Yes, yes we know. It’s not January yet but, there’s something about ‘Back to School’ that inspires a ‘clean slate’ mindset. Maybe it’s the cobweb clearing crispness or the burning urge to overhaul your wardrobe but we’re calling it: September resolutions are ‘a thing’ so here’s a list to help your break up with the summer and embrace the endless winter feeling oddly optimistic…
Moisturise religiously…
As the mercury plummets, the world can play hell with your face’s first line of defence. It isn’t just the biting winds and frosty weather that wreaks havoc, but the constant change of atmosphere – from Baltic to boiling – that leads to chapped lips, scaly skin and a ruddy complexion. As capillaries constrict then swiftly dilate as you move from ‘out’ to ‘in’ and vice versa, broken veins and inflammation are a sorry side-effect.
The perfect excuse to invest in a fancy new hydrator (consider it the new shoes of your autumn skin care wardrobe), a richer moisturiser helps to ward against that common ‘pinched’ look – supplementing skin’s defences to create an exra barrier between cells and the elements. Switch your summer lotion for a thicker formulation and then supplement with oil to seal the ‘good things’ in and keep the ‘bad things’ out. We worship at the Aesop altar – their brilliant {Elemental Facial Barrier Cream} deflects the moisture-leaching daily onslaught, while de Mamiel’s aptly-named (painstakingly formulated) {Autumn Facial Oil} is rich in all the nutrients cells crave as they transition…
…that includes your body!
Contrary to popular belief, your skin extends beyond your jawline so don’t leave your limbs to suffer ‘in the cold’. We’re generally good about remembering extremities when summer sun dictates we flash some flesh, but once our limbs are safely swaddled under tights and chunky knits we tend to leave our lizard legs to their devices… don’t! You’re rarely feel more smug than when a waft of late-September warmth facilitates a sundress and your stems are good to go! Just because they rarely see the light of day DOES NOT mean that they don’t exist, so treat your arms and legs (and everywhere) with the same level of respect you show your face!
Laura Mercier’s glorious nourishing bath soaks and balms will keep skin baby soft, top-to-toe (and we promise, you will not resent all the extra effort). Or feed skin with the heavenly {Bum Bum Cream} care of Brazil’s best-loved {Sol de Janeiro} – it’s perfect for helping you break up with summer.
Up the supplements…
The lurgies are already doing the rounds so don’t leave your wellbeing to chance… immunity boosters will help you to ward against colds, flus and sniffles, so start now to help you stay healthy throughout the (increasingly imminent) holiday season.
Start adding The Nue Co.’s {Defense Drops} to your daily juice or your morning-time smoothie. A powerful blend of echinacea, rosemary, mistletoe and schisandra, this brilliant, adaptogenic cocktail helps to ward against infection and can stabilise your mood.
Try a new trend…
Whether you switch your lip finish from patent to suede, or try a new eyeshadow shade, reinvention will instantly lift flagging spirits. Sure, you’re consistently melting or freezing, but you’ll seem unruffled when styled with a slick of rich, berry-toned lipstick or flush of chic, dewy-hued blusher. A key takeaway from spring’s autumnal shows was to repurpose bronzer – apply to your socket and brush up your brows for a fresh way to wear a long-standing essential. NARS {Laguna Bronzer} is a beaut, or try the brand’s new {Liquid Blush} in best-loved ‘Orgasm’ to grant a peachy, light-reflective glow to tired, washed-out winter skin.
Speaking of cocktails…
It’s probably wise to pre-empt the forthcoming influx of events by respecting your sozzled insides for a while. We hate to sound like party poopers but, this time of year presents the PERFECT opportunity to take a minibreak from booze and give your liver time to hit ‘re-set’ post summer rosés/pre the need for several eggnogs. We’re not saying cut it out totally – just allocate a few days every week when alcohol is OFF the menu. You’ll feel better for it and THINK of the things you can do when you aren’t nursing delicate heads.
Treat yourself to a trim…
Sun, sea and chlorine have left your lengths stressed and, even if you cannot see the damage, it’s still there. So, irrespective of whether you’re growing your locks, now’s the time to prioritise health over length and surrender an inch on the quest for sleek, pony-esque tresses.
It’s also key to shield your precious mop from central heating and the damage caused by frost (your hair is delicate!), so ‘seal’ your strands with Kevin Murphy’s {Young.Again} elixir – a softening and separating serum that enhances definition, maximises shine and leaves lengths looking lustrous. And try to treat your hair (and scalp!) to an intensive treatment once a week – Briogeo’s {Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask} helps elasticise compromised strands and repair sites of damage for head-turning manes.