Autumn weather can often bring new challenges for our skin and hair with it, but a few small changes can help keep you looking and feeling your best, whatever the weather. Don’t miss my simple, practical, fall beauty tips.
Fall Beauty Tips – Skin
Moisturise
Moisture is always key, but especially as the seasons change. Even if your skin is oily, a light lotion can help keep it fresh and blemish free. As it gets cooler you may find you need a heavier version of your current moisturiser. You also might want to add a complementary serum containing hyaluronic acid to your skincare routine.
You may want to consider a richer cream for the neck and décolleté area, particularly once you are over 40. I also use Elizabeth Arden Retinol Ceramide Capsules on my neck and décolleté before my moisturiser once or twice a week. I have some sun damage on this area and it has made a real difference.
It’s All About Eyes
The delicate area around the eye really does need special care. If you don’t already wear eye cream, now is definitely the time to start. I recommend a good eye cream to everyone from their early twenties.
In younger years, you may want to use a light, gel formulation, progressing to more slightly heavier eye creams and serums as you age. My favourite product for the eye area is Prevage Anti-Ageing and Intensive Repair Serum (although I do wish they would rename it to remove the ‘anti-age’ bit!). I’m also a fan of Double Serum Eye by Clarins. At night I use Elizabeth Arden Retinol Ceramide Line Erasing Eye Cream.
Body Cream
Use a body cream every day. If I could write a letter to my younger self I would encourage her to do this religiously, but it is never too late to start.
Remember to use hand cream regularly as well. I leave hand cream on all of the sinks in our home, so that I remember to use it after washing my hands.
Your skin is definitely affected by what you eat and drink, so be sure to stay well hydrated and eat a healthy diet.
Fall Beauty Tips – Hair
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. Have regular trims at least once every 8 to 12 weeks to get rid of split ends and keep your hair looking well groomed and strong.
I am a huge fan of the Olaplex brand, which has worked really well for my coloured hair. I know that there was some controversy surrounding it, but I have never had any issues.
I have also taken Absolute Collagen daily for the last four years and even my hairdresser says my hair is thicker and stronger than it has ever been.
Fall Beauty Tips – Makeup
I love to switch my makeup up a bit for fall, but I still want a look that feels like me – classic but give a nod to the latest trends. Like you, I don’t have a lot of time to get ready most days.
Over the years, I have found that while the colour and style trends may change, the principles of good makeup will always stay the same. However, before we go any further, let’s start with some seasonal basics.
Have a Good Sort Out
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.
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 let the brushes dry thoroughly. It’s best to lay them flat on a towel to dry. If your brushes are looking worse for wear, it could be time to consider replacements.
Don’t Forget Your Eyebrows
One of my favourite fall beauty tips is to remember 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 in my opinion, a natural look is best.
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 Beauty Tips – Makeup Trends
When it comes to colour, it can be easy to get swept up in trends. I love the lean towards fresh, glossy skin and a bold lip for Fall 2023, but I’m less keen on the 1970’s style rainbow eyeshadow and the “latte” makeup trend. Bold lips can be fun, but the trend towards grunge glam just does not do it for me.
It’s important to pick and choose the trends that work for you. The late Coco Chanel said, “Fashion passes; style remains”. Choose the trendy looks that makes you feel your best, but stick to the classics for everything else.
Curating a new makeup look is harder now that many of us are less comfortable trying on makeup looks in store. I suggest having a look online or in your favourite magazines. Which autumn trends really resonate with you? Does a bold red lip make you feel super confident or super self conscious? Choose the makeup looks that make your eyes shine and put a spring in your step and you won’t go wrong.
Makeup – What You Need
You do not need tons of products to get a great look. I suggest one good foundation and/or concealer and possibly a loose powder depending on what coverage you want. My favourite foundation of all time is Lancôme Tient Idole Ultra Wear Foundation. I have been using it for years.
From there, I recommend one good eyeshadow palette that will give you several different options. If you can, choose a customisable palettes that allows you to mix and match colours. Beware the pretty palettes that contain all sorts of hard to wear shades! You also need a good mascara plus one eyeliner if you wear it (I rarely do).
One blusher is usually enough as you can always build up the colour by applying an extra layer. I like to have two lipsticks – one for daytime and a slightly darker shade for dressing up. It can also be nice to have a clear lip gloss. This will look great on its own or it can be used to add shine to your lipstick.
There are lots of other optional extras that I love and use regularly, but this is really all you need.
Pamper Yourself
When it comes to fall beauty tips, I want to stress the importance of looking after 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.
The Most Important Fall Beauty Tips
There are all sorts of products available to help us look and feel our best, but the most important fall beauty tips I can offer are:
- Be kind to yourself
- Get outside for regular walks (10 minutes is better than no minutes!)
- Practice good sleep hygiene so you feel well rested
- Eat and drink well
- Practice gratitude
Wishing you a wonderful fall, full of sunshine, cosy moments and lots of adventure.
Comments & Reviews
Lisa @ HappyinDoleValley says
Thanks for all the great tips, April. I hear you on the eyebrows…mine tend toward the thin side and I find a little pencil goes a long way!
April Harris says
I’m so glad you liked the post, Lisa 🙂 I agree, eyebrow pencil is definitely a must have!
Jean | DelightfulRepast.com says
April, like you, I can’t decide whether spring or fall is my favorite season. I’m going to include a couple of your tips this fall: pay more attention to moisturizing, including my hands, and replace the few makeup items I use. And maybe I’ll treat myself to a facial; haven’t had one since before the pandemic.
April Harris says
I’m so glad you have decided to pamper yourself a bit, Jean 🙂 You should definitely treat yourself to a facial. I find them so relaxing! Thank you so much for visiting!