6 Products You Need to Use This Fall

Heavy-Duty Moisturizer

Why: It should hopefully come as no surprise to you that along with all the positive attributes of fall—pumpkin spice flavored coffee and major holiday sales among them—you have to deal with the downside of the shifting weather. While the cooling temperature is at first a nice reprieve from the insistent heat of summer, your skin might not agree. You may have been sweating profusely throughout the warmer months, but once fall hits, that’s often replaced with skin that feels dry. Of course, all hope is not lost. You’ll simply want to switch out the lightweight moisturizer that got you through summer for a more heavy-hitting option.

What to Look For: To find your fall moisturizer match, keep your eyes peeled for formulas with hydrating ingredients, like glycerin, ceramides, or hyaluronic acid.

Facial Oil

Why: We understand if the last thing you want to coat your complexion with during the summer is more oil, but now that the summer’s something of the past (pause for tears), there’s no excuse to avoid using facial oil. Since you’ll surely be looking to maximize your skin’s moisture levels as the air dries out, try layering a facial oil underneath your moisturizer.

What to Look For: If you’re scared of looking too greasy during the day, look for a facial oil that’s lightweight, formulated for all skin types, and/or can be worn before bed.

Exfoliator

Why: After a long summer exposed to UV rays, sand, and salt water, your skin could surely use an exfoliating product to help slough away a buildup of grime and dead skin cells. Time to get to scrubbing and bring back a smooth skin feel.

What to Look For: Depending on your skin type, you can opt for a chemical exfoliator—like a peel formulated with acids—or a facial scrub formulated with tiny exfoliating particles. Keep in mind that exfoliating shouldn’t feel harsh on your skin, so be gentle!

Micellar Water

Why: The weather isn’t the only thing that tends to change in the fall. Your schedule often shifts right along with it. Gone are the days of summer breaks and vacations, replaced with back-to-school season and busy family holidays. No matter how busy you become, one thing you’ll have to continue to make time for is washing your face. There’s no way around it, but we can make it easier. Instead of selecting a cleanser that practically requires sticking your whole face in the sink or hopping into the shower, look for a rinse-free cleanser, like a micellar water. Since you won’t need water to aid in cleansing, you can get clean from just about anywhere as long as you have a cotton pad on hand.

What to Look For: Any micellar water that suits your skin type!

Editor’s Tip: We like to keep our bottle of micellar water on our nightstand, that way there’s no excuse not to wipe away makeup and get clean before bed! #lazylifehack

Sunscreen

Why: Don’t assume that the chill in the air means you can ditch sunscreen until next summer. We can’t repeat enough that it doesn’t have to be sunny out for UV rays to damage your skin. Cold or warm, cloudy or clear, you should be wearing sunscreen every single day. Better safe than sorry!

What to Look For: According to the FDA, you’ll want to apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF value of at least 15 daily, being sure to reapply throughout the day. For the best line of protection, pair your sunscreen application with additional sun protection measures like wearing protective clothing, seeking shade, and avoiding peak sun hours.

Self-Tanner

Why: There’s no reason fall has to mean giving up that gorgeous sun-kissed glow. A tan may be associated with summer, but you can keep yours going with a little help from your friend, self-tanner. Being consistent with self-tanner application means you’ll be dealing with the best kind of interrogation possible—questions about whether you just returned from a tropical vacation, even in the depths of fall.

What to Look For: It’s all about your preference, whether that’s a lotion, a serum, or pads, you can fake a tan anyway you like. Just remember that applying self-tanner doesn’t negate your need for sunscreen!