Vicki’s September Beauty Faves

Here’s a round-up of the products I couldn’t stop reaching for this September—from skincare essentials to haircare game-changers, these picks are all about getting me through the transition from summer to fall. Whether you’re in need of a seasonal refresh or just curious about what’s been living in my beauty bag, these tried-and-true favourites have been keeping things smooth, hydrated, and oh-so-glowy. —Vicki Duong

rhode pocket blush. Rhode Pocket Blush ($39) has quickly become a staple in my makeup routine, and my go-to shade is Toasted Teddy. This creamy, buildable blush delivers the perfect flush of colour, blending seamlessly into my skin for a natural, sun-kissed glow. I love how the compact design makes it easy to throw into any bag, and the formula is lightweight enough for a quick touch-up throughout the day.

watier luminessence brightening and cooling eye balm. If tired eyes are your daily struggle, this little lifesaver has you covered. Watier Eye Balm ($42) is my new go-to for banishing puffiness and dark circles in a flash. The cooling formula feels super refreshing, and it brightens the under-eye area instantly, making me look more awake even on my groggiest mornings. I love how lightweight and hydrating it is—perfect for layering under makeup without any creasing.

ubeauty the sculpt neck & décolleté concentrate. If you’re looking to give your skincare routine a luxe upgrade, U Beauty’s newest sculpt concentrate ($188) is definitely a splurge worth considering. This targeted treatment focuses on firming and toning the delicate neck and décolleté areas, helping to smooth and lift over time. Infused with antioxidants and powerful active ingredients, it delivers a noticeable tightening effect while also boosting hydration.

fenty hair the protective type. Heat styling without the worry? Yes, please! Fenty Beauty’s The Protective Type ($38) is like a superhero cape for my hair. Not only does it defend against heat damage, but it also smooths, softens, and adds that extra shine I’m always chasing. Whether I’m going for sleek and straight or big and bouncy, this cream keeps frizz in check and leaves my hair looking glossy, not greasy.

aveeno daily moisturizing cream. The Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Cream ($23) with prebiotic aat and shea butter has been a game-changer for keeping my skin hydrated and healthy. Infused with soothing oat, this cream delivers long-lasting moisture for up to 48 hours, making it perfect for dry or sensitive skin. Its non-greasy, fragrance-free formula absorbs quickly, leaving my skin soft and calm without feeling weighed down. 

peter thomas roth even smoother facial peel. Exfoliating has never been more satisfying than with Peter Thomas Roth Even Smoother Instant Reveal Facial Peel ($48). This powerful treatment gives you the satisfaction of seeing dead skin literally roll off, leaving your complexion smooth and refreshed. Packed with 30% glycolic acid, it works wonders to refine texture, brighten, and reveal glowing skin in just minutes. 

oribe mirror rinse glass hair treatment. If your hair’s craving that high-shine, mirror-like finish, Oribe Mirror Rinse Glass Hair Treatment ($80) is about to be your new bestie. This rinse gives you all the gloss without any of the grease—think shiny, sleek strands that still feel light and bouncy. It’s like putting your hair through a luxury car wash, minus the weight.

skinfix acne+ adapinoid gel. When it comes to skincare, why settle for less when you can bring in the heavy hitters? The latest Acne+ Adapinoid Gel ($65) from Skinfix is like your skin’s secret weapon for tackling acne and smoothing texture. Packed with a powerful retinoid, it helps clear breakouts and prevent new ones from crashing the party. The best part? It’s gentle enough to use daily, so you can kick acne to the curb without the drama.

eminence kombucha microbiome leave-on masque. Whenever my skin needs a little extra love, I’ve been turning to a leave-on treatment that deeply nourishes and balances. The Eminence Kombucha Microbiome Leave-On Masque ($84) is packed with probiotics and kombucha to help restore my skin’s natural barrier while providing intense hydration. I love how it feels lightweight yet leaves my skin smooth and refreshed without needing to rinse it off. 

gelcare UV gel nail polish in cherry cola red. Looking for the perfect fall nail shade? Gelcare’s Cherry Cola Red ($24) has you covered. This rich, deep red hue is the ultimate seasonal vibe—think cozy sweaters and crisp autumn days. It’s bold without being too loud, giving your nails that perfect pop of colour that complements everything from your pumpkin spice latte to your favourite boots.