Fall Beauty Checklist

The time has come where we followers of fashion are cleaning out our closets, chanting “out with the old, in with the new,” boldly trying a new trend or look. Yes, September, dually known as the “January of fashion”, is right around the corner and we are all getting ready to set our fashion new year's resolutions in motion. This coming month, women worldwide will be scouring through the biggest magazine issues of the year to see what’s hot, what’s not and where they will fall on the line. But amidst all of the excitement, be mindful that September is not just a special time for your closet; your beauty bag wants some of the love too. Take this opportunity to try out bold new looks for your hair and makeup but do so with everything you need to protect your skin and hair from the cold weather that is to come. Here is your beauty checklist; don’t start fall without everything you need!

The past year has been revolutionary since the launch of lash-enhancing products. The beauty world is going crazy over lashes since products like Latisse and RevitaLash have landed on the market, ready to aid those with thin eyelashes. This fall is all about intense lashes so use products that will not only enhance but also intensify lashes. Also on the market is Kate Somerville’s True Lash Lash Enhancing Eye Makeup Remover, so you can keep your eyes healthy and clean while continuing to work towards getting that super glam look that you want.

Featured above: Urban Decay Lush Lash Mascara, Kate Somerville True Lash: Lash Enhancing Eye Makeup Remover and Fusion Beauty StimulashFusion Lash Enhancing Liquid Eyeliner, available in September at Sephora.

Spend time basking in the sun this summer? If so, you’re probably beautifully bronzed. While it looks great to have sun-kissed skin, the effects aren’t always so great. Clogged pores and uneven skin tone are common to those who have spent lots of time in the sun. Combat those effects by exfoliating regularly. Prep for the upcoming season by gently scrubbing skin to reveal a fresh face for fall.

Featured above: Ren Micro Polish Cleanser, Tourmaline Charged Radiant Skin Refiner, Aveeno Smart Essentials Daily Detoxifying Scrub.

While we’re discussing facial care, we can’t forget to moisturize. Moisturizing really goes hand-in-hand with exfoliating. While I preach about moisturizing regularly year-round, it’s especially important during the fall and winter months to protect and hydrate your skin.

Featured above: RMS Beauty Lip & Skin Balm, One Love Organics Skin Savior Waterless Multi-Balm.

While we’re talking about moisturizing, why stop at your face? The only way to keep skin looking luminous and feeling supple when the elements are working against you is to moisturize regularly. While lightweight body lotions are primarily used throughout the summer, the cooler months require super-emollient moisturizer; or, if you’re feeling bold, try a luxe body oil!

Featured above: Alba Kukui Nut Organic Body Oil, Duchess Marden Body Serum, Kiehl's Creme de Corpes Body Moisturizer.

What’s worse than chapped lips? I can’t think of many things that will send you on a downward beauty spiral faster. Keep lips happy and hydrated with lip balm, but amplify that happiness to excitement by adding a tint to the hydration.

Featured above: Votre Vu Bebe Duette Moisturizing Lip Balm & Luxe Hand Cream Duo, Eco Tools Lip Balm.

Your smile is your most recognizable accessory and you have to play it up every chance you get. No one wants to go into fall with mother-of-pearl colored teeth; it ruins any lip color you may be trying as soon as you open your mouth. Make sure your teeth are at their whitest without costing you a small fortune by using an at-home whitening system.

Featured above: Crest 3D White Strips Professional Effects, GLO Brilliant Personal Teeth Whitening Device.

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Dear Shopping Savage...

Dear Shopping Savage,

This cold weather is giving me really dry skin. Any advice on a winter moisturizing routine?

Signed,

All Dried Out

------------

Dear A.D.O.,

Winter's can be really tough on skin for all the reasons you're already thinking: frigid temperatures + undetectable humidity = dry, sometimes itchy, skin. It should also be pointed out that heating systems and hot showers are also contributing to your dried out epidermis.

So for starters, try showering at night in warm water and lathering yourself in lotion after drying off. Limit your showers to just the one at night and plan it once you know you won't be heading back out into the cold moisture-wicking air. Before or during your shower is also a great time to exfoliate the skin and rid it of damaged, dry skin cells. Look for face washes, shower sponges and/or loofahs and pumice stones that will help scrub the skin but without being so abrasive that it does more harm than good.

Also think of investing in a humidifier to keep the air in your home (and office) moist. The obvious benefit here is this machine will prevent your skin from drying out as quickly and retain what moisture your lipid layer is able to produce.

You also want to think of moisturizing from within. Keep skin looking hydrated by drinking the daily recommended amount of water each day. Exercising in the winter also helps promote healthy looking skin because of the increased blood flow and circulation. And it should almost go without saying, but dress appropriately for cold weather. Protect your hands, head and feet with proper winter accessories. If you wear a skirt, pair it with tights. Wear layers when the temperature calls for it, but be sure that you are kept warm and dry through breathable fabric.

Other recommendations: sunscreen to keep your face protected from harmful UV rays that are present even in cold weather; sleeping in moisturizing gloves and socks at night; keep a travel-sized bottle of lotion with you to be applied after washing your hands in a public restroom; invest in a moisturizing lip balm.

If your skin still appears dry after putting an ample amount of these suggestions into your routine you may want to consult a dermatologist to be sure you don't have eczema. Either way, with proper care and diligence you should be able to get through this winter, and those ahead, with little trouble and even less troubled skin.

Need sartorial advice? Email me: ShoppingSavage@gmail.com