Well, here we are: September. Cliché as it sounds, I cannot believe we are once again rounding the corner of another autumnal season. But ready or not, here comes fall, and with it shorter days and nippier temperatures. While the need for bronzer and body oil fades a little further into our past, we find ourselves craving lotions over serums and rich plums over soft pinks. True – my beauty regimen remains relatively consistent when it comes to basics (Lancome concealer, Clinique moistuizer), but each month I like to audition a few newbies to join the ranks, perhaps even winning a coveted spot on my dresser. Though I do generally have a “less is more” beauty mentality, I’d be lying if I said the new Essie collection or Chanel shades don’t make me a little weak in the knees. That being said, I’ve decided to create a monthly beauty column spotlighting a handful of products that I’ve deemed worthy for the coming 29-31 days (and maybe even beyond.) So without further ado, here are the lucky six chosen for the September edition of my monthly must-haves: 

1.  Clinique High Impact Extreme Volume  Mascara*
Although I usually tend to favor brown when it comes to mascara shades, this fall I’ve decided to switch up my usual routine and go back to basic black. If the sleek, silver tube isn’t eye catching enough, the results most certainly are. I’ve always favored volume over curl, and this formula manages to stop traffic without looking artificial, making it perfect for everyday use. Run an eyelash comb over the top coat and you’ve got lovely lashes begging to be fluttered.

2.  Clinique Quickliner for Eyes Intense in Intense Plum*
Clinique hits a home run once again with their Intense Quickliner. While I definitely still have a soft spot for CoverGirl’s classic Perfect Blend liner, I’ve pledged my September allegiance to this formula. Smooth and easy to use, it makes my baby blues pop without the standard accompanying smudges. Since eyeliner is not exactly my speciality, I like a liner that does the work for me, and this one definitely fits the bill. I’m straying a bit out of my comfort zone by choosing deep purple, but after all the gothic glamour on this season’s runway, I was feeling inspired.

3.  Origins Clear Improvements Active Charcoal Mask
Okay – let me start by saying that I love a good facemask. There is something about the formula shifting from dark to light, wet to dry, in combination with the tingling sensation that makes me feel sure that it working, whatever  “working” may actually mean. Whether or not that’s always the case, this charcoal mask from Origins visibly shrinks my pores and matifies my skin. Gentle enough to be used multiple times a week, it’s perfect for soaking up my excess end-of-Augst oil.

4.  Clarisonic 
Perhaps my biggest beauty addition has been finally purchasing a Clarsonic. After a raging internal debate and months of online research, I decided to take the (mostly financial) plunge, and order the original, complete with both the body and acne brush head. The device now takes up some substantial real estate on my sink, but I have yet to look back. Though not a cure-all for my stubborn breakouts, it exfoliates and softens my skin ten times more than a washcloth alone. Needles to say, I am a convert.

5.  Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment in Honey
I should probably start by saying I am a believer in most, if not all, things Fresh. I even convinced my mother, who much prefers her garden to the nearest beauty supplier, to purchase their eyebrow kit, which they then regrettably discontinued. If my mom’s subsequent verbal beat-down with a Sephora sales woman is any indication, Fresh has created some very loyal customers. And although I hardly need to tout one of their most well known products, here I am, touting anyway. Fresh’s Sugar Lip Treatment comes in a variety of shades, and while I am the proud owner of both their original formula as well as the Rose, it’s their Honey shade that practically screams September. Described as the perfect pinky-nude, Honey is exactly what I had in mind for the transition from summer to fall.

6.  Butter London Polish in Shag
I’ll admit I’m a bit of a polish elitist – but I have my reasons. After shelling out for a few new fall shades, I can confidently say I have reaped the non-chipping, shine-sustaining rewards. Butter London is one of my favorites, and what better way to welcome September than sporting a shade the color of fall foliage. Though it might be considered a faux pas to wear the same polish on your fingers and your toes, I’m going to have some serious trouble resisting the metallic lure of this particular shade.

* Items that have been gifted to OTY