If I had to pick a theme for the October edition of my Monthly-Must Haves, it would have to be moisture. As soon as the temperature begins to drop, my hair and skin follow suit, feeling dryer and needier than ever. When it comes to beauty,  I’m focusing on hydration and health this month, preparing myself for the inevitable frost that is right around the corner. In standard Emily style, I’ve shopped at drugstores and department stores alike, picking products from all different price ranges. My ultimate October goals are reducing redness and soothing my skin, so here’s hoping these babies do the trick.

1.  St. Ives Oatmeal & Shea Butter Lotion
I’m constantly on the hunt for a new body lotion and can rarely resist the lure of one of my favorite ingredients: shea butter. Known as both an anti-inflammatory & humectant, shea butter locks in moisture while smelling delicious. Having been a longtime fan of St. Ives Apricot Scrub, I was always tempted to give their other products a go. Equipped with calming oatmeal, this lotion does not disappoint.

2.  Deborah Lippmann’s Let’s Go Crazy Polish
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – purchasing a more resilient nail polish is worth spending a few extra bucks. And when it comes to a great glitter polish, who does it better than Deborah Lippmann? Ms. Lippmann’s shades are always stunning and their musical titles equally amusing. Let’s Go Crazy was an obvious October pick considering its deep purple base packed with rainbow glitter – once Halloween rolls around I won’t be able to resist rocking this shade.

3.  Super Hyper Hydrator with Coconut Water
Like I said – moisture, moisture, moisture. My skin’s been particularly dry this year, and who better to turn to in times of turmoil than Dr. Nicolas Perricone. This hydrating treatment is formulated without any synthetic dyes or fragrances, parabens, or sulfates, and contains naturally derived essential oils. A sucker for anything coconut scented, I jumped at the chance to try this product.

4.  Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Talc-Free Correcting Powder in translucent
Another problem that goes hand in hand with my dry skin is the resulting redness. Having acne-prone skin, the last thing I want to do is pile on layers of foundation in hopes of canceling out the color. That’s why I went for Physicians Formula Correcting Powder. Though not easily detected in a photograph, the products green, pink and yellow swirls help to conceal problem areas while brightening your general complexion.

5.  Organix Moroccan Argan Oil Renewing Treatment
My tresses have been seriously tested this summer by a never ending stream of sun and chlorine, and they’re in need of some soothing damage control. I’ve decided to add a hair mask into my shower-time mix. Since argan oil (otherwise known as Moroccan oil) has become the most-wanted ingredient in most skin & hair care products, it isn’t hard to fine treatments boating its benefits. Applied a few times a week, this mask helps keep my hair happy.