From K-Beauty Gems to Hair Styling Heroes: My No-Gatekeeping New Season Beauty Edit

I’m not sure if it’s the changing humidity or simply spending less time outdoors, but my skin always looks a little dull and congested as we move into winter. Beauty of Joseon is one of Korea’s most sought-after skincare brands, celebrated for its featherlight SPF and for blending time-honoured ingredients with science-backed actives. Their pore-clearing mask harnesses skin-refining red bean extract alongside the deep-cleansing powers of Kaolin clay to detox pores, sweep away dead skin cells and instantly revive lacklustre complexions, leaving skin refreshed, refined and glowing.

Skin barrier support is a non-negotiable in my autumn/winter routine, and I’m always on the hunt for science-led formulas that really deliver. Boots’ Modern Chemistry range has been developed by the brand’s in-house team of cosmetic chemists and scientists, and is all about results-driven skincare and vitamins at an accessible price point. The Hydrating Serum, in particular, holds its own against far pricier counterparts, combining 2% Niacinamide with 1% Ashwagandha to strengthen the skin barrier, defend against environmental aggressors and refine texture for a healthier, more resilient complexion.

No matter how long I spend styling my fine hair, it seems destined to slip into languid lengths by midday—unless, of course, I prime it with this blow-dry spray. Powered by Flexi-Hold technology, it locks in shape and volume without a hint of crunch, while Baobab Protein and Provitamin B5 work to strengthen strands and boost shine. Plus, the scent is as sophisticated as something you’d expect from a luxury fragrance house.

I’ve relied on this iconic formula for more than a decade to keep my lengths and ends strong, healthy and glossy. Come winter, with wind, rain, central heating and endless heat styling, it really comes into its own. Infused with wild and French camellia, it instantly smooths, boosts shine by up to 100%, and keeps frizz at bay for four full days.

Somewhere between chypre and gourmand, Miutine is the bold new statement fragrance from Miu Miu and the perfect update for autumn. Created by master perfumer Dominique Ropion, it opens with sparkling citrus, before giving way to a floral heart, anchored by an earthy base of oakmoss and patchouli. Then for the pièce de résistance: an indulgent, unexpected brown sugar accord laced with crisp bourbon vanilla extract. It's mischievous and mouthwatering in equal measure.

I’m always on the lookout for long-wearing makeup, but never more so than during party season when products really need to go the distance. Few brands do longevity quite like Stila, and they’re one of the only names I’ve come across offering a truly waterproof, all-day brow pencil. As someone who fills in my brows every morning (and has had the misfortune of leaving them printed on a friend’s cheek after a hug hello) this has become a non-negotiable in my makeup bag. The double-ended design—one side with a micro-fine brush, the other with a four-prong applicator for blending—makes it as practical as it is precise, while the formula itself is smudge-proof, transfer-proof, sweat-resistant and waterproof.