Here are some tips to smoothly transition your beauty routine into fall, where cooler weather and lower humidity can affect your skin, hair, and even makeup choices. We’ll cover skin, hair, and makeup, providing a seasonal switch-up that keeps you looking and feeling fresh and vibrant!
1. Switch to a Creamier Cleanser
In summer, foaming or gel-based cleansers can help manage excess oil. But as temperatures drop and the air dries out, these can strip your skin, causing irritation. Swap to a creamy, hydrating cleanser that removes impurities without over-drying. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin in cleansers, as they help to lock in moisture, ensuring a clean yet hydrated base.
2. Introduce a Gentle Exfoliator
With cooler weather, the rate at which our skin cells turn over tends to slow down, leading to a dull complexion. Add a gentle exfoliator into your routine once or twice a week to buff away dead skin cells. Choose a chemical exfoliator (AHAs or BHAs) over a physical one, as these are often less harsh and can provide a smoother result. Glycolic acid and lactic acid are great choices for glowing, smooth skin.
3. Use a Heavier Moisturizer
As the weather cools, switch out lightweight summer moisturizers for richer, more emollient creams to combat the drying effects of fall’s lower humidity levels. Look for moisturizers with ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and squalane to help strengthen your skin barrier and lock in moisture. This ensures your skin remains soft, hydrated, and ready to face the harsher elements.
4. Add a Face Oil for Extra Hydration
If you feel that your moisturizer alone isn’t enough, consider adding a facial oil. Not only do oils provide an extra layer of moisture, but they also create a barrier that protects skin from dry air. Look for oils like jojoba, rosehip, or marula oil, which are non-comedogenic and suitable for most skin types. Apply a few drops as the final step in your nighttime skincare routine for a lasting hydration boost.
5. Keep Using SPF Daily
Just because summer is over doesn’t mean it’s time to stash away the sunscreen. UV rays are present year-round and can still cause skin damage, even when it’s cloudy. Opt for a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, and apply it daily as the last step of your morning routine. This will help protect against sunspots and premature aging, both of which can be exacerbated by fall’s UV exposure.
6. Consider Using a Hydrating Serum
If your skin tends to feel extra dry during the fall, add a hydrating serum with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, or peptides. These ingredients work well under moisturizer and can offer a concentrated boost of moisture, keeping your skin plump and smooth. Layering a serum under your moisturizer is especially helpful in colder weather when the air starts to dry out.
7. Update Your Foundation Formula
Summer’s lighter, more sheer foundations might not provide enough coverage and moisture for fall’s cooler climate. Switch to a medium or full-coverage foundation with a satin or dewy finish for a healthy glow. Consider hydrating formulas with ingredients like hyaluronic acid or squalane to keep your skin looking fresh, not cakey. If you prefer minimal coverage, a tinted moisturizer or BB cream with added hydration works well.
8. Swap Powders for Creams
Powders can emphasize dryness, especially in cooler weather. Instead, opt for cream-based blushes, bronzers, and highlighters, which provide a natural, dewy finish and work better on drier skin. Cream products also add a bit of extra hydration and blend seamlessly into the skin, giving a warm, radiant glow that complements fall’s cozy, moody atmosphere.
9. Embrace Richer, Warmer Makeup Tones
Autumn is a great time to embrace richer, more vibrant shades in your makeup routine. Swap out pastel pinks and corals for deeper tones like burnt orange, terracotta, wine, and plum for your lips, blush, and eyeshadow. Earthy hues in matte or shimmer textures suit the season beautifully and can make your features pop against the softer fall light.
10. Reassess Your Lip Care Routine
Chapped lips are common as the weather turns colder. Add a lip scrub once a week to gently exfoliate dead skin cells, and follow it up with a nourishing lip balm. Look for balms with hydrating ingredients like beeswax, shea butter, and vitamin E to keep lips soft and protected. If you enjoy matte lipsticks, try layering them over a balm or switching to creamy, hydrating formulas for a less drying effect.
11. Hydrate Your Hair
Summer often leaves hair dry from sun exposure and pool chemicals. For fall, add a hydrating hair mask or leave-in conditioner to replenish moisture. Look for masks rich in argan oil, coconut oil, or shea butter to deeply nourish and repair. You can also switch to a sulfate-free shampoo, which is less likely to strip natural oils, keeping your hair smoother and shinier.
12. Try a Scalp Treatment
Fall is an ideal time to focus on your scalp health, especially if it’s been exposed to the summer sun. Use a gentle exfoliating scalp treatment once a week to remove dead skin cells and product buildup. Scalp treatments with ingredients like salicylic acid or tea tree oil can clarify and soothe, promoting a healthier scalp environment for hair growth and shine.
13. Tame Frizz with Anti-Humidity Products
As the air becomes drier, you may notice more static and frizz. Use anti-frizz serums or hair oils to control flyaways and keep your hair looking smooth. If you prefer lightweight options, look for products with silicones or glycerin, which can help lock in moisture without weighing your hair down. Adding a silk pillowcase to your bedtime routine can also reduce friction and keep hair tame.
14. Invest in a Humidifier
Indoor heating can dry out the air significantly, leading to dehydrated skin and hair. Consider investing in a humidifier for your bedroom or living space, especially if you’re prone to dry skin or sinus issues. A humidifier helps keep moisture in the air, which benefits your skin and hair, keeping them hydrated and healthy even when the air is dry.
15. Protect Your Hands and Feet
As temperatures drop, hands and feet can easily become dry and cracked. Use a rich hand cream and foot balm regularly to keep your skin soft and moisturized. Ingredients like shea butter, lanolin, and urea are ideal for deeply moisturizing thicker skin on hands and feet. Consider wearing cotton gloves or socks at night after applying lotion to lock in moisture.
16. Stay Hydrated from the Inside Out
Hydration isn’t just about topical products. With cooler weather, we tend to drink less water, but it’s crucial to maintain adequate hydration levels for overall skin health. Incorporate water-rich foods like fruits and vegetables, herbal teas, and soups to keep your skin and body hydrated from the inside out, which supports all aspects of your beauty routine.
17. Start Using Hand and Body Lotions More Regularly
Switch from a lightweight summer body lotion to a thicker, more emollient cream or body butter for fall. Focus on daily application, especially on elbows, knees, and other areas prone to dryness. Choose products with ingredients like ceramides, oatmeal, or cocoa butter for intensive hydration and repair. Keeping lotion nearby and applying it after showers can help lock in moisture.
18. Opt for Weekly At-Home Treatments
With the holiday season around the corner, it’s a great time to establish a weekly self-care ritual to keep your skin and hair in top shape. Face masks, hair masks, and even body scrubs can be part of a weekly treatment to help your skin and hair adjust to seasonal changes. Hydrating masks with aloe, honey, or collagen work wonders for adding moisture, while gentle scrubs keep skin smooth.
19. Avoid Hot Water Showers
Though it’s tempting to crank up the heat, hot water can strip the skin of essential oils and exacerbate dryness. Try using lukewarm water for showers and cleansing your face, and follow up immediately with a moisturizer to lock in hydration.
20. Try Aromatherapy for a Fall Vibe
Switching up your beauty routine can also be a sensory experience. Introduce scents like vanilla, cinnamon, and clove to your skincare products or through essential oils for a cozy, seasonal vibe. A few drops in a diffuser or using products with warm, natural fragrances can help you feel more connected to the season.
Conclusion: Embracing a fall beauty routine involves small, thoughtful changes to your skincare, haircare, and makeup choices. By adding moisture, swapping for creamier formulas, and making tweaks for a cozier aesthetic, you’ll be well-equipped to glow all season long.