The autumnal winds of change are finally upon us. It seems redundant to keep bringing up, but, boy, has 2020 been an interesting ride. And I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that I am finding some solace in a bit of retail therapy. I’ve tried to find mostly small and woman-owned businesses to patronize, but I’m not perfect.

Below are a few of my recent favorite purchases and why I love them:

Beauty Counter Overnight Resurfacing Peel

Beauty Counter’s Overnight Resurfacing Peel

I mean, where do I even begin? If you haven’t been living under a rock and on social media in the past 12 months, you’ve probably stumbled across this magic peel. It is a Roomba for your face, using glycol and malic acids derived from lactic acid to help slough away the dull dead skin layer that we all seem to have once colder weather starts to appear.

After oil cleansing with my homemade oil cleansing balm, I apply BC’s peel and seal it in with a serum and occlusive balm (like the tallow balm mentioned below). I wake up with brighter skin and fewer fine lines, which I am more than okay with. It is a little pricey ($63), but it lasts forever! Seriously one bottle lasts 4-6 months.

Square Frame Obnoxious Blue Blockers

I added my own flair to that title if you couldn’t tell. I love these blue blockers and they have reignited my love of wearing them at night. Even though I don’t think they’re the greatest quality (they’re $6.99…….) They do block out the harsher blue tones and I actually wear them, so I call that a win.

I love the larger frame because the lenses are able to cover more of my face, unlike some of my other blue blocking glasses. With these, I feel like less light can leak through due to their larger perimeter on my face. I also think they the sisterhood of the traveling pants version of glasses, because anyone who tries them on looks good in them?

Beekeeper’s Naturals Propolis Throat Spray

Propolis is the antiseptic the bees produce and use in the hive to prevent large bacterial outbreaks and overgrowths. It is such a wonderful immune support for the colder months. I use this spray two ways, as a preventative measure when I know I’ll be around a lot of people, aka public transit and gatherings. And also as support when I am starting to feel a tickle in my throat. I also, not going to lie, love to spray it occasionally just because it tastes so damn good.

Hyaluronic Acid Serum

This serum isn’t perfect on the ingredient scale, but I’ve yet to find a hyaluronic acid serum that is. Hyaluronic acid is a water-loving compound that holds up to 1000x its weight in water. What does this mean? It is incredibly plumping and helps make skin look fresh and plumped up when used. I like to add a spray of rose water to really drive up that fresh angel face vibe.

Applying an HA serum to your face allows for the HA to bind with water and the collagen found in your skin making it firmer and more hydrated. For the price, this is the most effective HA serum I have found. I buy it with my Thrive Market orders, but it is also available through Amazon and Vitacost.

Agent Nateur Aime Probiotic Deodorant

Probiotics are all the rage right now, why not add them to your armpits as well? All kidding aside, Agent Nateur is my go-to for effective, gentle, aluminum-free deodorant. I love the original iteration of Agent Nateur’s deodorant, but I decided to switch it up this time. With sweet notes of grapefruit and jasmine, along with the bacteria loving acidophilus probiotics found in this formula, I think I have a new favorite.

Kossma Tallow Beauty Balm

Move over Vaseline, there’s a new occlusive in town. I am new-ish to the world (and concept) of PUFA (poly-unsaturated fatty acid) free skincare, but Kossma’s Tallow Balm has made me a convert almost overnight. This is the richest balm to oil stick, and yet I have yet to have a clogged pore or issue with using this balm religiously. I love to use it, as I mentioned, as an occlusive, or sealant to my nighttime skincare routine. After cleansing, applying serums and moisturizers, I’ll seal everything in with this balm.

While it is fragrance free, the light scent of honey from the beeswax and the gentle aroma of the calendula and chamomile that are included in the formula are hard to miss. This is such a soothing balm, I can’t wait to combat my chapped cheeks and lips with this product all winter long.

Pure Synergy Vitamin C capsules

Nothing pleases me more when I can find a high-quality, food-sourced supplement that is affordable too! Not to mention a beauty superfood too, and yet, Pure Synergy’s vitamin C capsules is just that! I do not do most vitamin C supplements because they are in the form of ascorbic acid, which is derived from corn and does not act the same as natural, whole-food vitamin C in the body (in fact, some studies have shown that ascorbic acid depletes your copper stores when ingested).

These capsules are now a regular routine for me during the colder months when I can’t get as much fresh fruit and veg. Vitamin C helps with immune function and the synthesizing of collagen in the body. Plus the whole food forms found in this supplement: acerola berry, camu camu, and cranberry are all great antioxidants as well!

Kosas Color + Light Palette

Everyone is always asking me for cleaner make up products, so here ya go! I wouldn’t say this was a knock out of the park, ingredient-wise, but it’s much better than most palettes, and the colors are incredibly versatile and dreamy on your cheeks and lids. The color combo pictured is Velvet Melon, but there are two other duo options that are equally gorgeous.

I have been a fan of Kosas or awhile now, but this is one of my recent favorites. This palette travels with me because it can be used in so many flattering ways, plus the colors go so well with almost any eye shadow or lip choice!

Beauty Care Naturals Daily Sun Lotion

Listen, I am a huge fan of the sun. I think it has so many healing benefits, but I also know that the skin on my face is quite delicate and has a lot of freckles, so I like to have a good balance of protection. Unfortunately, there are so many harsh chemicals in most daily sunscreen skincare and the more natural stuff usually casts a white pall on my skin.

Luckily I didn’t give up my search and found this stuff. Not only does it use non-nano zinc as its active sunscreen ingredient, but it also has a lot of other botanicals to support the epidermis, such as white willow bark. It also goes on smoothly and doesn’t leave a tacky film. I’ve been using it for about a month and I really like the protection it gives me without being too overkill.