The City Girl’s 9 Fall Beauty Essentials

(Some of my current fall beauty essentials)

Walking around New York City during the colder (and sometimes snowy) months can cause a dry skin disaster for your face and any part of your body not bundled up tightly. As city women, we spend so much time walking to and from work, errands, the gym and social outings, adjusting our skin and beauty regimen for the change in seasons is a must. These are my current favorites and classic must-haves for the fall in NYC.

Lip Balm. Who doesn’t want kissable, soft lips? Prevent nasty cracks with Kiehl’s Lip Balm #1 this winter. The original is great, but Mango is my current favorite scent! (PS: For a special holiday season gift, if you order from Kiehl’s online this week, you’ll get this lip balm for free with orders of $35 or more with the code THANKYOU. This deal ends on October 11)

Face Cleanser. Of course we must wash our face daily year round (and yes, 2 times a day is the best ritual), but during the colder months you may need something more soothing. I'm a fan of Dermologica’s Dermal Clay Cleanser. This deep cleansing clay formula is made for oily and combination skin types, leaving you calm and soothed. 

Face Scrub. When your skin gets rough and dry during the winter, a daily or weekly exfoliant may do the trick to get you feeling smooth again. I’ve sworn by Clinique products since my sorority days, so I always go back to their Exfoliating Scrub.

Face Moisturizer. Not only should a face moisturizer keep your skin soft and supple, but if you can't remember to apply sunscreen regularly, look for one with SPF! Even though the days are getting shorter and darker, everyone needs to protect his or her skin all year long from harmful rays. Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture SPF 15 is my drugstore go-to. It does the job for under $10.

Tined Moisturizer. For a summer glow during any season, Laura Mercier is my BFF. Laura Mercier’s Tinted Moisturizer (also available in Oil Free) gives you a healthy brightness and evens out your skin tone during the dark, dreary months. Added bonus: it includes SPF 20.

Body Scrub. Again, Kiehl’s does it for me with their Creme de Corps Soy Milk and Honey Body Polish. Wash away rough elbows and knees and make your legs even more touchable with this sweet scented scrub.

Deep Body Moisturizer. Olay Quench Daily Lotion Plus Shimmer may just be a drugstore brand, but this cream always keeps my skin soft and reminds me of the sweet summer with a bit of shimmer.

Dry Shampoo. Long gone are the sweltering months, when leaving your apartment with wet, wavy hair wouldn't give you the flu. With all the blowdrying you’ll be doing to your long locks this fall and winter, a good dry shampoo is a must for your routine on the days between washes. While I've tried many of the pricier brands, Dove Refresh+Care Invigorating Dry Shampoo does it the best and even has a pleasant smell.

Sunglasses. While sunnies may not seem like a beauty essential, they should always be tucked away in your purse or work tote. It's important to protect your eyes during overcast fall skies - not just on hazy, hot days at the beach.

What are your fall beauty essentials? xo