We knew this day would come, but not quite so soon. That’s right: it’s almost the official end of summer. There’s already a chill in the air, and—you might want to sit down for this—we’ve even spotted scarves. It’s time to start stashing your sundresses and thong sandals, as well as considering a revamp for those light summer moisturizers and devil-may-care cleansing.
Here are View The Vibe’s tips for revamping your beauty routine for fall.
CLEANSE
During summer, your goal was to minimize shine, reduce oil, and cleanse as thoroughly as possible. The latter still stands even as the temperature drops, but the last thing you want to do is rough up your skin before sending it out into the elements. The theory behind cleaning oils is simple enough: oil attracts oil, and as you wash away your cleanser, you’ll also be removing impurities and your skin’s own sebum. Your skin is more likely to retain moisture and it’s natural pH balance, and less likely to overcompensate by producing excess oil as it tends to after a squeaky-clean, oil-free wash. Try Avene Thermal XeraCalm A.D Lipid-Replenishing Cleansing Oil (which can be used all over the body and is a skin-saver for the extra-dry) or luxuriate in Josie Maran’s Argan Cleansing Oil ($40).
EXFOLIATE
We get it: maybe you got a bit lax when it came to your skincare routine. Now it’s time to slough away the dead skin cells and oil buildup, prep your skin for maximum moisture absorption, and get it ready for the wind, rain and cold with a gentle exfoliant, such as Vichy Purete Thermale Skin renewing creamy scrub or Pai Skincare’s Kukui and Jojoba Bead Skin Brightening Exfoliator ($44). Both rely on jojoba beads for gentle exfoliation, and Vichy’s is infused with thermal spring water, while Pai’s alcohol-free exfoliator is rich in Omegas 3 and 6 and healing vitamins.
Top off your newly baby-soft visage with a soothing toner such as Burt’s Bees Rosewater and Glycerin Toner ($14.99). While you’re at it, don’t forget your lips: Fresh’s very-nearly-cult-status Sugar Lip Polish ($26) marries brown sugar with grapeseed oils and shea butter for a soothing reset before fall’s necessary red lip. Top with Burt’s Bees Tinted Lip Balm in Pink Blossom for a moisturizing boost (and a hint of pear flavour).
MOISTURIZE
You’ve managed to squeak by with lightweight formulas all summer long, but now it’s time to bring out the big(ger) guns. Between the wind, the cool weather, the hot showers, and the drying effects of indoor heating, skin gets sapped of moisture. Quench its thirst with a deep-moisturizing cream like Clinique’s Moisture Surge Intense skin fortifying hydrator ($59) or go simple with Simple Skincare’s hypoallergenic, perfume-free Replenishing Rich Moisturizer packed with chamomile, glycerin, geranium and of course, water. And just because the days are shorter doesn’t mean the sun is any less forgiving, so don’t skimp on sunscreen.
SWAP OUT YOUR SCENT
Sure, your coconut-scented sunscreen epitomized summer, but now that the weather’s starting to turn, you might want to consider a slightly more warming and romantic fragrance. Hold on to a touch of summer with the floral (yet musky) notes in Dolce & Gabbana’s Velvet Rose and Diptyque’s lush Essences Insensées eau de parfum featuring basil and autumn-picked jasmine from the hills of Grasse.
For those with scent sensitivities, consider Canadian brand Saje’s all-natural perfume collection ($42.95) featuring the “Goddess” (rich and sweet with notes of jasmine, vanilla and tangerine) and “Tantra” which comes on strong with patchouli, lavender, sandalwood and ginger. Don’t forget Coco Chanel’s warning: “A woman who doesn’t wear perfume, has no future.”
FALL CLEANING
In a perfect world, we would all be giving our beauty tools a thorough clean at the end of each day, but life gets in the way. After a summer of skin sins (maybe you used cleaning wipes, maybe you forgot to take your makeup off after a few too many margaritas), your brushes need a good wash. Many brands have a proprietary makeup cleanser, but it’s easy to whip up your own at home. First, rinse your brushes under lukewarm water. Then, combine either water and shampoo or water and dishwashing liquid in a cup and use the mixture to wash your brushes. Rinse thoroughly, and repeat until the water runs clear. Finally, place your brushes on paper towel to dry, taking care to straighten out the bristles. In a pinch, you can even use antibacterial hand soap.
For compact powders and eyeshadows, use a tissue to wipe off the top layer, then spritz rubbing alcohol onto the surface and let dry. The same goes for lip colour, unless you find yourself near a handy full supply of rubbing alcohol in which to dunk your lipstick.
Now that your beauty accoutrements are spic and span, keep them that way with portable, on-the-go makeup sanitizers. Check out Beauty So Clean‘s full line of sprays and wipes, and start each day fresh.
Related Link: Your TIFF 2015 beauty guide
What are your favourite tips to transition your beauty routine from summer to fall? Let View The VIBE know in the comments below, or tweet us @ViewtheVibe.
