Share
14th October 2025
11:35am BST
This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission on any sales generated from it.
Autumn is finally here, and as thrilled as we are about the return of cozy evenings at home, strolls in parks blanketed in leaves, and the increase in our hot chocolate consumption, we're slightly gutted to say goodbye to summer.
And yes, it's mainly because of the lack of daylight and holidays, but also because of the impact the colder months have on our skin.
Our skin often needs some serious TLC once the calendar turns over to September, and we've put together a list of our beauty non-negotiables for the colder months. They're not as sexy or luxurious as your typical beauty recommendations, but they're the ones that you will benefit from most during autumn and winter.
Erin recommends The Ordinary’s Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Serum. Buy here.
I’m quite the minimalist when it comes to skincare. I’m a firm believer that less is more when it comes to choosing the right products for my skin.
Two products I’ve been loving in my routine, especially now that the days are getting colder, are The Ordinary’s Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Serum and the Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% brightening formula.
Because the Hyaluronic Acid serum is water-based, it applies nicely and leaves my skin feeling super hydrated, which during autumn and winter is definitely a must for me.
Adding the Azelaic brightening formula over the top just locks in all that moisture, smoothing out texture and helping with clogged pores along the way. It also tackled any redness, which my skin can be more prone to during the colder months.
Another bonus: a little goes a long way with both the serum and the brightening formula, so they last for ages. And best of all, I don’t have to break the bank to restock them when they run out.
Buy The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension Formula here.
Jody recommends the La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5+. Buy here.
Going to bed with this on brings me back to my teenage Sudocrem days. I have oily skin, and I find the Cicaplast Baume still absorbs in the best way possible; my skin just drinks it up overnight.
I wake up with visibly hydrated and plump skin without oily residue or mini outbreaks. It’s absolutely perfect for the colder months when your skin feels a bit drier and dull, not to mention it’s so affordable and lasts for ages.
Fiona recommends Bio Oil. Buy here.
My love affair with Bio Oil began in my teenage years when acne scars were top priority. Now that I look towards my 30s and acne has been replaced by fine lines, this product is still my number one go-to.
As a minimal make-up gal, glowy skin and tamed eyebrows are the height of my daily routine. Once Bio-Oil is in my rotation, my skin stays hydrated all day long, and it definitely has evened my skin tone after consistent use. The winter months would be dry and flaky if I didn’t have Bio-Oil at hand.
Tríona recommends Vichy Dercos Anti-Dandruff and Anti-Itch Dermatological Shampoo with Salicylic Acid. Buy here.
Protecting the skin on your scalp isn't something we always think of, but it's essential during these colder months.
As a curly girl, I try to keep hair washing to a minimum. This, unfortunately, can lead to product buildup and scalp irritation, which have left me feeling embarrassed on more than one occasion.
I can't express my relief when this miracle-working shampoo solved that in just one wash. I left it on for two minutes, allowing its salicylic acid to work its magic, gently exfoliating the scalp and ridding any flakiness. This is an unsexy product that's genuinely restored so much confidence when it comes to my hair.
Kat recommends the Skingredients Skin Shield SPF 50. Buy here.
The summer may feel like a lifetime ago, but wearing SPF is the one beauty habit I'm not letting slide in the colder months. As someone with oily but super fair skin, protecting my skin is my main priority year-round. However, a lot of SPFs tend to trigger my acne. Luckily, I started using the Skingredients Skin Shield SPF 50, and I've never looked back.
The broad-spectrum SPF will protect your skin and lightly moisturise, while imparting a dewy finish and peachy tint. Not only does this SPF protect my skin, but it also gives it a dewy glow and acts as a primer too. What more could you want?
