Fall always brings a sense of renewal. As the weather cools and the days shorten, I find myself reaching for richer textures in my wardrobe, more grounding fragrances, and skincare that leans into moisture. Between teaching, motherhood, and the chaos of a kitchen renovation, these seasonal shifts in my routine feel grounding—a small ritual of self-care that steadies the pace of busy days.
Over the past few weeks, I’ve been exploring new launches from Tom Ford and Byredo, experimenting with reformulated classics, and curating a roster of hydrating skincare staples. The result? A fall edit of beauty and style discoveries that balance performance with luxury.
Tom Ford Beauty: Fresh Staples for Complexion
Tom Ford’s recent releases deserve attention, particularly the Shade & Illuminate Blush in Peach Poison and the Shade & Illuminate Concealer in Hazel.
The blush, a dual compact, delivers a customizable flush with a texture that is both velvety and buildable. Peach Poison immediately struck me as a clever multitasker—it bridges the gap between blush and bronzer, sculpting the face while adding a warm wash of color. Its neutral undertones make it versatile across skin tones, from fair to deep.
The concealer, infused with hyaluronic acid, has quickly become a standout. Where many full-coverage concealers can feel dry or mask-like, this formula is smooth, nourishing, and long-lasting. Hazel, with its subtle apricot undertones, brightens the under-eye area while resisting creasing. I also tested Golden, a touch lighter, which will suit me perfectly once my late-summer tan fades. This concealer performs beautifully—especially if you’ve ever found Tom Ford’s Emotion-Proof concealer too drying. Consider this an elevated yet practical investment.
During a recent store visit, I managed to swatch all 20 concealer shades, and the range is impressively inclusive. Whether you’re olive, neutral, or deep-toned, there’s likely a seamless match.
Byredo Beauty: Edgy Yet Refined
Byredo’s entry into beauty was one of last year’s most intriguing launches, and now that the line is available at Nordstrom, I couldn’t resist.
The Byredo Eyeliner in Technical Black offers jet-black pigment with a glossy finish that stays put—a rare feat for liquid liners prone to smudging. It’s sharp, dramatic, and ideal for a fall cat eye.
Equally compelling is the Byredo Lipstick in Vieux Rose. This plum-rose hybrid, laced with a subtle shimmer, feels like autumn in a tube. It’s not just another rosy lipstick; it’s distinctive, a touch moody, and perfect for the season. Both products feel like fresh yet timeless additions to my routine.
Foundation Updates: Two New Loves
Foundation formulas are constantly evolving, and two recent additions to my collection stand out.
First is the Bobbi Brown Intensive Serum Foundation SPF 40/30. I initially discovered it through an ad (yes, Instagram got me) and was intrigued by the natural, luminous coverage. The texture is fluid but not runny, gliding over skin to deliver medium-to-full coverage with a plumped, hydrated finish. My shade match, Honey, blends effortlessly, and the formula resists creasing for an all-day glow.
Then there’s the reformulated Kevyn Aucoin Sensual Skin Complexion Enhancer. A cult favorite in the early Beauty Professor days, it always impressed me with its high coverage, though I wished for a fragrance-free version. The update delivers exactly that, plus waterproof wear. It’s versatile enough to function as a foundation, concealer, or even a sheer veil depending on how you apply it. I’m awaiting shade #11 but have already swatched #7, #9, and #10, and the texture remains every bit as transformative as I remember—lightweight yet full-coverage.
Lip Color Worth Collecting
This season, my lip lineup has been dominated by Bobbi Brown’s Luxe Defining Lipstick. Packaged in a slim, precision bullet, it applies with the ease of a liner but offers the creamy payoff of a lipstick. The built-in sharpener is a thoughtful touch, ensuring clean lines with every application.
Two shades have my heart: Romance, a rosy nude-beige perfect for subtle over-lining, and Violet Vision, a pink-leaning mauve that strikes the balance between soft and bold. Both shades are richly pigmented, hydrating, and long-wearing—everything you want from a fall lipstick.
Skincare: A Hydration Edit
Cooler weather means one thing: more moisture. I’ve been rotating five formulas to keep skin supple and radiant.
- U Beauty The Super Hydrator: Delivers glassy, dewy skin in seconds—like you’ve just downed a gallon of water.
- Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream: Luxurious hydration with a plumping effect; a worthy splurge for bouncy, nourished skin.
- Guerlain Abeille Royale Advanced Youth Watery Oil: Lightweight yet potent, this hybrid sinks in immediately while cloaking the skin in comfort.
- Clé de Peau Beauté Radiant Multi Repair Oil: A multitasking oil that calms and restores; mix into foundation for added luminosity.
- Sisley Black Rose Cream Mask: The ultimate rescue for parched skin—fifteen minutes later, you’re radiant and silky-soft.
Alongside these, I’ve been enjoying the Omorovicza Gentle Buffing Gelee (a daily exfoliant that never irritates), the Agent Nateur Holi Oil Ageless Body Serum (hydration with a luminous finish for the limbs), and the Oribe Conditioner for Brilliance and Shine, which keeps hair glossy and light-catching.
The Bottom Line
This fall edit has been about blending discovery with refinement—new treasures from Tom Ford and Byredo, updated classics like Kevyn Aucoin’s enhancer, and skincare essentials that help skin thrive as the air turns crisp. Each product feels intentional, whether it’s a concealer that doubles as skincare or a lipstick that elevates everyday makeup into something polished and seasonally appropriate.
As the season continues, I’ll be integrating more of these finds into my daily routine—and sharing swatches, tests, and new favorites along the way. After all, fall is about transformation, and beauty, at its best, is one of the most enjoyable ways to embrace it.