September always feels like a reset. Summer’s heat begins to fade, the air gets cooler, and my skin immediately reminds me that it’s time to level up my hydration game. Lighter formulas and breezy mists take a back seat, and richer creams, repairing masks, and nourishing serums move front and center. This month, I leaned into self-care as the seasons shift — because colder days call for layers, not just in fashion but also in skincare.
Between a quick stop at Sephora, a detour through a Korean skincare store, and one pharmacy gem I couldn’t resist, my bathroom shelf has officially become a cozy little apothecary. These are my September favorites — the products that are bringing me hydration, repair, and that extra dose of dopamine as I step into fall.
BIODANCE Gel Toner Pads
Let’s start with one of my Korean finds. BIODANCE’s Gel Toner Pads are basically hydration on demand. Each pad is soaked in a bouncy gel essence that instantly plumps and soothes. I’ve been using them in the mornings when my skin feels a little tight, and it’s like a tall glass of water for my face.
Why it works: The formula is designed to calm irritation, restore hydration, and prep skin for the rest of your routine. Think of it as toner meets mask, in a no-fuss pad that’s as refreshing as it is effective.
COSRX Daily Toner with AHA, BHA & Vitamin C
Exfoliation meets radiance in one bottle. This daily toner by COSRX is like a gentle reset button for your complexion. AHA and BHA help to smooth texture and unclog pores, while Vitamin C brightens and evens tone. It’s not harsh — just the right amount of daily polish to keep skin fresh and luminous.
Key ingredients:
- AHA & BHA: Gently exfoliate dead skin cells
- Vitamin C: Boosts glow, fights dullness
- Lightweight hydrators: Keep the formula balancing rather than stripping
It’s become my go-to for keeping post-summer skin clear and vibrant as we ease into the drier, colder months.
D’ALBA Piedmont Double Layer Revitalizing Serum
Luxury, bottled. This D’ALBA serum feels like a spa moment every time I shake it up. It’s a double-layer formula — one part nourishing oil, one part serum — and it’s infused with white truffle extract (yes, truffle).
What it does: Hydrates, revitalizes, and leaves skin with a radiant finish. The oil locks in moisture, while the serum delivers actives deeper into the skin. Together, they feel indulgent but not heavy.
This is my fall skin hack: add an extra layer of glow without having to pile on multiple products.
Sol de Janeiro Delícia Drench Body Butter
Meet my body cream obsession of the season. The Delícia Drench Body Butter (the purple one) feels like wrapping your skin in cashmere. It’s rich but absorbs beautifully, leaving skin silky instead of sticky.
Why I love it: It’s made with Bacuri butter, which not only relieves dry skin but also repairs the moisture barrier — exactly what fall skin needs. The scent is warm, cozy, and feels like a hug in product form.
Sol de Janeiro Delícia Drench Shower Oil
If fall self-care had a signature scent, it would be this. The Delícia Drench Shower Oil transforms shower time into a ritual. It cleanses without stripping, leaving skin soft and nourished.
Why it’s worth it: Traditional shower gels can be drying, but this oil keeps skin hydrated even before you apply moisturizer. For colder days, it’s an absolute must.
Sol de Janeiro Bom Dia Body Scrub
Exfoliation, but make it joyful. The Bom Dia Body Scrub (the orange one) buffs away dull skin with sugar crystals and nourishing oils. It leaves you smooth, glowy, and prepped for your richest creams.
Pro tip: Use it before the Drench Body Butter for skin that feels like satin. It’s also perfect for keeping self-tanner even if you’re still clinging to that summer glow.
Amika The Kure Intense Repair Mask
Hair deserves a little fall love too, and this mask is my current obsession. Amika’s The Kure Intense Repair Mask is like rehab for stressed strands. I’ve been using it once a week, and my hair feels softer, stronger, and much more manageable.
Key ingredients:
- Bond cure technology: Targets damage at the molecular level
- Plant butters + vegan proteins: Smooth, repair, and hydrate
If your hair is dealing with heat styling, color, or just post-summer dryness, this is the mask to bring it back to life.
Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Or
Nothing says fall luxury like a golden shimmer. This French pharmacy icon — Nuxe’s Huile Prodigieuse Or — is a multi-use dry oil that you can apply to face, body, and hair. It hydrates, nourishes, and leaves the most flattering golden glow.
Why I can’t get enough: The scent is elegant, the texture is silky, and it makes even the grayest fall day feel glamorous. It’s the kind of product that makes you feel like you’re in a Parisian movie, even if you’re just at home in sweatpants.
SK-II Facial Treatment Essence
A true icon in skincare. SK-II’s Facial Treatment Essence (with its famous Pitera™ ferment) is one of those products that delivers invisible but undeniable results. It balances skin, refines texture, and enhances clarity.
Key benefits:
- Reduces visible signs of aging
- Improves tone and texture
- Boosts overall radiance
There’s a reason this essence has a cult following worldwide. For me, it’s the step that makes everything else in my routine work better.
Wrapping Up
Fall always reminds me to slow down, layer up, and embrace rituals that feel nourishing. These September favorites — from truffle-infused serums to body butters that feel like cashmere — have turned my skincare and haircare into something I look forward to every day.
The shift into colder weather doesn’t have to mean dull, dry, lifeless skin or brittle hair. With the right products, it’s actually the season of radiance, glow, and a little extra indulgence.
So here’s to September’s lineup. We’ll see what October brings — but for now, I’ll happily have what I’m having.
I'll have what she's having 
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