If October felt like a marathon, you’re not alone. Between back-to-back Zoom lectures with college students, a calendar brimming with beauty deadlines, a chatterbox of a toddler, and a senior pup on an entirely different sleep schedule, this month has stretched me in every direction. I’m grateful, yes—but also deeply ready for a slower pace ahead. In the midst of all the chaos, though, I’ve found comfort in small rituals of beauty, moments of calm, and a touch of Parisian-inspired style.
Today, I’m sharing seven categories of discoveries that have lifted my spirits this week—from innovative skincare and a generous giveaway, to a new stick foundation, a charming baby-inspired palette, the dreamiest nude lips, and rose-gold holiday treasures. There’s even a little fashion at the end for good measure.
1. Skincare Staples That Deliver
Lately, my skincare routine has felt like both armor and therapy. Here are the standouts currently at the top of my vanity:
Serucell KFS Serum – I’ve been faithfully applying this every day since spring, and my skin has transformed—more even, smoother, firmer. It’s my number-one anti-aging step, and I’m thrilled to be including it in an exclusive giveaway for my readers (details below!).
Serucell KFS Eye Serum – At night, a single swipe around the orbital area helps soften fine lines and ease puffiness. It’s delicate but effective, exactly what my eyes need after long days.
ZIIP OX Device – My renewed commitment to this microcurrent and nanocurrent tool has paid off in spades. The lifting and glow are immediate, but the long-term benefits—circulation, collagen stimulation—are what keep me consistent. (Pro tip: code BP10 gets you 10% off on their site.)
Ranavat Imperial Glow Facial Polish – This balm-to-milk exfoliator, with rice powder and almond milk, gently buffs without compromising skin balance. It’s one of the rare scrubs I can use without fear of irritation—gentle yet undeniably effective.
Ranavat Luminous Ceremony Cream Cleanser – I just finished an entire tube (which is rare for me!) and quickly opened another. Luxurious, saffron-kissed, and deeply cleansing without stripping—this is a cleanser that makes me actually look forward to washing my face.
Jenny Patinkin Rose on Rose Body Roller – Equal parts sculpture and self-care, this rose quartz-and-rose gold roller feels like a spa massage for the arms and legs. Circulation, stress relief, and an excuse to pause—this tool earns its place in my nightly routine.
Graydon All Over Soap – My new shower staple. Herbal, fresh, and cushioning, it’s just as good for shaving as it is for cleansing. I love when a “simple” product quietly becomes indispensable.
Baby Tress 3-in-1 Edge Styler – Originally ordered with my daughter in mind (the blush-pink handle is adorable), but I’ve found myself reaching for it too. The dual brush heads and pointed handle make styling neat parts and taming flyaways so easy.
2. A Serucell Giveaway
Because of my love for Serucell, I’m partnering with the brand for a giveaway unlike any other. Ten winners will receive a deluxe seven-day sample of the KFS Serum, and one lucky reader will win a full-size bottle.
This formula truly transforms—tightening, brightening, refining, and even helping skin “behave” more youthfully over time. It also plays beautifully with other skincare, boosting the efficacy of everything that follows.
To enter: simply submit your email [via this link] to be part of the draw. The giveaway runs until 9 AM PST on 11/2/20, and winners will be notified later that day. (Open to US readers only.)
3. Fresh Foundation Love
I’ve never met a stick foundation I didn’t want to test, and the Huda Beauty Faux Filter Foundation Stick is my latest obsession. I chose the shade Tres Leches and was instantly smitten with its creamy, velvety texture. Fragrance-free, long-wearing, and weightless—it’s everything I want in a base. Buildable coverage? Check. A natural, skin-like finish? Double check.
To bring warmth and subtle dimension, I pair it with Shiseido Minimalist Whipped Powder Blush in #4 Eiko, a true brown that sculpts the face without looking heavy. Together, they create a complexion that feels polished yet effortless.
4. A Baby-Inspired Palette
Because motherhood has been at the heart of so much of my recent life, I couldn’t resist a palette designed with little ones in mind. (More details to come in my next post!) It’s playful yet practical, and a beautiful reminder of how our routines evolve alongside family life.
5. The Nude Lip Wardrobe
This week, I leaned hard into nude lips—soft, versatile, and endlessly flattering. Whether in matte, gloss, or satin textures, these shades have a way of grounding any look and working with everything from jeans and a tee to a bold eye. My vanity currently looks like a symphony of beiges, pinks, and taupes—and I couldn’t be happier.
6. Rose Gold for the Holidays
Holiday launches are arriving, and this year, rose gold is taking center stage. From gilded compacts to shimmering powders, these luminous offerings feel celebratory yet timeless. They’re the kind of pieces that make you want to keep the packaging forever.
7. A Chic Black-on-Black Ensemble
Last but not least, fashion. Sometimes, nothing beats the sleek elegance of black on black. It’s simple, endlessly versatile, and always chic. Whether it’s a tailored blazer with trousers or a flowing dress with boots, this monochrome palette exudes confidence while keeping the focus on glowing skin and polished makeup.
Closing Thoughts
As this whirlwind of a month winds down, I find myself clinging to these small joys—serums that make skin sing, a foundation that feels like air, tools that double as rituals of calm. Beauty, at its best, doesn’t just change how we look; it anchors us in the midst of chaos, reminding us to pause, breathe, and enjoy.
Here’s to finding your own moments of light as October fades and a new month begins.