Buy or Bye? Fall and Winter Skincare Routine Essentials
Fall is here and even though I’m in Atlanta where the average temperature is between 60 and 75 degrees, my skin is still subject to the weather changes. My already dry skin can develop small patches of dryness and just a dull look this time of year.
For the past few years, I've cultivated a skincare routine that's been centered mainly around promoting moisture and hydration. So far, it has been working pretty well for me and the products I’ve been using are mainly from a brand called The Ordinary. Their products are high-quality skincare solutions at an affordable price point and I especially like that you can go to their website and curate a targeted skincare routine for your needs.
While I use their products year-round, there are a few that I add to my routine during the fall and winter months. Below, I have some tips to transition your skincare from spring/summer to fall/winter, featuring The Ordinary products that I love.
I’ve been using these products for over two years and love the results. The Ordinary products are sustainable and affordable — everything is under $25 — and you’re just paying for the good stuff inside the bottle. Since using it, my skin is so much more evenly toned, my dark circles and puffiness have lessened, and the dryness and dullness have subsided.
*This post is not sponsored. I’m just sharing products I really love and have benefited from using*
Some top tips for fall and winter skin:
Don’t over-cleanse and exfoliate — Sometimes in summer people tend to over-exfoliate skin and this can lead to the loss of the ability to absorb and retain moisture. It’s crucial to take it easy on this skin in the winter months so moisture can protect it from the harsh climate. A gentle cleanser and minimal exfoliating are key. Try: The Ordinary’s Squalane Cleanser
Ramp up on moisture — In winter it’s important to use a moisturizer to rehydrate the epidermis and prevent water loss from the skin. Moisturizers without perfumes are generally the best option. Try: The Ordinary’s Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 and 100% Organic Cold Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil
Before applying makeup, I swear by the Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG for undereye dark circles and puffiness.
Use products and makeup that are gentle on the skin — Sometimes makeup can dry out the skin and worsen our skin condition. Using a gentle concealer and/or foundation can help provide a safe base for the rest of your makeup. Products that allow your skin to breathe while protecting and healing as you wear them are key. Try: The Ordinary’s Concealer
Additional tips for using The Ordinary:
There are a few tips to consider when you buy new products from The Ordinary:
If you haven’t used an ingredient before, start with a smaller percentage and work up as your skin gets used to it.
Always patch-test products before you slather them all over your face!
Listen to The Ordinary if they say two products shouldn’t be layered. All skincare brands are different and use different strengths, so while you might see two ingredients used together in one product, the strengths of The Ordinary’s serums may mean that you cannot use certain products together.
You should always cleanse your skin before applying a product (unless the product you are using is a cleanser, of course!)
For the more intensive products (like acid peels etc), I recommend popping some Aquaphor or Vaseline over your lips and over the delicate under-eye skin, as the skin is thinner here and can burn from the acid.
My — and Oprah’s — Favorite Thing: 54 Thrones Beauty Butter
Shea Butter Baby
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I'll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you.
54 Thrones Beauty Butter is locked in for my fall and winter skincare routine, and beyond. It’s a Black-owned company and their Beauty Butter is formulated with Ghanaian and Ugandan Shea butters that instantly quench your skin, provide an instant skin barrier, and leave your skin smooth and beautifully glowing. 54 Thrones Beauty Butter was featured on Oprah Winfrey’s Favorite Things 2020, and it was voted Byrdie Beauty Eco Beauty Awards Best Hand Cream, so this is a product that delivers!
I don’t have very sensitive skin, and it tends to be pretty dry, so I use it on my face when the cooler months roll through and I use it on my body year ‘round. I recommend you do a patch test to see how your skin reacts.
Recently, 54 Thrones shared a video on their social media of five things you didn’t know about shea butter featuring licensed aesthetician Brittaney Trent. I decided to jot them down and share them here to share with you!
Shea butter has humectant properties to lock in moisture for an extended period of time.
Shea butter is great to use after you’ve gotten a sunburn, after tanning, for scars, stretch marks, and even if you burn yourself.
Shea butter restores elasticity and contains phenolic which is known for antioxidant properties.
Shea butter naturally contains vitamin A and vitamin F which can aid in the treatment of conditions like eczema, and dermatitis, and even help slow down premature aging.
Shea butter is a zero on the comedogenic scale which means it won’t clog your pores.
Pick up your favorite 54 Thrones products via their online store!
Please feel free to use my code: KWELI to save 15% off your entire order!
October Mood Board + Monthly Goals
“October is a symphony of permanence and change.”
Bonaro W. Overstreet
October is — hands down — one of my favorite months. I love this transitional season because there’s a crisp chill in the air (yes, even here in Atlanta), the changing colors of the leaves are stunning, and there are lots of people I know with birthdays to celebrate this fall into the winter season. I love to reflect on the year that has passed and also be mindful of how’d I’d like to spend the final months, weeks, and days of the year. The holidays are around the corner, but we have time to discuss that later.
I did a lot of traveling and entertaining this year, so it’ll be nice to have some cozier at-home moments in October. This is the time when I’m lighting candles and making my home smell delicious, cooking heartier meals, layering on hoodies and sweaters, and making sure to slather on extra-fortifying haircare and skincare, too!
As the month will end in a week or so, I’d like to check in and share some of my monthly goals and see what I hit and what I can improve upon for November.
I’m sharing my main goals below, but here are some quick goals for October:
Visit San Diego for the first time in over a decade
Explore Atlanta more
Drink less coffee and more tea
Take a Silks Fitness class - DIDN’T DO THIS … yet!
Incorporate heavier weights into my workout and feel stronger
OCTOBER MONTHLY GOALS:
1. REVAMP BEHIND THE SCENES
This website launched on October 1. It’s been a long time coming but there’s so much more to do! As I wrapped up a couple of freelance projects at the beginning of the month, I’ve given myself the end of October off just so I can work on my own business. I’m past all my deadlines and I’m so excited to take some time and really give my business the time and attention it deserves. This year has been a real turning point for me and it’s time that my business(es) reflect the level of work that I’ve been producing behind the scenes and for other folks for so long.
2. ADD INTERVIEWS TO THE WEBSITE AND A NEWSLETTER TO THE BRAND
I’ve got several new interviews lined up and I’m super excited to get them out into the world. Along with the typical website format, I’m also going to start offering weekly newsletters full of home decor, food, and entertaining tidbits and tips to the mix. I can’t wait to get these aspects of my brand ready for you all! (If you are a fellow creative and have any home decor and lifestyle news to share or relevant folks to feature, please send me an email at kweli@kweliwright.com!)
3. KEEP MAKING HEALTH A PRIORITY
If you follow me on Instagram, you’ve probably seen my IG Stories with a few snippets of my morning workout. I have always been, and always will be, active with my fitness routines, but I’ve been really stepping up my exercise game.
For me, consistency is key and when I’m very consistent, I see results (I fit into a few pairs of jeans I haven’t been able to wear since 2019!) = motivation. I do a YouTube workout for about 45-minutes every day and then I’ll either hop on the stationary bike or go for a walk.
That may seem like a lot, or the bare minimum to you, depending on what your own fitness goals are, but for me, this is a very necessary change! I work from home which makes for a very sedentary lifestyle if you let it. So all of the movement I’m getting has been amazing for my mind, body, and spirit. I’ve been doing 5-6 workouts per week since this May, so my new habits are easy to carry over to the winter months!