Lifetime Moms

Soon the crispness of autumn will be felt in the air, but the change of seasons doesn't just signal a change in wardrobe.  The arrival of fall means it's time to take a new look at your old beauty routine, and consider some of the ways that it can carry you from summer into fall.  Here, I share some tips with you that can help make the transition go smoothly.

SKINCARE

Taking proper care of your skin, no matter your age, is the most vital step in any beauty routine.  To combat the drier skin that cooler weather often ushers in, exfoliate weekly and consider switching to a creamy facial cleanser instead of a face bar.  If you were using an oil-free moisturizer during the summer, consider switching to a regular (i.e. non oil-free) moisturizer for the fall and winter.  "Between the cold and wind, your skin needs some extra protection that an oil-free formula simply cannot provide." shares NYC-based makeup artist Jillian Villafane.  Also, she suggests that "regardless of which formula you use, or what time of year it is, I can not stress enough the importance of a moisturizer with sunblock."

MAKEUP

The change in seasons is a great time to take stock of your makeup kit and weed out anything that is old or that you haven't worn in a long time.  "Old make-up products can carry bacteria, and lead to infection and breakouts" says Villafane.  She suggests that each season you consider replacing your mascara, pressed powder, and any sponge applicators.  Consider investing in a new foundation sometime mid-fall, as your summer glow will likely be fading, and the foundation you used through the summer will be too dark.  Most women wear less makeup in the summer, so consider moving towards a more polished look for fall - try on looks that might require a bit more makeup to create.  Swap out your lip gloss for a creamier lipstick, and use a concealer to cover up trouble spots like dark under-eye circles.  You can also try dusting a lighter bronzer over your cheekbones, forehead, cheeks, and nose to hold on to some of that summer glow.

For a departure from your summer look, Villafane suggests trying out some different colors for the fall, like chocolate browns, smoky blacks, reds, and plums.  "Drugstore makeup has come a long way in the past few years, and is a great way to keep your makeup fresh and current without breaking the bank" suggests Villafane.  "Pay attention to the trends, and pick just one [item] that you think is wearable for you.  A small investment in a new shade of lip gloss, or even a colored eyeliner can really keep you looking modern season after season."

HAIRCARE

Schedule a trip to your stylist to un-do the damage the summer sun has most likely done to your hair.  Have your ends trimmed, and treat yourself to a deep moisture treatment or try an at-home hair masque.  (I love the H20 Plus Hair Repair Seaweed Masque, which is specifically for "hair damaged by sun, heat, saltwater, chlorine or other environmental elements" according to their website.)  Don't forget to rinse your hair with cool water after each shampoo -- it locks in moisture and shine.  Lastly, you can also consider toning down your hair color, perhaps springing for some lowlights to carry you into the fall.

Fall is the time to try out that new sleek look or polished haircut you've been dying to have.  Just because the warm days of summer are waning, it doesn't mean that you have to move your beauty routine into something that is boring; just try focusing on incorporating the fun looks of summer into a more "finished" and elegant look for fall.  Above all, remember that beauty is supposed to be fun, not boring, so have fun trying on a new "you" for fall.