by Anna Maria Giambanco DiPietro, Contributing Beauty Editor
“I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.”— L.M. Montgomery
As the summer seems to slide into our rearview mirrors, shifting the focus to autumnal self-care is one way to ease and perhaps even embrace the transition into fall.
In addition to pumpkin spice everything, cozy sweaters, and harvest decor, adding a new meditation practice, soothing serums, beauteous balms, and plumping potions might just be what the doctor ordered to help you turn over a new leaf as we ease into autumn. Grab your PSL and read on!
A Time to Reflect & Replenish
From sampling tasty beer, brats, and Bavarian pretzels in honor of Oktoberfest to lighting candles and preparing a traditional Diwali feast or enjoying fine pastries for the Mid-Autumn Festival, there’s no shortage of reasons to raise a glass and celebrate this beautiful time of year. Throw in Samhain, Día de los Muertos, Thanksgiving, and All Saints Day, and your dance card will be full this fall. Keep in mind that it’s okay to be selective as to how you’ll spend your time and energy, listening to what your body and mind need most.
Aside from enjoying the myriad fall holidays, replete with baked goods and libations, you could consider taking some time to rest, replenish, and reflect as the seasons change. Take a deep breath, light a candle, and check out this guided autumn meditation, then perhaps brew up a cup of warming spice tea. And in lieu of some of the more overindulgent traditions, aka overeating on Thanksgiving, taking a mindful approach to the season of falling leaves could include more restorative activities, such as hiking, yoga, and even attending some sort of retreat.
If you’re looking for a simple recipe for a seasonally appropriate cocktail, try your hand at this autumn punch. We’re also digging this apple-ginger-fizz at our offices—an effervescent mocktail that’s perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up or healthy happy hour bevvie.
Choosing your own way to honor this time of year is the best approach—we simply share some ideas that may be of inspiration. And on that note, scroll down for a few products we’ve fallen for (wink, wink). They might just do the trick when it comes to a fall skincare reboot. Lastly, if DIY wellness is more your speed, be sure to check out my tried-and-true Plumping Pumpkin Scrub and Mask here.
$110 USD
This clinically proven formula is powered with anti-aging superfoods, including Upcycled Pumpkin, a plant-powered blend of calendula-derived Retinol, and Bakuchiol, and Eco Ceramides that replenish essential moisture, supports skin's natural collagen, and reduces the appearance of fine lines and deep wrinkles for a lifted bouncy complexion. The lightweight, creamy formula envelops the skin with firming moisture that powerfully targets signs of aging, leaving your face and neck with a healthy, supple radiance.
$68 USD
Savor Beauty's brightening face oil fades dark spots and moisturizes all skin types without clogging pores. This lightweight skin serum doubles as an anti-aging face oil and blemish-free hydration, calming breakouts with zinc and boosting collagen with omega 3 and 6 fatty acids. This anti-aging oil fades dark spots for renewed even skin tone and moisturizes without clogging pores. Suitable for all skin types.
$58 USD
This luxurious cream compensates for the skin’s natural loss of hyaluronic acid and boosts its production, by means of a formula enriched with a complex of plants used in herbal medicine (Swiss Pine and Wild Pansy extracts) and a duo of hyaluronic acids to protect the skin against blue light and daily aggression. Its light, ultra-melting velvety cream texture that instantly smoothes and hydrates the skin.
$60 USD
This exfoliating body scrub instantly buffs away imperfections and leaves skin lusciously soft and nourished. Brown sugar from the tropical island paradise of Réunion melds with French white sugar to gently slough away dead surface skin cells and impurities to immediately smooth rough skin texture. Add water to transform this delicious body treat into a luxurious milky texture that imparts the nourishing benefits of sunflower seed oil for velvety smooth skin. Imbued with the fragrance of mandarin and sweet orange, this sugar scrub brings a bit of bright island sunshine to your bath or shower.
$88 USD
This facial oil sinks in deeply, quickly to moisturize and nourish with antioxidants and Vitamin E, emollients and fatty acids which work to hydrate dry skin and give it a radiant glow. Feel your shoulders drop with this oil’s lightly herbal and nutty, grounding scent.