Autumn colour

The seasons are turning, so take a leaf out of nature’s book and put on something bright.

With a distinct change of weather in the air, it’s time to put away bronzers, summer brights and tropical/sunny/beachy fragrances and restock your beauty kit with autumn-ready treats.

For me, nothing feels better than a seasonal refresh, and while by no means do you have to start from scratch (though it’s likely your colouring will adjust with less sun and your skin might require different care), a few carefully chosen new favourites will be just the ticket to ensure you’re excited about autumn.

For a fun and instant colour update that you actually get to see without a mirror (especially if, like me, you spend all day on a computer), pop a chic new shade of nail polish in your shopping trolley. Both colour- and formula-wise, JinSOON nail

lacquer in Cherry Berry, $28 at Mecca, is hands down (pun intended) my pick of polishes. It’s a playful twist on classic red and makes me feel happier just looking at it, without being saccharine or cute. Fun fact: it was named by our very own supermodel Ashleigh Good.

JinSOON formulas are a cult favourite for the absence of harsh chemicals, fast drying time and high-gloss finishes that are long-lasting and chipproof with a decadently high colour payoff.

Another product you truly get to enjoy yourself is fragrance. And while everyone has their own ideas on what smells good – and even the same scent can smell differently on different people – for right now a

perfume I think will be pretty universally appreciated

is Chloé Nomade eau de parfum, $113 for 30ml.

Categorised as a floral, this fresh, freesia-topped fragrance has just a hint of sweetness from mirabelle plum, but is balanced with an intense mineral character from oak moss. I’m calling it as a new classic.

Now to the face. A eyeshadow palette is both an economical and easy way to get a whole variety of colours all in one go, though I’ve never totally understood those that just have 10 slightly different shades of bronze, for example. Instead, I like a palette to have a whole spectrum of hues that are complementary but can also be worn on their own.

Cue the Kevyn Aucoin Electropop Pro

eyeshadow palette, $91 at Mecca, which comes with 12 pretty rad colours and chromatic finishes and there genuinely isn’t one I wouldn’t like to try. It also taps into all of the top colour trends of the season, from lilac and metallic blue to soft gold and surprise hit red.

Kevyn Aucoin is renowned for his smooth, deliciously weightless yet pigment-heavy powders, so while this has the look of a child’s paint palette, trust me that it will look very grown up and luxe going on. Apply with a light hand for a watercolour effect or layer up for more intensity.

While summer often calls for a sweep of bronzer or highlighter at the cheeks, for autumn and winter I like a corally, rosy blush, and Marc Jacobs Beauty Air Blush in Kink & Kisses, $62 at Sephora, is one of the best.

Not only is it very pretty (the stripes are apparently inspired by a Marc Jacobs dress), with dual tones to create an even, natural finish – the lighter shade highlights and the deeper shade contours – it’s made from luxurious Japanese air powder using an innovative process called soufflage (French for “air-whipped”) for a silky, creamy texture that almost melts into skin. Plus it promises to stay looking dreamy for up to 24 hours.

Finally, the lips cannot be neglected, especially as the weather cools and they’re likely to either be blue from cold or chapped or both, so you’ll be needing something that’s both warming in colour and nourishing. Nudes are still reigning supreme, but I think those with just a hint of pink and an ever-so-slightly glossy finish are perfect for fall, as paler, pure nudes and matte formulas can make skin look cold.

There are plenty about, but if you’re looking for one ultimate autumn-friendly nude, Oribe Lip Lust Crème lipstick in The Nude, $62 at Net-a-Porter, could easily become your new BBF (that’s short for best beauty friend).

The super-comfortable, satin formula goes on like a dream, and it’s packed with white lily and myrrh extract, which moisturises, protects and visibly plumps lips. Myrrh extract is also said to combat signs of ageing, if you’re that way inclined.