W&H shopping edit: What to buy in September
Browse our September shopping edit for all the latest new releases for the season, straight from our editors
September is a month of both endings and new beginnings. As summer draws to a close and a new season arrives, many of us are sorting our capsule wardrobes, planning new beauty buys and even shopping for Christmas gifts.
With Fashion Week taking place in New York, London, Paris and Milan this month, you might be looking at the autumn/winter fashion trends 2023, coveting the best new-in boots and shopping the best Zara coats for the new season.
With colder weather also comes a revised skincare routine for some - though you shouldn't be skipping your foundation with SPF just because the sun's disappeared - and many of us will also be desperately seeking out the best hair products for humidity now that the central heating is back on (we know we are).
These are buys that are worth their price tag and really deliver, whether that's the latest cult lifestyle picks, or fashion buys that will see you through winter and well into next year.
What to buy in September: The W&H shopping edit
Beauty
1. The Body Shop Camomile Jelly One-Step Cleanser
RRP: £12
We've long been a fan of The Body Shop's Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter, which takes the top spot in our list of the best cleansing balms. Now, for the same very affordable price, you can enjoy all the benefits of the cleansing balm along with your new favourite face wash, a cleanser that dispenses in a jelly-like form and quickly melts away dirt and build-up when applied to dry skin.
We've found this cleanser works well as a one-step product in our nightly routine when we're just wearing SPF and light makeup, but we would probably still go in with the cleansing balm to remove heavier makeup first if need be. Either way, our sensitive skin couldn't be happier with this product, which is vegan and comes in a 100% recycled plastic bottle.
2. E.L.F Cosmetics Squeeze Me Lip Balm
RRP: £4
Colder weather is upon us, and while we can't wait for cosy evenings and wearing our best winter coats, we're also bracing ourselves for frizzy hair, dry skin and cracked lips. Luckily for us, E.L.F is giving us some help with the latter, and this thick, hydrating lip oil-style lip balm is the perfect antidote to a chapped pout. There's an almost undetectable hint of colour to the sheer balm, and all shades feature a satisfying fruity scent.
3. Beauty Pie Youth Bomb Breakthrough Repair Cream
RRP: £175
Sponsored
This rich yet lightweight moisturiser is the perfect easy anti-aging step to add to your morning routine, and it can also be used at night to boost its firming, brightening properties. With niacinamide for skin barrier protection and polyglutamic acid for locking in extra moisture, this luxurious cream will do wonders for dry skin in need of some TLC.
4. Aussie Work That Curl Cream
RRP: £6
There are so many haircare brands out there, especially when it comes to curly and wavy hair types, that it's easy to forget the best products often come from inexpensive drugstore brands. Aussie never disappoints, and their curl cream hydrates the hair without feeling too heavy or creating grease - just rake and scrunch some into wet hair and leave it to work its magic.
5. Beauty Pie Plantastic Genius Ginseng Eye Cream
RRP: £60
Sponsored
This delicate eye cream works to re-energise your under-eye skin while moisturising and creating a firmer, brighter look. But it's not too thick, so it's ideal for those with oily skin. Hero ingredients include ginseng and Japanese grape extract.
7. Amika Hydro Rush Intense Hydration Mask
RRP: £33
This is one of the best hair masks for all hair types, as it not only smells incredible but has a really thick consistency which ensures it does what it says on the tin. Our hair felt nourished, soft and shiny after using it just once, so we can't wait to see how our hair health improves after consistent use (Amika recommends once a week).
Fashion
1. Merrell Women's Agility Peak 5 Gore-Tex
RRP: £170
If you're not quite ready to pick up a pair of the best hiking boots for women, or you want a pair that will see you through a long trek as well as a humble dog walk, these new Merrell trainers are ideal. Suited for trail running with a Gore-Tex waterproof layer and breathable mesh, these are made from mostly recycled materials and the low-key beige/cream shade means they're perfect for autumn, too.
2. M&S Collection Cable Knit Crew Neck Jumper
RRP: £35
Sponsored
Falling leaves, the best autumn candles, cosy cable knit jumpers... it's safe to say we can't wait for the seasons to change, and this jumper is allowing us to live out our best When Harry Met Sally autumn fantasies. With ribbed detailing on the cuffs and hems as well on the subtly scooped crew neck, we can see this over the top of the best autumn dresses and some cowboy boots.
3. SEFI Timeless 9-inch Shorts in Tourmaline
RRP: £40
September is the time when many of us are reassessing our workout routines, so if you've been intrigued about how to do cycling as a workout, you'll need a good-quality pair of cycling shorts. These sculpting shorts from SEFI have a high waist and subtle contouring for a flattering fit, and they're long enough to wear from spin class to a social event and wherever else inbetween.
4. M&S Collection Satin Midaxi Slip Skirt
RRP: £35
Sponsored
If you're trying to build an autumn capsule wardrobe, a satin slip skirt is a must; both the brown and black shades of this midaxi would go with so many existing autumnal pieces you probably have in your wardrobe. Wear with some of the best black boots, an oversized knit jumper or a high-neck t-shirt and your favourite trench coat for a timeless look.
5. Crocs Mega Crush Clogs
RRP: £74.99
Okay, hear us out: the heatwave may be over, and sandal season too, but we've found that these platform Crocs look just as great with a pair of ankle socks or some black tights. They're available in several different colours, with a supportive back strap, squishy soles and a subtle heel for a pair that can easily be taken from the office to after-work drinks.
Lifestyle
1. Stanley The Aerolight Transit Mug 0.35L
RRP: £31.99
We're loyal fans of the Stanley Quencher Tumbler, a TikTok favourite that's now available in the UK, so we had to try the brand's version of a keep cup, too. After using it several times on our commute, our coffee is genuinely just as hot when we arrive at work as it was when we poured it into the cup, but save for a small section of stainless steel at the top of the travel-friendly mug, the exterior stays completely cool. It's also completely leak-proof - trust us - and dishwasher-safe.
2. Our Place Large Always Pan
RRP: £155
Another viral homeware accessory that we promise is worth the hype: The Always Pan. Now available in a larger size, this is one of the best induction pans for shallow or deep-frying, dry-frying, sautéing, stir-frying and more. It's ideal for hosting, and it can be taken from the hob to the oven (you'll also be wanting to serve from it on your table due to its undeniably good looks).
The pan comes with a beechwood spatula that sits on its handle, and the steam-release lid has a dip in it to make room for the nesting spatula, too. If you're looking for a Christmas gift for foodies, this will go down a treat.
3. The White Company Ferne Twisted Stem Champagne Coupes Set of Two
RRP: £58
Planning on hosting this festive season? These champagne coupes are a must. With elegant hand-twisted stems, the hand-blown glasses are made from crystalline glass, so it goes without saying that they're not dishwasher-safe. But they will delight whoever you serve tipples to; or grab them as one of the best housewarming gifts for new homeowners to enjoy their first celebratory swig.
4. The Dancer by Kim Van Vuuren Print
RRP: from £50
Drool offers a huge range of unique art prints from independent artists around the world, with a focus on contemporary art and abstract shapes like this one by Kim Van Vuuren. Add a white, black or natural wood frame, or pin up the print as is for a burst of colour on your wall - this would also make a lovely housewarming gift for the friend who's just moved in and is looking to fill the room with art.
5. Breville Barista Max+ Bean to Cup Coffee Machine
RRP: £349.99
One of the best coffee machines, the Breville Barista Max+ makes delicious drinks both by grinding beans and with ground coffee. The sleek matte-black design means you won't mind this machine taking up space on your kitchen counter, especially when you can show off your new barista skills to visitors. If you've got a larger budget or are chipping in with friends, this would make for one of the best gifts for coffee lovers, too.
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Hannah is the UK Shopping Writer for woman&home. As a shopping writer, Hannah has written on everything from period pants to wine subscriptions, and is especially interested in sustainable alternatives to well-known products, as well as books and homeware accessories.
Before she joined the team at woman&home Hannah headed up the social media accounts for Wonderland in 2019, where she was also a Contributing Editor for the magazine’s sister titles. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Hannah also explored evolving shopping trends at New York Magazine’s The Strategist UK, researching everything from face masks to status candles and even pens.
- Rachael MartinDigital Editor - Woman & Home
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