What better time for a detox than fall? Because like me, you might be feeling the need for a little reboot after summer. Happy hours and pool parties can take a toll on more than our bodies— skin can be feeling and looking a little worn out, too. So while I love a good food or juice cleanse, I’m also pausing to rethink what I’m putting on my face and body every single day. From cleansers to deodorants, our bodies soak up everything we put on them so every season, I like to do an audit and simplify. And I don’t just think about the products themselves, but how I’m actually using them, storing them— anything related to my skincare experience.

So here are some of my favorite things to do that help me feel a bit more fresh-faced for fall.

Tip #1: Get back to the basics.

The first step to a good beauty detox is to throw out expired products like old sunscreens from summer. Then I like to treat myself to a fresh tube of mascara and stock up on the essentials. Here are some of my favorites:

• Coconut oil — Makes a gentle makeup remover, face/skin moisturizer or hair mask.
• Rosehip oil — A nourishing AM/PM moisturizer.
• Jojoba oil — A delicate massage oil ideal for sensitive skin.
• Grapefruit essential oil — I keep a bottle at my desk when I need an energizing lift during the day. Simply inhale the sweet scent.
• Baking soda — A natural exfoliant for skin. Simply add 1 teaspoon to your daily cleanser 1-2x per week.
• Manuka honey — This nourishing natural cleanser is a great swap for fall to give skin an extra dose of richness it craves during cooler months.
• Daily SPF — Even though summer is wrapping up, I always keep a lightweight moisturizer with SPF in my beauty bag. I like to invest in something new rather than continue to use something from summer that may be too heavy for my autumn skin.

Tip #2: Keep brushes clean.

I’m really mindful of the “how” piece when I’m applying anything to my face: cleaners, oils, etc. I don’t let my brushes touch dirty surfaces or leave them lying in my purse where they’ll get too cozy with my cell phone, keys and other items ridden with germs. To clean my brushes, I simply mix a bit of my cleanser with some warm water, rub it on the brushers with my fingers, rinse with cool water and leave them out to dry on a clean towel. Then I store them in a clean, secured spot. And better yet, my favorite brush comes with a cap. This really comes in handy when traveling and the beauty bag needs to come along for the ride. Otherwise, storing brushes in a ziplock bag is an easy way to keep them clean.

Tip #3: Read labels.

Think beyond your traditional beauty items (cleansers, moisturizers, masks) and also take a look at what’s in your deodorant, laundry detergents, even toothpastes— anything that’s part of your daily routine. Steer clear of products full of too many ingredients or ones you can’t pronounce. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has a great resource called Skin Deep® that searches a huge database of cosmetic products to give you a score on its safety. You can check it out here. But in general, I opt for natural ingredients as much as possible, like switching up my toothpaste to a kind with baking soda, a natural teeth whitener. My favorite products have very few ingredients, sometimes just one! This has been life-changing for my skin because simple ingredients tend to lessen the chance of irritation. And, you can more easily figure out what’s causing a breakout or other skin issue when there are less causes to consider.

Tip #4: Set the mood. 

Fall in Minnesota is the best time to cozy up, take more baths, light more candles. And I love taking that after-work wind down in the living room in front the fire mindset to my bathroom, too. Because there’s no reason a beauty routine has to be a sterile thing, even if you’re dealing with harsh lighting in your bathroom. I find that setting the mood for beauty makes it a lot more exciting and easier for me to take good care of my skin, because it’s something I look forward to! Especially when there’s candles and good lighting involved. I set the mood by always keeping a plant or fresh springs of Eucalyptus in my bathroom— it brings life into the space! Candles with lavender, sandalwood, patchouli or other earthy scents enhance the natural vibe, too. And one of my favorite things I learned from a friend: I keep a cute lamp in my bathroom to create a nice evening glow when I’m whipping up a mask at night or even just taking off my makeup before bed. This especially comes in handy when you’re dealing with harsh bathroom lighting. Try turning off those main lights (or one) and doing your beauty routine to soft lamp lighting instead.

So when you’re done streamlining your fall wardrobe, I hope you’ll join me in rethinking what you’re wearing on your face every day, too!

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Brooke Domaas

Brooke is a Marketing consultant by day and creative at heart—she’s probably whipping up a new recipe or DIY beauty remedy right now. She’s passionate about finding healthier alternatives to the makeup & products many women put on their skin every day and bringing a balanced approach to everyday living.