Freddie’s edit
The Skincare I’ll Be Buying This Autumn - And Why (as a former Beauty Trends Editor)
Autumn brings colder, drier air and central heating which (for many including myself) leaves skin feeling drier, more sensitive, and with a weakened . So, often the products that worked perfectly for us through summer suddenly aren’t meeting all of our skin’s needs. Skincare shouldn’t be a ‘one routine fits all months’ approach. Just as you transition your wardrobe when the seasons change, you should adjust your beauty routine.
As a former beauty trends editor, I’ve developed a keen eye for spotting the difference between something that genuinely serves my skin’s needs and something that simply sounds impressive in a press release (and I should know — I spent years writing them)!
So, this week I thought I’d take a slightly different approach: sharing the products I’ll actually be buying to adapt my skincare this autumn and, more importantly, why.
What I’m Buying: Beauty of Joseon Radiance Cleansing Balm + Dr Sam’s Flawless Cleanser
BECAUSE: As the weather gets colder, protecting my skin barrier becomes my main priority. I still want to double cleanse in order to remove my makeup and properly, but I don’t want my skin left feeling tight or dry.
THESE DELIVER: A gentle cleansing routine that removes everything without unnecessary friction or disruption to my skin barrier. The Beauty of Joseon balm effortlessly melts away makeup and SPF, and Dr Sam’s pH-balanced cleanser removes daily impurities while preserving the delicate balance of my skin barrier. Both leave my skin feeling really clean yet comfortable.
What I’m buying: Tatcha The Water Cream
BECAUSE: Cooler weather and increased central heating can quickly zap moisture from my skin. I therefore want more hydration going into autumn, but I’m not quite ready for the more intensive creams I tend to use in the winter.
THIS DELIVERS: Exactly that balance. Lightweight yet effective hydration thanks to and , plus Tatcha’s Hadasei-3 complex to support a healthy and balanced skin barrier. It gives my skin all the moisture and comfort it needs without feeling too heavy.
What I’m buying: The INKEY List Advanced Retinal Serum
BECAUSE: Autumn is a good time to focus on upping your vitamin A game. can cause sensitivity (particularly when the sun is involved), so introducing or increasing your usage in autumn can work well as UV levels are generally lower than they are in summer. Not only this, but focusing on improving your skin tone and texture now will save you panic-chasing that last-minute glow for the Christmas party season.
THIS DELIVERS: A high-strength retinal formula that’s clinically proven to improve the look of fine lines, dark spots, uneven texture and skin’s luminosity over time, while also working to instantly soothe and support the skin barrier.
*If you’re new to retinoids, start slowly. This one is for experienced users. Always use a sunscreen the following day - even in autumn.
What I’m buying: Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF50+ PA++++
BECAUSE: Your SPF usage shouldn’t end when summer does. Your best weapon against skin ageing will always be a high-factor sunscreen, all year round. However, in autumn, I opt for a sunscreen that delivers effective UV protection as well as the deeper hydration and additional barrier support my skin needs.
THIS DELIVERS: High-factor, broad-spectrum UV protection in a nourishing cream formula that combines rice extract, and a probiotic complex for optimal skin barrier and microbiome support. It’s also lightweight enough to sit comfortably under my makeup, which I tend to wear a lot more of in autumn.
Learn more about sunscreen here.
What I’m buying: Gisou Honey Glaze Collagen Therapy Lip Mask + Hourglass Equilibrium Intensive Hydrating Eye Balm
BECAUSE: The lips and eye area are usually the first places the colder weather will show its effects. The skin here is thinner and more delicate than on the rest of the face, so needs a little extra support when the temperatures drop.
THESE DELIVER: Extra nourishment exactly where I need it. The Gisou lip mask combines honey, and hyaluronic acid to both restore and strengthen my lips, while Hourglass’ eye balm delivers intensive and clinically-proven hydration that’s expertly developed for the delicate eye area.
I can also guarantee that these two small additions will make a notable difference to both your makeup application and longevity as the weather turns.
It’s important to note that none of the above products are hugely revolutionary… and that’s the point. Seasonal skincare isn’t about overhauling your entire routine or chasing the latest trend; it’s about making a few targeted adjustments based on what your skin is asking for.
That said, these products aren’t just selected to fit this specific brief. They’re also some of my top-rated products in their own right. Thoughtfully formulated, highly effective and exactly the kind of products I love having in my own bathroom cabinet.
So, if you’re making the switch to an autumn skincare routine, these are the things I’d prioritise:
✓ Protect your skin barrier
✓ Increase hydration
✓ Don’t over-cleanse
✓ Keep using SPF
✓ Use actives sensibly
✓ Give dryness-prone areas extra support
