The 7 Best Purchases Our Editors Made In October

There's nothing like a couple of really good purchases to brighten up a short, dreary fall day. Need some inspiration? From a spicy must-read novel to ultra-practical storage containers, here’s what our team bought and loved this month.

All Fours by Miranda July, $38

“When all my cool-girl, book-loving friends started talking about Miranda July's new book All Fours, I knew I had to read it. I wasn't quite fast enough, because our EIC Maureen brought her copy in and pressed it into my hands: "Read this so we can talk about it!" I devoured it. The reaction to this book reminded me of how we used to talk about Judy Blume books at the onset of puberty—All Fours is an eye-openingly honest, totally hilarious and delightfully dirty take on a similarly messy physical and emotional transition: perimenopause. Be warned: there are some completely WTF moments, which may cause you to press it into your friend’s hands in return.” —Gillian Grace, deputy editor

iWill Create Pro Collapsible Storage Boxes, $30 for a set of 2

“I'm currently in the middle of editing down my closet, and I've been searching for containers to safely store out-of-season items. These storage boxes are made from fabric for breathability and have rigid sides, which makes them easy to store as they don't collapse when you stack them up. I love that the lids are zippered shut, so my clothes are protected from dust.” —Andréanne Dion, senior style and beauty editor

Mike's Hot Honey, $25

“I first tried Mike’s Hot Honey when my sister-in-law brought back a bottle from New York City for a pizza party, and it was an instant hit. Mike Kurtz started making his honey in 2010, drizzling it over cheesy pies at a Brooklyn pizzeria—and now you can find it in restaurants and grocery stores all over the U.S. It's infused with chillies for that perfect sweet heat and comes in hot and extra-hot flavours. It adds the perfect kick to our pizza nights, and whenever my friends come over, they always ask for it.” —Sun Ngo, creative director

Danessa Myricks Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder, $49

“I have an oily T-zone, and Danessa Myricks’ Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder has been a game-changing addition to my makeup routine. It’s a balm-to-powder formula that absorbs sweat and sebum without making my skin look unnaturally matte. It comes in 14 tinted shades, as well as Universal, a translucent one for all skin tones. I pat it into my forehead, nose, cheeks and chin, add a dusting of One/Size Blurring Setting Powder and I’m set—pun intended!—for the day.” —Aimee Nishitoba, art director

Apace Vision LED Safety Lights, $32 for a pack of 2

“I recently invested in this light set for evening runs (it gets dark out so early now!) and I don’t know why I didn’t buy them sooner. They clip tightly to the brim and back of my baseball cap and I set them to blinking mode for extra visibility.” —Maureen Halushak, editor-in-chief

Quntis Monitor Light Bar, $68

“I got a bigger external monitor while working on the latest issue of Chatelaine and quickly realized I was seriously straining my eyes staring at it for eight-plus hours every day. I tried fussing with the screen resolution and brightness, but the ultimate fix was this screen light. It sits on top of any computer monitor and provides both front and back lighting that makes reading on a screen much more comfortable. It's powered with USB, so it plugs straight into the monitor, and the brightness and colour temperature are adjustable, too.”  —Erica Lenti, deputy editor, features

Cetaphil Pro DermaControl Oil-Control Moisturizer SPF 30, $16

“I’m obsessed with this moisturizer. It works wonders on my oily skin and helps keep acne at bay. It's lightweight and has a shine-free finish. Plus, it's formulated with SPF 30.”  —Amy Evans, Commerce Editorial Director, SJC