Fall is here — and I don’t know about you, but I can feel the shift the minute the mornings turn crisp and I start craving sweaters, soups, and a little extra coziness.
Just like we switch out our wardrobe for the season, our self-care needs change too. Cooler temps + shorter days can do a number on our skin, our energy, and even our mood. The good news? With a few simple swaps and upgrades, you can stay glowing, hydrated, and energized all season long.
These are the exact fall essentials I shared on FOX5DC’s LION Lunch Hour, and why I love each one. Consider this your easy, practical guide to feeling your best as the leaves change 🍁✨
Flannel Sheets: The Cozy Sleep Upgrade We All Deserve
If there’s ever a time to upgrade your bedding, it’s fall. The minute the temperatures dip, I pull out my flannel sheets — and yes, they get that perfect worn-in “favorite sweatshirt” feeling.
Flannel isn’t just about warmth — it adds a sense of comfort and grounding that’s so soothing this time of year. There’s something about getting into bed, feeling that soft texture, and settling in that signals to your brain:
It’s time to rest. You’re safe. Relax.
✔️ Perfect for chilly nights
✔️ Adds instant cozy luxury
✔️ Helps transition your body into deeper sleep
If you struggle with winding down at night, try swapping your sheets before you try anything complicated. Little changes make a big difference.
Sunrise Alarm Clock: Wake Up Gently, Not Jarringly
You know that feeling when the sun doesn’t rise until what feels like noon? Welcome to fall and winter.
And if you’ve ever woken up to a loud alarm in pitch-black darkness — you know it can start your day with stress instead of peace.
Enter my favorite seasonal tool: a sunrise alarm clock.
Instead of jolting you awake, the light gradually brightens, mimicking sunrise. This gentle wake-up helps:
- Support a healthier circadian rhythm
- Reduce grogginess
- Make mornings feel… human again 😁
Whether you work early hours or just dread the darker mornings, trust me — this is a game changer.
I call this the autumn “starter kit” for your body clock.
Your nervous system will thank you.
Fall Aromatherapy: Support Your Mood & Atmosphere
Cold and flu season is here — and so is that cozy-scent season we all secretly live for. I love incorporating aromatherapy in fall because it’s such a simple way to shift the mood of your space and support your wellbeing.
Think warm, comforting seasonal scents like:
- Vanilla
- Clove
- Cinnamon
- Citrus
- Eucalyptus
Pop them into a diffuser and take in the soothing vibes.
Is it a cure-all? Of course not. But as part of a daily routine, aromatherapy can create a calming ritual that helps you breathe deeper, feel grounded, and embrace the season.
Ritual matters — especially in transitional months.
Sugar Body Scrub: Exfoliate & Reveal Fresh Glowing Skin
Dry air means dry skin — and exfoliation is your first line of defense to keep that summer glow alive.
On-air, I shared one of my all-time favorites: a sugar scrub with pink hibiscus. The scent alone feels like a mini tropical escape in your shower — and the texture? Heavenly.
Why I love sugar scrubs in the fall:
- Gently buffs away dry skin
- Leaves skin smooth & refreshed
- Helps oils and moisturizers absorb better
- A little spa moment in your day
And the best part? You don’t need to spend a fortune. There are plenty of great scrubs at affordable prices.
Tip: Use exfoliating gloves for extra polish — if you didn’t catch it, I literally lost mine on set but trust me, they’re worth having!
Collagen Body Oil: Hydrate & Firm Mature Skin
As we age, skin naturally loses elasticity, and hydration becomes even more important. One of the smartest (and simplest!) additions to your fall routine is a high-quality body oil — and I’m a big fan of collagen oil.
I love it because:
- It absorbs quickly (doesn’t stain clothes!)
- It gives skin a smooth, healthy glow
- It feels luxurious without being heavy
- Collagen-supporting formulas help firm skin over time
I always say: I started using collagen oil later than I wish I had — and now I don’t skip it. Fall is the perfect season to make it part of your routine.
Mature skin isn’t something to fight — it’s something to support and celebrate.
Overnight Lip Mask: Wake Up With Soft, Hydrated Lips
Cold air + indoor heat = dry lips. Every. Single. Year.
So instead of trying to reapply lip balm all day long, I use an overnight lip mask — and it’s a game changer.
Benefits:
- Gently exfoliates overnight
- Hydrates deeply
- Eliminates flakiness
- You wake up with soft, smooth lips
Pro tip: Apply before bed… but maybe avoid kissing your partner goodnight with it on 😂 Do the big smooch in the morning when your lips are soft and ready!
Moisturizing Gloves: Your Secret to Soft Hands All Winter
Raise your hand if your hands get dry in the colder months 🙋♀️
Between hand-washing, cooler temps, and central heating, our hands take a beating. Moisturizing gloves are one of those “once you try them, you never go back” items.
Inside the gloves you’ll often find:
- Sunflower seed oil
- Avocado oil
- Vitamin E
- Nourishing botanical extracts
Slip them on while watching TV at night, reading, or scrolling TikTok (you know we all do it). Let them soak in as long as you want — I personally stretch it because I swear the longer they’re on, the more hydration I get 😄
Cooling Eye Masks: Brighten & Refresh Tired Eyes
Early mornings, late nights, busy schedules — especially for those of us in midlife and beyond — can leave eyes looking tired. Enter cooling under-eye gels.
Why I swear by them:
- Depuff tired eyes
- Feel cool + refreshing
- Hydrate delicate skin
- Give that bright-eyed morning look
I use them all the time. If we could legally drive while wearing them, I might! 😂
If you need a quick pick-me-up before Zoom, TV, or even school pickup, pop on a pair. Instant refresh.
Why These Rituals Matter (Especially in Midlife)
Self-care isn’t about being high-maintenance — it’s about being intentional.
In our 50s and beyond, our routines matter more than ever. We deserve products that:
- Support our skin
- Help our bodies rest
- Make us feel nurtured, not rushed
- Give us little moments of joy and ease
And the beauty of all these items? They’re realistic, accessible, and easy to integrate into your life — no 20-step routine required.
Midlife isn’t about slowing down — it’s about showing up for ourselves in smarter, more nourishing ways.
Create Your Cozy Wellness Ritual
Fall is the perfect time to reset, refresh, and nurture yourself. And it doesn’t have to be complicated — it can be as simple as:
✨ Sliding into flannel sheets
✨ Waking up gently with sunrise light
✨ Adding a seasonal scent to your home
✨ Exfoliating in the shower
✨ Massaging in collagen oil
✨ Hydrating lips + hands overnight
✨ Cooling tired eyes in the morning
Little rituals, big shifts.
Here’s to cozy nights, glowing skin, warm hearts — and a season filled with comfort, beauty, and renewal 🍂✨
Want more midlife lifestyle tips?
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