With August slipping away (seriously, how did that happen so fast?), my focus is shifting from easy summer routines to fresh fall updates. This change in seasons feels especially real as I prep to teach seven online college classes by month’s end. Naturally, I’ve been leaning into beauty and style as a way to mark the transition—exploring Valentino Beauty’s much-anticipated launches at Nordstrom along with some skincare and fragrance discoveries that feel perfectly suited for autumn.
Valentino Beauty: Where Luxury Meets Everyday Wear
After receiving countless requests to review Valentino’s new line, I dove into three products that instantly spoke to me. Beyond the gorgeous red-and-gold packaging (seriously, it’s art on your vanity), the formulas themselves make this collection worth the hype.
Very Valentino 24-Hour Wear Foundation
I’ve tested more foundations than I can count, so when I say this one impresses, it truly does. The shade Medium Amber 4 (NC 35 match) melted into my skin with seamless precision. Coverage is medium-to-full in just one pump, leaving a natural matte that gracefully evolves into a satin finish throughout the day. On a humid afternoon running errands, it didn’t crease, fade, or pool—my skin looked freshly applied six hours later. While I haven’t stretched it to a full 24 hours, its staying power is the real deal.
Eye2Cheek in 09 Poudre
Versatility is always a win in my book, and this cream-to-powder formula doubles beautifully as eyeshadow and blush. Online, the shade appeared peach, but in person it leans soft salmon-pink—a universally flattering hue. A quick fingertip blend across lids and cheeks creates a cohesive, luminous look that feels effortless.
Rosso Valentino Refillable Lipstick in Hot Beige (101A)
This is one of those shades that seems custom-made to flatter. A rosy-pink nude with subtle peach undertones, it strikes that perfect balance of sophistication and ease. The creamy, weightless texture deposits full color in one swipe, and I’ve found myself reaching for it almost daily. If you’re dipping your toes into Valentino Beauty, this is where to start.
Skincare Shifts: Repairing and Renewing
After a summer of diligent sunscreen (Supergoop! Unseen SPF 40 has been my savior), freckles and a few stubborn dark spots still appear. Fall is my reset season, and I’ve been turning to targeted skincare to brighten and strengthen.
Sisley-Paris Radiance Anti-Dark Spot Serum + Anti-Age Cream
This power pair delivers peptide-rich hydration and visible refinement. The serum’s gel texture is featherlight yet transformative, while the cream adds a luxe layer of nourishment. Used consistently, the duo not only softens fine lines but also brightens skin tone. I’ve also relied on their Eye and Lip Contour Cream for years—the ceramic massage tool makes application a mini ritual.
Clé de Peau Softening Cleansing Foam
A cleanser that removes every trace of makeup while leaving skin cushioned and calm? This one nails it. Thick cream transforms into pillowy foam, striking the perfect balance between effective and gentle.
Agent Nateur Holi Glow Ageless Eye Serum
Botanical-rich and featherlight, this serum hydrates while imparting a soft radiance around the eyes—or anywhere you need a little extra glow. I even stash one in my bag for on-the-go refreshment.
Hair, Body, and a Touch of Fragrance
Seasonal shifts are hard on hair and skin, so I’ve been leaning into protective, nourishing picks.
- Oribe Bright Blonde Sun Lightening Mist has been my go-to for sunlit highlights all summer—no bleach, no damage, just natural, gradual brightness.
- Slip Silk Pillowcase remains a nighttime non-negotiable. Fewer tangles, less breakage, and a luxe sleeping experience.
- Sisley-Paris Black Rose Beautifying Emulsion is the perfect in-between cream for fall—hydrating without heaviness, with a fragrance that feels like a treat.
- Agent Nateur Uni Sex No. 5 Deodorant balances clean ingredients with real performance. Fresh, sensual, and reliable.
- For fragrance, Parfums de Marly Pegasus Exclusif is pure autumn elegance—bergamot and lavender meet warm oud and amber, evoking crisp evenings without leaning into cliché spice notes.
Transitioning Makeup: Bridging Summer and Fall
While Valentino’s foundation has been my anchor, I’ve also been rotating two other standouts:
- Clé de Peau Radiant Cream Foundation O50—a top-five favorite of mine for its silky medium coverage that lasts flawlessly all day.
- BY TERRY Hyaluronic Hydra-Foundation 400N—hydrating, lightweight, and universally flattering, especially for dry-prone skin.
For concealing, Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Concealer (Shade 6) brightens and smooths without caking. I set it with Laura Mercier Light Catcher Powder in Honey Star, which blurs while imparting a subtle golden glow.
Blush has been the Kosas Color and Light Duo in Contrachroma—a neutral, bronzer-meets-blush shade that simplifies the routine. For highlight, I can’t quit the Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Beauty Light Wand, which adds a lit-from-within radiance that never fails.
On the eyes, I’ve been alternating between Dior 24-Hour Style Eyeliner in Matte Green for a hint of unexpected color and a spectrum of rosy-nude lip liners and lipsticks. Beyond Valentino’s Hot Beige, two other current loves are Sisley-Paris Beige Manhattan, a deeper rosy nude, and MAC Lustreglass Lipstick in Thanks, It’s MAC, a universally flattering pink-mauve with shine.
The Bottom Line
As summer fades and fall edges in, I’m finding joy in beauty rituals that feel both comforting and invigorating. Valentino’s collection delivers luxury with purpose, while skincare and fragrance staples help reset and renew. This season, I’m embracing radiance, resilience, and a touch of indulgence—because transitions deserve to be celebrated.