WRITTEN BY Lesley Holland Downey
Wearing a mask every day can fool you into a mode of less self-care, but I feel like I’m spending more time on my at-home routines because…well, I’ve got nothing better to do (and I’m not quite ready to have an in-person facial). Performing any of my normal routines makes me feel saner, and it’s given me a good excuse to purge things that aren’t working anymore and try some new goodies. Here’s what’s making a difference for me this fall.
I recently added Maya Chia The Great Cleanse, a botanical oil-based cleanser, as part of my double cleanse routine to help remove stubborn sunscreen and makeup. My second cleanse is with Revision Skincare Papaya Enzyme Cleanser and my Face Halo.
Missing your facials? Add acid exfoliators to your routine like M-61 PowerGlow Peel Pads or The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA for occasional use. They help keep dull skin at bay and fight “maskne” (acne from wearing a mask—it’s a real thing, people!).
Try Glow Recipe Watermelon + AHA Glow Sleeping Mask at night for light hydration and Biossance Squalane + Glycolic Renewal Mask for exfoliation and moisture.
Now’s the perfect time to add additional treatments targeting specific skin issues. I have been loving Clarins V-Facial Intensive Wrap for depuffing in the morning (thanks to @KathleenJenningsBeauty, the queen of masking).
I tried Lancôme Skin Feels Good Nourishing Foundation. My skin is dry, so this added moisture and sheer to medium coverage—lighter and dewier than my beloved IT Cosmetics which I thin out anyway. Another new favorite is Giorgio Armani Power Fabric High Coverage Stretchable Concealer which has gone into my extensive arsenal of concealers. It has great coverage and seems to smooth fine lines better than most.
Create a soft end-of-summer to fall look with nudish pink tones for any eye color above your face mask with Charlotte Tilbury’s newest mascara and eyeshadow combo, Pillow Talk Push Up Eye Kit.
I love Laura Mercier Caviar Sticks for eyes, but have always wanted a slimmer version to use more easily and precisely on my lash line. Enter Fenty Beauty Flypencil Longer Pencil Eyeliner. Purp-a-Trader, Bank Tank, and Puppy Eyez caught my attention with a triangular shape so you can get a fine line or more of a diffused haze in one product.
Even though lipstick can seem optional when wearing a mask, I love having a fresh fall color for the occasional Zoom meeting or socially distanced outing. Bite Beauty Power Move Creamy Matte Lip Crayon is matte but comfy, and no need for a separate liner—it has a nice point for precise application and built-in sharpener. Favorites to try are Nonino, Calvados, and Red Velvet.
Not a fan of matte lips? Fenty Beauty Slip Shine is a hybrid gloss/lipstick that feels soothing and adds moisture. Check out Goji Gang, Retro Rose, Cookies and Cocoa, and Bubblerum.
Multi-sticks take some getting used to—we are programmed to think we need separate items for lids, lips, and cheeks—but if you can find the right color and texture, they are great for quickly adding some life to your face. Try Ilia Multi Stick in Lady Bird or Milk Makeup Lip + Cheek in Werk or Quickie.
Splurge or Steal?
Is it time to find your new favorite? Whether you’re looking for a steal or ready to splurge, you are sure to find something you’ll love.
Glow Recipe Watermelon + AHA Glow Sleeping Mask $29 each
Trader Joe’s Watermelon Overnight Mask $10 each
Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Colour $29 each
CoverGirl TruNaked Queenship Shadow Sticks $10 each
Bite Beauty Power Move Lip Crayon in Glacé or Nonino $24 each
Bite Beauty Mini Nude Lip Crayon Duo in Glacé and Nonino $20 for the set
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