12 Summer to Fall Beauty Tricks I Wish I Knew Years Ago- Sephora Top Picks
Summer to fall beauty is one of those things I didn’t give much thought to for years, until I realized my skin was totally freaking out every time the seasons changed. And honestly, how your skin reacts really depends on where you live. I’m in Arizona, where it’s super dry, no humidity, just endless heat all summer, and then we basically go straight into a dry fall and winter. There’s no moisture in the air, no gradual transition… just a sudden shift from hot, dry air to cold, dry air. So if you’re like me and your skin gets confused this time of year, these are the 12 beauty tricks I wish I had figured out earlier. They actually help make the shift from summer to fall a lot smoother.
1. Start Layering a Bit of Hydrating Serum Under Your Skincare
I never used to do this, like, ever. I thought moisturizer was enough, but after dealing with super dry skin when the weather changed, my aesthetician told me to layer a hydrating serum first. Game-changer. I started using one with hyaluronic acid last year, and I’m telling you, it made my whole skincare routine feel more effective. My skin actually held onto moisture instead of just drying out by noon. It’s such a small step, but it makes a huge difference, especially as you go from summer skin into a drier season.
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2- Travel-Size Face Mist for On-the-Go Refresh
Okay, this might sound a little extra, but a face mist in your bag is one of those things you don’t realize you need until your skin feels tight and blah midday. Especially if you live somewhere dry like I do — I’m in Arizona, and the air will suck the life out of your skin. I usually go for something with aloe or rosewater, but anything that gives a light, hydrating boost helps. It keeps your makeup looking fresher and just makes you feel a little more put-together, even if the day is chaotic. I honestly love this little moment of “me time” in the middle of the day.
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3- Start Using a Thicker Moisturizer
I used to wait until my skin was flaking or dull before switching out my summer moisturizer, which is honestly too late. Now I start the switch early, like mid-September, because the air gets drier before you realize it. Especially if you live somewhere with no humidity, like Arizona or even parts of New York when fall hits. I’ll swap in a thicker cream that still feels light on the skin but actually helps with dry patches and fine lines. If your skincare products aren’t cutting it anymore, this is your sign to switch.
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4-Don’t Overdo It with the Scrubs
I love a good exfoliation moment, but during this summer-to-fall shift, I’ve learned to back off a little. I used to use glycolic acid and a physical scrub back to back (don’t do that), and my skin would end up red, irritated, and confused. Now I space things out and stick to gentler exfoliants, especially if my skin is feeling dry or tight. It’s all about finding the right balance in your beauty routine. You want glow, not damage.
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5-Keep Using SPF Even If It Feels Like Fall
Just because you’re not sweating buckets doesn’t mean the sun isn’t still doing its thing. This is your reminder to not put away your sunscreen just because it’s pumpkin spice season. I use SPF daily, even when it’s cloudy, because sun damage doesn’t care what time of year it is. Plus, it’s one of the best anti-aging steps you can take. I’m trying to take care of my skin tone long-term, not just slap on makeup and hope for the best.
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6- Keep a Lip Balm in Every Bag (Trust Me)
The fall season instantly dries your lips. I used to think one balm was enough, but now I keep one in every purse, my car, my nightstand, even my kitchen junk drawer. I don’t know what it is about this time of year, but my lips always get flaky fast. I love a thick overnight lip mask too, but during the day I’m constantly reaching for balms.
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7- Your Scalp Needs Attention Too-Not Just Your Face
This one I ignored for years; I focused so much on skin care and totally forgot my scalp. Then, suddenly, it started getting itchy and flaky as soon as fall rolled in. I started using a hydrating scalp serum once a week (nothing fancy), and it seriously changed everything. I mean, we’re out here doing full skincare routines for our face… might as well show your scalp a little love too. Especially if you use dry shampoo or style a lot, it really needs extra care.
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8-Start Using a Humidifier at Night-Total Game Changer
Dry skin, sinus issues, static hair… You name it. A humidifier solves so much. I started using one at night when we first moved into our house after our renovation, and my skin stopped feeling like sandpaper after a week of constant use. You don’t need anything fancy, just something small for your nightstand. It helps your skincare products absorb better, keeps your skin hydrated while you sleep, and significantly improves your skin’s response to seasonal changes.
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9- Give Your Hair a Weekly Deep Conditioning Mask
Between the heat, sun, and styling tools, my hair takes a beating in the summer. By the time fall hits, it’s dry and dull and just needs extra love. So once a week, I do a deep conditioning mask, nothing complicated, just something thick and hydrating to bring it back to life. I usually let it sit while I’m doing stuff around the house. It’s the easiest way to get that healthy, shiny look back without having to chop off half your hair.
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10- Go for a Gentle Cleanser, Not the Harsh Ones
My skin always feels a little more sensitive as summer ends. That’s when I know it’s time to put away the foaming cleansers and anything too harsh. I go for something creamy or hydrating instead; it just feels better on my face and keeps my skin from freaking out. It’s such a simple switch, but it keeps my skin calm while I adjust my whole skincare routine for the new season. I honestly don’t know why I didn’t do this sooner.
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11- Blend in a Drop of Face Oil When Foundation Looks Patchy
This is one of those little tricks I learned from a makeup artist years ago. If your foundation starts clinging to dry spots or looking weird, try mixing in a tiny drop of face oil. It makes everything blend smoothly and gives you a more dewy look without looking greasy. Especially when the weather is changing and your skin is unpredictable, this trick helps so much.
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12. Reapply Hand Cream All Day
My hands are the first thing to crack when the weather cools down. I used to only apply hand cream at night, but now I reapply throughout the day, especially after washing my hands. I keep one on the kitchen counter and another in my bag. You don’t need anything fancy, just something that locks in moisture and keeps your hands from feeling like sandpaper.
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Final Thoughts
Skin care is honestly one of those things you just have to play around with. What works for someone else might not work for your skin type — and that’s totally fine. I’m still testing products, still figuring out what I actually love, and what just sits on my shelf. The best part is that every season gives you a fresh start. So if you’re transitioning from summer to fall and your skin feels a little off, that’s your sign to switch things up and see what feels good right now. It doesn’t have to be complicated; just a few small changes can make a big difference.
Love,
Sherry
