As the last of the autumn leaves fall from the trees and the skies turn grey for the wintery months, it is only logical that just as our wardrobe changes, so too do our beauty needs. For while some things are appropriate year round (impeccable grooming, drinking more water), most things in our beauty routine can benefit from a little seasonal tweak here and there. So if you haven’t already, these are a few of the best seasonal beauty switches you can make in your routine:

Skincare: Skin has a rather unwelcome tendency to be dull and lifeless in winter. Give it a helping hand by sloughing away dull skin twice a week with a gentle exfoliant, switching to a slightly richer face and eye cream than you would normally use in the summer months and, if you can manage it, adding a radiance-boosting serum for day (I love Caudalie’s Vinoperfect serum) and a vitamin-packed hydrating oil or treatment for night time a couple of times a week – either alone or beneath your face cream. As is usually the case, I personally swear by Aesop for all of the above (I used to have sensitive and irritated skin in winter, but they put a stop to that), but their Damascan Rose Face Treatment and Parlsey Seed Facial Cleanser (with lactic acid which acts as a gentle exfoliant every time you use it) are particularly excellent.

Body: Yes, you may hidden beneath layers of cashmere, but parched skin is never pretty. Make exfoliation and hydration your bathroom mantra. Twice a week in the shower, scrub all over (I use either Aesop Geranium Leaf Body Scrub or Kiehl’s Creme de Corps Body Polish squeezed on a loofah glove) then douse yourself in a rich body cream or a heavenly-scented body oil from neck to toe (I adore Lierac Huile Sensorielle). Make sure you stay hydrated the rest of the time too (I’m personally in favour of a moisturiser with a hint of self tan so that I don’t look ghostly pale, but on others this can just look unnatural, so use whatever you love).
Fragrance note: Unless you are strictly loyal to a single signature fragrance, don’t forget to change your fragrance with the seasons. I’ve just brought out my favourite cold-weather scents, Stella McCartney Parfum (I love the new floral bottles) and Diptyque L’Ombre Dan L’Eau – both deep, warm rosy florals which feel luxurious on a cold morning.

Makeup: Now is the time to switch your candy brights and sweet pastels for something with a little more oomph. I’m normally a dolly pink cheeks and nude lip kind of girl, but at the moment I’m addicted to the way a deep red lipstick (at the moment, Chanel’s Rouge Allure in 71 Fatale is my favourite – a deep burgundy red), a plum metallic shadow (Chanel’s Illusion D’Ombre mousse shadow pot in Ebloui, which makes my eyes look so green) and a warm, glowy complexion look against a dark wintery palette.

For eyes: go for plummy or bronzey metallic shadows blended all across the eyelid, or stay simple with a bold flick of liquid eyeliner and fluttery lashes. Don’t forget the waterproof mascara and eyeliner if there’s a downpour outside!
For lips: swap your candy brights or pale nudes for a deep red (don’t be shy – the effect it has on a drab grey day is addictive!). Go for lipstick over gloss, and make lip balm your best friend (wind-chapped lips are never pretty).
For cheeks: keep your complexion warm and glowy with a touch of luminescent highlighter along the cheekbones and a sweep of coral or plummy blush. If you have dry skin, you may also want to try switching from a powder blush to a cream or gel version.
For nails: Whereas in summer I was addicted to sugary pastels and neon reds, now it has to be either deep plummy shades, metallics, or glittery sparkle (which makes even the greyest day fun and twinkly). Don’t forget to keep polish neat, as chipped polish is harder to hide when you’re wearing dark burgundy.

Which seasonal beauty swaps will you be making?

Love, Miss B xx