October 2010 Beauty Round-Up ‘Must Haves’

By April MacIntyre Oct 11, 2010, 1:15 GMT

Fall is here, and your skin, hair and face are ready to prep for winter, a perfect time for you to explore the richer, deeper palettes of makeup and nail colors.

Fall is here, and your skin, hair and face are ready to prep for winter, a perfect time for you to explore the richer, deeper palettes of makeup and nail colors. 

This is a bold time of year from a fashion and beauty stand point, as all the beauty magazines roll out the looks from the top designers, and usually without fail, earthen tones, plums, drop dead diva reds and touches of metallic are translated to cosmetics counters from here to London, Paris and Milan.

So push aside the summer colors, the frothier, glossier paler stuff and get ready to ramp it and vamp it up.   If you are in a beauty rut, October's wide range of excellent products in our monthly round up has the cure for what ails you.

Fall 2010 hair is more carefully coiffed, yet we see unstructured waves along with the precision haircuts that can be adorned with very cool retro-inspired hair bands, barrettes by Goody's vintage line, aided by new tools like a twist on the flat iron and curling iron, the Wave Artist, from Bed Head.

As we previously stated, fall 2010 will see period smallscreen drama "Mad Men" ladylike 60’s looks combined with classic 80's silhouettes:  Lots of 
capes, belts, fitted suits, Annie Hall straight stovepipe pants that are close to the body, plus ruffled feminine blouses, tunic tops, boots that go mid-calf to thigh-
high, military touches, blasts of large bold graphics and dashes of animal prints.  Jeggings are going by way of the Dodo bird.

The October beauty round up features the best of what was presented to us by a variety of companies, and each item was tested for several weeks.

Monsters and Critics put these products to the test, and we have come up with our picks for October 2010 Best of Beauty.  Tried and true, these clever products deliver what they promise and will not let you down. Take us shopping with you.

HAIR

Bed Head® Wave Artist™ unique hair iron

www.bedheadstyling.com

Hair is less fussy than normally contrived Fall/Winter styles, as we see flowing waves and tousled locks on the runways. A bonus for medium to long haired 
ladies. But for the stick straight hair people, hot rollers make too defined a curl, and curling irons also put sharpness in a set. Bed Head, a company that 
makes a wide swath of beauty products, came up with a genius tourmaline coated Wave Artist iron that delivers the right shape waves, without frying the hair.

Think wavy, not curls.   The Wave Artist™ features a unique large middle barrel that creates deep, loose waves for an effortless wavy head o'hair. The unique 
barrel design for big, natural waves is replete with Tourmaline Ceramic Technology, which means your hair is extra protected in the process. The iron features a
fast 30 second heat-up, with high heat plus multiple heat settings and a barrel locking switch. 

I found it easy to use, and a fun new way to style the hair.   You may need someone to help you with the back of your head, unless you flip over and do the styling upside down, but the website has great tutorial videos to help even the most hapless hair stylist (moi) gets a wave on.  Reasonable in price too.

Aubrey Organic Blue Green Algae Conditioning Mask

http://www.aubrey-organics.com/

My base color touch ups no long obliterate my existing highlights, thanks to this rich mask that coats the selected strands and chunks of hair, as it keeps the deeper base color from penetrating the hair shaft. 

Think of it as a creamy foil wrapper that acts as a barrier to dye.

The more I use from this line the more impressed I am with their quality and the efficacious nature of everything tried so far. Paraben free, no harmful anything 
and quite reasonable in price, this hair mask is beyond brilliant for many reasons, but mostly because I two-process color my hair, every six weeks.

Plus the bonus is the more damaged highlighted hair is deeply moisturized, so the charming hay hair effect is abated.

I love this product!  Fragrance haters take note; It is not perfumey or loaded with faux fragrance chemicals, but smells of the natural ingredients it is comprised of; it is more medicinal but not at all unpleasant.  You must give a try.

Aubrey Organics Blue Green Algae (SRP $13.79) is a great source of topical protein to strengthen the cuticle of the hair, and is made with Shea butter, organic 
aloe and other moisture rich herbals. A+ useful and a new staple in my hair care.

Goody Pro Hair brushes

www.goody.com

Every month we try out a new type of Goody's terrific and reasonable line (under $10) of pro hair brushes, and love how they deliver the right look to the hair, 
depending on which brush you use. They label each Pro tools brush with a number and a schematic of sorts that tells you what that that brush does and how to 
use it.

Their latest offerings are precision tools that deliver distinctly different looks to your hair.  They have created a step-by-step to perfect blowouts that begins with 
their Ceramic/Ionic Straightening Brush, the Gel Vent Brush, Ceramic /Ionic Detangling Comb, and the Ouch less shower comb as your first line of defense.  
The second step takes you to their Ceramic/Ionic Porcupine Hot Round 43mm brush, the So Smooth Ceramic Round and the Ouch less Hot Round, where the 
volume can be added in the styling process.

The Goody Pro™ Achieve Straight Vented Paddle Brush has a nice grip handle (their brushes are comfortable to grip) and a broad base perfect for a straighter style. The Goody Pro™ Achieve Volume Dual Bristle Oval Round Brush is a volume pumper, with a unique oval shape that provides maximum lift with a mix of nylon and boar bristles.

The Goody Pro™ Achieve Curls Thermal Round Brush has a ceramic barrel that can safely help deliver a curl to hair, easy to use too.  Their Root Lifter brush is still one of my most favorite brushes ever used, it can deliver a nice tease to add spot lift and volume in a nanosecond, and doesn't destroy your hair in the process.  I love the Goody Pro line.

Goody Retro Deluxe Hair fashion

www.goody.com

I am not a big hair accessory person, but those of you who adore wearing hair bands, barrettes and clever clips will love this inexpensive line of hair fashion.

I actually fell in love with the Luxe Braided Head wrap in black, a nice headband that did not give me a headache or slide off my head.  There are 40 unique retro 
vintage hair looks offered by Goody this season, from bands with gems, bows and flowers to satin swirls, and decorated barrettes that snap into place. Especially pretty is the Film Noir Headband that evokes another time; femme fatale hair! Super reasonable (under $10) too.

got2be fat-tastic Collagen

http://www.got2b.no/

This line of infused protein products for the fine hair people (me) is a go-to fix and delivers big hair, and a feeling of volume and heft, things anyone with fine, straight hair want to feel. A little bit goes a long way; you do not need to overuse this product!

It has a wonderful light clean fragrance and is a workhorse.  Their line of hair serums and blow out potions are A+. I have never used anything in the got2be line 
that wasn't a superb product.  For the price, it's a steal.

Bosley Volumizing & Thickening Styling Mousse and Hairspray

http://www.bosleypro.com/bosrevive.htm

Bosley is in the hair restoration business, and makes products that amplify thinning or thinnish hair.

Up front, unless I tried these products for myself to see how well they do the job; I probably would have never known what they could do.  This line is hard to find and is pricier than I normally would spend for hair care products.

The good news is that you get what you pay for, and they work. With the right styling products, Bosley Volumizing & Thickening Styling Mousse ($15.95) smells 
of green apples and delivers a heft and oomph to your hair. 

Bosley Professional Volumizing & Thickening Styling Hairspray ($18.95) is a superb hairspray that locks in a style but not at a drying, shellacked, hard crunchy cost, and is not bad for the scalp or hair cuticle.  Expensive, but I was impressed, and will continue to use this line.

SKINCARE

Aubrey Organics Blue Green Algae Soothing Mask

http://www.aubrey-organics.com/

Just like the hair mask I mention above, the Aubrey people put the magical ingredients inside their face mask, designed for a combination/oiler skin. 

I keep all Aubrey face masks in my refrigerator, as they are paraben free and have no real chemical preservatives.   

Like their skin scrubby masks written up in our round ups before, this mask is a dual scrub and leave-on mask that deeply exfoliates, with clay to draw out impurities and Algae delivering a protective antioxidant layer. 

Not perfumey, has a clean medicinal smell that is pleasant. If you purchase this, keep it cold, and do not leave on too long, about 5-8 minutes before you gently scrub/wash it off.

Vichy Aqualia Thermal sans Paraben Serum

http://www.vichyusa.com

Vichy is famous for its water, a prized ingredient used in a wide array of their skincare. The latest serum that M&C tried was their Aqualia serum for dry, sensitive skin, made without Parabens and loaded with the Vichy Thermal Water, Hyaluronic Acid (the primary ingredient in facial fillers like Juvaderm) and something Vichy 
calls Aquabioryl™, a new hydrating active ingredient. 

This is for dry and more mature skin, but is not greasy or weighty; it is absorbed quickly by normal skins, and was sufficient in moisturizing properties that I didn't feel like I had to layer it. Drier skins might.

CellCeuticals Extreme Defense Anti-Cell Damage Skin treatment

https://www.cellceuticalskincare.com/home.php

This is a long, high falutin' name for a hydrating lightweight serum that is packaged in a unique hygienic container, a clean precise pump (my favorite delivery 
method for any skincare).

Loaded with Vitamins C, E and Green Tea, natural firming agents, and the natural oils almond, avocado and Sunflower that combine in a magical potion that locks in water moisture and claims to be a free radical slayer.  You feel this one as it absorbs, firming up the skin. 

This lightweight serum/lotion is for any skin except the oiliest, any age and is especially nice under makeup.  Great product that also helped with mild Rosacea 
issues. Pricey ($70), but recommended.  It looks unisex in the packaging. Great, unfussy and potent line of skin care.

Obagi ELASTIderm Eye Cream

http://www.obagi.com/Homepage.aspx

One of the best eye creams I have used this year, and we try many here.

ELASTIderm Cream is designed for those who have dry skin or live in a cooler, more arid climate. ELASTIderm Gel is designed for those who have normal to 
oily skin or live in a tropical or humid climate.

It absorbs fast and firms up the under eye skin as it settles in. My only complaint is that the product is in a giant jar, and has the texture that easily could be put into a hygienic pump delivery like their eye gel.

Other than that, this eye cream is fabulous stuff, and something I will never be without.  Obagi infuses both the cream and gel with a proprietary bi-mineral 
complex (Copper Zinc Malonate) which is proven to help restore elasticity and increase collagen production.  I tried out the cream version and loved the 
lightweight feel and fast absorption that really felt like a mini eye girdle for the skin under the eyes. Major love for this product.

First Aid Beauty Detox Eye Roller

http://www.firstaidbeauty.com/

This metal roller ball detoxes the lymphatic build-up from underneath the eyes, essentially rolling out the eye puffiness and alleviating dark circles.
With the magical ingredient of caffeine applied topically, it becomes a vasoconstrictor that constricts the fine blood vessels in those pesky dark eye circles.  

Hyaluronate and advanced peptides add a bit of volume to the thin skin and increase collagen production.    Witch hazel soothes, and the FAB Antioxidant Booster combats free radicals. 

Cruelty-free, and made in the USA without Parabens, Sulfates, Synthetic Fragrances, Dyes, Phthalates, GMOs or Triclosan.  Allergy-tested and ideal for oilier 
skinned people who shy away from eye treatments for fear of breakouts. 

One caveat: Apply the product at a 90 degree angle, if you hold the bottle too close to your cheek, you will catch the edge of the roller ball where it meets the bottle, 
which is not good.

Avalon Organics - Essential Lift Contouring Eye Cream - 0.5 oz. (14 g)

http://avalonorganics.com/?id=490&pid=690

This is always within reach of me, on my desk and applied even over makeup. I live in a coastal desert where the humidity is non-existent. The absorption is 
fast and the feel is amazingly pleasant. It is touted for dry and mature skins but anyone can use this product, men, twenty-something’s and older people. This is 
a pump delivery, the best in my opinion.   Fantastic for dry lips too.

Avalon Organics infuses this crème with essential minerals, rosemary oil, jojoba seed oil and contains a minimum of 70% organic content, is cruelty free and 
does not contain parabens, harsh preservatives, synthetic colors or fragrances, phthalates, sodium lauryl or laureth sulfate. It is also made from 100% 
vegetarian ingredients.  Major love for this product.

Lily B's 24/7 Defense Daily Moisturizer and Red Tea Defense Booster Hydrating Serum

http://www.lilybskincare.com/

This lightweight, powerful duo is designed for an array of skintypes (oily to normal) that cannot take a super-rich moisturizing serum or lotion without breakout repercussions.

The Lily.B Collection of serum and moisturizer is packaged in stylish hygienic pumps that contain active botanicals, Hyaluronic Acid, Squalane, Jojoba Oil and sea algae 
ingredients. 

The serum is fabulous for super humid climates, and for younger women who are starting to take real care of their skin.  Absolutely no fragrance and never tested on animals. 

The serum and lotion are both super gentle and the serum can be used up near the eye area (under eye cream) and over the lips.

For me, this product was a Godsend when I was recently in hot, humid Naples, Florida, as it served as my day and night treatment and did not make me feel weighed down in skin product.  Fantastic duo to use together, and superb overall line of skincare.

BODY CARE

Jason Tea Infused Hand & Body Lotions - Bengal Spice Hand & Body Lotion

http://www.jason-natural.com/products/moisturizing.php

This needs to come with a warning or disclaimer, The intoxifying fragrance makes this lotion, for the scented variety, a major home run in my book.  I love the 
spicy fragrances, and love Opium, Private Collection, Tom Ford, Must de Cartier and all those heavy duty fragrances that are great in colder weather, applied 
with a light hand.

If you hate the smell of Chai clove and cinnamon spices, this is not for you.  If you prefer fragrance-free, peruse a little lower and read my Alba Botanica Very Emollient Lotion with no fragrance coverage.

Jason lotions are cruelty free, made with 100% vegan ingredients such as Avocado oil, Sunflower oil and are infused with Celestial Seasonings tea, which impart that delicious fragrance that makes me so happy. 

Again, this lotion rocks my world, but if you are sensitive to fragrance and are a 
floral person, discover Jason's other naturally scented tea-infused lotions that are less pungent. They even make a Sleepytime Tea infused lotion!

Alba Botanica Very Emollient Body Lotion

http://www.albabotanica.com/

This is a certified organic crème/lotion devoid of any fragrance, and is a super rich healing product that the whole family can use.

Paraben-free, no animal testing, and loaded with sesame, avocado, jojoba oils, also infused with green team Echinacea, aloe Vera, chamomile and lavender, 
this powerhouse lotion is a dry skin’s best friend ever. And it is super reasonable. ($10) for what it does. 

Not super sexy packaging, but feels as rich as any high priced body crème I have ever purchased at a department store, and is simple, unfussy and used by all in my home.  A+ product all the way around.

Earth Therapeutics Holistic Stress Management Kit

www.earththerapeutics.com

This is a kick-ass affordable gift of four items to give, highly useful and a pleasure to use.

My favorite new beauty skincare find so far?  The Anti-stress Silk eye pillow, weighted and naturally cool (I keep mine in its container stored in my refrigerator where my facial toners and masks always are).

The pillow settles into the contours of your face and is HEAVEN to use.  When I break out the caps, you've got to act.  Get it. Just do it.

Along with this amazing weighted pillow is a Massage soap and the fantastic Anti-stress Massage Lotion that facilitates the best back massages ever. 
Chamomile and lavender make it naturally scented in a clean light way, and last but not least, the Herba-Gel Eyelid compress, a go-to beauty emergency fix for 
the puffy eyed people who need relief.  Packaged in an earth-friendly, reusable zippered bag.   All of this amazing stuff is under $20.

Freeman Bare Hands Tangerine & Basil Hand and Cuticle Renewal Scrub

http://www.freemanbeauty.com/portal/store/store.asp?opena=1771&nproducttypeid=1771

Bare Hands Tangerine & Basil Hand & Cuticle Renewal Scrub is a gentle exfoliating sugar scrub touted as a home manicure item.   It does eliminate rough 
patches and dry skin on hands, elbows and cuticles.

Why do I love this? I make a lot of fish, and I keep this in my kitchen to use after food prep.  Also I garden, and this obliterates the grime and dirt that you come 
in with quickly.   My son has a tendency to write on his hands (yes like Sarah Palin) and he uses this to scrub it off quickly before my head explodes.

Loaded with Vitamins A, C and grape seed extract, Macadamia nut and Safflower almond oils and Tangerine extract, the sugar cane scrub with Glycolic acid 
really does get those paws clean. Smells fresh.  Great family product that can be used daily. 

ScarAway Silicone Scar Sheets

www.myscaraway.com

Most everyone I know, if you have lived long enough, has a few souvenir surgery scars.  Time tends to flatten and reduce the redness, but some people are 
"proud flesh" types and are Keloiders, raised scar tissue that refused to heal flat. This product works on fresh and old scar tissue, and so far has made a 
difference in a nice shin scar I had from a car accident years ago.  The scar is disappearing and I am sold to continue using these bandage-like strips to keep it 
up. 

ScarAway is thin and self-adhesive. It is made with professional, medical grade silicone sheeting, the same kind recommended by plastic surgeons, hospitals, 
and burn centers. 

Whether it was a car accident like me, or a C-section scar, or any operation that left a mark on you, this affordable silicone scar sheets (comes in different sizes 
too) is worth a whirl.

First Aid Beauty Healing Stick

http://www.firstaidbeauty.com/

This Massachusetts-based firm makes clever little fixes, and this is one of my favorites. A 1% hydrocortisone treatment in a swivel up stick that combats inflamed and itchy skin without fuss. 

This product is a thick, anhydrous stick, so it stays put and doesn’t run to areas where the skin doesn’t need it.

Eczema, insect bites, psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis or poison ivy, oak or sumac people, older people with sensitive skin and anyone who needs a spot relief treatment will love this item. 

No nonsense and effective; no parabens, harsh chemicals or colorants. Made in the USA.

Vermont Soap Organics Foaming Hand Soap, Baby Wash Shampoo, Liquid Sunshine Spray & Wipe and Aloe Baby Soap bar

http://www.vermontsoap.com/foamer.shtml

In my house, we go organic and natural for cleaning agents, and this line delivers personal care soaps and cleaning products that ensure a toxic-free 
environment for kids and adults. 

The Sunshine Spray & Wipe is a use anywhere all purpose cleaner that really does the job. Biodegradable and for those sensitive to chemicals, this is a workhorse product, kitchen, bath, wood floors, tile, stainless, you name it.

The hand soaps are comprised of emollient organic castile liquid soap that disperse like a foam shaving cream. No propellants or chemical are used in the process, with a wonderful feeling lather, this pure vegetable oil liquid soap comes in a handy refillable dispenser.  Unscented Ingredients: Saponified organic olive, coconut and jojoba oils, vegetable glycerin, organic aloe Vera and rosemary extract.

My favorites are Lavender Ecstasy Ingredients: Saponified organic coconut, olive and jojoba oils, vegetable glycerin, natural lavender essential oil blend, 
organic lavender oil, organic aloe Vera and rosemary extract, and Lemongrass Zen Ingredients: Saponified organic coconut, olive and jojoba oils, vegetable 
glycerin, lemongrass essential oil blend, organic aloe Vera and rosemary extract.

Their baby line makes a terrific shower gift. The Baby Wash Shampoo is so useful, and naturally is free of all additives, parabens and horrible stuff so many 
commercial soaps have.

Their handmade soaps compliment this line, and are USDA Certified Organic to Food Standards*. Made from a hypoallergenic vegetable base of organic Coconut, Palm, Olive and Palm Kernel oils, natural, aromatherapy essential oils and botanical extracts round it out.  All bars are facial quality.  Aloe baby bar smells like herbal clean heaven, not too strong, for skin and hair.  Made in the USA, a great find.

MAKEUP

HissyFit Saving Face SPF 50 Foundation
*Wins Best of the best: October best of the beauty roundup

http://www.hissyfit.com

Everything I have ever tried from Hissy Fit has been a slam dunk homerun out of the park winner. This foundation is no different, and for my ladies out there that 
are always searching for the perfect matte makeup?  Here's your new best friend. 

Saving Face is a dual -purpose formula that acts as a foundation and a highlight, providing flawless coverage plus SPF 50, broad spectrum protection. Using 
your foundation shade, Saving Face evens your skin tone and creates a flawless look, while the highlight shade conceals and adds dimension.

Saving Face conceals, highlights and offers the coverage of a foundation while providing high SPF 50 UVA/UVB protection. All natural SPF with a broad 
spectrum UVA/UVB protection, this dual purpose formula can be used as a foundation and highlight and comes in 17 shades. 

Key botanical extracts are Australian Daisy, cehami (centipedia cunninghamii)- A native Australian Daisy ingredient that has been used for centuries by Aboriginal tribes Pomegranate- Renowned anti-oxidant Green Tea- Botanical extract which calms and soothes skin. 

Coverage, sun protection and matte lasting quality, a trifecta of awesomeness.

Black Opal Cosmetics winter colors

http://www.blackopalbeauty.com/

We have covered this line previously, and they consistently deliver pretty, inexpensive fashionable palettes that work for a variety of skin tones.  The latest find is their True Tone lipstick, a vitamin E and Aloe based product in two new seasonal colors; Front Row Red (shown) and Raspberry.  Deep rich and stunning matte colors that work with fall/winter fashion.

Their dual-ended lip gloss is a way to go from demure to diva in a single stroke. Film Noir is a stunning duo, and perfect for the season. ($6.75)  Mineral brilliance eyeshadow Mosaics are inexpensive palettes that combine highlighting, shading, contouring and blending colors in one easy container. Their latest quad features the hot shade of the season: Purple.  Zanzibar is a medley of the purples, and very pretty on.

Too Faced Fall 2010 collection, Brightening Blushes, Perfect Pair Shadow Duos, Glamour Gloss, Pixie Perfect 5 piece-set

http://www.toofaced.com/

Since I received this line of new colors from Too Faced, I have been 100% hooked on Papa Don't Preach Brightening blush duo with Sun Bunny Bronzer. 

Gorgeous and sheer, a warm blusher duo that makes you look healthy, all tucked inside a beautiful charming, patent blue makeup bag, sized just right to carry your gear.

This is the perfect gift for a light to medium-skinned makeup lover. Deeply adored is their eyeshadow quad, which features Velvet Revolver, Enchanted Forest, 
Totally Toasted and Peach Fuzz, all can be worked together, wet or dry. Earthen toned, the entire kit is warm. Pin Up Pout glamour gloss is included, and a 
small tube of Shadow Insurance, an eye shadow base that locks in the color.  A Mini Lash injection black mascara rounds out this amazing kit, retailing at $42. 

New colors include La Vie en Rose, a cool pink blush that comes in Too Faced packaging that is retro cool. The shadow duo superstars include Rich Bitch (a 
teal/gold combo) George & Weezie (Icy gold and Bronze Pearl) and Beauty Mark (Black foil and Gilded Rose) among many selections available.

The Glamour Glosses are cooling when applied, and some favorite versatile colors include Tickle Me, Plush and Barely Legal. These are perfect to top any 
lipstick, or wear alone with the appropriate lip liner.

NAILS

Wet n'Wild MegaLast Nail color

http://wnwbeauty.com/

Who knew the ubiquitous Wet n'Wild could keep on being relevant and fashion forward?

This inexpensive color range is free of Toluene, phthalates and formaldehyde and has some stellar product, including their latest nail enamels that rock for unique color selection and price.

We tried Private Viewing, Bite the Bullet (fun fave color) and Haze of Love and found the formula to be quick drying.  You do need to seal this with a good top coat. 

For a $1.99, you cannot beat it.

Barielle Shades Nail enamel

http://www.barielle.com/shades

My favorite shade of classic red is Ecstasy by Barielle. This is a bit more expensive than the line above, but this color works my red nerves, and looks much 
cooler in the flesh than on their website. I adore it. 

Fans of crazy blue tones will love A Bouquet for Ava, a true cerulean blue matte color unlike anything I have ever seen. Interesting colors, long-lasting formula.

April MacIntyre is Monsters and Critics' smallscreen and people/celebrity editor who loves to snoop around in makeup trailers when she can. You can follow her on Twitter.