Falling Into Beauty
People say that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Like art. But, science tells us that we like symmetry, a flow. Beauty routines do not evade ocular perception. Our inner health permeates the outer layers. Thus, Fall is the perfect time to focus skin care on reversing damage accumulated during the summer and play with makeup in deeper shades. We still need SPF because the sun, the core of our solar system, is a mainstay. Skin, lips and eyes need a revamp due to the change in temperature, mood and events. Known to not follow trends, I lean toward functional formulas and universally flattering shades. Here are a few tips that have worked for me over the years to help you artfully fall into beauty.
Skin
The sun is still around, so we can’t escape protecting our skin from its rays. I maintain an SPF 50 until we reach the Winter Equinox. A mineral formula is great because the sun’s strength weakens. Tatcha’s Silk Sunscreen blends beautifully and leaves a soft finish. For reapplication needs, I found that dabbing or patting over makeup is best. Their silk adds fibroin, which aids in skin repair at the cellular level. To further address skin needs, a face cream with amla alleviates dryness that follows excessive sun exposure and accompanies the temperature changes. In fact, amla can provide protection from B-type UV rays, thus preventing cell death and photoaging through its phenolic acids. Pratima’s Amla Collagen Cream has been an essential for years.
Skin Deep: Day and night care with ingredients that make a difference. Sun care for Fall switches to a mineral formula. An amla moisturizer repairs sun damage skin left over from lovely Summer fun. (Image: AKJAM Publishing)
Lips
Burgundy or plum pouts compliment the beautiful colors of Fall foliage. Tom Ford formulas have traditionally delivered matte conditioning applications that do not cross the lip line. TF uses “The Queen of Waxes” carnauba from Brazil, which thickens the lipstick but provides moisture. Together with vanilla extract for a sweet pout, drying Fall climate is no match.
Plum Pout: Plums and burgundies play up the colors of Fall. (Image: AKJAM Publishing)
Eyes
The cooler seasons allow us to add more to our eye areas, but dark undereye circles need to be addressed. The terpenoid bakuchiol alleviates pigmentation through gene regulation. I gently dab on Bakuchi Skin Brightening Oil by Pratima. Browns with hints of gold complement bold lips and eases switching up your look for lab-after-hours. I like quads from Tom Ford because I can use only one compact for daytime meetings and evening social events.
Nails
Like lips, darker colors for Fall are lovely especially on shorter nails. Plums, burgundies and purples play really well with oranges, beiges and yellows we see in nature during this season. For now, I wear on repeat Hermès limited edition enamel in Violet Manganèse Métal. They add lithothamnion calcareum extract, an algae extract, which may help fortify nails. After use I find that my nails are not brutalized, which is the last thing anyone needs during drying seasons.
Nailing Fall: This color reminds me of playing with polish when I was a kid. It compliments Fall colors perfectly. (Image: AKJAM Publishing)
Body
Summer is short but the heat is intense. We saw a number of record heatwaves that have effects on the outer body and internal systems. A simple way to release the heat toxins from summer and reset for a new season is by gentle massage. Pratima’s Pitta Oil has herbs that help with the detoxification process. The mix of jasmine, rose and vetiver reduces inflammation, regenerates cells, and alleviates depressive moods. I like adding it to wet skin for increased absorption or before a shower during an abhyanga.
Bottom Line:
Easing into a new season can be disruptive to many aspects of our health and lives. Choosing scientifically proven products and a change of color for your beauty routine can minimize stress. Always have fun and use what works best for you.
*This is not a paid endorsement or advertisement for any brand shown.