From campus to couch: your Easter glow-up checklist

They say first impressions last forever. Hmm… nope. Allow us to introduce you to: the second-term second impression – following a holiday glow-up worthy of a vintage 90s teen movie transformation montage. Step into your kween era with self-care products and rituals that bring out your natural best. We’re not faking it, we’re making it!

Silky-smooth skin starts here

Dry, ashy skin can miss us. A natural glow-up starts with skincare. And that means switching up your moisturiser for autumn and winter. “Your moisturiser heading into autumn should change to a richer one as the air tends to get drier and cooler,” says makeup artist Wasim van Vught. You want to nourish your skin and protect it from harsh UV rays (yes, even in autumn), which can lead to premature signs of ageing like wrinkles and dark spots.

Try:

L'Oreal Paris Revitalift SPF30 Anti Wrinkle Extra Firming Day Cream

Portia M Marula Skin Day Cream

Love your body

Varsity weekdays are for working hard; weekends are for partying hard. But that life is not great for your skin. Use the autumn downtime at home to go into self-care hibernation. Drink lots of water, catch up on sleep and lock in hydration with a rich, creamy moisturiser from top to toe. Your skin will be glowing in the best way.

Try:

• The Body Shop Shea Body Butter

• Good Earth Argan Hand Cream

Polish your crown

Autumn is not a good time for your hair. It’s still recovering from summer (chlorine + sun = damage) and now the cold weather is here, sucking out all the moisture and shine. Add a serum to your routine to make sure no dryness formed against you shall prosper. Van Vught recommends this option from Kristin Ess for all hair types in both dry and humid conditions. Use it to seal up dry ends when your hair is wet or run a few drops through clean, dry hair for a “second day” look without the greasy roots.

Try: 

• Kristin Ess Hair Weightless Shine Working Serum

• Native Child Hair Repair Serum

Lip service

Your lips will be the first to tell you the seasons are changing… by getting dry, chapped and flaky. Ugh. Not your best look. Remove dry skin with a gentle scrub, then keep it at bay with a nourishing, hydrating lip balm. Skip the chocolate eggs, Mr Bunny, we’ll take these sweet treats instead.

Try:

• Essence Lip Swirl Sugar Scrub

• Dr. Paw Paw Lip Balm Mango

Finishing touches

Your holiday glow-up isn’t complete without a seasonal scent. Get ready, spritz, go with a fragrance that matches your aura. We’re talking fun, irresistible and just a little boujee. You’re not one-dimensional and your scent shouldn’t be either. For autumn freshness, look for a blend of florals, wood and a hint of cosy vanilla, mocha, caramel or spice.

Try: 

• Journey Scent Ibiza For Her Eau De Parfum

• Sarah Jessica Parker Born Lovely Eau de Parfum