I'm a Beauty Editor—30 Must-Have Items I'm Already Eying for Fall
Most Wanted is a weekly series in which one editor, staffer, or influencer shares their top 30 must-haves or current wish-list items.
I've said it once, and I'll say it again: No one gets quite as excited for fall as a beauty editor. It's the perfect time to try out brand-new (or new to us) fall essentials in every category from skincare to makeup to haircare. Now, I won't beat around the bush. Beauty editors are also notorious for their monstrous wish lists, and I have to say that this time around, I'm guilty as charged.
I started gathering a lineup of my fall essentials in July (not sorry), so the list that follows is a hefty one. What can I say? I like to get ahead of things. I covered all the fall essentials like candles and fragrances. (Call me basic. I don't mind.) But you'll also find an array of products I'll be using to boost my skin's glow and amp up my everyday makeup. You won't want to miss out on these 30 must-have items for fall. Keep scrolling, and happy browsing.
Ever since I saw makeup artist Nikki La Rose use this on her YouTube channel, it's been on my list of must-try products. It's basically a sunscreen and a dewy moisturizer in one, making it the perfect base for your makeup. It works really well for combination and dry skin types in need of extra nourishment.
I love a good creamy foundation for fall, and this formula from RMS will be my go-to. It glides right onto your face so beautifully, and the coverage looks and feels like a second skin. You do need to use a bit more if you want fuller coverage, but it also hydrates and firms due to moisture-rich ingredients like squalane, aloe, and RMS's adaptogenic herbal blend.
This magical color-changing blush oil reacts to your skin's natural pH to provide you with the perfect natural flush for your specific skin tone. It's also packed with 20 plant-based ingredients to plump the skin and reduce fine lines with everyday wear. It will no doubt be my makeup-bag staple for fall.
Whether you have dry, combination, oily, or acne-prone skin, a good exfoliant is 100% necessary. Luzern's luxe formula contains micro-fine jojoba beads and an infusion of Bio-Suisse certified organic botanicals to soften the appearance of fine lines, improve hydration, and clear clogged pores. It's the gentle (yet effective) exfoliant I'll be using all season.
This stunning liquid highlight from Rare Beauty is a showstopper. My favorite shade (particularly for fall) is the deep copper shade Captivate. Proceed with caution: It's incredibly easy to go overboard and apply too much. Start with a small dot on each cheek—a little goes a long way.
Furtuna Skin's barrier-repairing balm is so luscious and hydrating without being greasy. It's going to be extra helpful for fall when the weather starts to get windy and dry. It contains the brand's wild-foraged Replenishing Complex which repairs the skin's natural protective barrier with dandelion, carrot, spirulina concentrate, and organic hawthorn.
I've been trying to exfoliate a lot less to help preserve my skin's moisture barrier. On days when I feel congested, I reach for this amazing clarifying mask from Tata Harper. It really helps clear up any active blemishes, and the addition of honey and rose-hip seed oil leaves your skin feeling hydrated instead of tight or dry like other clarifying masks.
If you have sensitive skin, this nutrient-rich oil is for you. My skin has been extremely reactive and sensitive lately, so I've had to scale back on products. I've been giving this facial oil a try, and it really keeps my skin hydrated and clear with no adverse reactions.
I love a good cleansing oil, and this nutrient-dense one from Mara has been on my list since I got my hands on the brand's Universal Face Oil. Fruit enzymes, chia, and an algae blend flood your complexion with vitamins, fatty acids, and extra hydration upon use.
Black pepper, guaiac wood, raspberry, tonka, and smoked papyrus are just a few of the heady ingredients in this delicious candle collab. I obsessively burn it even when it's not fall, and I may need to buy a whole new one this season because my old one is just about burned down.
I love Weleda's Skin Food, so naturally, when I saw that the brand makes a conditioning hair oil, I added it straight to my wish list. My hair can get extra dry once fall hits, so this is a must-have. It can be used on wet or dry hair and is packed with rosemary, clover, and burdock-root extracts to deeply condition parched locks.
I swear by this entire trio of body products from Mutha. Oh, and the body brush included in this set doesn't hurt, either. Some nights, I like to use the Body Contour Serum and Body Oil together, but other times, I'll just use the Body Butter. The Body Contour Serum is a real treat and helps tighten, hydrate, and exfoliate. The brand's cult-loved Body Butter is also really rich and hydrating, so it's great if you have dry skin or tend to get dry once the weather cools off.
Hot tip: If you're not using your setting spray as a priming base, you're missing out. I learned this tip from a makeup artist, and boy, does it make a difference. Your foundation looks so much better when you use it this way. Milk Makeup's setting spray offers a breathable, glass-like glow and a clean formula. I'll definitely be trying this one out as both a base and finishing spray.
I love the Malaya Organics Cleansing Oil to remove my makeup. It's so hydrating but really does remove everything. The brand's Rejuvenating Face Serum is just as good. It's one I'll be reaching for more this upcoming season because it's rich in phytonutrients, antioxidants, and oils that bring deep healing to the skin.
My curls are extra dry, so doing a deep conditioning mask at least once or twice a week isn't exactly optional—it's mandatory. I always like adding new masks to my rotation, and this recommendation came from a stylist. It contains powerful conditioning agents that give curls the boost of hydration they need to thrive, especially when it's cooler out.
Okay, so this tool is definitely an investment. But I have to say it's totally worth it. The Enercharger uses pulsed electrical fields that work deep below the surface of the skin to tighten, firm, and hydrate. With long-term use, it increases skin-cell energy and regeneration for younger-looking skin. My skin has been pretty stressed out lately, but I've been using the Enercharger every day for the past few weeks and have noticed a big improvement in my skin's hydration levels already. it also just looks brighter, healthier, and overall clearer. Hallelujah.
Up Next: I'm an NYC Beauty Editor With My Finger on the Pulse—The 30 Hottest Products RN
Shawna Hudson is a beauty, wellness, lifestyle, and travel writer with over 10 years of experience. She graduated from California State University, Fullerton, with a degree in journalism and has written for other publications such as Bustle, The Zoe Report, Byrdie, Elite Daily, and more. She is currently a beauty writer atBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing and hopes to continue feeding her (completely out-of-control) beauty obsession as long as she can. Stay up to date on her latest finds on Instagram @shawnasimonee.
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