My October Skincare and Makeup Routine for Glowing Skin

As the cooler, crisper air of October sets in, it’s the perfect time to switch up your beauty routine. Fall weather can bring its own set of challenges for our skin, from dryness to dullness. This is why I’ve been focusing on skincare and makeup products that help maintain a glowing, hydrated complexion, even as temperatures drop. Today, I’m sharing my go-to skincare and makeup routine for October, filled with tips and products that keep my skin looking fresh, radiant, and healthy for coming days.

My morning skincare is all about hydration, protection, and prepping my skin for makeup. When my skin is well-moisturized and nourished, my makeup applies smoothly and looks more natural throughout the day.

I start my day with a gentle, hydrating cleanser that effectively removes any oils or impurities without stripping my skin. I swapped out my summer gel cleanser for a creamier one that hydrates while cleansing.

Current Favorite: CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser - It’s super gentle and leaves my skin feeling clean but never tight.

To bring back some moisture right after cleansing, I use a hydrating toner or essence. This step helps to plump up the skin and prepare it for the next steps in my routine.

Current Favorite: Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Essence Water - New addition to my skin care, it’s an essence-toner hybrid that deeply hydrates my skin and makes it feel so soft.

For a glowing complexion, I rely on a Vitamin C serum every morning. It brightens my skin, evens out my skin tone, and provides antioxidant protection against environmental stressors.

Current Favorite: SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic - It’s a bit of a splurge, but the way it brightens and firms my skin is worth every penny.

To lock in all that hydration, I use a lightweight yet nourishing moisturizer. I look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and glycerin that help retain moisture.

Current Favorite: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel - It’s lightweight yet intensely hydrating, making it perfect for layering under makeup.

Even in October, sunscreen is a must. The cooler weather might trick you into thinking the sun isn’t as strong, but UV rays can still cause damage. I opt for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30.

Current Favorite: EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 - It’s lightweight, doesn’t clog pores, and sits perfectly under makeup.

For my October makeup, I focus on creating a dewy, natural finish that enhances my skin’s glow. I lean towards warm, autumnal tones that give my look a bit of seasonal flair without feeling too heavy.

Before applying any makeup, I always use an illuminating primer to give my skin a healthy, radiant glow. It helps my foundation glide on smoothly and keeps my skin looking fresh all day.

Current Favorite: Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer - This primer is hydrating and can hold the makeup longer. so what more do i need.

For my base, I prefer something lightweight and hydrating. I switch out my heavier, matte foundations for a tinted moisturizer or light coverage foundation that evens out my skin tone without masking my natural glow.

Current Favorite: NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer - It offers just the right amount of coverage with a natural, dewy finish.

To cover any imperfections, I use a cream concealer that blends easily and doesn’t look cakey. I dab a little under my eyes and on any blemishes.

Current Favorite: NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer - It brightens my under-eye area and hides any redness without looking heavy.

For a fresh, natural flush, I use a cream blush. It blends beautifully into my skin and gives that "lit-from-within" glow, perfect for the cooler, fall weather.

Current Favorite: Glossier Cloud Paint in ‘Dusk’ - This shade is a gorgeous warm nude that gives a subtle, natural blush.

To add a bit of warmth and dimension to my face, I lightly dust on a bronzer. In October, I prefer something with a satin finish to maintain that soft, glowing look.

Current Favorite: Fenty Beauty Sun Stalk'r Instant Warmth Bronzer - It’s smooth, buildable, and adds the perfect amount of warmth to my skin.

No glowing skin routine is complete without a touch of highlighter. I apply it on the high points of my face—cheekbones, bridge of the nose, and cupid’s bow—to give my skin a natural, dewy finish.

Current Favorite: Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Beauty Light Wand - This highlighter is so blendable and gives my skin a gorgeous, candle-lit glow.

For my eyes, I keep it neutral with warm browns, peaches, and golds. Sometimes, I add a bit of shimmer to make my eyes pop. October is all about those warm, earthy tones that complement the fall season.

Current Favorite: Natasha Denona I Need a Nude Palette - It has the perfect mix of mattes and shimmers for an easy, natural look.

I finish off my eye makeup with a few coats of mascara. Since I’m going for a fresh look, I skip the heavy liner and just focus on making my lashes look long and fluttery.

Current Favorite: Benefit They're Real! Magnet Extreme Lengthening Mascara - It adds volume and length without clumping.

For my lips, I prefer something hydrating with a bit of color. I go for nude or berry shades that look natural but still give me a polished look.

Current Favorite: Clinique Chubby Stick in ‘Super Strawberry’ - It’s hydrating, easy to apply, and gives a nice tint of color.

The cooler nights of October can be quite drying, so I make sure to give my skin extra love and hydration in the evenings.

I always start with a double cleanse to remove makeup and impurities. First, I use a cleansing balm to melt away makeup, then follow up with a gentle cleanser.

After cleansing, I use a hydrating toner and follow up with a nighttime serum that targets any specific concerns. For October, I’ve been focusing on hyaluronic acid for hydration and niacinamide for brightening.

Current Favorite: The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 - It keeps my skin plump and moisturized.

I finish my routine with a rich, nourishing night cream that locks in moisture and helps repair my skin overnight.

Current Favorite: Laneige Water Sleeping Mask - It’s lightweight but deeply hydrating, perfect for maintaining that glow.

Keeping my skin glowing in October is all about hydration, protection, and using products that enhance my natural beauty. By focusing on hydrating skincare and makeup that enhances rather than masks, I can keep my skin looking fresh, radiant, and healthy all month long. I hope you find some inspiration from my October skincare and makeup routine, and remember glowing skin starts from within, so drink plenty of water, eat well, and enjoy the cozy autumn vibes!