Once autumn hits, protecting your skin from the cold is as important as swapping your t-shirts for jumpers and breaking out the thicker duvets.
As I get older I find my skin reacts ever more dramatically to the change in seasons, whether that's breaking out in spots in the humid summer heat, or drying out at the mere mention of central heating.
Finding skincare products that nourish as well as protect my skin is always a priority. But, after much trial and error I feel I've nailed my autumn beauty routine, a straight forward medley of new and new-to-me serums, retinoids and makeup staples.
Here are the products that have kept me looking human the last few weeks, and that I will undoubtedly be getting again.
Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum: Ginseng + Retinal
After years of neglecting my eyes in my skincare routine, I decided that at 30 years old it was time to invest in an eye cream. The skin around our eyes is particularly delicate, and in the past I've made the mistake of using my rich facial moisturiser around that area, leaving me with milia - little white build-ups of dead skin cells.
Beauty of Joseon is a buzzy Korean brand that has been lauded on social media and for good reason: its products are affordable and effective. I came across this eye serum on TikTok, with one girl using it as her main retinal. With ginseng root extract as its second ingredient, this lightweight serum melts into the skin and I believe it has noticeably improved the appearance of my undereye area.
The one thing it's missing is a metal applicator, which would feel divine on tired eyes, but for the price point (€17) you can't complain too much.
Eucerin Epigenetics Youth Serum
There's a lot of talk about innovation in skincare, but Eucerin has truly put the work into backing up their products with science. This serum is new to the market and uses Epicelline, an ingredient the brand claims took 15 years to perfect, that they say helps switch back on genes that have dulled with age and lifestyle factors.
I can't exactly vouch for that, but after receiving in at a press event, I used it for four weeks and my skin stayed looking radiant and glowy despite being sick and generally run down. It feels hydrating on the skin and sits well under makeup. A little goes a long way in my experience, too, which is an added bonus when a product is slightly more expensive (€56).
Skin Rocks Retinoid 2
I started using retinol in early 2021 with The Ordinary's Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion, which my skin took to immediately. Scared of bringing on the dreaded 'retinol purge', I didn't try anything else until the Skin Rocks Retinoid 2 came across my desk.
Founded by skincare mega star and aesthetician Caroline Hirons, I knew these products would pack a punch, and that they did. The Retinoid 2 is designed for advanced retinoid users, with an added 0.5% hydroxypinacolone retinoate (HPR) and 0.05% retinal.
It's a thick cream and one pump does my entire face, which is ideal because this serum is pricy (€90). Fortunately - or unfortunately, depending on your wallet - it's worth the money: within days my skin overcame a bad flair of congestion and stubborn dry patches, looking as radiant and plump as it did when I first started using retinol. A true powerhouse product.
Sculpted by Aimee Lash Lift Mascara
As one of Ireland's most celebrated and innovative beauty creators, there isn't a Sculpted By Aimee product release that I don't get excited about. So when she teased a new mascara (€23) I knew I'd have to get my hands on it immediately.
As a gal with easily irritated eyes and lots of fine lashes, I'm exceptionally picky about my mascara, and I've been let down many times. The Lash Lift Mascara, however, certainly delivers. Its lightweight formula is instantly noticeable and gives you lots of wiggle room to tease and fiddle your lashes into place. I was most impressed by how well it held a curl, and after a full day of wear it didn't smudge once.
The brown version is at the top of my list for winter!
Trinny London Lip2Cheek
Trinny Woodall can do no wrong in my eyes, so I'm not surprised that Trinny London's Lip2Cheek (€32), her multiuse lip and cheek balm, has become one of my most reached for items in my makeup bag.
I received the Lip2Cheek in shade Lady J, a soft neutral pink that I worried would be too flat on my skin tone, but ended up being the most perfect transitional blush shade between the pinks of summer and the berries of winter.
Despite having a matte formula, once blended out the blush is fresh and vibrant on the skin, and does not budge all day. I'm less crazy about it on my lips, which I find drying, but as a blush it is one of my favourite products to use.
Byoma Hydrating Milky Toner
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Of all the products I've used in recent months, I believe this budget-friendly (€15.99) toner has gotten me the most compliments on my skin.
Byoma has gone viral on social media as much for its colourful packaging as for its products, but don't underestimate this brand: designed as an easy to follow suite of serums, moisturisers and cleansers, they're loaded with powerful ingredients.
This milky toner is packed with Polyglutamic Acid and Cica and designed to mend the skin barrier, which is crucial for protecting your skin in the winter. I apply a few drops to my face after cleansing, and in the morning my skin is plump and fresh, like I've had a great night's sleep. Sometimes I'll use it on its own without serum, because it's that hydrating.
