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A/W Skincare Must-Haves

Words Parris Walters

After a long (and not so hot) summer, the changing of the seasons presents a new set of skin-related challenges to tackle, creating the perfect opportunity for reassessing your routine, identifying those transitional skin saviors that see you through the late summer to early autumn period and ensuring that you’re equipped to face the elements. Colder temperatures, lower air humidity and constant exposure to indoor heating can easily make our skin more susceptible to dehydration and dullness. The autumn and winter months are the ideal time for rehabilitating your skin’s health and preparing it for the year ahead. Here are our go-to products to help you do just that! 

Luxury Picks

Disciple London GOOD SKIN FACE OIL SERUM

- available at Cult Beauty, £23.00 

Despite having combination skin, I’ve learned not to fear a good facial oil as it’s still very much possible to be oily and flaky at the same time (which really isn’t a good look for anyone). Eventually, I came across Disciple London and more importantly, the Good Skin Face Oil serum – specifically formulated with break-out-prone (me, me, me) skin in mind. Finally, a product that truly is the best of both worlds as it nourishes and hydrates the skin whilst calming inflammation and uses probiotics to fight break-out causing bacteria.

LANEIGE Lip Sleeping Mask

- available at Cult Beauty, £19.00

I discovered LANEIGE and their truly magical lip sleeping mask in the same place that was the origin of my love of all things beauty - watching Michelle Phan on YouTube! It’s been plain sailing and soft lips ever since and anyone who knows me will know I use this lip mask as my regular lip balm, I never leave home without it and I recommend it to EVERYONE. 

Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser

- available at Glossier, £15.00 

The colder months often leave my skin feeling a bit worse for wear, especially at the end of a long day and the last thing I want to do is use a harsh cleanser that strips my skin of even more moisture. Enter Milky Jelly Cleanser - it’s gentle with a lovely creamy-gel texture and perfect for removing make-up, sunscreen and the grime of the day. (Tip: I like to apply to dry skin and massage for 60 seconds before rinsing).

Biologique Recherche Lotion P50W

– available at Liberty London, £65.00

This product needs no introduction and has gained a cult following and quite the reputation for its ‘distinctive’ smell, potent blend of acids and truly transformative powers on the skin. It’s one of best things I can do for my skin in the winter and more importantly, provides noticeable results! I just make sure to follow up with SPF everyday. 

Drugstore Picks

AHC Eye Cream For Face

– available at Superdrug, £19.45

A good moisturiser is the backbone of any solid routine cream and AHC’s Eye Cream For Face has become a welcome addition to my autumn/winter routine, with a rich formula and the benefits of a concentrated eye cream…but for the entire face!

Garnier Moisture Bomb Sakura Hydrating Face Sheet Mask

– available at Superdrug, £2.95

Personally, there are some days where I feel that sheet masks are single handedly the greatest skincare product. They hydrate, moisturise and provide a noticeable glow and flawless base for makeup application. A good sheet mask is often my go-to point of refuge when I need an instantaneous shot of moisture with a dewy glow in 20 minutes or under and Garnier’s sheet masks are not only inexpensive but very effective.

Flexitol Heel Balm

– Available at Superdrug, £9.49

Part of adulting is taking care of the parts of your skin and body that people may not see everyday and the feet are no exception! This heel balm takes the hard work (and hard skin!) out of footcare. I like to apply before bed, let it work its magic overnight and wake up with baby-soft feet.