11 best beauty products perfect for fall, according to an expert

As fall nears, you’ve probably already started switching up your summer wardrobe for some seasonal-appropriate attire. But just as we swap tank tops for cozy jumpers, your beauty routine needs to go through a transformation, too.

That’s where our beauty expert, Faith Xue, the Executive Beauty Director at Bustle Digital Group, is cued into the picture. She revealed all the trends to try this season, along with some suggested products you’ll want to stock up on. So just as you’re prepping your closet for the cold, we suggest swapping these essentials with the ones currently in your beauty cabinet.

From makeup to skin care, keep reading to discovering the best beauty products for the season, according to an expert. Plus, we included some of our own favorites.

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Beauty essentials seen on TODAY

Skin milks

“Milky skin care products are trending, replacing moisturizers and toners — they’re great for anyone who has dry and sensitive skin especially during winter,” remarks Xue. “Some skin milks are made with actual milk ingredients like goat milk, which contains lactic acid and has a gentle exfoliating effect on the skin. Others just have a milky, creamy texture, so they’re [also] called skin milks.”

Laneige Cream Skin Toner & Moisturizer

What we like

• Nourishing
• Refillable packaging
• Two-in-one

Product type: Toner and moisturizer hybrid | Size: 1.69 and 5.7 oz | Key ingredients: Ceramides, peptides and white leaf tea | Best for: All skin types

If you’re new to the skin milk trend, Laneige’s version has a unique concept you might want to consider (and apply ASAP). This is a multi-use product and can be used in place of a toner, essence or moisturizer to repair the skin barrier. The creamy blend of ceramides, peptides and white tea leaf also help plump, firm and nourish, even for those with sensitive skin types.

Post-vacation glow products

“We used to rely on bronzers and self-tanners to look like we just got back from a beach vacation, but now there’s a new skin care product that instantly gives a glow and can be worn alone or layered under makeup.” Case in point: Skin care-meets-makeup hybrids that enhance our skin’s natural luminosity. “It’s not a bronzer, so can be used on all skin tones to add warmth.”

Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Hue Drops Sun Glow Serum

What we like

• Natural-looking tint and glow
• Contains skin care ingredients

Product type: Serum | Size: 1.35 oz | Key ingredients: Watermelon and niacinamide | Best for: All skin types

When our team tested this serum, they compared their results to “a quick trip to the beach” because the pigment adds a subtle warmth to the skin without being overwhelming. The product comes right after Glow Recipe’s viral Watermelon Glow Drops, which were loved for the glow and skin care benefits. This product is the same, excluding the tint, so you’ll also enjoy the brightening and soothing perks of niacinamide when applied.

New romantics makeup

“Makeup for spring is inspired by the looks you’d see in Marie Antoinette’s court in Versailles — petal-soft blush and soft, romantic details/pops of pink, plus bow accents in the hair,” says Xue. “This is all about the color of the make up.”

E.l.f. Cosmetics Camo Liquid Blush

What we like

• Very pigmented
• Great applicator
• Buildable

Product type: Liquid blush | Size: 0.13 oz | Shades: 9

Pigment, pigment, pigment! That’s the one word that reviewers often use to describe the impact of this product. Just a single dab packs tons of pigment, which would be appropriate to add to the cheeks for a soft and flushed look that meets the trend’s requirements.

Tower 28 Beauty ShineOn Lip Jelly Non-Sticky Gloss

What we like

• Non-sticky
• Comfortable feel

Product type: Lip gloss | Size: 0.13 oz | Shades: 11

It’s a lip gloss…it’s a balm… No, it’s a lip jelly! Tower 28 combines the perks of both products, offering tons of shine and moisture to the lips without the sticky residue. The only issue you might have is picking one of the many shades to purchase.

Body mists

“Body mists are back! But instead of the super-sweet/childish scents of the ‘90s (we all remember dousing ourselves with them in the mall), the newer body mists are sophisticated and grown-up — and might even boost your spirits,” explains Xue. “Body mists have less oil and more water than perfumes, which make them lighter and easier to wear — you can spritz them after the gym, throughout the day [and] in your hair.”

Sol de Janeiro Cheirosa 59 Perfume Mist

What we like

• Warm and uplifting scent
• Sprays on evenly

Something to note

• Doesn’t last past 8 hours

Product type: Body mist | Size: 8.1 oz | Notes: Velvet plum, vanilla orchid and sheer sandalwood | Scents: 8

One of the current leading brands for body mists is none other than Sol de Janeiro. Their collection of mists have grown over the years, with a line filled with seven scents (and counting!) to choose from. One of Xue’s favorites is Cheirosa 59 because of its notes of vanilla orchid, sugared violet and sheer sandalwood.

“The brand also did a study and found that it’s proven to boost your mood — 92% of participants said this fragrance transports them to a positive place and makes them feel happy,” Xue says.

Hair plumper

“If you dream of having thicker hair and are too impatient or skeptical of hair vitamins, there’s now a quick fix: hair fillers!” suggests Xue. “Hair fillers add instant volume and density to the hair.”

John Frieda Ultrafiller+ Thickening Spray

What we like

• Boosts volume
• Offers heat protection

Product type: Thickening spray | Size: 5 oz | Key ingredients: Biotin and hyaluronic acid | Best for: All hair types, especially fine hair

Thin hair can be difficult to manage, but as Xue suggests, sprays like John Frieda’s Ultrafiller provides a quick solution. For instance, it is infused with biotin and hyaluronic acid, which work to give long-lasting hold to the strands without weighing it down. Just spritz after showering and style your hair as you normally would to see the results.

Micro-French manicure 

“Everything ‘90s is back, including the French mani as seen on celebs like Kendall Jenner — but the newer version features a micro-sized tip, barely visible,” says Xue.

Lights Lacquer Nail Art Stamper

What we like

• Affordable
• Only requires one step

Product type: Nail stamper | Comes with: Stamper tool only; additional tools separate

At-home french manicures just got a bit easier. Regardless of your skill level, the Lights Lacquer Stamper tool makes manis less complicated, even if you have an unsteady hand. Simply add your desired nail color to the jelly top and “stamp” on the line — it’s that simple.

More beauty products to try

Samnyte Hair Wax Stick

What we like

• Keeps flyaways at bay
• Mess-free and fool-proof
• Can take on-the-go

Something to note

• Leaves a slightly oily residue

Product type: Hair wax | Size: 2.7 oz | Key ingredients: Beeswax, vitamin E, castor seed oil and avocado oil | Best for: All hair types

“It was love at first use for this product,” raved associate editor Shannon Garlin in her review. “It’s so easy to apply and doesn’t create a mess. It reminds me of a deodorant stick or a push-pop popsicle for hair. You just gently push the bottom to raise the wax, then gently smooth out flyways and strays.” Garlin also said she went from a messy bun “to a sleek celeb-worthy bun” after use.

Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask

What we like

• Very moisturizing
• Can be used for everyday

Product type: Lip mask | Size: 0.70 oz | Key ingredients: Vitamin C, murumuru and shea butter

After a noticing a difference in her lip texture (They’re noticably softer!), Laneige’s lip treatment mask has become a go-to nightime product for partnerships editorial assistant Erica Marrison. “I use it nightly and the pot lasts me the year,” she says. “Plus, I’m a sucker for a product that looks sleek on my night stand.”

Prose Custom Leave-In Conditioner

What we like

• Unique to you
• Great value for the experience
• Alchohol-free

Something to note

• You’ll need a subscription

Product type: Cream | Size: 5.1 oz. | Key ingredient(s): Depends on personalization | Best for: All waves and curls

This leave-in conditioner is customized to you — really! All you need to do is take a quiz on Prose’s website to receive a curated list of products in hair and skin care. “It asks about my hair washing and styling habits, concerns, day-to-day habits just in life, sleep habits, stress, etc… all things that effect your hair,” associate editor Kamari Stewart remarks.

Virtue Restorative Hair Mask Treatment

What we like

• Hydrating formula
• Doesn’t need to be left long
• Smells great

Product type: Hair mask | Size: 1.7 oz; larger size available | Key ingredients: Keratin and baobab seed oil | Best for: All hair types, especially damaged and medium to thick hair

“Thanks to years of bleaching, my hair is pretty dry and damaged but this mask helps,” explains commerce writer Emma Stessman. The product contains keratin and baobab seed oil, which together, effectively repair and moisturize dry ends. “When I’m using it consistently, my hair feels more hydrated and is softer after washes,” she adds.

Clinique All About Shadow Eye Shadow Palette Best of Black Honey

What we like

• Variety of shades
• Compact design
• Safe for sensitive eyes

Product type: Eye shadow | Size: 0.70 oz | Comes with: 7 shades (Black Honey or Pink Honey) and a double-ended eyeshadow brush | Benefits: Crease-proof

Clinique recently launched their Black Honey Collection, which, of course, included their iconic lipstick. But we tested other products from the collection, such as this All About Shadow Eye Shadow Palette. While it isn’t the most pigmented, the shadows are designed to layer over each other to your desired intensity. I tested the eye shadow myself and personally love the gold shimmer shade for an everyday eye look.

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