Every October I’m surprised at the same thing: in the time it takes to for the clocks to go backwards my bronzed sun-kissed summer glow fizzles out, leaving in its wake a pale and dry face, one that looks and feels totally devoid of moisture or luminosity. The skin around my nose becomes sore and red – whether I’ve got the autumn skincare busting cold or not – and my eyes puff up like two slits in the snow.
Attractive it is not.
The stark and (literal) pale truth is that, due to the pressures of the colder season – the chilly days, the central heating, the lack of my chugging hydrating water – my skin really struggles with autumn. And I have to make a few very big changes in my routine to cope with the additional dryness and sensitivity.
Here’s what I’m loving for my autumn skincare this year:
Autumn Skincare
Elemis Pro-Collagen Rose Cleansing Balm – £36.55 (15% off at John Lewis)
This cleansing balm was one of the first ‘premium’ cleansers I ever used, way back in 2013 when I was starting to learn about anti-ageng and not just as part of an autumn skincare routine. I loved it immediately: It felt truly ‘luxe’, and is such a treat to use to take off my make-off.
I’ve been using the Limited Edition rose version, though the classic also smells gorgeous and truly gives a spa feel to your bathroom. It has magnificent slip so is a lovely product to use for an evening facial massage and never leaves my skin feeling dry or tight. Totally recommended for the colder months.
Sunday Riley Tidal Brightening Enzyme Water Cream – from £20
This product was purchased at my last Sephora visit in New York, prompted by two women shopping around me. Seeing me pick up the pot and try some on the back of my hand, both of them exclaimed variations of how good the product was, how it had changed their skincare routines, and I was immediately sold. It’s been a welcome addition to my own autumn skincare regime: light yet intensely moisturising, it’s one of the best day creams I’ve ever used.
Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream – from £13.50
The original and best, I keep a tube of this in each of my handbags. It goes on chapped noses, dry lips and sore hands. It also goes on any patches of dryness the kids experience: I love it, they love it, we all love it.
Drunk Elephant Virgin Luxury Marula Oil – from £36
I bought this from a Caroline Hirons recommendation, thinking it’d be ‘just another facial oil’. But it’s been so much more than that: I’d wager it’s the best facial oil I’ve ever used, especially in an autumn skincare routine. It’s incredibly hydrating and sinks in speedily, giving an excellent base for moisturiser (I pop my Tidal Cream on top of this). I will certainly re-purchase this oil for the chilly seasons.
Elemis Pro-Collagen Hydra Gel Eye Masks – from £42.92 (15% off at John Lewis)
Simply the only things that can prise my swollen eyes out of hole-in-the-snow status. I love to pop these on and spread the following product on the rest of my face before relaxing in the bath for 30 minutes. Bliss…
Elemis Peptide4 Thousand Flower Mask – £31.45 (15% off at John Lewis)
I had the salon version of this mask used at The House of Elemis recently and it was instant love. The Peptide4 Thousand Flower Mask is switched with my usual Fruit Acids mask for the autumn skincare season: it gives all the brightening effects of the acids but without the drying feeling. Mineral-rich (hence the scary black colour) it leaves my skin hydrated and glowing.
Indie Lee CoQ-10 Toner – from £10
This toner is beautifully fresh and hydrating, leaving my skin looking (and smelling) lovely. Alcohol-free and with the potent antioxident CoQ-10 as its main ingredient, I use this in the morning pre-oil as a skin stabiliser.
Novel Beauty Love Letters B5 Overnight Facial Repair – £26
I’ve really been enjoying the testing of a couple of products from new-to-me skincare brand Novel Beauty. Their overnight facial repair creme is packed with key nutrients and natural anti-oxidants, including evening primrose oil, Pro-Vitamin B5, A and E, which works as a cosy night-time blanket for my skin. I wake up with a face that is moisturised and rejuvenated: perfect for my autumn skincare.
Vichy Dermablend Corrective Foundation – £15
So it’s not skincare per se, but Vichy’s Dermablend Corrective Foundation is truly the most full-coverage foundation I’ve ever used. It’s essential to cover those lovely hormonal spots (*eye-roll*) that seem to get all angry and agitated come cold weather, and is a welcome and needed addition to my autumn skincare regime. Recommended for any skin type, as long as it’s well-hydrated (this stuff is heavy, works hard and will highlight any dry bits), to keep your red patches and blemishes toned down.
I’d love to hear your autumn skincare recommendations if the cold seasons sends your skin haywire like it does mine!