Hello August: I’m Not Ready for Autumn Beauty Yet

Apparently, August is the month when the internet decides summer is over.

One minute we’re discussing SPF and lip oils.

The next?

Someone has produced a burgundy lipstick, there are boots in the shops and I’m being informed that it’s time to embrace autumn.

Absolutely not.

😂

I am not emotionally prepared.

August is still summer in this house.

Admittedly, it’s a slightly different version of summer. My enthusiasm for maintaining perfectly smooth hair has disappeared. Half the products I was excited about in June have either become genuine favourites or quietly migrated back into the cupboard.

And I’m beginning to look at my beauty routine and think:

What am I actually taking with me into autumn?

But we’re not there yet.

August gets its own moment.

I’m Officially Over Complicated Makeup

I think I’ve reached my annual August stage of beauty laziness.

And I’m embracing it.

At the beginning of summer, doing a beautiful glowy makeup look feels exciting.

By August?

Give me something I can apply in seven minutes.

Skin tint.

Concealer where necessary.

Cream blush.

Mascara.

Gloss.

Done.

I’ve discovered that the products earning permanent places in my routine aren’t necessarily the most exciting ones.

They’re the products that make getting ready easy.

If I have to watch a tutorial every time I use it, we’re probably not going to have a long-term relationship.

My Hair Has Been Through Enough

We’ve already discussed my July hair philosophy:

happy hair over perfect hair.

I’m carrying that straight into August.

My Head & Shoulders is still doing its thing.

Argan oil is still getting plenty of attention through my lengths and ends.

Dry shampoo remains one of the greatest inventions known to woman.

And I’m still trying not to heat-style my hair unnecessarily.

Trying.

Let’s focus on the word trying.

August hair doesn’t need another dramatic intervention.

It needs moisture, gentle treatment and perhaps a claw clip when everything else fails.

I’m Using Up My Summer Products

Something interesting has happened this year.

Instead of immediately getting distracted by whatever is launching next, I’m enjoying finishing the things I’ve already been using.

That peachy blush I’ve reached for repeatedly?

Keep using it.

The lip oil living permanently in my handbag?

We’re finishing it.

The body lotion that’s somehow reached the bottom third of the tub?

Victory is within sight.

There’s something strangely satisfying about watching a product become genuinely well used.

Not because I’m forcing myself to finish things I hate.

Life is too short for terrible moisturiser.

But when I love something?

I want to actually enjoy it.

Not save it for some imaginary special occasion while buying six replacements.

I’m beginning to think my beauty cupboard has been waiting years for me to figure this out.

I’m Rediscovering Forgotten Favourites

August is also becoming a little beauty treasure hunt.

I’ve been looking through my collection and finding products I’d completely forgotten about.

You know the ones.

You loved them.

Something new arrived.

You became distracted.

Six months later you discover the original product and think:

Oh! I loved you!

😂

There’s something much more exciting about rediscovering a brilliant product than I’d expected.

It almost feels new again.

Except this time it’s free.

My Fragrance Is Starting to Change

This is probably the first place I’m allowing a tiny hint of autumn to creep in.

My really light, fruity fragrances aren’t disappearing yet, but I’m starting to want something with a little more warmth.

Not full autumn.

Nobody bring me anything that smells like I’m sitting beside a roaring fire in a cashmere jumper.

We’re still in August.

But warmer florals, vanilla mixed with fruit, creamy scents and slightly richer body mists?

Okay.

You may enter.

My Skin Wants a Bit More Attention

Summer can be deceptively hard on skin.

Sun.

Heat.

SPF.

Makeup.

Air conditioning.

Late nights.

And, if we’re being completely truthful, the occasional evening when my skincare routine has consisted of removing my makeup and declaring that sufficient.

By August, I start craving a little reset.

Nothing dramatic.

A good cleanse.

Hydration.

Products I know my skin already likes.

Actually remembering to use them consistently.

Revolutionary stuff.

I’m Not Buying Autumn Makeup Yet

I know what’s coming.

Berry lips.

Plum blush.

Richer eyeshadow.

Beautiful autumn palettes.

And yes, eventually I’ll be delighted.

But there’s something I want to do first.

Use summer properly.

Wear the coral blush.

Use the peach gloss.

Finish the tropical body cream.

Wear the ridiculously summery fragrance while it’s still appropriate.

Because I’ve spent far too many years rushing beauty seasons.

Buying summer products in April.

Thinking about autumn in July.

Looking at Christmas gift sets before I’ve finished my August moisturiser.

Actually…

Maybe don’t hold me to that last one.

We all know who you’re talking to.

😂

August Is My Beauty In-Between Month

That’s what I’m calling it.

We’re not starting again.

We’re not doing a giant haul.

We’re not completely changing the routine.

We’re simply noticing what’s worked.

What did I genuinely love this summer?

What did I actually use?

What would I buy again?

What am I ready to finish?

And perhaps most importantly:

What can stay in the cupboard next time I’m tempted by something shiny?

August feels like the perfect month to figure that out.

There will be plenty of time for autumn beauty.

For now?

I’m keeping my gloss.

Love,
Hayls x