Transitional Skincare Products for Cooler Weather

If you haven't hopped on the RLT trend yet, now’s the time. More and more research shows how effective it can be for alleviating UV damage if you spent a little too much time in the sun over the summer, reducing acne scarring, and even boosting your mood. We vouch for this one from HigherDose. When we tested it, all our testers noticed their skin was less inflamed, existing breakouts appeared flatter, and their overall complexion looked smoother. Plus, the hands-free wear lets you go about your work or chores unencumbered. ($349, HigherDose)

If you have normal to combination skin and are looking for a lightweight moisturizer to use morning and night, this is the one. It has hibiscus extract that helps slow down sebum production, celery seed extract to minimize pores, and lilac extract to mattify. On its own, it'll be moisturizing enough for those early fall days. When it gets truly cold out, it'll layer nicely over an oil or hydrating serum, without feeling heavy. ($16, Bubble Skincare)

Lately, we haven’t been able to get enough of Womanness. This set comes with one of our favorite products — the Let’s Neck cream — that utilizes microalgae extract to hydrate and lift the skin around your neck in a big way. You’ll also get a full-size The Works cream for allover body use with the same tightening ingredient. Finish off your new routine with the overnight mask, which uses a gentler, plant-based alternative to retinol that hydrates and penetrates while you sleep. Psst… use code SKIMM20 for 20% off sitewide through September 30. ($69.99, Womanness)

It’s like a miracle in a pot. Not only does this water-based cream target dehydrated skin, it also enlists the help of ceramides to plump and restore your skin’s natural barrier. Customers love how soft it leaves their skin and say they see a big difference in their complexion. ($78, Beautycounter)

This one is a staple in our skincare routine all year round, but it’s a smart choice for the colder months in particular. Hyaluronic acid deeply hydrates and plumps, and vitamin B5 can bolster your skin barrier to protect against the elements. Squeeze a couple of drops straight onto your face in the morning and nighttime, or work it in with your moisturizer. ($9.90, Sephora)

This face oil combines the brightening powers of THD ascorbate — one of the most effective forms of vitamin C — and the calming effects of golden turmeric to give dull winter skin a glow. It soaks into your skin almost instantly, allowing you to pair it with other serums and creams without feeling too heavy. We highly recommend snagging this brightening serum from the same line for even more brightening effects. ($80, Sunday Riley)

If winter brings redness and eczema along with it, this serum is a must-have to add to your routine. Avocado butter works to hydrate, rice milk soothes, and ceramides protect your skin barrier and calm redness. Use one to two pumps each morning and night after cleansing for the best results. ($45, Glow Recipe) 

This is the most effective lip mask we’ve tried. It’s hydrating without being sticky, and gives your lips a pretty, dewy sheen. It comes in a little tub with an applicator to keep your fingers clean, and features ingredients like squalane to lock in moisture and Japanese peach to repair chapped, dry lips. ($29, Tatcha)

We use this serum-like sunscreen over the summer months, too. But when the sun starts to wane, we love the way it brings some light back into our complexion. It has SPF 30 with soothing zinc, strengthening peptides, and a hint of radiance. It comes in three shades that offer light coverage, so it can also work as your base makeup. ($48, Credo)

Once we used this cryo rubber mask, we never looked back. Regular sheet masks can be hard to put on and dry out quickly, but these rubber masks hold so much product and have a sturdier silicone structure that comes in two pieces, so you get full coverage. This one comes with an ampoule of hyaluronic acid that leaves your skin super hydrated and glowy. Pro tip: Store yours in the fridge for an extra cooling sensation. ($15, Sephora)

This retinol oil from Drunk Elephant is a smart way to double down on the nourishment your skin needs when the weather gets cooler. It’s also great for retinol beginners or those who have sensitive skin, since it’s packed with ceramides and marula oil to lock in hydration. We recommend using this at night, since even the gentlest forms of retinol can sensitize your skin to the sun. ($72, Sephora)

This gentle cleanser combines moisturizing hyaluronic acid and exfoliating AHAs in one gel formula that can be used three ways. Wash your face with it, remove your makeup with it, or let it sit on your skin for five minutes like a mask before continuing on with your normal routine. Unlike other gel formulas, it won’t leave your skin feeling tight and stripped. Use this after the Bubble oil cleanser above, as the first step in your double-cleansing routine. ($34, Sephora)