It's Here: The Ultimate Summer-to-Autumn Beauty Reset, Straight From the Experts
Our take
The shift from summer’s carefree beauty rituals to autumn’s more considered approach is a familiar, almost cyclical, transition. It’s a moment where we collectively acknowledge the toll of sun, chlorine, and late-season travel – the dullness, the brassiness, the fragility – and actively seek restoration. The recent piece highlighting expert-led beauty resets speaks directly to this desire, offering a roadmap for revitalisation rather than a frantic scramble. This isn’t merely about addressing immediate concerns; it’s about recognizing the deeper need for a seasonal recalibration, a mindful return to foundational skincare and nail care practices. It aligns perfectly with the ethos of curated self-care we champion, moving beyond fleeting trends to prioritize long-term well-being and a polished aesthetic. Consider, for instance, the enduring appeal of a truly elegant autumn workwear wardrobe, as demonstrated in I've Cracked the Code—These 7 Pieces Are Key For An Elegant Autumn Workwear Wardrobe – a similar principle of intentionality applies; investing in foundational pieces translates to effortless style and enduring quality.
The article’s emphasis on expert advice is particularly noteworthy. The consumer landscape is saturated with skincare and beauty products, often accompanied by conflicting claims and fleeting viral trends. Having access to, or reading about, the recommendations of established professionals cuts through the noise, providing a sense of reliability and direction. The focus on specific issues – brassy blonde hair, fragile nails, dull skin – resonates because these are common, relatable concerns. The beauty reset isn't presented as an unattainable ideal but as a practical, achievable goal, furthering its accessibility and appeal to our audience. Furthermore, the timing is impeccable. The shift in fragrance preferences as the seasons change is another indication of this broader desire for renewal. As highlighted in I Found It: The Effortlessly Chic LBD of Fragrance, Just in Time for Fall, a shift to richer, more complex scents mirrors the aesthetic shift we're seeing in fashion and lifestyle – a move towards nocturnal luxury and enduring sophistication.
The broader significance of this “beauty reset” trend speaks to a larger cultural shift. After years of prioritizing convenience and rapid results, there’s a growing desire for a more considered, holistic approach to beauty and wellness. Consumers are increasingly discerning, seeking products and routines that are both effective and aligned with their values. The emphasis on preventative care, mindful ingredient selection, and professional guidance reflects this evolution. This isn’t about chasing fleeting trends; it’s about cultivating a timeless beauty that radiates from within. The rise of “clean girl” aesthetics and minimalist makeup routines further underscores this movement – a desire for effortless elegance achieved through thoughtful curation rather than excessive manipulation. Even the subtle shift in sartorial choices, exemplified by the move away from summery frivolity and towards more structured silhouettes, as seen in Forget the "French Tuck"—This is How The Fashion Crowd Are Wearing Shirts This Autumn, demonstrates a collective desire for refinement and intentionality.
Looking ahead, the integration of technology into these beauty resets will be a key area to watch. Personalized skincare routines driven by AI, at-home diagnostic tools, and virtual consultations with experts are poised to become increasingly prevalent. The future of beauty isn't about replacing professional care entirely, but about augmenting it with personalized, data-driven insights. Will we see a rise in subscription services that curate seasonal beauty resets tailored to individual needs and concerns? And how will brands leverage these emerging technologies to foster a deeper, more meaningful connection with their audience, moving beyond transactional relationships to build lasting loyalty? The answers, undoubtedly, will shape the landscape of beauty for years to come.
Anyone else get to the end of summer and start to feel a little...frazzled? My skin is dull and dry, my blonde balayage is looking far too brassy thanks to weeks of swimming and sunbathing, and after months of back-to-back gel manicures, my natural nails are hanging on for dear life. Luckily, as a beauty editor, I have access to some of the best experts in the industry, and I've been asking everyone how I can reset my beauty routine and feel my best for the season ahead.
Below, I've compiled the ultimate guide to caring for your hair, skin and nails, alongside lots of expert tips, tricks and product recommendations. If, like me, you're not feeling 100% and want to step up your self-care this September, I highly suggest you keep on scrolling.
The Expert-Approved, Summer-to-Autumn Beauty Routine
Summer-to-Autumn Skincare
First up, let's talk skincare routines. Whilst my complexion was relatively happy during the warmer months, it suddenly seems to have taken a turn for the worse. Turns out, this is pretty common. "The seasons can definitely have an impact on our skin barrier," says Dr Jason Thomson, consultant dermatologist and head of medical at Skin + Me. "As we move from summer into autumn, the combination of colder weather outside and central heating indoors can mean the skin loses more moisture. It might start to feel tight, dry or flaky. People with sensitive or eczema-prone skin may also notice more irritation or flare-ups."
That said, Dr Thomson tells me that it doesn't mean we have to change our routine completely. "The foundations I recommend are simple: cleanse, treat, hydrate and protect." Whilst your treatment step (and SPF) may remain the same, for example, a retinol or vitamin C serum, it might be your cleanser and moisturiser that need adjusting at this time of year.
"I would swap out a lighter moisturiser for a richer one, and perhaps use a gentler cleanser over an exfoliating one (which may be better tolerated during summer months)," adds Dr Beibei, dermatologist and ambassador for skincare brand Simple.
In terms of ingredients, Dr Thomson recommends looking out for ceramides, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, niacinamide and centella asiatica. "They work in slightly different ways, but all can play a useful role in hydrating, soothing or supporting the skin barrier," he says. "Skin + Me’s Soothe + Smooth Rich Moisturiser is one option I like because it contains ceramides, hyaluronic acid, allantoin and shea butter. CeraVe Moisturising Cream is another good, widely available choice for dry skin. If someone is experiencing particularly dry or irritated patches, La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5+ can be useful as a more targeted layer."
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Summer-to-Autumn Haircare
As mentioned, my hair is looking dry and frazzled, and my colour has certainly seen better days. "By the end of summer, our hair has usually experienced months of UV exposure, heat, humidity, chlorine and salt water. These can deplete moisture, roughen the cuticle and cause colour to fade, leaving the hair feeling dry, dull and more prone to breakage," explains Luke Pluckrose, lead stylist at TRESemmé Professional. "Autumn is the perfect time to reset your routine and replenish the moisture lost throughout summer." So, how do we do this?
"I recommend starting with a small trim to remove dry or split ends, then introducing more intensive hydration into your weekly routine," Pluckrose tells me. "Once a week, replace your usual conditioner with the TRESemmé Professional Hydra Molecular Moisture Treatment Mask. Apply it mainly through the mid-lengths and ends and leave it on for three minutes to give dry areas a more intensive moisture boost."
Aside from a hydrating hair mask, I'll also be reaching for a purple shampoo once a week to help banish brassiness, alongside a hair gloss to boost shine.
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Summer-to-Autumn Nail Care
I went to my nail appointment the other week to get my gels taken off and give them a breather, and I was quite surprised by just how weak they were. Months of colourful nail art and gel manicures have definitely taken their toll, and I'm ready to give my nails a reset. "After travelling, spending time in the sea or pool, and being exposed to sun and heat, it’s often the skin around the nails that needs the most attention," says the expert team at one of my favourite luxury nail salons, So.Shell. "Autumn is a great time to focus on hydration — I recommend using cuticle oil daily, as well as a nourishing hand cream, especially one containing urea, to keep the skin soft and prevent dryness."
According to the expert team at So.Shell, consistency is key. "Apply cuticle oil at least once a day — ideally before bed — and massage it into the cuticles and the skin around the nails. Keep your hands moisturised and wear gloves when using cleaning products or when your hands are exposed to water for long periods."
Another reason your nails might not be feeling their best is if you've worn gel polish for longer than recommended. After a very busy summer, I'm definitely guilty of this one, but luckily, the experts have some great advice. "If a client has experienced significant damage, we may recommend taking a break from gel enhancements while the damaged part of the nail grows out. During this time, we focus on keeping the nails short, protected and well moisturised with cuticle oil and nourishing products."
I'll be investing in some at-home autumn nail polishes, such as Chanel's Rouge Noir, until I'm ready to book in at So.Shell once again.
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Summer-to-Autumn Bodycare
Last but not least, let's talk body care. I feel like this step is often overlooked, but after a summer of UV exposure, salt water, chlorine and more, our skin is definitely in need of some TLC. "I treat the skin below my neck exactly as I would my face –particularly the décolletage, shoulders, arms, hands and legs, which have often accumulated significant UV exposure," says Dr Anna Persaud, This Works CEO and biochemist. "The neck and décolletage deserve particular attention because they accumulate UV exposure but are often neglected. I use the This Works Perfect Cleavage and Neck Serum across my neck, chest and shoulders for antioxidant and firming support."
Another thing you can add to your routine? Red light therapy. "Photobiomodulation using red and near-infrared wavelengths is interesting after periods of increased UV exposure because it can support cellular energy production and the skin’s own repair processes, while helping to modulate inflammation and support collagen and skin resilience," Dr Persaud tells me. If you've been thinking about it, now might be the time to invest in an at-home LED device.
Alongside these recommendations, I always try to incorporate some kind of scrub to get rid of all that dead skin, alongside lots of hydrating body lotions, serums and oils. "Vitamin C is another important part of my post-summer routine, and I use it on my body day and night," adds Dr Persaud. "I use the This Works Perfect Body Vit C Glow."
Around this time of year, I like to switch out my summer scents for autumnal fragrances, and this goes for my bodycare, too. Gone are my coconut and vanilla shower gels and body creams, replaced by fresh, crisp, invigorating delights.
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