What Deena’s Loving: The 13 Fashion and Beauty Finds Getting Me Excited for Fall

The Misha & Puff Puff Popcorn Sweater has that cozy, hand-knit feel I crave once September gets close, but is bright enough to start wearing while the weather is still figuring itself out. I paired it with Pistola’s Sabrina Curved Utility Pants, which have a relaxed, slightly sculptural shape that makes the whole look feel cool rather than overly precious. Together, they’re easy enough for right now, but decidedly fall.

I can deal with a lot when it comes to foundation, but creasing? Never. There’s nothing worse than catching yourself in the mirror halfway through the day only to find your makeup has settled into every little line. Fenty Beauty’s Pro Filt’r Fluid Flex Foundation gives me the natural-matte finish I want while still looking smooth and flexible on the skin. And, in true Fenty fashion, it comes in an impressive 50 shades, making it that much easier to find your match.

I have naturally thin brows, but years of over-waxing and threading definitely didn’t help. Now that I’ve finally learned to leave them alone, things are looking much better; However,  I still have sparse areas that could use a little help. This lightweight serum is formulated with peptides, biotin and the brand’s Bioactive Keratin Ferment to help brows look thicker and denser with consistent use. I’ve been applying it to those stubborn sparse spots to help give my brows the fuller look I’ve been trying to get back for years.

I love a matching set that does all the work for me. The sheer dotted fabric feels light enough for those lingering warm days, while the long sleeves and gathered skirt give it just enough coverage to carry me into fall. I also love that the subtle sheerness makes an otherwise classic silhouette feel a little sexier and more interesting. Wear the pieces together when you want to look cool, or break them up with denim and knits as the temperatures continue to drop.

I’m always looking for ways to make my evenings feel a little less chaotic, and apparently that can start with simply plugging something into the wall. Drift’s Rest & Relax Home Scent Diffuser was developed using neuroscience-backed fragrance technology designed to evoke feelings of calm, comfort and peacefulness. In fact, the brand says 97 percent of consumers agreed the fragrance made them feel more relaxed in the evening. I like the idea of turning scent into a nightly cue that it’s time to wind down. And because the formula is free from phthalates, parabens and harsh chemicals (and designed to be safe around pets and children) I can use it throughout my home without overthinking it. Now, if only it could also answer my last few emails.

I’m pretty picky about serums. If I’m adding an extra step to my routine, I need to actually see a difference in my skin. But this serum makes the step feel worthwhile. It’s designed to target signs of aging while helping skin look firmer, smoother and more radiant. I especially love how plump and hydrated my skin looks after applying it. It gives me that healthy, well-rested glow even with hectic school drop-offs.

I am, unfortunately for my bank account, in love with 100 percent merino wool. Add a round collar and a floor-skimming silhouette and the situation becomes even more dangerous. This Caroline Hélain x Longchamp dress is soft and fluid and easy to dress up or down. The landscapes, drawn by artist Caroline Hélain, turn the whole thing into wearable art—which sounds slightly pretentious, but so beautiful. I added Longchamp’s Épure S Crossbody because the dress is already doing plenty. Perfection!

I’m usually pretty low-maintenance when it comes to eyeshadow; I want something I can swipe on with my finger and move on with my life. This shadow comes in eight warm and cool earth-tone shades that can be worn alone, layered for a more sculpted look or used as a base under powder shadow. Even better, the formula is crease-proof and resistant to sweat and humidity, so it can actually survive a full day (and night) without migrating somewhere it doesn’t belong.

The fastest way to make me believe a new season has begun? Put me in a cardigan. Uniqlo’s Merino Cardigan and Smart Culottes have me mentally skipping straight past the last few sweaty weeks of summer and into my ideal fall existence. I love layers, but I don’t necessarily love sweating through them, which is why this outfit works. Both pieces are lightweight and easy, so I can get my fall layering fix without dressing for weather that hasn’t actually arrived yet.

Le Labo’s City Exclusive collection pays tribute to different cities around the world, with each scent typically sold only in its respective hometown—Vanille 44 in Paris, Gaiac 10 in Tokyo and, in the case of SHIU 25, Beijing. Once a year, though, Le Labo releases the entire collection worldwide: samples are available in August and September, with full-size bottles available in September. SHIU 25 is the newest one I can’t stop smelling. Inspired by the quieter, more contemplative side of Beijing, it pairs shiu (from the ho tree) with iris, olibanum and warm woods. It’s soft, woody and calming, and smells especially good as we head into fall. And knowing I only have a tiny window to buy it? Unfortunately, that makes me want it more.

I love the look of a lip stain, but I’m considerably less enthusiastic about the dry, vaguely shriveled lips that can come with one. MAC’s new Lustreglass Stainglass Lip Tint gives me the color payoff without the sacrifice. It goes on lightweight and glossy, then leaves behind a sheer, buildable tint that the brand says lasts for 12 hours. There are 12 shades, from peachy neutrals to deeper plums, and the formula contains raspberry seed oil and squalane to help keep lips hydrated. Basically, it’s for anyone who wants to put on lip color in the morning and then think about literally anything else.

Do I have a black-tie event on my immediate calendar? No. Did that stop me from falling in love with this L’Agence silk gown? Also no. The Sayla has that slinky, floor-skimming silhouette that makes walking across a room feel like an entrance. I paired it with Vince’s Dakota II Mules, which are sleek and understated enough to let the dress have its moment. Is this slightly more glamour than my average Tuesday requires? Absolutely. But I’ve never believed in waiting for an invitation to buy the dress so there’s that.

My curls can always use a little extra TLC, especially when it comes to hydration and protection, but I don’t want to pile on a million different products to get there. I love that this Aveda formula takes a multitasking approach, helping to hydrate, smooth and protect hair in one step. It leaves my hair more manageable without weighing it down; which, for me, is exactly what a all-in-one hair product should do.

Yes, I know Winter Berry sounds like I should be wearing a cashmere sweater and watching snow fall outside my window. But hear me out: It’s actually a great scent for that weird summer-to-fall transition when it’s still 80 degrees outside but mentally you’ve already moved on to boots and sweaters. The juicy berry scent feels fresh enough for warm days, with just enough cozy sweetness to hint at the season ahead. Plus, it has everything I already love about a Dove body wash: a rich lather that leaves my skin feeling soft and moisturized. Consider it fall for people who aren’t quite ready for pumpkin spice.