This post is part of a series sponsored by Walgreens.
The leaves are falling! The leaves are falling! And, oh my — that brisk breeze that leaves cool kisses on your cheeks? Yep, it’s baaack.
Fall, that is. I actually like the idea of the seasons changing and the different colors everywhere and the leaves falling from the trees. But in practice, I just don’t like being anything but warm. 🙂
This “in-between” time is actually one of my favorite times of year. Not yet winter, and just barely into fall. Too bad I know it won’t last. Pretty soon we’ll be freezing our bums off! — but this time we’ll be prepared.
I’ve been conducting extensive “research” into knee-high boots…
…and fine tuning my skin care routine to prepare my face for the chilly days ahead.
To help you put your best face forward this fall, here are a few tips and products that won’t break the bank.
1. Change can be cleansing
Because those dry, biting winds that whip up in late fall always wreak havoc on my combination dry/oily skin, I like to replace my usual facial cleanser with something richer and more moisturizing. I recently started using and loving La Roche-Posay’s creamy Toleriane Dermo-Cleanser ($20). It gently cleanses the skin and removes my makeup (all but the longest-wearing and waterproof stuff), but more importantly, it leaves my face feeling hydrated and soft.
I’ve also heard good things about La Roche-Posay’s Physiological Cleansing Gel (also $20). I haven’t tried it yet, but like Toleriane it’s non-comedogenic and recommended for sensitive skin.
2. Exfoliation nation
Ahh, flakes. They’re not just for cereal anymore. Come fall and winter, I start seeing dry skin flakes on my cheeks and around my nose (not cute). A few months back I asked my dermatologist about it, and she recommended the Buf-Puf Facial Sponge (just $5). So old school, I know, but when used properly (be gentle; your skin is not a greasy frying pan!), it whisks away flakes and brightens dry, dull skin.
3. Glossing over lips
We’ve barely crossed the equinox into fall, and I already feel like I’m waging an uphill battle against dry lips. Moisturizing lip balms are my BFFs. I stash them all over the place — (at least) one in my purse, on my desk, in every jacket, and always one or two of ’em in the car.
Burt’s Bees makes a favorite of mine, their Tinted Lip Balm in Pink Blossom ($7). It’s hydrating as all get-out, and I like the kiss of pink color it gives to my lips.
Gloss is really handy on windy days, too, because when I’m wearing it (as opposed to lipstick), stray hairs don’t stick to my lips.
Wearing Burt’s Bees Tinted Lip Balm in Pink Blossom
What about you? As the mercury falls, do you make any changes to your skin care routine?
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
Natalie says
October 6th, 2011 at 4:41 amOmg I love those boots!! Where are they from???
Tiffany C. says
October 6th, 2011 at 6:47 am2nd!!! Karen please tell us where they’re from!!!
Tiffany C. says
October 6th, 2011 at 7:07 ami found them!!!
http://www.dsw.com/shoe/fergie+fallen+wedge+boot?prodId=232139&category=cat20173
Karen says
October 6th, 2011 at 7:34 amWow, good detective work, guys…
Hey, do you want a review and more pics of the boots?
Tiffany C. says
October 6th, 2011 at 7:50 ami’d love a review and more pics!!! btw, which color did you get?
also, i remember a post or maybe a tweet that you put up talking about fergie and dsw, so that’s how i found them! LOL!
Karen says
October 6th, 2011 at 8:08 amI think it’s called Taupe but it looks more olive in person.
Cool… I can do a review!
Kim says
October 6th, 2011 at 5:19 amIt was a balmy 39 degrees here this AM but I’m looking forward to a high of 52. 🙂 I’m with you on the lip balm. Like you, I have multiple lip options stashed in every jacket (and in the car, and in my purse, and…). I’ve never thought of the Buf-Puf but might have to give that a try on any winter dry patches. 🙂
Karen says
October 6th, 2011 at 7:35 amEEK! This California girl can’t even comprehend 39 degrees! I’d be wearing five layers and possibly a helmet to go outside.
What lip balms are you liking these days?
Kim says
October 6th, 2011 at 12:26 pmHAHA! The boys were looking for gloves this AM and I told them to throw on a sweatshirt and get out to the car, it was going to warm up to 52! You have to start them young. 🙂
I always have a couple of Superbalms in raspberry and I have a Burt’s Bees minty tasting chapstick style that gets a lot of use. Today was an Ev Rev day, though. 🙂
Jasmine says
October 6th, 2011 at 5:41 amIt was a brisk 74 this morning. Just waiting for it to shoot back up into the 90s! Lol
Karen says
October 6th, 2011 at 7:36 amI’m jealous, Jasmine! Where are you? I’m guessing some place tropical…
Jasmine says
October 6th, 2011 at 8:46 pmIn Texas! South Texas to be exact! 🙂
Ruchita says
October 6th, 2011 at 5:54 amThe main thing I do in fall/winter is to make sure I moisturize and exfoliate my face and body. My skin gets very dry and I have to deal with the dry skin flakes too. I continue to use a face moisturizer with sun screen year round.
Love your shoes! My favorite part of fall is breaking out the boots. I sort of “stocked up” on some boots last spring when they were on sale at DSW. 🙂
Karen says
October 6th, 2011 at 7:38 amHey Ruchita,
I think I need to “stock up” on some boots this year. Question for you: do you usually match your boots to your jacket and purse? I have no idea what to wear with my olive boots… I have a dark chocolate brown jacket that will probably work, but have no idea what to do on the purse front.
Ruchita says
October 6th, 2011 at 3:50 pmHi Karen,
In general, I don’t usually match my boots to my jacket or purse. Most of my boots are neutral colors like brown, gray and black. If I wear my gray or black boots I’ll carry my blue or red purse to add a pop of color
I think your brown jacket would look great with the boots and maybe a cream colored purse. Or maybe something that is in the brown familiy but lighter than your jacket?
TJ Maxx or Marshalls are my go-to places for purses. They usually have lots of different colors, so you can try some and see what works. Good luck! 🙂
Nina says
October 6th, 2011 at 6:22 amthe biggest change i do for fall/winter is i slather on petroleoum jelly on my lips, hands and feet. when i dont have the usual humidity to hydrate me, it is a necessity.
i also change to a heavier moisturizer (last year, i used first aid beauty’s moisturizer, and ill use it again this year), since im prone to the flakies!
i wear socks to sleep to keep my feet warm and moisturized (combo w/ the petroleum jelly).
Karen says
October 6th, 2011 at 7:33 amHi Nina,
Good ol’ Vaseline! Random, fun fact: it’s also good for preventing board rash when you go surfing! In Hawaii I slather it all over my tummy and inner thighs before I hit the waves.
I wish we were surfing today, le sigh… it’s raining like crazy here.
I keep meaning to try that First Aid Beauty moisturizer. It’s really that good, huh?
Stephanie says
October 6th, 2011 at 9:02 amThe First Aid Beauty face moisturizer *IS* really that good. The Ultra Repair Cream is fantastic too…you can use it on your face, body, bites, rashes, burns, etc. It has collodial oatmeal in it.
Nina says
October 6th, 2011 at 9:41 ami have that too! im so prone to mosquito bites, and it gets a lot of use for that!
Karen says
October 6th, 2011 at 11:53 amOatmeal is great stuff. I love it for skin!
Nina says
October 6th, 2011 at 9:41 amvaseline is the best multi use product out there! 😀
and yes, i do think that the FAB moisturizer is awesome, its a bit too heavy for the summer but perfect for what cool/dry months we do get.
Hboo says
October 6th, 2011 at 6:56 amMy lips have been dry lately too!! Although my routine doesn’t change a lot (I don’t find Purity too drying for my skin, but I am going to give La-Rochey a try) I may have to amp up my lip balm game.
The Body Shop body butters slathered on feet and put into a sock at night always make my feet look perfect the next day.
Karen says
October 6th, 2011 at 7:31 amHi Hboo,
If your skin gets really, really dry (or if you’re using something like Retin A, like I am), Tolertiane is great. The only thing is it might need help removing heavy duty makeup!
It’s been years since I’ve used The Body Shop butters. I used to really love the Olive Oil and Avocado ones. Which one is your favorite “flavor”?
Leah says
October 6th, 2011 at 7:17 amI have been looking for new boots forever. FOREVER. So glad you shared pics with us. I guarantee I would have passed those up in the store, but after seeing them on someone, I am in loves with them!
Karen says
October 6th, 2011 at 7:28 amHi Leah,
You’re welcome! Ya know, I thought the same thing about these boots. I walked by them a few times and wasn’t really sure if they were me, but once I got them on and was like, “YEAH!”
BTW — if olive isn’t your thing, Fergie also has them in black.
Happy Thursday!
Susan says
October 6th, 2011 at 7:17 amI love your boots, and Tabs’ boots are awfully cute, too 🙂 I didn’t know they still made Buf Pufs. They were essential to me in high school, and I may have to check them out again for my flaky nose, which has already reappeared for the season. Blah! We’re having a last warm spell here in Indiana (highs in the 80s today), but I know it won’t last much longer…
Karen says
October 6th, 2011 at 7:27 amHi Susan,
Buf Pufs are like the budget girl’s Clarisonic! 🙂 And yes… I’m wildly jealous of Tabs’ built-in boots. They go with all of his outfits.
I’ve never been to Indiana before! What are the must-see places in your state? Maybe I’ll be lucky enough to visit someday.
Kajal Couture says
October 6th, 2011 at 7:45 amI want those boots! And technically I need them because winter is about to start, right? Heeheehee…
Karen says
October 6th, 2011 at 11:52 amYes you do! Feet gotta stay warm. 😉
Chris25 says
October 6th, 2011 at 8:31 amI kind of want to try a Burt Bee’s lip gloss, but I’m waiting for a coupon or sale or something. I can’t tell the professor I had to spend money on a lip gloss instead of a book! Or can I…..
Karen says
October 6th, 2011 at 11:52 amI pick them up all the time… if I see it on sale anywhere or find a coupon I’ll let you know. 🙂
steph b says
October 6th, 2011 at 7:03 pmCheck your local Bed, Bath & Beyond. Mine carries Burt and they constantly have coupons.
Christy says
October 6th, 2011 at 8:57 amcute boots! 🙂 I have to lather my hands and body in lotion daily, otherwise my skin looks horrible!
Christy recently posted … What I’ve Been Obsessed With Lately
Karen says
October 6th, 2011 at 11:51 amI hear ya! What are your fave body lotions?
Iram says
October 6th, 2011 at 9:03 amLOVE your boots! 🙂 xo
Karen says
October 6th, 2011 at 11:50 amThanks! 🙂
lizzie says
October 6th, 2011 at 10:14 amKaren those boots!! I saw a pic of them in a previous post you did and I’m so glad I’m not the only one drooling over them. I gotta ask….I have calfzilla sized calf muscles. How’s the fit around your calf area? Also speaking of lip balm. I actually went out and got the Selma Hayek Nuance Rose lip balm that you reviewed a while back and I’m LOVIN it!!
Karen says
October 6th, 2011 at 11:50 amHi Lizzie,
I’m doing a review right now on them; they might be snug around the calves if you’re very muscular. What do think of these as an alternative? I’ve read that they’re great for gals with muscular calves: Blowfish Brandi Boot. This is the boot I originally wanted but was out of stock in my size.
Jennifer says
October 6th, 2011 at 10:33 amCold weather in Michigan requires an updated skin routine. I tend to use a heavier moisturizer in the winter – namely first aid brand, and change my foundation to the bobbi brown extra foundation in order to combat dry skin in all this dry weather.
Love the boots!
Karen says
October 6th, 2011 at 11:48 amThanks! I have to make a note to pick up some First Aid Beauty. 🙂
vonnie says
October 6th, 2011 at 10:37 ami make sure to up the lip balm, MUST up the hand cream, exfoliate my face regularly
vonnie recently posted … Dark Lady/Dr. Facilier and Ursula Makeup Looks – Villains Series
Karen says
October 6th, 2011 at 11:47 amHand cream is a must, Vonnie! What are your faves?
Trish says
October 6th, 2011 at 10:41 amThis will be interesting, right now I’m in fairly chilly Washington and the rain is definitely starting to come, but in less than a week I’ll be in sunny warm Austin TX! I’m not even sure when it gets cold there, but not for a while I imagine!
Also is Buf-Puf Facial Scrub your favorite thing to use for exfoliation?
Karen says
October 6th, 2011 at 11:46 amHi Trish,
When I’m home I use the Clarisonic MIA a couple times a week. I’ve use Buf-Puf when I travel (lightweight, doesn’t take up a lot of room), and I think it’s as good bargain alternative to something like the Clarisonic.
Shannon says
October 6th, 2011 at 10:44 amMy daytime moisturizer doesn’t change–I’ve been really happy with Sephora’s brand moisturizer with SPF 15–but I go for a heavier cream at night when it gets colder. And I slather on body butters! Anything that says “shea butter” is a winner for me, I don’t like to be scaly.
I have Kiehl’s lip balms in mango, pear and coconut and I use them religiously. They have a low SPF (4 I think?) so I use Smashbox’s Lip Treatment SPF 15 in summer, but Kiehl’s goes on before I go to bed and in winter, it’s the go-to lip balm during the day as well. It goes under whatever else I’m wearing on my lips.
It’s in the 80s/low 90s this weekend in Cape Town and I’m going to an outdoor music festival all weekend so I’m packing sunscreen, lip balm and my swimsuit…but those boots are still making me envious!
Karen says
October 6th, 2011 at 11:44 amHi Shannon,
So jealous of your warm weather. Sounds like you’re going to have so much fun at the festival. What kind of music is it?
Shannon says
October 6th, 2011 at 12:48 pmI think it’s mostly trance/techno, which is so not my thing, especially because the kids seem to think they invented trance parties and I’m like, in my day we called them raves, and the first person to wave a glow stick in my face gets popped. Really, why did I watch the Very Special Episode of Dawson’s Creek where Andi has a bad trip on ecstasy if not so I could avoid having to actually go to these parties myself? But there’s a beach and various bars and kiosks and coffee shops–I think a few thousand people go to this party, it’s one of the biggest of the season–so I’m thinking of it less as a trance party and more as a “I’m reading my Kindle on the beach and those kids over there might be high” party. 🙂
Chelsea says
October 6th, 2011 at 10:49 amahhh, Michigan winters make my normally dry skin even dryer, but I’m still prone to getting cystic acne.
I’m working on a new routine that I think might work. CeraVe cleanser is my favorite, and I like their Moisturizing Lotion too (though I’m trying the CeraVe PM currently, and I think it may have broken me out). I tone with Clinique’s Mild Clarifying Lotion (alcohol free! Just stocked up with their GWP at Macy’s!)
Karen says
October 6th, 2011 at 11:43 amHi Chelsea,
Clinique’s Mild Clarifying Lotion is so great! I can’t even begin to count how many bottles I’ve gone through. How long have you been using it for?
Christina says
October 6th, 2011 at 11:06 amI’m SO glad you made this post, Karen! XD The coldness is starting to get to San Diego and my skin is already starting to feel its wrath! I woke up one morning and took a good look at my face and saw flakes EVERYWHERE. I’m definitely picking up that cleanser you mentioned in your post and finding moisturizing products for my combination skin as winter approaches! <3
Karen says
October 6th, 2011 at 11:42 amHi Christina,
Glad you enjoyed it! 🙂 How are you doing? Did you finish your writing prompts?
Christina says
October 6th, 2011 at 1:01 pmI have one more to go and I’m finishing it tonight! 😀 Once I submit everything in, I’m treating myself to some Fall/Winter skincare and makeup shopping :3
Patty says
October 6th, 2011 at 11:35 amLove your boots! Tabs is always at the height of fashion with his boots! The best lip balm I’ve used is Bobbi Brown’s Lip Balm. It’s not at all sticky or greasy, stays on well and comes in a cute round silver pan. I also am addicted to Bobbi Brown Face Base. I use it before foundation, after cleansing my face and always at night. Great stuff and smells so nice…kinda citrusy.
Karen says
October 6th, 2011 at 11:40 amHi Patty,
He is. 😉 The colors go with all his outfits.
So Bobbi Brown Face Base is new to me. Is it a moisturizer?
Happy Thursday!
Karen says
October 6th, 2011 at 11:42 amHi Christina,
Glad you enjoyed it! 🙂 How are you doing? Did you finish your writing prompts?
Katrina says
October 6th, 2011 at 12:03 pmThose boots are seriously amazing. If I could wear heels I’d be all over those.
For lip balm I am LOVING Lush Lip Service. It is the best lip balm I have ever tried.
Tavi says
October 6th, 2011 at 12:38 pmI usually don’t change my routine in the winter, but since last winter my skin has been getting dry. I just started using cetaphil cleanser which I like a lot. I’m trying to find a moisturizer that doesn’t make my skin feel too oily. So far philosophy and Clinique are pretty good.
Klara says
October 6th, 2011 at 12:49 pm1st:(OFF) i love ur boots! they look so cool! with these on you feet, the cold wind doesnt matter:)
2nd: (ON) usually i dont use many special stuff in the cold times, of course i always have a lip balm in my pocket, and when its really cold, i always take some moisturizer, but this from the best quality.
(OFF) i want those boots!!! :DDD
NeenaJ says
October 6th, 2011 at 12:58 pmI salute you for the way you handled this sponsored post. Too many bloggers throw products in your face, but you wrote a terrific, totally appropriate post that actually benefits readers whether they buy the mentioned products or not. Kudos!!
Mariana says
October 6th, 2011 at 1:30 pmAmazing boots! They’d go nicely with the new nail polish I just bought!
http://www.beautynthingsblog.com
yuri says
October 6th, 2011 at 1:57 pmi love your boots they’re so cute
Swatch And Learn says
October 6th, 2011 at 3:29 pmHow adorable! Loved the photo of your boots and then Tabs’ “boots”…hehe. Cute!
Swatch And Learn recently posted … Essie School of Hard Rocks Swatches & Review
AnieJ says
October 6th, 2011 at 3:40 pmMy skin is starting to tone down the super-oily bits in favor of flakes around the tip of my nose and nostrils (allergies) but I’m still getting a ton of change-of-weather blemishes in my hormonal area (chin, jawline). I have up-ed my spot treatments and thickened my moisturizers, so we’ll see how that goes!
AnieJ recently posted … Preemptive Plump Attack–Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Concealer
Katherine G says
October 6th, 2011 at 6:19 pmYour boots are amazing! I just bought a pair of red suede slouchy boots 🙂
My skin can be a combination – despite a variety of methods I still get pimples every now and then, but in the winter I use L’Oreal 360 in this deep clean, apricot smelling scrub (use it in the summer too to really clean out pores) and I actually use retinol products to control pimples and promote cell turnover, as well as Aveeno Positively Radiant face moisturizer. It seems to be working well, and I do this ritual morning and night.
For my body in the winter, I like a thick, creamy body butter, like Bath and Body Works products.
Since my hair gets dry too, I use Argan Oil and Fekkai Glossing cream (you don’t need that much of it, even on thick hair like mine, and it lasts a long time).
steph b says
October 6th, 2011 at 7:07 pmI definitely increase my use of moisturizer in the winter. And make sure I have lip balm stashed in all bags and jacket pockets.
Alice says
October 7th, 2011 at 4:54 amHand cream! One that works for nail too 😉
When it gets cold my hads dry out faster that I can say winter’s here. I go through endless tube of nivea hand cream, and I keep them everywhere: near the sink, at the office, in my handbag… You get the idea 😀
Vonvon says
October 7th, 2011 at 6:35 amNice boots! I am stocking up on lip balms and hand creams!
Vonvon recently posted … Look: Red Lips With MAC Nitro:licious 2046 Lipglass & Neutral Eyes With Pink Frontier