It was crisp and ever so slightly cool this morning which was a lovely welcome change. Tomorrow is September 1 which always feels like the first day of fall {even if I know it is not}. September is also when I start devoting a little more time to skincare and makeup. In summer months, I am all about the sunscreen which, unfortunately, irritates my skin somewhat. Nothing awful, and I would rather protect my skin from sun damage, but between that and the fact that it is way too hot for moisturizer (face or body), I significantly pare down on all fronts in the summer. I rely on more frequent pedicures rather dousing my feet in cream, I skimp on facial exfoliation because of the suncreen-irritation, and I do not use a whole lot of heavy-duty products in general.
With the crispness in the air, though, I know I can dial back the multiple daily sunscreen applications but also that it is time to up the moisturizing again. So here is how my routine is shifting for September:
* Apply heavy balm/cream on hands and feet every night and, at least once a week, sleep with cotton gloves and socks to help the moisturizing process
* Gentle facial exfoliation 2 to 3 times a week {I really like this 100% Pure exfoliant right now}
* Pull out my favorite 100% Pure Moisturizing Balm {I see they just rolled out many new moisturizers too}
* Try to remember to do a quick mask once a week {I love KZM’s Pink Pumpkin Enzyme Facial Mask}
* Use more moisturizing products for bath and body care {I wrote a multi-part series about preparing your skin for winter a couple years ago}
* Play more with makeup combinations {I always get inspired to wear more color eye makeup in fall}
General Disclosures & Disclaimers
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
my beauty routine definitely shifts during the colder months. like you said, more with the moisturizer (both face and body).
ooooo that pink pumpkin mask sounds delish đŸ˜›
I must must must moisturize more in the fall/winter months. My skin gets very dry otherwise.
Thanks for the mention of the mask
Once it gets cool, my normal to oily skin gets really dry. I think because the heat is on so often from fall through spring in upstate NY that it just dries me right out.
One thing I do is slather an oil like apricot kernel or macadamia nut on my skin BEFORE I step in the shower.
Then I use a gentle body scrub and gentle cold process soap. I step out of the shower and slather coconut oil on myself.
At night I cover my feet and hands with unrefined shea butter. I put this on my lips and even hair.
I drink lots of water in the fall and winter as well to stay hydrated.
I always wear a lot less makeup in the summer, and don't moisturize as much on my face (because it can make me oily) or my arms / legs (because it's frickin' hot!).
Yes, I was actually thinking about that this morning while applying the bronzer. Maybe my make up routine changes the most when my classes start and my tan has definitely faded away… But yes, I also feel I should start a new routine of masks, exfoliation, etc. Looking forward to more Beauty Mondays.
As Karley already mentioned- I love coconut oil and unrefined shea butter too. Though I use coconut oil as an oil cleanser rather than as a moisturizer. Ilona's 'stinky whip' used to be my night moisturizer. My skin used to literally drink it up at night.. I recently (Day before yesterday) discovered similar results by slathering camellia oil on my face at night. I also love camelia as a day moisturizer- it is a light oil but so moisturizing. And of course, I am loving Karley's fruit enzyme cream at night too- it is a very gentle exfoliator but seems pretty effective.
My moisturizing 'habits' don't change too much between seasons (but then I live in So Cal..lol)..but I do moisturize my hands and feet more in the winter- socks and all..:)