Article by:Ashlynn Dodson
Contributing Writer

As we say goodbye to the sunny days of summer, it’s that exciting time of the year when we eagerly anticipate the transformations of fall. Soon, the leaves will burst into color, the crisp autumn breeze will envelop us, and the delightful celebrations of Halloween and Thanksgiving will grace our calendars. Yet, until those moments arrive, let’s focus on a curated collection of wonderful products that will guide us from the warmth of summer to the enchantment of autumn, igniting our fall spirit along the way.

Saie is a newer beauty brand that has drummed up a lot of talk. Their new lipgloss, called Glossybounce, was featured in Vogue’s Best New Arrivals in August 2023. On Saie’s website, they call it a high-shine, hydrating lip oil, which makes it stand out amongst other similar products. It is a non-sticky formula, which is the best part about this product! Every woman who has ever applied lip gloss knows that moment when a gentle breeze causes strands of hair to cling to the lip gloss. Because this formula is non-sticky, those problems are no more. The color is long-lasting, comes in 6 shades on their website, and costs $22. They also deserve a few honorable mentions that include their Slip Tint, which is a tinted moisturizer with broad spectrum SPF 35 and was awarded Allure’s Best of Beauty Award in 2021, and their Sun Melt bronzer, which is a cream-balm formula that blends like butter, that also was awarded Allure’s Best of Beauty Award in the following year, 2022.

The Ordinary is a brand that was founded in 2015 and has been gaining popularity ever since. They gained a lot of popularity after going viral on TikTok, which led to their account reaching 3.7 billion views. The price point of their products is a big reason why this brand has gained so much success. Most of their products are under $10, and all but one serum is under $20. Their Barrier Support Serum ($17) has recently gained a lot of attention, as it was released on September 15 and claims to, “strengthen the skin barrier in 2 hours, while providing an immediate 86% boost in skin hydration that lasts all day. And, with continued use, it works to reduce the appearance of redness associated with irritation and dryness.” It is specially formulated to safeguard, calm, and moisturize all skin types, all the while promoting the maintenance of a healthy skin barrier. Whether you have sensitive skin, a compromised skin barrier, or simply wish to enhance the health and appearance of your skin, the Soothing & Barrier Support Serum makes for an ideal addition to your skincare routine.

Because of the overcast, cool days of autumn, it is the perfect time to add a retinoid to your skincare routine. People who have skin allergies, dryness, or sensitivity are probably not good candidates for products that contain a retinoid, but for many others, it is going to be your new holy grail! Retinoids are derivatives of vitamin A and offer a wide variety of benefits, including reducing inflammation, unclogging pores, decreasing the appearance of wrinkles, and regulating the growth of cells on the skin’s surface. Retinoids are great for your skin because they effectively treat a wide range of concerns, from fine lines and wrinkles to acne and hyperpigmentation, thanks to their ability to stimulate collagen production and promote skin cell turnover. Getting a prescription for retinol or a retinoid can be done by going to a dermatologist, who will then determine if your skin could benefit from it. If you are unable to speak with a dermatologist or would like to try a retinoid before getting a prescription, there are many over-the-counter products that contain this ingredient and have been proven to greatly improve people’s skin. Adapalene is a topical retinoid with FDA approval for treating acne, and can also be used for anti-aging purposes as it increases skin cell turnover. Differin Acne Retinoid Treatment Gel is available over the counter and contains a percentage of adapalene that is gentle enough for most skin types to be used every day, while still delivering amazing results. According to a study done by Galderma Laboratories, 87% of acne can be reduced by Differin gel in 12 weeks, and at a price point of $14.99, it offers an affordable and effective solution for those seeking clearer, healthier skin (Galderma Laboratories, 1998).

So, as we embrace the changing seasons, let these curated products enhance our autumn experience, helping us look and feel our best as we transition into this wonderful time of the year!