Hello, everyone!
With the change in seasons comes a slew of beauty myths that can leave us confused about how to care for our skin and nails or apply our makeup. At Cosette’s Beauty Pantry, I’m all about separating fact from fiction to help you glow through the fall. Today, we’re diving into the top fall beauty myths, debunking them with science and practical tips to keep your routine on point. Plus, I’ve got a question for you at the end, so stick around and share your thoughts in the comments!
Myth 1: You Don’t Need Sunscreen in Autumn
With shorter days and cooler temperatures, it’s easy to assume sunscreen is a summer-only essential. Wrong! UV rays don’t take a holiday in autumn. Even on cloudy days, up to 80% of UVA rays—the ones responsible for premature ageing—can penetrate clouds and harm your skin. Skipping sunscreen leaves you vulnerable to sun damage, especially if you’re spending time outdoors enjoying fall hikes or pumpkin patch visits.
The Truth: Sunscreen is a year-round must. Opt for a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, and choose a lightweight formula that pairs well with your autumn skincare. If you’re wearing makeup, try a moisturiser or foundation with built-in SPF for added protection. Reapply every two hours if you’re outside for extended periods, and don’t forget areas like your neck and hands.
Pro Tip: Look for sunscreens with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid to combat autumn’s drier air. A tinted SPF can double as a light foundation for that effortless fall glow.
Myth 2: You Should Skip Moisturiser if Your Skin Feels Oily
As the weather cools, many of us notice our skin behaving differently. Some assume that oily skin doesn’t need moisturiser in autumn because it feels slick enough. This is a big misconception! Cooler air and indoor heating can dehydrate even oily skin, leading to an overproduction of sebum as your skin tries to compensate. Skipping moisturiser can make oiliness worse, not better.
The Truth: Everyone needs hydration, regardless of skin type. For oily skin, choose a lightweight, non-comedogenic gel moisturiser that hydrates without clogging pores. Ingredients like niacinamide can help regulate oil production while keeping your skin balanced. If your skin feels tighter in autumn, it’s a sign you need to step up your hydration game.
Pro Tip: Layer a hydrating serum under your moisturiser for an extra boost. Look for products with glycerin or aloe vera to lock in moisture without a greasy feel.
Myth 3: Exfoliation Should Be Avoided in Autumn
Some believe exfoliating in cooler months is a no-go because it strips the skin’s natural barrier, leaving it vulnerable to autumn’s harsh winds. While over-exfoliation can indeed cause irritation, cutting it out entirely is a mistake. Dead skin cells can build up, making your complexion look dull and preventing your skincare products from absorbing properly.
The Truth: Gentle exfoliation is key in autumn. Aim for 1–2 times a week, using a chemical exfoliant like lactic acid or a mild physical scrub suited to your skin type. This helps remove dead cells and promotes cell turnover, giving you that radiant fall glow. Overdoing it, though, can weaken your skin barrier, so listen to your skin and ease up if you notice redness or sensitivity.
Pro Tip: Follow exfoliation with a nourishing mask or a rich moisturiser to replenish your skin. Ingredients like oatmeal or chamomile can soothe while keeping your complexion smooth.
Myth 4: Dark Nail Polish Damages Nails More Than Light Shades
Fall is the season for rich, moody nail shades—think burgundy, forest green, or deep plum. But a persistent myth suggests darker polishes are worse for your nails, causing staining or weakening them. This one’s been around for ages, and I’m here to set the record straight.
The Truth: The colour of your nail polish doesn’t affect your nail health—application and removal habits do. Darker shades may show staining if you skip a base coat, but that’s not damage; it’s just pigment sitting on the nail’s surface. To keep nails healthy, always use a quality base coat, avoid acetone-based removers (which can dry out nails), and give your nails a breather between manicures to prevent brittleness.
Pro Tip: Try a strengthening base coat with ingredients like keratin or calcium to fortify nails. And for that perfect fall mani, seal your dark polish with a glossy top coat for a chic, long-lasting finish.
Myth 5: Heavy Makeup Is a Must for Fall
With autumn’s cosy vibes, it’s tempting to lean into bold, dramatic makeup looks—smoky eyes, deep lipsticks, the works. Some think heavy makeup is the only way to make a statement in fall, but piling on products can overwhelm your skin and look dated.
The Truth: Less is often more, even in autumn. Your skin may be adjusting to cooler weather, so heavy foundations or powders can accentuate dryness or flakiness. Instead, embrace lightweight formulas like BB creams or tinted moisturisers for a natural, dewy finish that complements fall’s aesthetic. For a bold touch, focus on one feature—think a vibrant berry lip or a subtle cat-eye—while keeping the rest of your look fresh and minimal.
Pro Tip: Warm-toned blushes in peach or coral add a healthy flush that pairs beautifully with autumn’s earthy palette. Blend well for a soft, natural glow.
Myth 6: You Don’t Need to Change Your Skincare Routine in Autumn
Many of us cling to our summer skincare routine, assuming it’ll work just as well in fall. But the shift in temperature, humidity, and indoor heating can throw your skin out of balance, leading to dryness, sensitivity, or breakouts if you don’t adapt.
The Truth: Autumn calls for a tweak in your routine. Swap lightweight summer products for richer textures to combat dryness. Incorporate a creamy cleanser to avoid stripping your skin, and consider adding a hydrating serum or facial oil with ingredients like squalane or rosehip oil. If you’re prone to breakouts, keep a targeted treatment like salicylic acid on hand, but use it sparingly to avoid irritation.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget your lips! Autumn’s cooler air can chap lips fast, so invest in a nourishing lip balm with shea butter, and exfoliate gently with a lip scrub once a week.
Myth 7: Haircare Doesn’t Need Adjusting for Fall
We often focus on skin and makeup in autumn, but haircare myths can trip us up too. Some believe hair doesn’t need extra attention in fall since it’s not exposed to summer’s sun and chlorine. However, dry air and static from woolly hats can leave hair dull, frizzy, or prone to breakage.
The Truth: Your hair needs some autumn TLC. Switch to a moisturising shampoo and conditioner to combat dryness, and use a leave-in conditioner or anti-frizz serum to tame static. If you’re heat-styling more, always use a heat protectant to prevent damage.
Pro Tip: Try a weekly hair mask with ingredients like argan oil or avocado to restore shine and softness. And don’t skip regular trims to keep split ends at bay.
Wrapping It Up
Autumn is a gorgeous season to experiment with your beauty routine, but don’t let these myths steer you wrong. By sticking to sunscreen, hydrating smartly, exfoliating gently, and adapting your skincare, makeup, and haircare to the season, you’ll look and feel fabulous all fall long. At Cosette’s Beauty Pantry, I’m here to help you navigate the seasons with confidence and a glow that turns heads.
Now, I’d love to hear from you! What’s one beauty myth you’ve heard about fall, and how do you adjust your routine for the season? Drop your thoughts in the comments below, and let’s keep the conversation going!
Until next time, stay beautiful!
