The end of summer feels like a distant memory and can come round as a bit of a shock to the system. One minute you’re enjoying sunny outdoor weekends, rosé evenings and a quieter work inbox (especially if you work with French or Italian companies); the next, days are closing in, weekend plans feel like an effort, your skin loses its glow and your work wardrobe feels all wrong. This has been further amplified by starting a new job in September. I’m shifting into autumn with these back-to-work wellbeing, skincare, makeup and wardrobe routines so I feel ready for the season ahead.

Wellbeing: boost your evenings

What do children get told to do on school nights? Switch off screens early, prepare your clothes and bag for the following morning, go to bed on time. How about applying this to yourself? I struggle with the first, but I find magnesium helps prepare for a good night’s sleep.

My magnesium must-haves:

• Dr Vegan Magnesium Glycinate supports relaxation and eases the transition into better sleep
• The Naked Pharmacy Marine Magnesium is sourced from pure sea water in Ireland and contributes to mental clarity and a restful sleep. Exactly what I need to hit the ground running in a new job.
• FAB Magnesium Spray: an alternative to capsules, this spray helps relax tired, overworked muscles while its lightweight, fast-absorbing formula supports a calming bedtime ritual without leaving a greasy residue.

Careful though: consider these as part of a wider winding down ritual rather than a replacement for good sleep hygiene.  

Skincare: rehydrate and reinforce

Post-summer skin often needs hydration and barrier support. Sun exposure, heat, travel and air conditioning can leave the complexion feeling tight, dull or more sensitive than usual.

Hydrating heroes:

• Laneige Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Cream: everyday rehydration that acts as a comfort blanket for post-sun skin. The rich, wearable texture plumps up depleted-looking complexions and provides a smooth base for makeup.
• BYOMA Bio-Collagen Radiance Facial Mask: an easy Sunday-evening reset when skin needs an extra boost: it’s clinically proven to strengthen the skin barrier by up to 36%, and the gel-to-film formula locks in moisture to create a smooth, radiant finish.

Quick reminder: daily SPF remains essential even as summer ends.

Makeup: the 5-minute face

Back-to-work makeup should be quick, fresh and easy. Despite my son’s regular morning heckling about the time I spend in front of the mirror applying my “useless makeup”, my entire routine genuinely takes just five minutes!

Morning makeup method:

• Sculpted by Aimee Tinted Moisturiser: I love mixing this with a drop of Pai’s The Impossible Glow Drops to stretch out that summer glow. A small amount of tinted moisturiser will even out the complexion while allowing natural skin to show through. Concentrate extra coverage only where needed (undereye, around the nose) so the finish remains fresh not heavy.
• SheGlam Color Bloom Liquid Blush: I blend this onto cheeks with my fingertips, but also tap excess product onto lips for a coordinated wash of colour.
• SheGlam All-in-One Mascara: lifts lashes, defines the eye area.
• Prism Polish in Nemorosa: the ultimate clean, glossy and neutral manicure that makes even a simple outfit feel considered. If you’re more adventurous, this Buy Women Built brand has plenty of incredible shades to choose from.

The aim is not to cover up your natural glow, but to make it look more polished.

Workwear: a versatile uniform

One of my most reliable transitional outfits is the tried and tested combination of jeans, shirt and blazer. Yes I know, not original but so easy and versatile, and you’d be surprised how much you can change the look with colour combos and accessories. The jeans keep the look relaxed, the shirt adds professionalism and the blazer provides structure. Then use accessories and colour to infuse your personality into this formula.

Polished practical pieces: 

• Define the silhouette: add a Peachy Belts belt to your jeans. Get a few interchangeable buckles and swap them out depending on the look you’re going for. My favourite is the warm tan belt paired with a gold buckle for a warm accent on a stripy dress or washed-out jeans.
• Add personal touches through jewellery: mix classic pieces with more quirky designs for a little playfulness in your weekday outfit. Après Youth rings offer playful but ultra wearable designs with handmade pieces in recycled sterling silver and gold vermeil. My current favourites include the small gold heart ring which looks like crushed foil, and the spark enamel stacking rings which I match to my manicure.
• Complete the look with the sleek Votch Nancy vegan tote bag in brown. Spacious enough for everyday essentials – and even a laptop – it adds a practical finish while bringing a rich autumnal tone to the outfit.

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