When you leave your house at 6pm (maybe for the first time all day—we’re not here to judge) and it already looks like midnight, it’s time to face the music: winter is pretty much upon us. As much as we hate to admit it, there’s something liberating that comes with accepting one’s fate instead of fighting it. Sure, your daylight hours shrink by basically 50%, but what’s not to love about fall? PSLs are to cold weather what Ashanti is to JaRule - #wherewouldibewithoutmypumpkin. Rather than lament summer’s end, why not go all in? We say, wrap us up in a flannel and toast us over a fire, because we are READY FOR FALL, Y’ALL!
The real question is...is your fall skincare up to par?
Not-so-fun fact: Autumn is the most common time of year for breakouts.
The change of seasons affects more than your traditional Starbucks fare. The earth’s axis is making that shift to tip in a different direction. All kinds of changes in atmospheric pressure are happening outside, coupled with immediate shifts to dry indoor heat. Your skin’s reaction? Lots of dry, dead skin cells accumulate on the surface of skin. Dehydrated skin then sends oil production into overdrive, but all that excess oil stays trapped beneath that top layer of dead skin. It’s a lose-lose if you simply stick to your normal regimen and don’t switch to a fall skincare routine. Also consider your poor top skin layers that have been soaking in SPF and sweat all summer long. Those pores need some reinforcements, and luckily we’ve got you covered.
Tackle your skin’s inevitable dehydration that cold weather brings with this delicious, heavenly product overhaul. Here are the fall skincare essentials that have made the #SaltyEdit shortlist:
Cleanser: Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm
Switch up your normal routine with this luxurious cleanser that’s somewhere between a whipped cream and cleansing jelly. The rich combination of fatty acids and essential oils like Grape Seed, Sweet Almond Oil, Vitamin E, Orange, Neroli, Rose, & Jasmine leaves your skin plump, soft, rejuvenated, and conditioned. *Bonus*: It removes all traces of face and eye makeup, breaking down into a milky texture as you apply water, so go on with those copper smokey eyes and deep red lips! *Next-Level Luxury*: This cleansing balm doubles as a soothing and hydrating mask — just leave on for 10 minutes and remove with the microfiber cloth that comes with purchase.
Use a nickel-sized dollop morning and night.
Pro Tip: Do to your neck what you do to your face!Toner: P50 Lotion by Biologique Recherche
Ask any skincare junkie, and they’ll probably sing praises about P50 toner. It’s intense but effective if used regularly. When applied to a cotton round and swiped onto skin in short, upward strokes, this toner cuts through dead skin cells, stripping away trapped oils to reveal your freshest, glowiest skin. PSA: Don’t do it for the smell; do it for the results (and maybe the oddly satisfying tingling sensation your skin rejuvenating).
Use nightly to begin, and work your way up to twice daily for increased cell turnover.
Pro Tip: Do your research to find the version of P50 that best suits your skin’s needs.Exfoliating Mask: Summer Fridays Overtime Mask
You know we had to work a pumpkin product in here somewhere, and here she is. Perfect for dull and congested skin, this mask is vitamin-packed with exfoliating Pumpkin and Apricot Seed Powder, anti-inflammatory Oat Kernel Protein, and ninja ingredient Vitamin E—an antioxidant that fends off collagen-damaging free radicals (AKA pollution that ages your skin).
Use twice weekly at night to allow moisturizing creams to penetrate deeply, and wake up with a blinding, natural glow to your skin — no highlight needed.Serum: Vintner’s Daughter Active Botanical Serum
This serum does it all, and we do not use that phrase lightly. With the power of 37 active botanical ingredients (read: highest quality plant-based ingredients on the market) packed into a few concentrated drops, this nourishing serum fights acne, keeps your skin tone even, and even lightens up scarring. The next-level glow that accompanies is just icing on the cake—or whipped cream on that almond milk PSL, if you will.
Use 3 drops morning and night.
Pro Tip: Activate serum by first rubbing into palms of hands; then gently pat onto face.Moisturizer: In Fiore Creme De Fleur Age Defying Moisture Complex
Seal in the fruits of all this luxurious exfoliating and rejuvenating with a nutrient-rich, heavenly cream that offers deep hydration. It plumps the skin by retaining moisture, preserving elasticity and keeping that youthful bounce. *Bonus*: This moisturizer strengthens the skin’s barrier function, actively working to keep the good stuff in and the bad stuff out.
Use morning and night for intense hydration and all-day glow.Lip Mask: Bite Beauty Maple Agave Lip Mask
While the number one antidote to chapped lips is drinking lots and lots of water, the next line of defense is a killer lip balm. This recovery mask works overtime, deeply nourishing lips with Agave Nectar and Jojoba Oil. *Bonus*: This lip mask is infused with Canadian Maple Syrup, dethroning Justin Trudeau as the yummiest thing about Canada. *Next-Level Luxury:* Not only does this taste like fall deliciousness, but it gives your pout a subtle bronze shimmer sure to compliment any makeup look you are rocking, from a bare face to full-on glam.
Use anytime, anywhere.Body Scrub: Le Labo Coffee Scrub
Oh you thought this list was going to stop at face products? Think again. With all the nostalgically aromatic goodness of a pot of coffee brewing, this body scrub wakes up the senses and the skin with actual coffee grounds to exfoliate from head to toe.
Use three times a week for optimal glow from decolletage to derriere.Body Lotion: Le Labo Hinoki Body Cream
Scaly legs are for Halloween only! Lavish your freshly exfoliated skin with hydrating Avocado, Shea Butter and Coconut Oil. Inspired by the hinoki trees surrounding the Buddhist temples of Mount Koya, this decadent cream carries the mystical, warm and mesmerizing scent of the Japanese forest—and it does not disappoint (Le Duh).
Use all day every day (you’ll be addicted).Hand Cream: Le Labo Hinoki Hand Pommade
Take your mystical hinoki goodness on the go with this deliciously hydrating hand cream. The concentrated formula delivers reparative peony root extracts deep into the skin for perfectly soft, richly aromatic, beautiful hands. Throw it in your bag to re-apply at a moment’s notice.Ambiance: Space NK Shimmering Spice Candle
Before you slip into bed all hydrated and freshly glowing from this self-care symphony of a fall skincare regimen, go ahead and light yourself a spicy, ambient candle to take your nighttime routine to Cleopatra levels. With cozy notes of cinnamon and cedar, this autumnal candle will bring you all the cool-weather feels. Just be sure to blow it out before you drift into blissful slumber.
Then wake up and luxuriate in your new routine all over again.
Happy fall, beauties!
xoxo
Mari and Dre