Just because it’s October doesn’t mean I’m getting all pumpkin-y on you … yet. Still have quite a few more weeks before I dive into that.

From L to R clockwise:

VIKTOR & ROLF Flowerbomb Cream ($90/6.7oz @ nordstrom.com) – layer, layer, layer! It helps your scent last longer and anything with the word Flowerbomb on it gets my immediate attention. And the glass jar? Nice!  

MARK ‘Snowdrop Flower’ Hand It Over Super Moisturize Hand Cream ($4/1.5oz @ avon.com) – I’m becoming a fan of mark’s body products! This seasonal one is getting me in the mood for the upcoming season with its wintry mix of florals, chilled fruit and warmth of amber. Big recommendation!

PHILOSOPHY Amazing Grace Satin-Finish Body Oil Mist ($26/5.8oz @ sephora.com) – if you’re a fan of their Amazing Grace scents, pick up this body oil mist version for quick skin hydration just out of the shower while it’s still warm in the room.

NATURALLY BARE 'Noir' Body Balm ($45/6oz @ naturally-bare.com) – just wow! This balm contains major emollients like shea and capucau butters as well as vitamin E, aloe and argan and borage oils. So not only is the formula thick the scent is too. So much so that you can use this as your perfume. Think strong base notes like vanilla and sandalwood.

ESSENCE OF BEAUTY ‘Secret Woods’ Body Mist ($6.99/8oz, $2.99/2oz @ cvs.com or CVS stores nationwide) – on days when you feel like taking a break from your signature scent, this floriental is a nice alternative and it won’t break the bank. 

Disclosure: Some of these items were provided for review purposes. Some I bought.

Like people, great makeup brushes come in all shapes and sizes and I’m sure you know that you need to use good ones to get the right application. So throw out those flimsy small eye shadow applicators and step up your game with any of these as we continue our feature on great makeup brushes.

1. BARE ESCENTUALS Double-Ended Liner Shadow Brush ($24 @ macys.com)
2. PHILOSOPHY The Supernatural Multi-Use Brush ($25 @ nordstrom.com)
3. ESSENCE OF BEAUTY Synthetic Foundation and Powder Brush ($7.99 @ cvs.com)
4. TRISH MCEVOY #50 Angled Eye Lining ($25 @ bloomingdales.com)
5. MAKEUP DESIGNORY Shadow Fluff Brush #330 ($19 @ mudshop.com)
6. CLINIQUE Foundation Brush ($28 @ neimanmarcus.com)

In continuing our coverage of great makeup brushes, we have some more recommendations. Some are brand new and some are not but they all get the thumbs up from us.

• URBAN DECAY’s new Big Buddha Brush ($36 @ ulta.com) is their answer to the kabuki brush. It’s 3” tall and 2” wide and made of the manmade fiber, Taklon.
• Use the tip of TRISH McEVOY #23 Angled Crease Contour ($32 @ saks.com) to get color deep into the crease and then use the flat part to blend the color in.
• JAPONESQUE Travel Angled Foundation ($23 @ dermstore.com) brush is made from Taklon and is pointed to help you get into those corners around the nose.
• DEBRA MACKI Angled Blush Brush ($28 @ debramacki.com) is made with pony hair and the angle helps sculpt the perfect cheek.
• ESSENCE OF BEAUTY Blender Brush ($7.99 @ cvs.com) is made of natural hair and especially for mineral makeup and will blend, blend, blend your bronzer, foundation or blush. Big recommendation.