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The Archive Check: An Autumn Aesthetic Reflection
As the autumn air takes over, my daily routine naturally shifts toward creating a warm, comforting sanctuary indoors. Looking back through my archives to October 2018 brings back so many memories of classic autumn beauty staples and cosy home comforts. Re-evaluating this list today offers a beautiful reminder of how my cold weather rituals began and how my approach to a cosy autumn lifestyle has evolved over the years.
Let’s face it: getting back into a consistent blogging routine after a break can feel a bit daunting. We have all been through seasons where our posting schedules get a little off track, but there is something so comforting about returning to a classic monthly roundup.
October has always been one of my favorite months for embracing a slower pace. The weather turns cold, and we naturally start reaching for richer textures, warmer fragrances, and comforting sweet treats.
Looking back at this snapshot from 2018 is an absolute joy. From a cult favourite foundation to a nostalgic single eyeshadow palette, these were the pieces that defined my cosy autumn lifestyle a few seasons ago.
Too Faced | Born This Way Foundation
This foundation was my absolute go-to once the summer heat faded and I was back to being my usual pale self. While I had been loving a deeper shade from Clinique during the warmer months, October called for a return to my trusty bottle of Born This Way in the shade Snow.
What I love about this formula is that it offers a beautiful medium coverage that can easily be built up without ever looking cakey or heavy. It leaves the skin with a subtle, healthy glow that is absolutely perfect for combating that dull, chilly autumn weather.
Makeup Geek
Discontinued
October was the exact month I made a conscious effort to dig back into eyeshadow and venture away from my trusty Urban Decay Naked palette. I pulled out my old custom Z-Palette for an Instagram photo and completely rediscovered my collection of Makeup Geek single shadows.
My most-reached-for shades were Cocoa Bear, Grandstand, Tan Lines, and Shimma Shimma. They might not have been the most ground breaking shades on the market, but as a true neutral lover, they were my absolute dream. The quality was incredible for the price point, they were so affordable, beautifully pigmented, and blended like an absolute dream.
The Body Shop | Vitamin E Moisture Cream
I picked up the 50ml size of this classic 48-hour cream just before going on a trip because I needed a reliable moisturiser that simply got the job done. It turned out to be a brilliant choice for the transitioning weather.
The formula is thick enough to deeply hydrate the skin without leaving any sticky or greasy residue behind. It sinks in quickly and prevents that uncomfortable, tight feeling that happens when the central heating goes on. It’s the ultimate staple for keeping dry skin happy as we head toward winter.
YSL | Black Opium Perfume
This has been my ultimate signature fragrance for the colder months for years. It is the absolute definition of an autumn and winter night scent. It is a heavier, richer perfume, meaning you really only need a spray or two for it to last all day (it is very easy to go over the top with this one!).
If you love deep, mysterious, and cozy fragrances, the classic note profile is beautiful:
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Top Notes: Pink Pepper and Orange Blossom
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Heart Notes: Jasmine and Rich Coffee
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Base Notes: Warm Vanilla, Patchouli, and Cedarwood
Tesco | Crispy Caramel Bites
Let’s be completely honest: sometimes the healthy eating resolutions have to take a back seat in the autumn. I experienced a massive craving for anything containing caramel around this time, and these little supermarket bites hit the spot perfectly.
They are simple crispy rice cakes with a layer of milk chocolate underneath and a ribbon of caramel running through them. While the caramel wasn’t intensely strong, it gave them a lovely, chewy texture. They might not be the most luxurious artisanal treat on the high street, but when you are relaxing on the sofa on a rainy afternoon, they are easily pleasing!
Embracing a Mindful Autumn Lifestyle
Revisiting this list is a lovely reminder that a cosy autumn lifestyle is built on the simple things that bring us comfort as the seasons change. Whether it’s rotating through your old eyeshadow collection, treating your skin to a rich moisturiser, or enjoying a sweet snack on a dark afternoon, autumn is all about slowing down and romanticizing the quiet moments at home.
Let’s chat in the comments!
What are the beauty products or cosy fragrances that you automatically pull out of your drawers as soon as October arrives? Do you have a favourite autumn perfume that you look forward to wearing all year?
Thank you for reading!
That palette is bluddy gorgeous!, I also love the body shop vitamin E cream it’s perfect for my sensitive, dry skin.
Thank you! Yes, it’s such a good one!xx
I’ve been wanting to try the Too Faced foundation for ages! My mum also has that perfume and everytime i go to hers I have to give it a little spray x
I put off getting it for so long and regret it so much, as it’s quickly become my all time fave. It’s such a beautiful scent xx
The foundation sounds right up my street! I love the YSL perfume it is one of my favourites. I have not tried the face cream but I tried the eye cream in that range and it is amazing! The eyeshadow palette is coming along nicely! In October I loved fur gilets and boots as well as Benefit Gimmie Brow! xx
It’s such a good one! Such a beautiful scent. The Vitamin E range is fab, and thank you! Fur gilets always look so good at this time of year and you can’t go wrong with a good pair of boots!xx
Loved this post Hannah! Those makeup geek eyeshadows look gorgeous! Love all the shades you’ve chosen. The caramel bites sound delish xx
Thank you so much! They’re great shadows, and the colours they have on offer are fab too. They were good!xx
I love the Body Shop too! In fact, I hadn’t spotted the Christmas stuff yet and now I know I NEED that vanilla marshmallow, so I’m blaming you for my excessive spending 😉
I love that YSL perfume, and it’s cute bottle! I totally get what you mean about it being easy to go overboard with though – I sprayed a bit on my hair and it gave me a headache because I could smell it constantly 😂 which isn’t a bad thing in the sense that it smells amazing, but the headache wasn’t great 😂 I’m loving Daisy Love and Daisy Twinkle by Marc Jacobs at the mo – the Love one is a bit heavier and fruitier than normal Daisy, while the Twinkle one is really light and smells like Daisy with Parma Violets mixed in! 😍
Rhianna x
haha sorry about that! The Christmas scents sound amazing, so definitely worth it! It’s such a classic and the bottle is super pretty. Yes it can definitely be a little over powering. Yeah, a headache isn’t exactly what you want with your perfume haha! Marc Jacobs have some really great perfumes. Those ones sound like they smell incredible!xx
Great list! This October I’ve been obsessed with autumnal colours. I’ve especially been trying to include more oranges and yellows in my wardrobe. Those crispy caramel bites sound super yummy!
Thank you! Yes autumnal colours are super pretty. They’re great!xx
Black Opium is so nice! Especially, for this time of year like you said!
Lotte
It’s such a classic perfume! Yes, it’s great for Autumn/ Winter nights xx
Oh my gosh I haven’t used my custom eyeshadow palette for ages with all my singles in. I should definitely get it out more. Used to love that Body Shop moisturiser until I found the Superdrug vitamin E day cream one!
That was the same as me! Just completely forgot, and now I’ve got it back out it’s great! It’s so worth getting it back out. I’ll have to look into the Superdrug one, as their range seems so good!xx
I’m hoping to try Born this way foundation. I’m dry skinned like you, so if you love it I should be ok with it too! Oh, and the vitamin E is another moisturiser on my wish list! I see you enjoyed the ‘unhealthy’ treats!!
Samantha x
https://thebeautyspyglass.com
It’s such a fab foundation! I’ve been loving it. The Vitamin E range is so good and so gentle on the skin, but so hydrating too. Haha, it’s becoming a problem xx
Black opium is <3
Federica
http://www.federicadinardo.com
It smells incredible!xx
Makeup Geek eyeshadows are some of the best in my opinion. They’re so affordable and there is literally every colour, shade, and formula you could ever want! Cocoa Bear is one of my favourites too for sure xx
Amber | http://www.amberatlanta.blogspot.co.uk
Definitely agree with you! They’re so affordable, and the shade range is immense. Cocoa Bear is such a classic, it’s a beautiful colour xx
Hannah | luxuryblush
I really want to try some products from The Body Shop vitamin E range! The overnight mask has been high on my wishlist for a while now x
Lauren
It’s such an amazing range, it works really well. Yes the overnight mask seems great xx
Oh my goodness those Crispy Caramel Bites from Tesco are to die for! I love them!! The YSL Black Opium perfume sounds right up my street too – I must add it to my perfume wish list xo
Char
I’m so glad you like them too! They’re so good. It’s an amazing scent for night time, especially for Autumn/ Winter xx
I am obsessed with the Too Faced ‘Born this way’ foundation. I think it’s such a fab foundation. I’ve never smelt ‘black opium’ before, but, I’ve seen SO many people rave about it. I will 100% pop into Debenhams and have a whiff!
It’s such a good one, and I’m glad you like it too! It’s such a classic scent, it’s perfect for Autumn/ Winter xx
I love the Born This Way Foundation, it is amazing quality!
Danielle xx
It really is! Glad you like it too xx
I adore that too faced foundation! Every time I wear it I’m obsessed with how good my skin looks. If I had to choose one foundation, I feel like that would be the one I choose. x
Glad you like it too! It’s such a good one xx
I really need to try the Born This Way foundation, it sounds so good! I love the Vitamin E range from The Body Shop as well. Great favourites Hannah, thank you for sharing xx
ALittleKiran | Bloglovin
I put off trying it for so long, and now I have no idea why I didn’t try it sooner. It’s definitely worth it. Yes, it’s such a fab range. Thank you so much, and it’s no problem, thank you for stopping by xx
The Born This Way foundation is one of my favourites, honestly it looks amazing on the skin! I love the Vitamin C cream too, I use it at night with the face wash and toner and I feel like my skin has improved since I’ve used it xx
Glad you like it too! I definitely agree with you. Yes, it’s such a fab range and it really works xx
Black Opium is such a gorgeous scent. <3 They have so many different versions and limited editions, too, I just wish I could have them all! Also, I've been meaning to try that Too Faced foundation. I've heard amazing things about it, although I typically go for things with full coverage, because my skin sucks! Also not sure whether it would be good for oily skin? Thanks for sharing these, I love favourites posts! <3 xoxo
Kay
http://shoesandglitter.com
That’s so true, they bring out so many versions of it! Ah, I’m not too sure how it’d be with oily skin, I’m sorry! No problem, thank you for stopping by!xx
YSL Black Opium is one of my all time favourite fragrances, I love it so much especially at this time of year xx
Gemma • Gemma Etc . ❤️
It’s such a classic fragrance! Totally agree with you xx
I’ve been wearing YSL Black Opium for quite a few years now- I cannot live without it!
Emily xo
http://www.emilynewstead.blogspot.co.uk
It’s such a classic perfume!xx
Hi Hannah!
Great choices for your monthly favourites!
I had no idea there was an intense version of TBS Vitamin E Cream – will have to check it out as I can get through the regular one quite quickly too.
Your MUG eyeshadows are all beaut shades and those Crispy Chocolate and Caramel bites from Tesco sound tasty.
xoxo
Hanna Rose
Hi Hanna!
Thank you so much! I didn’t either until looking online, but it sounds fab. Thank you, they have some really pretty shades. They’re delicious haha xx
I’ve heard so many good things about those shadows, I love how you can pick and choose the shades too! Them caramel bites sound so good! Loved this x
Lily Loves
They’re really great, and it’s amazing to be able to pick what shades you like. They’re really delicious. Thank you xx
I do need to try the born this way foundation, everyone raves about it!! Also Black Opium is such an amazing perfume, I love the scent of it soooo much, I cover myself head to toe in it haha!
Laura
It’s such a good foundation, I’m gutted I didn’t try it sooner! Totally agree with you, it’s such a classic xx
You’ve got some great shades going on in your custom palette, what a beautiful assembly!
I love Black Opium, although I have the Floral Shock one. I think I might like the original just a bit better and I’m totally getting it if I ever finish my current one!
Love, Charline | Charline Has a Blog
Thank you, I’m glad you think so! Ooh I’ve not tried any of the other ones, but I hope you manage to try the original one soon. It seems like perfumes last for ages xx
Grandstand and Shimma Shimma are two of my favourite MUG shadows! I’ve hit pan on Grandstand which almost never happens to me with eyeshadows 🙂
Jasmine xx
Jasmine Talks Beauty
They’re beautiful colours! Ah no way, it definitely must be a favourite then haha!xx
I love how you’re showing the empty box of bites – they really must be good! Love that Too Faced foundation xx
Haha, I wasn’t sure how to go about it! They’re delicious. It’s a really good one xx
I really want to create my own makeup geek palette. their shadows are just beautiful.
❤︎
They have so many colours to pick from and the quality is amazing. It’s definitely worth it xx
I always enjoy reading your favorites posts, so the more the better! Those eyeshadow shades look really pretty. I’ve never used any of Makeup Geek’s eyeshadows before but I’ll have to give them a try. And that moisture cream is one of my favorites for winter.
x Kara
Thank you so much, I appreciate that! They have so many colours to pick from, and I love the pigmentation. It’s definitely a brilliant moisturiser for this time of year xx
These all look fab x
Thank you xx
Love the perfume.
Perfect for the season.
xx
https://theonethattravels.wordpress.com/
Totally agree with you, it’s perfect for this season xx
These eyeshadows look amazing!
x Lisa | lisaautumn.com
Thank you, glad you think so xx
Yes yes yes! That perfume is my fave and I swear by TBS vitamin E moisture cream. I want to try the TooFaced foundation SOOOO bad! Is this one good for oily skin?? Also, I feel like a lot of food would be included in my monthly faves hahah x
http://www.itsmeganelizabeth.blogspot.co.uk
It’s such a good one isn’t it?! The Vitamin E range is such a good one. I’m not too sure if it’ll be good for oily skin, but I have heard others with oily skin that love it. It’s too easy to include haha xx
I absolutely love The Body Shop Vitamin E moisturiser! Also would love to try the black opium perfume sounds lush x
It’s such a good one, love the Vitamin E range! It’s such a great perfume for this time of year xx
I really want to try that foundation! I’ve heard so many good things! xx