The autumn beauty essentials

Welcome to autumn. When the leaves are turning beautiful colours; crisp, sunny mornings are a treat and we can legitimately start thinking about Christmas without feeling guilty. It’s also  time for dry patches, dull-looking skin and general grumpiness at getting up in the dark every day to go to work. Lovely. I’ve pulled together a few of my autumn essentials to help survive the changes in weather and generally just stay fabulous whatever the season.

MOA Green Bath Potion* – MOA’s original green balm has been a cult favourite for years and their new Bath Potion is absolutely divine. I absolutely love the packaging and bottle design – it feels a little bit magical and mysterious to me (very potion-like!). The peppermint scent might be a bit of a Marmite one as it’s quite strong, but a few drops of this herbal blend will help invigorate, ease aching muscles and soften the skin. It’s also 100% natural, so a great one if you want to avoid any ‘nasties’ in your products. £27.50

Elemental Herbology Cell Food* – this stuff will literally be a life saver for anyone suffering with dull winter skin. It’s packed full of antioxidants, proteins and vitamins and a few drops a day (apply pre-moisturiser) will get your glow back in just a few weeks. £45

Deborah Lippmann She Wolf polish* – I love a good grey polish in autumn and She Wolf is definitely one that will see you all the way through the year. It’s part of the new collection from Deborah Lippmann and is a mid-toned grey with just a touch of beige to it that I think will be flattering to virtually every skin tone. The formula is great, it lasts well and the huge bottle size should keep you going for months! £16

Yes To Coconut Hydrating Balm* – cold weather means dry patches, so keep this tin of Hydrating Balm close at hand ready to apply at a moment’s notice. It’s super hydrating, without leaving a greasy residue, and the coconut scent means it smells so good you’ll want to eat it. Probably don’t though. £13.99

Balance Me Super Moisturising Hand Cream* – this hand cream has become my absolute saviour, as it’s one of the few things that keeps that horrible dry, winter lizard skin at bay. I’m getting in early this year and slapping it on at regular intervals in the hope it might stop the inevitable dry bits! It’s packed full of shea butter, lanolin and kukui nut oil and a tiny bit will moisturise even the driest of hands. £14.50

Elizabeth Arden Smoky Plum lipstick* – if you’ve always liked the look of the berry lip trend but find it a bit too dark, then Smoky Plum is the perfect way to pop a toe in the water. It’s almost a mauve toned nude that’s incredibly easy to wear, and while it will add a lovely autumnal feel to your lips, it’s not as bright or as bold as the traditional berry shades. The formula is also creamy and kind to the lips, making it the perfect autumn lippie! £21

Malin + Goetz Peppermint body scrub* – this minty scrub is the perfect morning pick me up as it’s fresh scent is lovely an invigorating. It’s gentle on the skin, but still effective at sloughing away dead skin cells. Add it to your body care routine once or twice a week and follow up with the Yes To Coconut balm above. Yum. £24.50

What are your autumn essentials?

*PR samples