Fall marks the end of warm weather and extra daylight, and the beginning of cooler temperatures, hectic work schedules and if you're in school, it's the start of a new year.
Either way you swing it, autumn is a busy time, and you don't need to be bogged down by an inefficient morning routine. To give your morning beauty regime an end-of-year lift, check out these tips and products.
CLEANSING
According to Net Doctor, a UK-based medical information website, cold weather does have benefits for skin. It clears pores, promotes better sleep and improves circulation. At the same time, cooler temps also dry out your skin and lips. To counteract that, make sure you use plenty of hydrating products to moisturize and revitalize your skin throughout your morning routine.
To begin your regime, wash your face with a cleanser that moisturizes and softens your skin like Formula 10.0.6's Be Berry Ready Daily Foaming Cleanser ($7.99, www.ulta.com).
TONING
Once your face is clean, the next step is toner. Thayer's Alcohol-Free Rose Water Toner ($10.95, www.ulta.com) gives skin one final sweep to remove extra dirt without stripping away natural moisture _ especially as it gets cooler. Because Thayer's is alcohol-free, it's also gentler on the skin than alcohol-based toners or astringents.
MOISTURIZING
Once you've done the subtraction of cleansing and toning away extra oil, dirt and sweat, it's time for the addition _ better known as masks, moisturizers and serums.
Applying a mask in the morning may seem counterintuitive (and overly time-consuming) but masks like Mielle Organics' Pomegranate and Honey Hydrating Mask ($19.99, www.mielleorganics.com, www.sallybeauty.com, and www.target.com) are quick to use (the mask is on and off in under 10 minutes) and leaves skin feeling supple. If you're worried about making yourself late for work or school, apply the mask before hopping in the shower and rinse it off before you shut off the water. If you're into multimasking, Kiehl's Turmeric & Cranberry Seed Energizing Radiance Mask ($42.00, www.sephora.com) is an excellent brightener to use alongside any other masks.
Lastly, apply a serum and a moisturizer to finish off your multi-step skin routine. Pacifica's Glow Baby Super Lit Booster Serum ($16, www.pacificabeauty.com) contains vitamin C, and glycolic acid to exfoliate your skin and add a healthy glow before you step into the crisp autumn air. To moisturize, use a water-based product like Tarte Cosmetics' drink of H2O hydrating boost moisturizer ($14 0.5 ounces, www.sephora.com). This vegan moisturizer made with sea salt and marine plant extracts leaves skin baby soft and dewy without being too heavy or clogging pores.
GROOMING
Again, for most people, fall is a hectic season, so while you want to look good, you might not be able to do the primping you'd do if you had the luxury of extra time. Luckily, there are some items that can keep you looking photoshoot ready without making you late for work or class.
If you're in need of a one-stop shop for all of your makeup needs, check out Alleyoop's All-in-One Pen Pal ($25, www.meetalleyoop.com). Alleyoop's multi-pen features four products in one _ lip liner, highlighter and eyeliner in both black and brown. The Pen Pal comes in one set of colors that were made to match all skin tones. The twistable mechanism means you only use as much of each product as you need, without worrying about rummaging through a makeup bag, sharpening a pencil, or having to clean up a powder spill while you're trying to run out the door.
A FEW MORE THINGS...
When you're packing your bag for the day, remember to bring these items:
Lip balm, like Maybelline's Baby Lips Moisturizing Lip Balm ($4.49, www.maybelline.com)
Hand cream, like Carol's Daughter Almond Cookie Hand Cream ($9, www.carolsdaughter.com)
Oil (for both cleansing and moisturizing skin), like Hollywood Beauty Tea Tree Oil ($2.79 www.target.com)
