Fall Beauty Tips To Refresh Your Routine

As we move into fall, our skin and hair face new challenges, especially as we get older. And while there are more important things than how we appear to others, looking and feeling your best can give you a real confidence boost. So today I’m sharing my fall beauty tips, fall makeup trends, my fall beauty routine, and some of my favourite products to help you look and feel your best at any age.

Fall Skincare Routine

Cleansing

Cleansing your face and neck gently and effectively is important all year round. Be sure to remove all your makeup before you cleanse, and use a product that is suited to your skin type. I use different cleansers depending on how my skin feels, but my go-to cleansers at the moment are Espa Optimal Skin Pro Cleanser, which contains gentle exfoliating beads, and Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel.

Moisturise

Moisturising your skin is important even if your skin is oily. In fact, a light lotion may help keep oily skin fresh and blemish free. If you have dry skin, you may find that as it gets cooler you need a richer version of your current moisturiser.

You also might want to add a complementary serum containing hyaluronic acid to your autumn skincare routine. I apply the contents of an Elizabeth Arden Hyaluronic Acid + Peptides Ceramide Capsule (affiliate link) every morning before my moisturiser all year round.

I have been using Crème de la Mer Moisturising Cream since I bought my first pot duty free when I was 42. I do everything I can to save money on this luxury purchase. (I stock up in Duty Free at Heathrow airport when I’m travelling, collect Harrods points, get occasional discounts on my credit card and follow the Crème de la Mer website.) I use and recommend this product, but please do try a sample or small pot first as it is an investment. And remember, only a tiny amount is needed as a little goes a very long way when you apply it according to the instructions.

If you are over 40, a richer cream for the neck and décolleté area may also be helpful. I have also found that applying the contents of an Elizabeth Arden Retinol + HPR Ceramide Capsule (affiliate link) on my neck and décolleté once or twice a week before my body cream has made a real difference to the mild sun damage I have in that area.

Seasonal Skincare For The Eye Area

The area around the eyes really does need special care. Ordinary moisturiser works but it’s often too heavy for the delicate eye area. I started using eye creams when I was in my mid-twenties and people always comment on how few wrinkles I have around my eyes. In my experience, using good eye creams really can make a difference to how the skin around your eyes ages.

In your twenties and thirties, you may want to use a lighter eye cream or gel as I did, progressing to slightly richer eye creams and serums as the years go by. Whatever you choose, remember to use a pea-sized amount of product – too much eye cream can clog pores and irritate your eyes.

I use Prevage Anti-Ageing and Intensive Repair Serum (affiliate link) every morning. I also keep a pot of Mary Kay Indulge Soothing Eye Gel in the fridge for those mornings when my eyes feel a little puffy.

After cleansing my skin in the evening, I apply Elizabeth Arden Retinol + HPR Ceramide Rapid Skin Renewing Eye Cream. (I had to start slowly with this product, using it every other night for a while until my skin got used to it.)

Looking After Your Skin From Head To Toe

If I could write a letter to my younger self, I would tell her to use body lotion or cream daily. Although I have always looked after the skin on my face, I often skipped this step because I was in a rush. Honestly, I really wish I had taken the time to do it. It only takes about five minutes, especially if you choose a formulation that absorbs quickly.

Dry hands can look and feel sore so it’s important to remember to use hand cream regularly. I like to have matching hand wash and hand cream beside all the sinks in our home – then there’s no way I can forget to apply it. I have also had lots of lovely comments from guests on how much they enjoy using a beautifully fragranced cream after washing their hands.

And of course, skin is nourished by what you eat and drink as well, so be sure to drink plenty of water and eat a healthy diet.

Hair Care Tips for Cooler Weather

Your hair is likely to look and feel dryer in the winter too. Use good quality shampoos and conditioners, deep condition once every week or so and consider using a leave-in conditioner as well. For the last eight years, I have been using Olaplex No 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo and Olaplex No 5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner (all affiliate links) and I am a huge fan.

Have regular trims at least once every 8 to 12 weeks to get rid of split ends, especially if you have longer hair. Once they start, it’s easy for split ends to travel up the hair shaft and create a lot more damage. Regular trims keep your hair looking well groomed and strong.

Absolute Collagen has been a part of my daily routine for over seven years now and not only does my hair look better, my hairdresser says it is thicker and stronger than it has ever been. Click on the link for a discount on your first purchase. (Not an affiliate link, but I will receive a discount on my regular subscription if you make a purchase.) Always check with your doctor before starting to take a new supplement.

Fall Beauty Routine

I love to switch up my makeup for fall, but I still want a look that feels like me – classic but lending a nod to the latest trends. And like you, I don’t have a lot of time to get ready most days. But before we talk makeup trends, let’s make a fresh start.

Edit Your Makeup Drawer

This is a good time of year to have a good look through your makeup products and discard anything that is old or crumbling. While there is no absolute rule for how long you can keep makeup, most powder based products should be discarded after two years. The same goes for lipstick. Mascara should be changed every three months because of the risk of bacteria from the brush getting into your eyes. Don’t forget to go through the makeup bag you carry in your handbag as well so you can completely refresh your fall beauty routine.

Wash Makeup Brushes

Makeup brushes need to be washed regularly to avoid transferring bacteria or muddling up makeup colours. Use mild soap or shampoo to wash makeup brushes. Rinse well and lay them flat on a towel to dry completely. If your brushes are looking worse for wear or the bristles are starting to fall out, it could be time to consider replacements.

Define and Shape Your Eyebrows

Eyebrows frame the face so it is important to keep them well groomed. There are so many trends when it comes to brows, but you can’t go wrong with a natural, well-groomed look.

For those of us with thinner brows, eyebrow pencil can help to fill in any gaps. I also have my brows tinted, something I recommend if your brows seem sparse or the colour is very pale or uneven. Make sure you choose a beauty therapist you can trust and discuss the look you want.

Fall Makeup Trends

When it comes to colour, it can be easy to get swept away by the looks in glossy magazines or in-store makeup displays. (I am so easily seduced by those wonderful in-store displays.) However it’s important to pick and choose the colours and trends that work for you.

Curating a new makeup look is harder now that many of us are less comfortable using makeup testers in store, so you if you fancy a bit of an update, Pinterest or your favourite magazines are sure to inspire. The late Coco Chanel said, “Fashion passes; style remains” and she was right. So by all means lean into the fall makeup trends that make you feel your best, but it is absolutely fine to stick to the classics for everything else. Choose the makeup looks that make you feel confident and you won’t go wrong.

Lip Colour

Lip trends for autumn 2026 run the gamut from more a natural “your lips but better” look all the way to deeper colours and seriously glossy lips. I’m still wearing my favourite lipsticks but I sometimes add gloss as a nod to the trends.

Blusher

Deeper colours of blush are trending this year, but instead of wearing them on the apples of the cheeks, many makeup artists are applying them slightly higher. The aim is for a sort of natural but intense flushed look. Honestly, I’m sticking to my two favourite blushers and wearing them on the apples of my cheeks with a slight sweep towards the hairline.

Eye Makeup

The smokey eye is back along with some very creative eyeliner. I am all for a good smokey eye but while I love a winged eye on others, even waterproof eyeliner seems to run when I wear it.

There’s also a trend toward not wearing mascara, nicknamed “ghost lashes”. I cannot get behind this one. Mascara is one of my absolute makeup essentials. Which leads me to…

The Makeup Essentials I Rely On (And A Few Extras)

I’m spilling the tea on all the products I use and love, but please pick and choose. You really don’t need tons of products to get a great look and you definitely do not need to follow all of the fall makeup trends.

Base

A little concealer or foundation goes a long way if you like a bit of coverage (as I do). My favourite foundation of all time is Lancôme Tient Idole Ultra Wear (affiliate link) which I have been using since Tient Idole launched in 1997. In fact, I have been using Lancôme foundations of one kind or another for over 40 years, and I am not sure I can give a better recommendation than that.

I recently tried Armani Luminous Silk Foundation. I really like it for the times I want lighter coverage and I was impressed by the huge variety of shades they offer.

While some people prefer a dewier finish, I like to finish my makeup with a little loose or pressed powder. I use Dior Forever Nude Matte Filter, which comes in a compact so it’s super convenient.

Eyes

One good eyeshadow palette that will give you several different options. If you can, choose customisable palettes that allows you to mix and match colours. Beware the pretty palettes that only contain one or two shades that are truly wearable.

As I mentioned above, I don’t wear eyeliner very often, but a good mascara is essential for me. I just don’t feel dressed without it. I’ve been using Diorshow Iconic Overcurl Mascara in Black for a very long time. I also like to use Diorshow Maximiser 4D Mascara-Primer-Serum. I find it really enhances the effect of the mascara while conditioning my lashes at the same time.

Blusher

One blusher is usually enough (although I have two I love) as you can apply it lightly for a natural look or build up the colour by applying an extra layer. My favourites are Dior Backstage Rosy Glow Blush in pink and the well-known NARS blusher with the slightly embarrassing name!

When I’m doing a heavier makeup I use bronzer to contour my cheeks and jawline. I recently discovered Dior Forever Skin Bronze Sticks. I was originally attracted to them because they come in a very good variety of shades, but I have found I love the convenience of the stick as well. I just blend it out a little bit with a brush.

Lips

I like to have two or three lipsticks – including one for daytime and a slightly brighter shade for dressing up. I have been using my two favourites, Lancôme L’Absolu Rouge, in shades 06 Rose Nu and 08 La Vie est Belle for years. I occasionally wear lip gloss on its own or use it to add a little shine to my lipstick.

To Finish

I use a makeup setting spray to finish. This L’Oreal setting spray is my current favourite but I also like Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Setting Spray.

Pamper Yourself

It’s not just about looking good, it’s about feeling good too. This would be a great time of year to visit your favourite spa for a facial or massage. If money is tight, consider an at home facial. Wrap up in a cosy rope and really pamper yourself.

Treat yourself to a manicure and pedicure at home or with a beauty therapist. Well groomed hands are always in style, even if, like me, you rarely wear coloured nail polish. And although your toes may be hidden in shoes and boots, knowing they look great can really give you a lift – and let’s face it, having well-groomed toenails is a lot more comfortable.

And finally…

There are all sorts of products available to help us look and feel our best, but looking after ourselves comes first. Remember to:

1. Be kind to yourself
2. Get outside for regular walks (10 minutes is better than no minutes!)
3. Practice good sleep hygiene so you feel well rested
4. Nourish your body with healthy food and drink

Wishing you a wonderful fall, full of sunshine, cosy moments and lots of adventure. For more seasonal inspiration, discover ways to Refresh Your Wardrobe, find Seasonal Ideas and Inspiration for October and bring a touch of autumn indoors with these Fall Decorating Ideas for a Cosy and Welcoming Home.