We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.
Because, like it or not, winter is coming.
Most of us have experienced that heart sinking moment when we realise that summer is over (or what we called in 2021 'those five days of good weather'). Hot Girl Summer is no more, Halloween is around the corner - and just like that the clocks are about to go back and we're all waking up in pitch black once again.
We shouldn't underestimate how hard it is to adjust to the onset of winter: the colder days, spatters of torrential rain and blustering wind, and, of course, the lower light levels. Leaving home for work before the sun rises and coming back after it sets is tough, no matter how many years we've done it.
Psychotherapist Lee Pycroft describes how, ‘around winter, as the light decreases some people experience the winter blues. This can vary in severity and can be due to a disturbance of our circadian rhythms, or, what we call our body clocks. When our circadian rhythm is not set, we can encounter low mood, sleep disturbance and loss of interest in usual activities.' Or, what can be referred to as SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder). It's real, and it sucks.
'Memories of last winter, and being in lockdown where we would not have been able to meet our emotional needs in the usual way for connection, security and autonomy could be causing a sense of dread coming up to this winter, especially if you perceived your experience negatively,' Pycroft continues.
With changing clocks comes changing light patterns and, inevitably, a depressing feeling that we may never see sunlight again. 'Our biology is set to work with the light and dark cycle,' explains Pycroft. 'At night our body is a different place to during the day. Think of it like being in a factory where different parts of your body need to work on different schedules. Viewing morning sunlight for around 10 minutes within two hours of sunrise and preferably evening sunlight too - around the time of sunset or near those times - is essential for instructing the brain when to be active and when to rest.'
Luckily, there are easy changes you can make to your daily routine to help alleviate the effects of SAD and the changing clocks. 'We can make the transition to winter easier by creating the right environment, taking action and leaning into the winter season,' explains Pycroft. 'Look for the parts you can enjoy and find ways to meet some of your emotional needs that are easy and accessible.'
Spiritual healer, Emma Lucy Knowles adds, 'The season phases have such an impact on our mind body and spirit, so making space to adjust means that the lack of light, or the slower, thicker energy doesn’t feel so shocking when it arrives. We can readdress it as a positive, a time where we can nurture all the changes and evolutions we have seen through the fire of summer, the growth and release of spring and autumn.’
So what are the small things we can do to stave off any anxiety that comes with the new season, and how can we best embrace all the good parts? Read on for the expert beauty hacks for tackling SAD and upping wellness as the seasons change...
Sylvia Plath famously wrote, 'there must be quite a few things a hot bath won't cure, but I don't know many of them.' And how right she was. One of the most relaxing things to do as the days and nights get colder is take the time to immerse yourself in a hot bath. It can help everything from sleep (the temperature drop as you leave the bath triggers your body to get ready for sleep) to helping you destress. Adding magnesium salts or scented bath oils containing ingredients known for their soothing properties such as lavender adds to the relaxing environment.
‘This time can also be incredibly isolating – both energetically and emotionally. It’s an incredibly reflective time, so be sure not to push yourself too hard. One thing to do is set yourself a weekly check in or treat, be that anything from a bath or a massage,' says Knowles. '
Something neuroscientist and holistic wellness expert Leigh Winters confirms. 'Luxurious bubble baths are a great nervous system reset.'
'Rituals can help give a sense of control and security as they consist of a sequence of known actions,' says Pycroft. 'Consider creating a cleansing ritual where you use sensory products and breathe out for two counts longer than you breath in. This will mobilise your para- sympathetic nervous system - the body's calming response - and this is the antidote to diminishing stress and opening up clearer thinking.'
Don't underestimate the pleasure you can get from the simple act of lighting a candle. Think of it as a ritual to dictate the time of day or new mood. For many people working from home, the division of working and relaxing in the same place is hard to distinguish, and this is made even more difficult when it's already dark by the time you close your laptop and switch off. Lighting a candle can be a way to tell your body and brain that this is the time to relax now.
'Avoiding bright light in the evening, especially overhead light and using side lights or candle light can help create a relaxing environment,' says Pycroft. 'These actions will help set the circadian rhythms to align with the changing season and help buffer against the winter blues.'
Weighing over 1kg, this is a whopper of a candle. With sharp ginger and woody Haitian cardamom, one light of this and you'll instantly feel like you're in a spa.
We're not sure what we love more about this candle - the five wicks or the bergamot, açai berry, amber notes we smell when we light it come 7pm. Regardless, it's a winner in our eyes.
With a 60 hour burn time, this candle not only adds a pop of colour to any room but it smells as light as it does delicious.
We're not sure if we love the scent – cherry blossom and rice milk -, the burnt time of 50 hours or the holder more.
The holder itself is a work of art, but we particularly love the immediate hit of hinoki and patchouli top notes, as well as the base amber, labdanum, oakmoss and musky tones.
The perfect centre piece to any table, L'Objet's candle was modelled on an antique birdcage. Thought it couldn't get any better? The candle is also fragranced with the brand's signature scent - pink champagne.
This candle instantly brightens up our mood thanks to its jasmine, saffron, cedarwood and ambergris notes. The bright red label and gold writing also merits an interior's 'tick' in our book.
We want this three wick, naturally scented candle in every room in our home. The fact it's hand painted in 22 carat gold makes it even more exciting.
As close to the green, savoury scent of a real life tomato vine as candles get, LOEWE's bright red ceramic offering brings the outside in.
Named after a mythological Egyptian snake god, this candle's aroma consists of Persian blue salt, seaweed, water moss and liquorice essence. The fact its contained in a Richard Ginori porcelain vessel is a real bonus.
Fornasetti's signature design is instantly recognisable and smells as good as it looks. Its scent is infused with herby Thyme and Lavender that mix with Birch, Cedarwood and Orris blooms. Pop it in your bathroom for the ultimate, bouji bath.
Cire Trudon have collaborated with Giambattista Valli to create this luxuriously, scented 'Positano' candle. If it makes us feel like we're in the Amalfi coast, we're sold!
Transporting you to the plains of California after a desert storm, this unique candle captures the exact sensation of standing among fresh Eucalyptus, sea spray and wild magnolia. When you can't fly to California, burn this instead.
Leave this candle burning next to you while you're working from home and you'll be transported to a summer garden. We promise.
Inspired by the warm, inviting atmosphere at Little Beach House Barcelona, the zesty Bianco candle is the next best thing to actually being there.
It won't just make your dining room smell divine, it's the perfect centre piece to any dinner party.
This chic grey candle is understated in looks, vegan-friendly in formula and comfortingly old school in scent. With notes of leather, amber, rose and saffron, this warming candle is more cosy worn in arm chair than boozy cocktail.
Is it a unicorn? Is it a sheep? No, it's the best candle we've ever seen. It might cost you just under £500 but this joyful porcelain and gold candle from L'Objet and American artists the Haas Brothers will bring a smile to your face every time you light its four wicks.
Presented in a hand-decorated porcelain jar, Ginori 1735's citrino candle smells as beautiful as it looks. A musky base developing into a woody, lightly floral heart and topped off with a reinvigorating bouquet of fresh citrus, lime and spearmint, what's not to love?
Named after the symbol of female empowerment Yoruba Queen Idia, Liha's hand-poured candle is all about championing women. Made with eco-friendly coconut wax and scented with lavender, hibiscus and frankincense, this is one seriously soothing candle.
Perfect for the minimalists out there, Aesop's candle is as simple as it is stunning. It's described as 'a flawless marriage of deep greens and earthy spices', and we're sold.
Everyone has a Jo Malone fragrance that is 'theirs' (and if you don't, they do an excellent scent consultation to find yours), so why stop at your skin? We'll be filling our home with the heady Pomegranate Noir, an old favourite.
Made from organic soy wax and hand poured into mouth-blown glass by skilled craftsmen, L:A Bruket's grapefruit will add a punchy, fruit aroma to any room.
Astier de Villatte’s Hollywood scented candle is as dramatic as it's namesake. Iris and patchouli with added cedarwood and eucalyptus is as glam as you're going to get.
Collingwood of Somerset's orange blossom and fig candle smells good enough to eat. You also won't be able to resist their match bottles.
We love these simple decorated candles, that come in a range of colours to suit any interiors palette. This one, scented with ylang ylang and jasmine, smells tropical and fresh.
This scent might be classified as 'masculine', but we can't resist the smoky, deep, room-filling fragrance. If you're not a floral kinda girl, give this a try.
A candle that reminds you both of spring, but also the sea? Sign us up. Any sophisticated house is bound to require a Diptyque candle.
If there's one thing Tom Ford knows how to do, it's create a scent. And his Lost cherry candle is no different. Think fruit, cherry liqueur and syrup.
Orange, patchouli and cardamon give this a festive vibe, but not too much that you couldn't burn it all year round. Once finished, the glass is iconic enough to keep as a permanent ornament.
Vanilla and sandalwood is a fairly popular combination of scents, balancing smoky and sweet, but this smells anything but average. We defy anyone to re-gift this (or anything Byredo).
Santal 26 is a good entry point into Le Labo candles, as it's a delicate, sweeter version of their iconic Santal 33. Smoky, leathery but with added vanilla. Seriously yum.
Feeling a little wound up? Or know somebody who could do with taking a chill pill? Well this Neom candle is basically maxin-relaxin' vibes in candle form. Yes it's lavender based, but not heavily so.
If a candle could be high fashion, it would be Fornasetti's. A piece of art in itself, it's basically a collector's item. Instant chic points added to any home.
Originally this scent was only available in their hand and body creams, but lucky for us they've expanded the range to allow the addictive spicy scent to create an atmosphere in any room.
A candle to infuse warmth and calm into your living space. It’s the perfect substitute for those who don’t have, but long for, a fire.
If you're a fan of zero-waste Keep Candle is for you. Once their candles have melted down the ceramic holder becomes a mug so you can use it again and again.
Another way to supercharge your body for a new season, is to change your perfume. ‘Fragrance can be functional,' says Winters. 'See it as a resource in your mental health toolbox that can help you adjust and settle into winter. Our olfactory cortex is located in the brain's temporal lobe, which processes sensory input. This olfactory processing region is also part of our limbic system, which includes the amygdala and hippocampus – closely linking our emotional responses and memories. Scent is highly personal in what it evokes so explore what works for you as you need comfort or space this season.
'In winter, I love wearing gourmand and amber-based fragrances with hints of spice. They have this incredibly nostalgic, warm, and comforting draw for me. I’m also currently loving dynamic, solar white florals and coconut accords, which embody the antithesis of cold winter. Everyone has their own subjective taste when it comes to perfume, so lean into what gives you the good goosebumps and puts a smile on your face. One whiff can take you to a different mental space and feel grounding.’
The notes: Incense, Turkish rose, vetiver
The vibe: Part of Diptyque's limited edition 'Grand Tour Collection', this 'Kyoto' scent celebrates the art of ikebana flower arranging and includes notes that represent the three pillars of heaven, man and earth. The best bit? It comes wrapped in an exclusive Furoshiki cloth designed by Diptyque's founders.
The notes: Black leather, patchouli, vetiver, violet, jasmine
The vibe: Hitting the sweet spot between heady white florals and comforting autumn smokey notes of leather and patchouli, this is so legitimately intoxicating you'll want to spritz it over and over again.
The notes: Orange blossom, tuberose, sandalwood, vanilla
The vibe: A classic white floral fragrance with an eco twist, Armani's consciously sourced scent and refillable bottle are given a heady tuberose twist for 2021.
The notes: Violet leaf, golden gardenia, muget, amber, sandalwood
The vibe: Described as 'a celebration of the great outdoors on a crisp Autumn day' it doesn't get more spot on for seasonal scents. Think sun-dappled woodland, crisp air and greenery.
The notes: Cassis, neroli, mimosa, cedar, organic rose
The vibe: The latest addition to Chloe's collection of delightful ribboned bottles of perfume, Naturelle boasts a vegan formula with 100% natural origin ingredients. Aside from the eco credentials, it smells delicious too - think uplifting woody florals.
The notes: Cherry blossom, blackcurrant, geranium
The vibe: If you're not ready to let go of the balmy summer evenings quite yet, then a spritz of this juicy fruity floral is all you need to be transported back in time. Ripe stone fruits and geranium leaf make for the most lush secret garden scent.
The notes: Jasmine absolute, bergamot, crystal moss, bourbon vanilla
The vibe: If a rich, dolce vita-worthy going-out-out perfume is what you're after than this is it. A little bit sweet, a little bit earthy, a little bit fruity, a lot totally fabulous, it's glamour in a bottle.
The vibe: Have your cake and eat it too with two of Narciso Rodriguez's iconic scents layered together in a genius mini duo. Opt for the classic 'For Her', go moodier with the 'Pure Musc', or wear both together for the ultimate bespoke fragranc
The notes: Silver rain, orchid, sensual musk
The vibe: If, in fact, you're a fan of the wetter autumn weather, then All Saints' celebration of the season 'Concrete Rain' is right up your street. Combining soft musk notes with a metallic rain accord, it's the ideal low-key weekend perfume for a leafy walk outside.
The notes: Basil, lily of the valley, jasmine, patchouli
The vibe: An ode to the iconic scents of the 1970s, this faux green fragrance brings together the unexpected but happy combination of herbaceous basil, traditional English lily of the valley and synthetic blackcurrant for a lush modern take on the classic leafy scent.
The notes: Grapefruit, blackcurrant, lily of the valley, jasmine, magnolia
The vibe: A more classic use of the traditionally spring-time lily of the valley, Acqua Di Parma give the true floral a citrus twist courtest of zingy bergamot and grapefruit.
The notes: Vanilla, rum, patchouli, cocoa
The vibe: With all the ingredients of a rich chocolate cake, you'd be forgiven for expecting Dior's latest addition to their La Collection Privée colognes to be sickly sweet (it was inspired by a French pastry after all), but you'd be wrong. Perfumer Francois Demachy takes the over-used but no less beloved vanilla and refines it to Dior levels of fragrance excellence. A true ode to the ingredient, this is warm, a dash boozy and yes, a little sweet.
'Getting a good night's sleep will help us all deal with daily challenges more effectively, so consider how you could refresh your bedroom into a place you can cocoon yourself, entice sleep and that feels secure,' advises Pycroft.
'Try some new bedding, pillows or a soft blanket as this can help create a new association with this winter season.'
A small but effective addition to your daily routine could be a supplement. When we're not getting enough Vitamin D, for example, it can lead to us feeling sluggish, fatigued and low. Take with your evening meal or while you're doing your morning or nighttime skincare routine for a bonus shot of self care that works from the inside out.
Augustinus Bader is the crème de la crème when it comes to perfecting scientific skincare formulations, so we were pretty excited when we learnt they were launching their first supplement. Each sachet is packed full of prebiotics, probiotics, adaptogens, anti-oxidants, and a whole host of powerful vitamins, specifically formulated with a biodelivery system that ensures your body actually absorbs the nutrients as opposed to it going to waste. The results? A reduction in fine lines, a radiant complexion and increased firmness. We'll take 10, please.
Collagen might be getting a good rep thanks to the plumping, firming and all-round rejuvenating effect it has on our skin, but we can sometimes forget that collagen carries great benefits for the health of our nails and hair too. This Marine Collagen Powder from Vida Glow comes in five delicious flavours, all you need to do is stir a sachet into your drink and go.
It seems like a no-brainer to create supplements with a personalised approach, especially when we're so invested with the beauty products we chose. Nourished create 3D printed gummies that sideline the hard-to-swallow nature of normal supplements and are individual to each person. All you have to do is answer a quick quiz on your lifestyle choices and what you want to achieve, choose a flavour, and voila. Personalised (and rather tasty) supplements straight to your door.
There are a multitude of reasons that we start to lose volume in our hair, from lifestyle changes to fluctuating hormones, and the fix isn't always quick. We were however suitably impressed by The Nue Co's hair growth supplement, whose clinical studies not only showed increased thickness in existing hair and less shedding, but stronger growth in patches that were previously sparse.
Carrying on FaceGym's line of skincare innovations is their first supplement, Active Blast. Not what you might expect, these freeze-dried vegan collagen spheres are designed to be added to your water-based serum and applied to the skin topically for best absorption. We love that the quickly apparent results (glowy, smooth-textured skin for days) make them perfect to use in preparation for a special event.
Sometimes a heavy weekend can hit you with the kind of tiredness where even three back-to-back Pret coffees don't touch the sides. The good news is, Biocol Labs have put over 40 years of expertise into their plant-based ampoules, combining magnesium, ginseng, and a cocktail of vitamins to seriously improve your energy levels. Dilute into your morning beverage or stir into your breakfast (note, this works better with yoghurt than it does toast) and face the week ahead with a new lease of life.
Detoxing sounds like hard work doesn't it? Days (or a week) of juices, exercise and little else. Withdrawal symptoms. NO COFFEE. We like the sound of this instead: a daily pill powered by 13 detoxifying ingredients to cleanse the body, fill it with nutrients and defend with antioxidants. And a happy body means happy skin, hair and nails. Hold the juice diet, thanks.
Drinking collagen isn't for everyone (especially since some of the early options were barely palatable) but this berry flavoured daily drink not only tastes nice, but has one of the best formulas. The vegan blend not only targets skin health (with fruit-based vitamins) but also harnessing bio-fermented ingredients to nourish the gut.
If oily skin is your issue, this could be a solution. Formulated specifically to help keep skin clear and calm, the Saw Palmetto Berry Extract is the key ingredient to keep sebum and spots at bay. Even if oily skin isn't your main issue, this is a great option for anyone looking for a vegan skin supplement.
Describing this as a 'suckable supplement' might sound a bit weird, but that is kind of spot on... A hybrid of a supplement, mouthwash and breath mint, this refreshes your mouth and supports the good bacteria inside it with a blend of gum and tooth friendly vitamins.
If there's one person that knows about good skin it's facialist to the stars and the woman behind Meghan Markle's wedding skin, Sarah Chapman. Treat your skin from the inside out whilst you're sleeping with Chapman's overnight supplement duo. This two part system is formulated with 26 micro nutrients to help hydrate and nourish skin whilst also encouraging a relaxing eight hours rest. Did someone say beauty sleep?
Klorane are all about improving the quality of your hair by harnessing the power of nature and their keratin capsules do just that. Take one capsule with water each morning and let the blend of keratin, zinc, vitamins and selenium get to work on strengthening your hair and nails.
Votary is famous for harnessing the power of seed extracts to boost their skincare, and this is no different. Formulated to work alongside your skincare, but from within, the blend of vitamins (such as vitamin A to help cells repair and C as an antioxidant) and seeds is like a natural, glow-boosting cocktail for your skin.
Tasty, vegan and more affordable that many hair supplements, these gummies contain zinc, biotin and selenium to strengthen not only your hair, but your nails and skin too. A whole host of other vitamins means it works even harder as your daily multivitamin too.
Harnessing the UK-based brand's hero ingredient, MSM (a naturally-occurring form of sulphur that boost skin cells) this daily supplement helps to improve skin structure, as well as strengthening hair and nails.
You can use all the right shampoos and products, but sometimes a little help from within is required to boost healthy hair growth. These (actually quite tasty) gummies aim to stimulate the molecules in the follicles to give hair growth a hefty push. Their clinical study data is pretty impressive as well: 86% of users noticed a significant improvement in their hair.
Repairing your skin barrier is important in maintaining a bouncy, healthy complexion, and these supplements are made to do just that. A blend of collagen, aloe vera, hyaluronic acid and ceramides will work to supercharge the hydration in your skin, meaning things will look and feel smoother, firmer, better.
We all know about hyaluronic acid by now right? RIGHT? Well that moisturising, hydration-boosting skincare ingredient can also work from the inside. Naturally occurring in the body, it decreases as we age, so a little boost via these supplements will help to restore hydration levels and improve overall condition of the skin.
This multivitamin contains a mix of 22 nutrients, meaning not only will you be boosting overall health, but your skin, hair and nails will reap the benefits too. The inclusion of biotin, copper, zinc and iodine specifically mean great news for a healthier complexion and hair growth. A wonderful, all-in-one option.
If it's good enough for Elle Macpherson, it's good enough for us. The original and the best powder beauty supplement The Super Elixir combines vitamins, Chinese herbs, enzymes, super-greens, and pre- and probiotics for an all over health boost.
Think of this as a dose of caffeine for your skin. The powder includes vitamin C and E to turn up the skin glow wattage whilst the antioxidant properties help minimise the effects of environmental damage on skin. Hey, if it works for Gwyneth, it works for us.
Ideal to try if you’re looking for Julia Roberts in the 90’s volume. There’s a mixture of amino acids and vitamin C which Kalinik explains as ‘amino acids (the building blocks of protein) crucially provide the key component to encourage hair growth. Vitamin C provides antioxidant benefits, supporting collagen production and iron absorption, crucial for healthy hair’.
Never seem to be able to drink enough water to satisfy your skin? It’s time to turn to supplements to bring in the big guns. These capsules feature a powerful duo of hyaluronic acid and ceramides, to act like a magnet for hydration. Long term results plumped pillow-like skin and a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles.
With one set to take at night and one to take in the morning, these supplements work to keep the body and mind ticking throughout all hours of the day. The morning vitamin cocktail mix includes magnesium and Vitamin C to keep energy levels high, whilst the night capsules use minerals zinc, magnesium and iodine to help skin rest and renew overnight.
Recommended by endless beauty experts including facialist Nichola Joss, Symprove is a daily drink designed to deliver beneficial bacteria to your gut. Better gut health equals better digestion, better skin and all round better you.
Hairstylists all over the UK recommend Philip Kingsley's soya-based supplement for hair worthy of a shampoo-ad. Rather cleverly, the nutrients and amino acids are absorbed by the hair follicle during the growth stage where they work hard to construct keratin, the protein that makes hair stronger and shinier. The results aren't instantaneous but they are pretty much unquestionable.
More than just an Instagram-worthy accessory to place on your dressing table, crystals can channel different energy into your day to day environment to help lift your mood. ‘Tend to your energy first and foremost, and that will in turn help your mood,' says Knowles. 'We can use crystals to ensure the body is getting enough light. Carnelian would be my go-to here. I also cannot recommend the use of a SAD lamp enough: turn to this rather than the light of your phone. This will help with releasing the feel-good hormone serotonin melatonin to help sleep.’
A post shared by Emma Lucy (Mini) (@your_emmalucy)