Summer's over. Is your routine?

Under Your Skin Mondays 

Well, well, here we are. Don’t worry. We’re all new here.

I have a lot to talk about. With so many changes happening in the beauty industry and so much saturation around the same things, I wanted to switch it up a bit.

Instead of another podcast-style Reel that you’ve probably seen a hundred times, I wanted to create a space where I can actually talk. I feel like I have a lot to say, and sometimes a 20-second Reel or even a carousel just doesn’t give me enough room to say it all.

So I wanted to bring back something I feel like we’ve lost a little bit of:

The love of blogs.

Being able to sit down, read something, learn something, and actually take it in instead of immediately swiping to the next video.

So, a little about me.

I’m a bridal makeup artist based in New Jersey, and I’m known for giving my brides that glow from within while enhancing their features, not changing them.

But beyond makeup, I really love skincare.

I love researching it. I love learning about ingredients. And honestly, a lot of that comes from my own skin.

I have dry, sensitive skin, and I also have a mild peanut allergy, so I’m constantly researching ingredients and paying attention to what I’m putting on my skin, not only to make sure that I’m safe, but to make sure that what I’m using on my clients is thoughtful and appropriate for them, too.

It took me a long time to really understand what my own skin was asking for.

And one thing I’ve learned?

The skincare routine you used when you were younger may not be the skincare routine your skin needs now.

I’m 35 now. My skin has changed. What worked for me years ago doesn’t necessarily work for me today.

And just like our skin changes with time, it can also change with the seasons.

Now that fall is here, it’s not just our wardrobe and makeup colors that are changing.

Your skincare may need to change, too.

And no, I'm not just talking about pulling out that terracotta blush for fall.

Your skincare routine may need a little transition, too.

Summer Skin vs. Fall Skin

Let's think about what our skin goes through during the summer.

Summer usually means more heat, humidity, sweat, sunscreen, and sometimes more oil production.

Because of that, you may find yourself reaching for lighter products that don't make you feel greasy.

Maybe you're using:

• A lightweight moisturizer
• Gel or water-based products
• Lighter layers of skincare
• More frequent cleansing after sweating
• More exfoliation, depending on your skin
• Products that help your skin feel comfortable in the heat
  
  But then fall comes around.

The temperature drops, the air becomes drier, and your skin may start behaving differently.

You might notice more dryness, tightness, flaking, irritation, or even that your makeup isn't sitting the way it did a few months ago.

And this is where I want you to start listening to your skin.

I'm not saying throw everything away and buy a completely new skincare routine.

Please don't.

Instead, start paying attention to what your skin is telling you.

So What Should Your Fall Routine Look Like?

1. Start with a gentle cleanse.
Your cleanser should leave your skin feeling clean, not stripped.

If you're washing your face and immediately feeling like your skin is tight or uncomfortable, that's something to pay attention to.

You may not need to completely change your cleanser just because it's fall, but if your skin is suddenly feeling drier, this is one of the first things I'd reevaluate.

2. Hydrate.

This is where you may notice a difference from your summer routine.

Look for hydrating ingredients that work well with your skin, such as glycerin, hyaluronic acid, panthenol, or other humectants.

But remember:

Hydration and moisture are not exactly the same thing.

Hydration is about water, while moisturizing products help support your skin and reduce water loss.

3. Consider a richer moisturizer.

That lightweight moisturizer you loved during the summer because you didn't want to look greasy?

You may find that your skin wants something a little more nourishing now.

That doesn't mean you need the heaviest cream you can find.

It means pay attention to your skin.

If your lightweight moisturizer is still working for you, great.

But if you're suddenly experiencing dryness, tightness, or flaking, your skin may be asking for more moisture.

4. Reconsider how often you're exfoliating.

This is a big one.

Just because exfoliation worked for you during the summer doesn't mean you need to continue doing it at the same frequency as the weather changes.

If your skin is becoming dry or irritated, constantly exfoliating may not be what it needs.

You may need to scale back depending on your skin and the exfoliating products you're using.

More exfoliation does not automatically mean better skin.

5. Give your skin some extra TLC.

This is where incorporating a hydrating or nourishing mask may feel really good for your skin.

Again, I'm not telling you to add 15 more steps to your routine.

Sometimes your skin just needs a little extra support.

6. Don't forget your SPF.

And before anyone thinks fall means sunscreen gets put away...

Nope.

Your SPF isn't just a summer product.

Continue using your broad-spectrum sunscreen during the day and follow the product directions for application and reapplication.

7. And then think about your makeup.

This is my favorite part because this is where my worlds come together.

As a makeup artist, I can tell you that sometimes we immediately blame the foundation when our makeup isn't sitting correctly.

But ask yourself:

What changed underneath it?

Maybe you're suddenly seeing more texture.

Maybe your foundation is catching around your nose or cheeks.

Maybe your skin is flaking.

Maybe the primer that worked beautifully during the summer suddenly isn't giving you the same result.

Before you automatically buy another foundation or primer, look at your skin.

Your makeup sits on your skin.

So if your skin's needs have changed, your makeup application may need to change with it.

And Here's the Important Part...

I'm NOT telling you to throw away your summer skincare.

I'm also not saying everyone needs a completely different fall routine.

Your skin is individual.

Some people may need to change several products. Someone else may only need to change their moisturizer. Someone else may not need to change anything at all.

That's why I'm so big on ingredients, research, and paying attention to your own skin instead of blindly following trends.

The goal isn't to have a 12-step routine because it's fall.

The goal is to understand what your skin is asking for.

Because your skin isn't the same as everyone else's.

And your skin at 35 isn't necessarily the same skin you had at 25.

So before you buy that new viral fall skincare product, take a look at what you're already using.

Read the ingredients.

Watch how your skin reacts.

Adjust when necessary.

And remember: beautiful makeup starts with skin that has been cared for—not covered up.

Because when I say “skin first,” I really mean it.

Your base can only be as good as the skin underneath it.

Welcome to Under Your Skin Mondays.

We have a lot to talk about.