I’m a Beauty Editor—6 Smart Product Swaps I’m Making for Autumn

Yes, we might be in the middle of an unexpected heatwave, but that doesn’t change the fact that autumn is approaching, and I’m not ashamed to say that it’s probably my favourite season of the whole year. In fact, there’s literally nothing I love more than getting all bundled up in my favourite jumper and going for a walk in the cold, crisp air (with a pumpkin spice latte in hand, of course).

At the start of September I always make sure to put aside some time to switch out my summer dresses and sandals for the new season’s trendiest jackets and boots. However, another little step I like to do is to switch up my beauty routine. Whenever I tell my friends and family that I’m changing over my skincare, makeup and haircare for autumn, they always find it a bit puzzling, but there are certain changes that we can all make to our beauty routines to help transition into the colder months.

From swapping out lightweight skin tints for my favourite foundations, to prepping my hair for the onslaught of central heating and drizzly weather with lots of nourishing masks, and even switching my gel cleansers to more hydrating balms to stop my skin from getting dry, there are lots of small things I do to make sure that I enter the new season feeling my very best.

Keep on scrolling to discover the exact product swaps that I’ll be making this autumn, and shop the best autumn beauty products while you’re here.

I tend to use more lightweight gel cleansers in the summer months, as my skin doesn’t get as dry. However, as soon as there’s a drop in temperature, the flaky patches start to show and I know it’s time to switch things up. I absolutely love using hydrating balm cleansers in the autumn and winter months, as not only do they remove all traces of makeup, but they leave my skin feeling super soft.

Elemis’s classic cleansing balm feels like such a treat to use, and is great if you suffer with dry skin. This fig scent is next on my autumn beauty wish list, and I already know that my complexion will thank me for it.

Although this Sarah Chapman balm cleanser is more of an investment, I can honestly say that I would repurchase it again and again. My skin has never looked so clear or felt so soft after using this.

Don’t get me wrong, I love nothing more than a fresh, floral perfume on a hot summer’s day, but come autumn, I want to be wrapped up in a warm, cosy hug with notes of vanilla, amber and musk lingering on my skin. Throw in some woody, earthy hints and I’m fully sold.

When it comes to perfume, it doesn’t get much chicer than Byredo. Vanille Antique features autumnal notes of plum, wood, amber and vanilla bean, and will quickly become a staple in your collection.

I mean, the name says it all. Replica’s Autumn Vibes fragrance smells like the autumn leaves crunching under your feet, with hints of fresh pink peppercorn and earthy cedar wood.

My hair is very dry, so I always make sure to use a lot of conditioner. However, in autumn I tend to swap this out in place of an extra-nourishing hair mask. I only wash my hair once or twice a week, so this works perfectly for me, but if you like to wash your hair every day, then maybe incorporate a mask into your routine around once a week instead.

L’Oréal has just released a new leave-in mask, and not only does it smell incredible, but it does incredible things, too. The hydrating formula works to restore strength and elasticity, and also protects your hair from heat. Handy, right?

This is definitely more of a luxury buy, but if you do feel like treating yourself, then I couldn’t recommend this hair mask enough. Thanks to the addition of four botanical oils, it leaves your hair feeling so soft and with a salon-worthy shine that I didn’t even think was possible.

I can’t face wearing a full-coverage foundation in summer, so I always reach for a skin tint or a tinted moisturiser instead. That being said, I do really like wearing a slightly heavier base, and as soon as it’s cool enough to do so, I opt for a foundation instead.

If you’re looking for a reliable, everyday foundation, then Beauty Pie has you covered. This formula is ultra-lightweight with a matte finish, and is fragrance and oil-free. A win-win in my eyes.

I just know that Glossier’s new foundation is going to be my go-to in the autumn months. It has really impressive coverage without looking cakey, and lasts all day long, which is just what I need.

I’m a little bit boring with my nail colours in summer, and always opt for nude or white polishes that don’t require much upkeep. This autumn, I want to start caring for my nails a little more, and I’m obsessed with richer, deeper nail polishes such as burgundy and black shades.

How beautiful is this burgundy shade? Not to mention the chic Chanel packaging.

You can’t go wrong with classic black, and this Gucci nail polish has a long-lasting shine.

I’m always a bit more weary of using too much retinol in the warmer months as my skin is more exposed to the sun. However, come winter I always look forward to incorporating it more into my routine to get that much-needed glow.