I’m a beauty editor and these are my autumn beauty swaps

THIS summer was the busiest of my life.

I had so many big birthdays and weddings to attend that I couldn’t even fit in a holiday, and between it all, my beauty stash has descended into chaos.

There are products strewn across multiple overnight bags and going-out clutches, around my bathroom, and on my vanity desk, too – trying to get ready each morning is like a game of Where’s Wally?.

So, while I wish the nights weren’t drawing in, I’m very glad things have settled down and I can restore some order to my life.

September always feels like a fresh start to me, whether it’s a hangover from school days or because I’m a Virgo – which makes it the perfect time for a clear-out.

Anything I’m unlikely to use over winter can get packed away – think SPF, mattifying primer and shimmery body oil.

1. Hydrating hand cream

L’Occitane Shea Hand Cream, £27

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Hand cream is one of the first things I dug out – and if you’d told me that a year ago, I’d have said you were mistaken.

I’ve long hated the greasy feeling it leaves behind, but last winter my knuckles nearly split because the skin got so dry, so I won’t be letting that happen again.

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After a lot of trial and error, L’Occitane Shea Hand Cream, £27, has earned its place next to my wash basin.

I thought the thick texture would mean it was oily, but it manages to leave an almost-dry touch behind, while still hydrating skin.

It’s a large tube, and mine is still half-full from last year, so it’s not great for on-the-go.

Dior Le Baume, £50

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Instead, I keep Dior Le Baume, £50, in my bag, which has a slightly thinner texture, but boasts the same nourishing benefits.

2. Skincare heroes

When it comes to my face, the main skin concern I’ve been fighting over the last few months is congestion, and to combat that, exfoliating acids have been top of my treatment list.

L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Hyaluronic Acid & PDRN+ Anti-Wrinkle Plumping Serum, £31.99

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With the weather getting cooler – and winds harsher – I’m going to scale them back and replace the step in my routine with L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Hyaluronic Acid & PDRN+ Anti-Wrinkle Plumping Serum, £31.99, which instantly gives a glow that rivals a professional facial, and hides how little sleep I’ve been getting.

I’ve only been using it for around a week, but it also promises to visibly reduce wrinkles by 47% in six weeks, which I’m looking forward to.

On the wrinkle front, I’m going to finally start regularly using retinol – the gold-star anti-ageing ingredient. I tried to add it to my routine at the start of the year, but quickly forgot to apply it repeatedly.

As it makes skin more sensitive to sun damage, it’s not something I wanted to risk reintroducing once summer rolled around, but now the UV level has gone down, it’s back on my agenda.

The Klira Special, from £59 a month

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I’ve just turned 31, and it’s like my skin went from bouncy and smooth to textured and tired overnight, so I did a virtual consultation with bespoke skincare brand Klira.

Now, I have my very own The Klira Special, from £59 a month, to beat fine lines, breakouts and pigmentation.

3. Healthy haircare

When it comes to hair, the biggest issue I face over winter is static – and the best way to combat that is making sure my hair is hydrated.

Hair By Sam McKnight Stronger Love Rejuvenate & Repair Spray, £32

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I’ve swapped my styling spray to Hair By Sam McKnight Stronger Love Rejuvenate & Repair Spray, £32, which weightlessly detangles, strengthens and protects against heat damage.

Redken All Soft All-in Mask, £20

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And I’ve swapped my conditioner for Redken All Soft All-In Mask, £20, which works in just three minutes, so I don’t have to get out of the shower to let it work.

4. Pout perfectors

Naturium Phyto-Glow Lip Mask, £15

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Over the summer, E45 Itch Relief Gel, £10.90, sat on my bedside table. But given chafing, sunburn and insect bites don’t plague me nearly as frequently in the winter, I’ve replaced it with Naturium Phyto-Glow Lip Mask, £15, to try to keep chapped lips at bay before the worst of the winter weather sets in.

E45 Itch Relief Gel, £12.99