It always hits me around the second week of September, that subtle shift in the light, the first time I reach for a jumper in the evening, and the sudden realisation that my skin is in need of a little extra tlc. After a summer of sun my skin is asking for a reset; pigmentation patches have popped up, my glow is MIA and my split ends are feeling like straw. So, this is the time I start leaning into my “post-summer prep” routine with products to support calming, hydrating, a touch of resurfacing, and just a little bit of glow.

Here’s what I’m reaching for right now…

 The Exfoliator, that is gentle on skin; Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel
This is  a cult for a reason. These peel pads are my new go-to when I’m feeling dull or spotty post-summer. I do them in the evening, followed by lots of hyaluronic acid (more on that next) and always wake up clearer, smoother, more me.

The At-Home Tech; BONCHARGE Red Light Face Wand
Okay this little guy is amazing and it works. I use this a few times a week while watching my favourite show and I have noticed such a difference in tone, texture, and overall calmness. Especially good for post-summer inflammation or just getting a jumpstart on autumn repair. 

The Hydration Booser; PCA Skin Hyaluronic Acid Boosting Serum 
Possibly one of the best hyaluronic acid serums I’ve tried (and I am a big fan of Hyaluronic acid). My skin drinks it up and it really hydrates and plumps. Essential after summer, when my skin is often way more dehydrated than I realise, def not just for the colder months. 

The Ultimate skin Detox; Lelive Seatox Marine Algae + Aloe Detoxifying Mask
This gorgeous gentle clay mask doesn’t crack or dry out my skin which is always a major win. I love using this once a week when my pores are feeling a bit clogged with all the extra SPF build up. Plus, Lelive is founded in South Africa and their formulas are super conscious and clean.

The Haircare Hero: Sevin London Marble Black Oil
This one’s technically for face, body and hair, but let’s talk about the hair, because it has quietly become the star of my post-summer haircare ritual. Just a few drops on damp hair post-wash and it hydrates dry ends, smooths flyaways, and gives the glossiest, softest finish without ever feeling greasy. It also smells amazing. 

The Beauty Capsule; Oskia Super-C Capsules
I love these capsules and have done so for years. There’s something extra satisfying about breaking one open and pressing it into skin. These are potent, glow-boosting, and excellent for helping fade the sunspots that somehow always find me no matter how good I am with SPF.

The Hand Saviour; Joonbyrd Confetti Sky Moisturizing Hand Treatment
I love beauty rituals but I am so bad when it comes to looking after my hands and they always get neglected, and after months of sun exposure, mine are starting to show my age. This smells beautiful, looks beautiful, and gives serious hydration. I keep it on my bedside table to try to remind myself to use it daily. 

The Glow Giver; Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Glow Pad for Face
These are absolutely genius at a new game changer for me. A hybrid of self-tanner and exfoliating pad, they give me just the right amount of glow without tipping into ‘fake tan’ territory. I use one every few nights and it’s perfect when I am in need of a little extra radiance boost.

The Blush; Merit Beauty Flush Balm in ‘Cheeky’
This is my favourite makeup brand and I thought I can’t not include something with colour. This blush is dewy, natural, and gives me that “I just went for a long dog walk” look in seconds. Plus, it’s idiot-proof to apply.

Everything I’m using right now is about rebalancing, hydrating, and gently encouraging my skin back to its best. I think of September as a kind of skincare ‘new year’, a time to reset, refresh, and treat myself to things that feel good. Bring on Autumn, my favourite time of year.