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There’s always a point towards the end of summer when I realise my beauty routine needs a little refresh. The lighter textures and minimal makeup that I love during the warmer months suddenly don’t feel quite enough, and my skin starts asking for a bit more attention.
For autumn, I’m looking for hydrated, comfortable skin and makeup that lasts but doesn’t look heavy. So this year my beauty refresh is all about getting the skincare right first, then building my makeup on top.
Here are the autumn beauty essentials I’ve been reaching for, including some Medicube skincare and a few Estée Lauder favourites, all available at Very.co.uk.
Autumn skincare: getting my skin ready for makeup
As the weather changes, I find that keeping my skin hydrated becomes even more important, particularly if I want my foundation to sit beautifully.
As someone with more mature skin, I’m particularly conscious of anything that can make my complexion look dry or heavy, so autumn for me is much more about skin prep than simply adding more makeup.
I have been loving using the Medicube PDRN Pink Collagen Gel Toner Pads, which are such an easy addition to a morning routine. I love anything that feels like a little bit of skincare self-care without adding loads of extra steps. These are absolutely brilliant to sweep over my skin first thing in the morning. They gently refresh my complexion and really hydrate and plump.
Next I’ve been using the Medicube PDRN Pink Glutathione Serum Mist. I absolutely love mists and this is one of those products I can’t stop using because it’s so instantly hydrating and soothing. It’s great under serum but also perfect for refreshing the skin throughout the day when I need a hydration boost.
Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Serum is one of my skincare classics that continually earns its place in my routine. It is perfect for all seasons because it is super balancing.
Advanced Night Repair Serum
What I particularly like about it for an autumn routine is that it isn’t just about one skincare concern. Not only does it deeply hydrate but it’s great for firming, brightening and evening out skin tone too.
It has a lovely lightweight, fast-absorbing texture too, so I can layer it into my routine without feeling as though I’m piling lots of heavy products onto my skin.
I’m following this with the Medicube Deep Vita C Capsule Cream. As we move into cooler weather, this is the sort of cream I start to appreciate more. I want my skin to feel properly moisturised before I even think about putting foundation on, and this gives me that final nourishing step before applying a sunscreen.
Autumn Makeup: Creating the Perfect Base
Estée Lauder Double Wear Foundation
Now for makeup! One of my non-negotiables for a good makeup day is a base that looks polished but still looks like skin, and the newly reformulated Estée Lauder Double Wear Foundation is great for this. I already regularly use Double Wear in Ecru This new version with upgraded skincare is great to take me into Autumn too, particularly when I want a perfected finish without my skin looking heavy.
For me, the trick with a long-wearing foundation is making sure the skin underneath isn’t dry or over-powdered. That’s why the skincare prep is so important. New Double Wear gives my skin a perfected yet natural finish and it stays put all day.
For a little extra coverage where I need it, I’m using the Estée Lauder Futurist Soft Touch Brightening Skincealer in 1N. I like the idea of keeping concealer targeted rather than layering lots of product everywhere, particularly when I want my skin to retain a fresh, natural-looking finish.
What appeals to me about this one is the brightening element. After foundation, I’ll use it where I want a little extra coverage and brightness, particularly around the eye area. It’s one of those finishing steps that can make you look more awake without making it obvious that you’ve added another layer of makeup.
The eyes
For eyes, I’m reaching for the Estée Lauder Lash Drama Mascara Gift Set. You get the Sumptuous Extreme Mascara, the Double Wear Infinite Waterproof Eyeliner, and a mini of the Advanced Night Repair Eye Gel-Crème all for £35. I actually think this is a really lovely little set if you want to refresh your makeup bag without committing to a whole new eye look. I’ll get loads of use from the mascara and liner, and the mini eye cream is a nice skincare bonus.
The lips
And then there’s the fun bit: lips. Estée Lauder Pure Color Melt-On Glosstick in Melted Mauve feels perfect for autumn and I love a muted rosy-mauve lip for this time of year because it adds colour without feeling too made-up. Plus this shade is also great on cheeks as a dewy blush, so it’s a complete look.
My autumn beauty refresh
For me, an autumn beauty refresh isn’t about throwing everything out and starting again. It’s about making a few clever changes.
I’m putting more emphasis on skincare for hydrated, comfortable skin, using products that help my makeup sit better, then keeping the actual makeup polished and wearable.
My biggest autumn beauty tip: don’t underestimate the prep. As someone with more mature skin, I’d much rather spend a few extra minutes getting my skincare right than pile more makeup onto skin that isn’t properly hydrated. When your skin feels good, everything you put on top tends to look better too.
So if your beauty bag is also ready for an autumn refresh, this is a great time to take a look at what you’re using and make a few simple swaps. You don’t need to completely reinvent your routine. Sometimes a new season just calls for a few really good beauty essentials.
Stay up to date with new makeup launches here.
