September makeovers don’t end in the closet, ladies—you’ve also got your makeup bag to consider. Not sure how to navigate the sea of fall beauty offerings? Don’t worry—we’ve enlisted some professional help. From multitasking skin care to long-lasting lipstick, we got some of our favorite local beauty experts to dish on what’s on their wish list—and why it should make yours, too.
1) The Bathtub Spa Treatment
For Alchimie Forever founder Ada Polla, a bath with Aveda Stress-Fix Soaking Salts ($40) is the only way to unwind after a long day at the office. Infused with pure essential oils like lavender, lavadin, and clary sage, the mineral-rich salts are clinically proven to relieve stress and are extremely relaxing. Polla says they’re “amazing; they make me feel like I’ve had a spa treatment.”
2) The Eyebrow Pencil
For a complete makeup-bag edit, a Nectar Skin Bar makeup artist will go through your stash to check expiration dates and determine if you’re using the right colors, and will then create the ultimate makeup shopping list for you. First on the list: the Kevyn Aucoin Eyebrow Pencil ($24). “This will give you the heavier defined brow, which is everywhere this season,” says Nectar aesthetician and LashDip expert Melissa Nist.
3) The Hairspray
If you find yourself getting tired of air-drying your hair or relying on beach waves, the next time you blow-dry, splurge on a product that will protect. Erwin Gomez, owner of Karma, swears by Unite 7Seconds Condition Spray ($26) for any type of hair. “This spray locks in other products, detangles, and provides a UV protection element with thermal care,” he says.
4) The Lipstick Pencil
Fall is a great time to swap your rose-colored glosses for a deeper shade. Polla suggests Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil ($24) in Cruella. “I love this color, which works for all skin tones and immediately makes me feel elegant, put together, and powerful,” she says.
5) The Skin Savior
As the owner of the luxury eco-friendly nail spa Emerald Door, it’s no surprise Sandra Magwood maintains an eco-chic lifestyle. She can’t live without her Skincando Combat-Ready Balm ($12.50 to $30). The multitasking skin salve helps soothe post-shave burn, severe dryness, sun or wind burn, and bug bites, and minimizes the appearance of scars. “It’s the jack of all trades and a must-have for daily skin-care needs,” she adds.
6) The Punchy Polish
The season is heavy on rich purple and wine-colored nail polish, but for a twist, opt for the new neutral: mixed greens. “I’m obsessed with the new CND Shellac nail colors for fall. My favorite is Pretty Poison, a rich, mysterious emerald green,” says Bliss Spa manager Emily Joy. Manicure mavens can book a Shellac manicure with Bliss online.
7) The Lip Gloss
Makeup artist Seema Khanna is always on the hunt for practical and efficient beauty products. So it’s no surprise that the new Dior Smoothing Lacquer Lip Polish ($30) is on her must-buy list. “It’s the perfect gloss for any complexion, plus it’s volumizing and not sicky,” she says.
Kara Manos writes about all things beauty in the District on her blog, Politics of Pretty.
