The Products for an Autumnal Glow

Between the crisp mornings, changing leaves, cosy knits and warming drinks, I'll be the first to admit that I adore the Autumn. In my opinion it's the best time of the year. The one downside though is that it can play havoc with your skin, with the cold weather and central heating leaving it dry, dehydrated and ultimately dull. That beautiful summer radiance that you barely need to work for is long gone and instead emphasis is now on how to get that glow back, even if it is only temporary until the weather takes it's next turn. Good news is that this effects nearly everyone so you're hardly alone but that doesn't mean we have to just accept the lack-lustre skin. There re plenty of products, both skincare and makeup, that can inject a glow back into our complexion. Skincare

Ultimately the buck stops with skincare. A good routine with reliable products that work well for you can make or break your skin. If you're current routine consists of the daily face wipe followed up with the occasional dot of moisturiser then you need to sort this out first. If however you have a routine that is working for you then it may be time to swap a few things around and add in a couple of extra pieces that will work better now the colder weather is here. Of course, you need to pick products that are most likely to work for your skin and if you can get samples first then great. If you tend to have similar skincare needs to me (see my routine here) then you may enjoy some of the following that have been helping my skin out over the past couple of months.

The Daily Oil: Kiehls Midnight Recovery Concentrate

This wonder oil is packed with essential oils that intensely hydrate the skin whilst helping to improve the appearance and texture of skin. Perfect for helping to correct pigmentation or dark marks left behind by breakouts, this is an essential for me all year round. The moisture that this oil offers is incredible so when the weather is dry and skin is looking a little dull this really comes into its own. A couple of drops warmed between your fingers and pressed into the skin every evening is all you need for that added dose of radiance by morning.

The Hydrating Mask: Lancome Energie De Vie Nuit Overnight Recovery Mask

This is an overnight mask that is unlike so many you'll have tried before. The gel-like texture melts into the skin instantly and delivers a quick boost of hydration, immediately leaving skin feeling softer whilst improving the texture and plumpness of skin over time. By the following morning your skin looks hydrated, glowing and feels softer than before. When your skin is particularly parched a tiny amount can be used as an alternative to your standard moisturiser.

Makeup

A good skincare routine will help to improve the appearance and texture of your skin over time but if it's an immediate glow your after then there are a couple of products you can turn to for that instant boost.

The Foundation: YSL Fusion Ink Foundation

It gives an instant glow to the skin but it isn't too intense, instead of looking greasy or over the top it gives a subtle radiance with a buildable coverage. It last all day so there's no need to worry about reapplying and on my slightly drier skin it doesn't look greasy by the end of the day, although if you do tend to get a little oilier then powdering is a good idea. It blends seamlessly with fingers or a buffing brush and can be built up specifically where you need to extra coverage resulting in a natural finish that helps to enhance the natural radiance of your skin.

The Added Boost: YSL Touché Eclat

Somewhere between a concealer and a highlighter, the Touché Eclat gives that added touch of brightness wherever you need it. Apply across the tops of the cheeks for an illuminated look and across the brow bone, nose and cupids bow for a subtly illuminated look.

The Highlighter: Urban Decay Highlighter in Sin

For an intense, glowing finish this highlighter is your best bet. The champagne tone makes it easy to wear for multiple skin tones and captures the light beautifully. If you prefer an intense highlight then you'll love this. For maximum glow you need to work this into the skin a little, the Zoeva Luxe Fan Brush works best for this, it picks up enough product to give a good coverage but the brush isn't overloaded and does disturb any makeup underneath. It's a much-have to any highlighter fan.

Maintaining that beautiful glow throughout the colder months can be a bit of a challenge with the ever-chilling weather and drying central heating but if you start incorporating hydrating and glow-boosting products into your daily routine then your skin will look naturally radiant in no time. In the meantime turn to your faithful glowing bases and game-changing highlighters to get you through.

What are your essentials for maintaining a glowing complexion as the weather changes?