, and hits slightly above your hips. For the ultimate vintage look, the brand added a wash to this fabric to look worn in and extra comfy. This black acid wash gives your sweatshirt a subtle more fashion-forward look with an added dimension. Also available in Brunette, Redhead and Jet Black. 52% Polyester 48% Cotton.

Brunette The Label “Brunette” Classic Crew Neck Sweatshirt in Rust ($79)

Featuring a relaxed fit, this comfy sweatshirt is perfect for fall with this chic rust color. Also available in Blonde, Redhead, and Jet Black. 52% Polyester 48% Cotton.

Cloud 10 CBD-Infused Hair Care ($27-$31)

This new 5-piece system is the first vegan hair care system to combine CBD from organic Broad Spectrum Hemp Extract and plant-based PhytoKeratin Plus. Cloud 10 has all of the products you need to give your hair the gift of hydration, strength and shine—line includes a shampoo, conditioner, leave-in scalp toner, hair lotion, and glossing mist.

Coconu Water Based ($24.99)

Coconu coconut water-based lubricant is a strong, long-lasting lubricant designed to last as long as you do. It has a silky, sensuous feel that will moisturize sensitive areas while giving you a boost during your most intimate moments. Hypoallergenic and made from 100% natural ingredients, it rehydrates sensitive tissues, doubles as a vaginal moisturizer, and is pH balance to preserve vaginal environment and protect against irritation.

DefenAge Skincare ($52-$220)

DefenAge is clinically proven to dramatically minimize pores and wrinkles and improve brightness, tone, texture, clarity and hydration in just six weeks. In simple words, DefenAge erases signs of skin exhaustion, damage and aging on a global scale. The key ingredient is a patented molecule called Age-Repair Defensins®, which play a pivotal role in stimulating body to produce young and fresh skin. The line includes an 8-in-1 Serum, 24/7 Barrier Balance Cream, 2-Minute Reveal Masque, 1-Step Multi-Cleanse, and 3D Radiance Eye Cream.

DeoDoc Intimate Deowipes ($15 each)

These pH-balanced deodorant wipes help neutralize odor and are also cleansing at the same time. This makes them perfect when you are on the go and in need of a quick freshening up. Individually wrapped to provide convenient use. Available in 3 scents: Fresh Coconut, Violet Cotton, and Jasmine Pear.

Farac Beauty Firm & Hydrate Honeydew Face Cream ($38)

Firm, plump, and hydrate your complexion with this nourishing face cream, which is packed with powerful humectants, nourishing botanicals, elastin, retinol, and collagen to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Ideal for dry skin types, this can be used on its own or under makeup as a primer.

FarmHouse Fresh Watercress Hydration Cascade ($39)

Super-drench and replenish your skin in a long-lasting tide of daily hydration. This hyaluronic gelée moisturizer quenches dry skin, restoring beauty and suppleness with a time-release cascade of skin-firming 2% retinol and powerful anti-pollution peptides. Antioxidant-rich blue matcha, chlorophyll, and FHF-grown watercress extract reduce the look of wrinkles.

Free People 1809 Collection ‘Lodge’ Fragrance ($28)

This scent, which is the newest addition to Free People’s 1809 fragrance collection, is inspired by a day on the slopes, snow-capped trees, and glistening trails, followed by a warm, spicy apres-ski fireside in a dimly lit lodge. Each scent in the 1809 collection is formulated with exotic raw materials from around the world and blended in organic Brazilian sugar cane alcohol. Lodge is 100% natural fragrance, vegan, and cruelty-free, and travel-friendly.

Fur Bath Drops ($34)

These seaweed-encased bath beads contain the brand’s signature Fur Oil and a blend of softening oils. They dissolve easily in warm water and gently nourish skin, leaving it feeling silky soft and relaxed. Unlike the bath beads of the 90s, which were produced with gelatin casings, Bath Drops contain absolutely no animal products and are made with clean ingredients. Drop 2-3 into your bath for a replenishing soak.

G.M. Collin Hyaluronic Filler Serum ($96)

This innovative serum is formulated with 4% H.A. Filler Expert Complex, which features a blend of 3 different forms of Hyaluronic Acid, Cosmetic DroneTM for wrinkle filling, and Hyaluronic Acid protector. Rejuvenates skin texture and helps renew the plumpness of the skin, Pprovides intense, immediate and long-lasting hydration, and Improves pore appearance.

H2O+ Hydration Sensitive Essence ($40)

This clean, silky essence hydrates, softens, and prepares sensitive skin to maximize benefits of serum and moisturizer. Developed with skincare experts in Japan, the Hydration Sensitive system helps optimize hydration levels, while soothing and protecting skin from irritations to help it look and feel healthy. Key ingredients include H2O+ Hydro-Amino Infusion, a powerful synergetic blend which helps optimize hydration levels and promote healthy-looking skin with triple strength action and boost of amino acids; and Skin Repair Technology, formulated with active ingredients such as Hyssop and Eyebright Extracts that target sensitive skin by helping to soothe the appearance of redness and protect it from stress-induced skin irritation.

Herbivore Prism 12% AHA + 3% BHA Exfoliating Glow Serum ($54)

Prism 2.0 is a more powerful version of Herbivore’s first-introduced Prism Natural Fruit Acid 5% Exfoliating Glow Potion. Now with a higher percentage of acids, the new serum is a potent blend of fruit-based AHAs, Willow Bark-derived BHAs, and Vitamin C from Kakadu Plum Extract for powerful, non-synthetic exfoliation that is gentle on the skin. Key ingredients include Bilberry Lactic Acid, Sugar Glycolic Acid, and Sugar Maple Malic Acid to gently exfoliate and reduce hyperpigmentation, naturally-derived Willow Bark Extract to clarify pores, and Rose Water to soothe and hydrate.

HydroPeptide Hydro-Lock Sleep Mask Royal Peptide Treatment ($110)

This luxurious sleeping mask blankets the contours of skin with a layer of intense, restorative hydration. This pillow-proof overnight treatment beautifully smooths and perfects your skin with a soothing blend of HydrO18™ Activated Water ™ and calming licorice root. Royal peptides mimic and enhance the regenerative powers of royal jelly to benefit cell turnover processes and provide vital nutrients to the skin.

Jane Iredale Beyond Matte Liquid Foundation ($50)

This clean, weightless, multitasking 3-in-1 foundation features buildable, stay-put coverage and a natural-looking semi-matte finish. Formulated with skin-nourishing, plant-based ingredients. 100% vegan and always cruelty-free. Available in 18 shades.

Joanna Vargas Revitalizing Eye Cream ($75)

This restorative eye cream renews and hydrates delicate skin for agelessness and illumination. Features a shea and cocoa butter base to hydrate and soothe skin, sweet potato to de-puff and rejuvenate eyes, antioxidants, Matrixyl 3000 to reverse aging in the skin and mimic/repair collagen, and Acetyl Tetrapeptide-5, a well-known hydroscopic moisturizer that helps reduce puffiness and improves skin elasticity and overall smoothness.

JOON Saffron Hair Elixir Oil ($28-$50)

Persians have used saffron, pistachio and rose in beauty rituals for centuries. Saffron, a spice worth more than its weight in gold, is used to strengthen hair. Pistachio nourishes and moisturizes for bouncy and smooth hair. Adored in Persian poetry and art, rose has long been used to make hair smooth and shiny. Using modern chemistry, these ingredients now combined give a potent boost to hair longevity.

Kinfield Golden Hour ($22)

This DEET-free, vegan and paraben-, phthalate-, sulfate- and cruelty-free mosquito repellent offers 3 hours of lab-proven protection. Utilizing sustainable ingredients including a specially sourced super strain of Indonesian citronella, rejuvenating clove bud, antioxidant-packed vanillin (which gives it a delicious, sweet scent), and lauric acid to extend efficacy, Golden Hour is the end of mosquito-bite-ridden arms and legs!

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment ($29.99)

This prescription-strength retinoid acne treatment is now available over-the-counter. Developed with dermatologists, this once-daily topical retinoid helps clear and prevent blackheads, whiteheads, acne blemishes, and clogged pores.

LALICIOUS Breast Cancer Awareness Pink! Sugar Kiss Sugar Scrub ($35)

In support of Breast Cancer Awareness, the brand’s best-selling Sugar Kiss Sugar Scrub has gone pink! For the month of October, when you purchase this Pink Sugar Kiss Sugar Scrub, LALICIOUS will donate 25% of the proceeds to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Pure sugar cane crystals gently slough away dry skin cells to reveal a youthful and even skin tone. Cold-pressed coconut and sweet almond oils nourish and deeply moisturize, leaving skin deliciously soft. Discover luminous skin from head to toe with this pink soufflé of citrus, rose, and vanilla.

Miracle Fruit Oil ($50)

This hair treatment contains Miracle Fruit Seed Oil®, clinically-proven to be safe and effective in strengthening hair, reducing breakage, decreasing hair loss due to breakage, and restoring hair from damage. Synsepalum dulcificum seed oil, a never-before-used fruit seed oil, is naturally derived, organic, and proven to transform strands to a healthier state.

Mishe Beauty Cooling Shaper ($29.99)

These unique tools have two surfaces to smooth skin and reduce inflammation. The flat surface smooths over skin with signature coolness and the smaller end works to apply gentle pressure under eyes, on temples, and pressure points. As with rollers, the Mishe Shaper helps to de-puff and brighten the under eye area, and can easily be cooled or warmed depending on need, to gently calm inflammation and redness from breakouts. sunburns, or shaving. The temperature element helps aids in firming skin by promoting healthy blood circulation and lymphatic drainage.  It’s also the perfect tool to help to alleviate sore muscles, tension, and headaches. Available in Cactus, Lotus, and Rose.

natureofthings Collection ($50-$150)

This ritual-based, luxury lifestyle collection of innovative skin, body, and wellness products is the brainchild of brand builder JP Collett, beauty veteran Jamie Pelayo, and leading plant medicine consultant Kendra Mark. Rooted in the philosophy that the world outside nourishes the world within us, natureofthings harnesses the benefits of ingredients from plants, minerals, and elements—malachite extract, magnesium chloride, arnica, bacopa, sea water, CBD, and more. Collection includes a restorative floral bath, nourishing body creme, body balm, magnesium soak, and more.

Naturopathica Chill Full Spectrum CBD & Kava Balm ($76)

This full-spectrum CBD balm, featuring 100mg of non-psychoactive, isolate free cannabinoids, helps chill the mind and soothe skin.* Formulated with CBD that has been CO2-extracted exclusively from organically cultivated, USA-grown hemp flowers. Use it all over the body for enhanced relaxation and targeted relief, particularly on areas of acute stress like pressure points and overworked muscles.

NEST Fragrances Smart Home Fragrance Diffuser ($80)

This innovative new smart technology device delivers on-demand home fragrance with the control of a smartphone. The new Smart Home Fragrance Diffuser launches in a boxed set with two fragrance vial inserts featuring NEST’s most popular festive home fragrances, Holiday and Birchwood Pin. In addition, a set of two fragrance vial insert refills are available for purchase separately in NEST’s two best-selling year-round home fragrances, Bamboo and Grapefruit, for $36.

non gender specific Everything Mask ($48)

This multi-functional clay mask that clears, restores and renews. It features a blend of kaolin, Bentonite and Illite clay that gently and effectively unclog pores and help to decrease breakouts. A powerful mix of potent
botanicals, extracts, and apricot seed powder help to gently exfoliate, brighten skin, reduce dark spots, and refine texture.

OPI x Hello Kitty 2019 Holiday Collection ($13/each)

This new collection offers 12 signature shades plus three festive glitters, ranging from frosty whites and pinks to deep velvety hues and lots of sparkles.

OSEA for Parachute Purifying Hand Soap ($35) & Hydrating Hand Cream ($39)

Crafted exclusively for Parachute Home, both products contain Vetiver Essential Oil, which calms and diminishes feelings of stress with its earthy notes and Lemon Peel Oil, which lifts the mood and refreshes the senses with its bright, vibrant scent. The the Purifying Hand Soap deeply cleanses and moisturizes hands, while the Hydrating Hand Cream nourishes hands with a blend of Shea Butter, Coconut Oil and Hyaluronic Acid.

PBfit Pumpkin Spice Peanut Butter Powder ($11.95)

PBfit is a healthy alternative to traditional peanut butter—it’s a powdered peanut butter that you can mix right into your smoothies or recipes. With a dash of organic coconut palm sugar and salt, 90% less fat and ⅓ of the calories, Pbfit lets you keep the nutrients, along with the peanut butter taste you love, but lets you ditch the fat and calories. Now with Pumpkin Spice flavor, it’s perfect to mix into baked goods like bread, pancakes, waffles, and cookies to add a great Pumpkin Spice flavor. You can also blend it into breakfast smoothies and other drinks for a tasty, low-fat protein boost after the gym.

R+Co Dark Waves Candle ($45)

Elevate your senses with Dark Waves for an air of sensual sophistication. This luxurious, long-lasting candle has top notes of citrus and Sichuan pepper with a base of Blonde Woods, amber and patchouli. A richly-scented, intriguing aroma. Vegan and cruelty-free. Average of 62 hours of burn time. Heat activated label changes color when candle is lit and wax melts.

RevitaLash Hi-Def Brow Pencil ($30)

This multi-functional, long wear, water resistant eyebrow pencil allows for customizable definition. The formula is blendable and non-tacky, creating natural, hair-like strokes yet allowing for full, bold brow look. Ideal for filling in sparse or over-tweezed areas, this product completely transforms shapeless brows. Three universal shades: Soft Brown, Warm Brown, and Cool Brown, perfectly compliment any hair color and skin tone. The Precision Tip Applicator mimics natural hairs for easy definition allowing the creation of multiple looks while the Styling Brush seamlessly blends color and effectively sweeps brow hairs into place.

Scandalwood Heretic x Dita Von Teese Eau De Parfum ($95)

This wildly popular fragrance collaboration of Douglas Little’s Heretic Parfum and “Burlesque Super Heroine” Dita Von Teese re-launched on October 15, and features a musky, creamy, seductive scent that blossoms with a rich new blood-hue. Douglas Little, Founder and creator of Heretic Parfum, worked with Von Teese for three years to artisanally develop this provocative take on sandalwood. Since naturally-occurring musk notes can only be achieved with animal-derived ingredients and Heretic is a cruelty-free brand, they chose to rely on certain safe synthetic notes to create the seductive musk chord they desired.

Sigi Skin Dew Potion ($48)

Formulated with a unique blend of ingredients, a few sprays of this potion protects skin from pollutants/environmental stressors, blocks free radicals, and slows down aging. Key ingredients and their respective benefits include chamomile flower extract, maqui berry, and Aqua 3G, which contains glyceryl-glucoside extracted from algae that retains moisture even in the most extremely dry environments, and thus decreases overall moisture loss in skin.

Skylar Hand Cream ($16)

These hand creams deeply moisturize and promote younger-looking skin. It has a nourishing, non-greasy formula with a skin-boosting peptide to help keep hands looking youthful and hydrated. Created in an easy-to-carry size and available in 4 fun fragrances: Isle (beachy), Meadow (floral), Capri (citrus), and Coral (fruity).

Spindrift Sparkling Water ($26 for a 24-pack)

This sparkling water has a unique, delicious taste that only real fruit can deliver: light, bright, slightly sweet, and a little pulpy. The brand sources the highest-quality, best-tasting fruit from family farms around the US—no added sugars or flavors. Available in a variety of tasty flavors, including blackberry and raspberry lime.

Spongelle Baltic Rose Diffuser Floret Collection ($56)

Created by the hand of an artist, the Spongellé florets are hand sewn and made of a natural tapioca fiber. Each floret has a cotton wick to infuse the flower when placed in a diffusor oil. The time-released fragrance will linger for up to 8 weeks. Enjoy captivating colorful beauty as your floret becomes steeped in one of Spongellé’s alluring fragrances. Baltic Rose features notes of watery greens highlighting peony petals, dewy roses, and a soft musk.

Supernal Cosmic Glow Oil ($108)

This silky and easily absorbed face oil is fortified with vitamin C and Omegas 3, 6, and 9—designed to revitalize the skin’s natural luminosity and glow. Cosmic Glow Oil is hand-blended in small batches with carefully sourced natural and organic ingredients. Formulated for normal, dry, oily, and combination skin with non-toxic, natural, and organic ingredients. Cruelty-free and Leaping Bunny Certified skincare.

Sweet Reason CBD-Infused Sparkling Water ($39.99/multi-pack)

These refreshing drinks feature 10 mg of Sweet Reason's signature, unique form of water-soluble, C02-extracted CBD from sun-grown, organic Colorado Hemp. Sweet Reason’s extraction method also maximizes bioavailability, and the drinks are carefully crafted without sugar, artificial sweeteners, carbs, sodium or artificial flavor. Flavors include Grapefruit, Cucumber + Mint, Strawberry+ Lavender, and the newly launched Lemon Rhubarb.

Taila Nava Jungol Detoxifying Jungle Mask ($68)

This rich, multi-tasking face mask helps detoxify, exfoliate, and restore balance. The two-step pampering indulgence is infused with active enzymes and nourishing flora that stimulates circulation to deliver nutrients at the deepest layer.

Tonymoly I’m Real Pumpkin Anti-Aging Mask Sheet ($6)

Available in sets of two in an array of ingredients, the 3-layer pulp sheet is filled with natural ingredients and soaked in different types of enriched essence (Water-type, Micro-Emulsion Type, Milky Lotion Type) to yield maximum hydration for your skin. Transform dull and tired skin into healthy, moisturized skin in as little as 20 minutes! 1000 ppm of pumpkin extract makes skin feel soft and supple, while also promoting skin elasticity for a more youthful complexion.

Vital Proteins Peach White Tea Collagen Water ($4.50)

Containing 10g of collagen which is digested and absorbed by the body quickly for maximum benefits., this refreshing drink is ripe and ready for sipping! No artificial flavors, colors, or additives. Gluten-free and dairy-free. Conveniently drink anytime, anywhere.

[Images courtesy of brands]

Kamala Kirk is a University of Southern California graduate and has been an editor/writer for more than a decade. She has written for E! Online, Total Beauty, TravelAge West, Malibu Times Magazine, and many more. She resides in Los Angeles and is a proud pug mom. Follow her on Instagram: @kamalakirk