My Summer to Autumn Beauty Refresh

August 31, 2026September 4, 2026 - Vicki

I love nothing more than refreshing my beauty bits for a new season. As we say goodbye to what has been a very, very hot and dry summer, I’m actually looking forward to autumn, especially putting some moisture back into my skin and being able to wear makeup without it sliding off my face in the 30-degree heat. (We are just not built for those temperatures in Britain.)

Bring on the plumping, hydrating and soothing skincare, along with makeup that will keep me looking bronzed and hold onto that summer glow for a little longer. For my autumn beauty refresh this year, I’ve added in some products from Medicube and Estée Lauder. For me, it all starts with prepping my skin. That’s where I spend the most time, getting my skin feeling good first, because when it’s properly hydrated, I find my makeup applies, lasts and looks so much better.

I know I’m not alone in loving Korean beauty brand Medicube. They always seem to have quality products at prices that don’t make your eyes water. I’ve tried quite a few products from their range, but with my autumn skincare goal being all about hydration, I really wanted to see if the Medicube PDRN Pink Collagen Capsule Cream lived up to all the hype.

The first product I’ve been loving is the Medicube Triple Collagen Toner 4.0. It’s a lightweight, essence-like toner containing 10,000ppm Triple Collagen, and it sinks into the skin really quickly. This toner helps replenish moisture and leave skin feeling plumper, smoother and more hydrated, exactly what I want as we head into autumn. I do love a toner step and think it’s something lots of people overlook, but it can make such a difference. I definitely notice my skin feels smoother when I use one.

Next up is the Medicube Age-R Vita C Pro Ampoule. I always forget just how much my skin loves a good Vit C product, especially after that long hot summer, and my skin is looking dull and tired. This serum is designed to boost radiance and help improve the appearance of uneven skin tone, and I love anything that gives my skin that fresh, healthy-looking glow before I even start applying makeup.

Then there’s the Medicube PDRN Pink Collagen Capsule Cream, which has to have one of the weirdest textures I’ve come across. When I first opened it, I genuinely thought, hmmmmmm, what am I meant to do with this? It has a clever capsule texture where you mix the pink capsuals and clear gel together before applying it to your skin. I use it both morning and evening. It does feel a little tacky on the skin, but the way it smooths and hydrates is incredible. I also think my makeup sits really well on top of it, and when I use it overnight, I wake up with plump, fresh-looking skin.

This is definitely going to be a staple in my autumn skincare routine; you can already see how much I’ve used just by looking at the pot!

So skin prepped & time for my makeup.

Just like my skincare routine, my makeup is getting a little refresh too. I’m not quite ready to say goodbye to that summer glow just yet, so for autumn I’m keeping things fresh, lightweight and glowy. I’ve been trying a few new-to-me products from Estée Lauder, and if there’s one thing they know how to do, it’s glow, especially with their iconic Bronze Goddess goodies.

I’ve been using the Estée Lauder Futurist SkinTint Serum Foundation SPF20 in 2C3 Fresco, and it’s exactly the sort of foundation I reach for when I don’t want to feel like I’m wearing loads of makeup. It’s lightweight, gives a natural-looking coverage, and leaves my skin looking fresh and radiant. I apply a couple of drops and blend it out, adding a little more where I need it. The result is skin that still looks like skin, just a little more even and perfected.

The Estée Lauder Bronze Goddess Bronzing Powder in Medium has been adding some much-needed warmth to my skin, and giving the illusion that I still have a little bit of a summer tan. It’s finely milled, buildable and gives a lovely sun-kissed glow without feeling heavy. I love that you can keep it light and subtle for a natural, healthy-looking finish, or build it up for a warmer evening look. Also, how beautiful is the tortoiseshell packaging? It’s one of my favourite things about it, it feels luxurious, and the large mirror makes it perfect for makeup touch-ups on the go. Never underestimate the importance of a big mirror!

And because I can never resist a bit of glow, the Bronze Goddess Highlighting Powder Gelée in Solar Crush is like an instant complexion wake-up. It gives my skin a gorgeous, silky, light-reflecting finish that can be subtle or built up on the cheekbones for a more intense glow. And how stunning is this product? Much like the bronzer, the tortoiseshell packaging is beautiful, and the highlighter itself is pretty. It feels like a real little treat every time I use it. Oh, and this powder has a scent, I get coconut and subtle floral notes. It’s giving summer in a compact, which I am loving. I think the scent is quite iconic for this Bronze Goddess range, and I believe it’s the same as the perfume.

For me, mascara can completely change a makeup look. The Estée Lauder Lash Drama Mascara Gift Set adds plenty of definition without needing a complicated eye look, and you can build it up if you want a more dramatic, fluttery lash. And their eyeliner is seriously budge-proof. Once it’s on, it stays put all day (and night). The precise nib makes it easy to create a neat but slightly smoky eye for the evening, or run it along your lash line for a little extra definition.

And finally, the lipstick I’ve been wearing on repeat is the Estée Lauder Pure Colour Explicit Slick Shine Lipstick in Wrong Number. It has a gorgeous glossy finish and is the perfect everyday shade for me. I’m not one for a bold lip, so I love how subtle and wearable it is, but adding a lip liner instantly makes it feel a little more evening-appropriate. I think it’s a lovely shade for autumn, too, and it feels smooth and hydrating on the lips, perfect as the weather starts to get colder. It feels like you get the hydration of a lip balm with the colour payoff of lipstick, and the slim, gold packaging looks so luxurious and pretty.

It’s just nice to head into Autumn with a lightweight but glowy foundation that makes my skin feel nourished but gives a nice amount of coverage, and that I can warm up with a bronzer, to keep the illusion I still have a nice Summer tan. The highlighter just adds that pop of radiance that always makes you feel confident. I am chuffed with my refreshed Summer to Autumn routine, and I just have to say, I can’t get enough of the Medicube PDRN Pink Collagen Capsule Cream, it is top tier, and I think it will be a moisturiser that I use well into winter (that’s how hydrating it is).

So, if you’re ready to give your Autumn skincare and makeup routine a little refresh, Very.co.uk has you covered, from nourishing skin prep to radiant makeup essentials that are perfect for transitioning into the colder months.

*Sponsored post with gifted product, but the review is 100% my own.

Five Foundation Bases I Am Loving 2025

August 10, 2025September 4, 2026 - Vicki

A few of the foundations I am using right now, it seems I have a type! Dewy, radiant and buildable coverage.

*Armani Luminous Silk Foundation

This is my go-to for special occasions, it has incredible staying power and still looks flawless even after a full night out. My current shade is a touch too light in the summer, but I just warm things up with a bit of bronzer. Like many of the foundations I’ll mention, Armani Luminous Silk delivers a glowing, radiant finish while offering great coverage and impressive skincare benefits.

It blurs imperfections, evens out redness, and never settles into fine lines. It feels lightweight yet looks polished, and the formula delivers on quality. They have over 40 shades to pick from, which is fantastic, and more brands should be offering this kind of range. Yes, it’s an investment, but it’s absolutely worth it.

Charlotte Tilbury Unreal Skin Sheer Glow Tint Foundation Stick

I’d been looking for a foundation that was light but gave a nice amount of coverage, a nice healthy glow and lasted well throughout the day, this answered my prayers. I popped into Selfridges, and asked the lady on the CT stand if she had anything that would fit the bill, and she delivered, she applied it to my skin and I loved how fresh and awake my skin looked. It’s a nice buildable, creamy foundation that glides on and your skin instantly looks glowing (not greasy), healthy, and they offer so many colour options that I got the perfect match for my skin tone.

If you want a hydrating, buildable foundation that will help give you a dewy glow, this is the one. It is the perfect hybrid of makeup & skincare, infused with, Collageneer™, multi-molecular Hyaluronic Acid, nourishing Daikon Radish Seed Oil and antioxidant-rich Vitamin E. So it has great skincare ingredients that will look after your skin whilst also giving you a great dewy base.

L’Oreal True Match Nude Plumping Tinted Serum Foundation

This is one of my favourite foundations because of its gorgeous dewy finish. The serum texture is infused with hyaluronic acid, which hydrates and plumps the skin, giving it that smooth, blurred look. It’s lightweight, buildable, and feels really nice on the skin, I love the natural, fresh glow it gives.

If you tend to get oily during the day you might want to apply a light dusting of powder on your t-zone, My only complaint is I do not like the dropper applicator as it is messy. I wish it came in a pump bottle.

bareMinerals Bareskin Perfecting Veil Finishing Powder

This isn’t exactly a foundation but on lazy days I do use it on its own, just to even out my skin tone and give me a hint of colour, but If you like to have that flawless, smooth finish to your makeup then this Mineral Veil makes the best finishing powder.

It gives your skin a little added coverage with an illuminated (not glittery) finish. It’s gorgeous and so lightweight. This helps keep my oily t zone in check and makes my makeup look like I have made an extra special effort. It doesn’t look like much in the pan but don’t be fooled, it’s understated but just finishes your look off by giving it that soft focus, flawless effect. This is a really great product to have in your handbag to refresh your makeup out & about.

*Erborian BB Cream

I used to wear a lot of BB Cream, but this Erborian one is my go-to and the only one I have repurchased. The whole premise of a BB cream was to combine the effects of skincare with a light coverage and most BB Creams don’t actually have any skincare benefits to boast of, but this Korean one has some fantastic skin benefits including,

Ginseng: stimulating, toning and energising
Licorice and Ginger: anti-inflammatory, firming and anti-oxidant
Titanium Dioxide: solar filter

It hydrates and protects the skin whilst also evening out skin tone, concealing blemishes and giving a nice light coverage. It is the perfect everyday base and I always pack this in my holiday makeup because it has SPF25 in too.

What are your favourite, most used foundations? I would love to hear your recommendations.

*this post contains affiliate links, If you choose to purchase after clicking a link, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Products marked with a * were gifted or received as PR.

Five Beauty Favourites 2020

March 2, 2020September 4, 2026 - Vicki

*Gifted. It’s safe to say it’s been a dark, wet and miserable start to 2020, I don’t think we have seen the sunshine so far this year and my skin has been bearing the brunt of this. My skin has felt dry and dull, what with the effects of the central heating and lack of sunshine, I have really been relying on my skincare and makeup to help revive my complexion. I thought I would share with you a few products that have become staples in my routine, which I’ve been using religiously over the past couple of months.

The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane 30ml

I love so many products from The Ordinary Skincare, but this serum is pretty epic. I have used it for over a year now and can’t imagine my skincare routine without it. Apart from the fact this brand is incredibly affordable, their skincare is fantastic quality and shows real results. This didn’t irritate my skin despite it having quite a high concentration of Retinoid, it is easy to apply and doesn’t leave my skin feeling greasy. I apply it at night 2–3 times a week, as my first step after cleansing, and I wake up with smooth, bright, plump skin. Over time this serum helps increase cell turnover and stimulate collagen which helps to reduce the signs of ageing, like uneven skin tone, age spots and reduces fine lines & wrinkles.

This product is a great way to achieve that youthful, healthy glow, in terms of long term use you really see your complexion improve. It is like liquid gold! Just remember Retinoids can react with more sensitive skin, so dilute at first if you are concerned (or use the 1% version) also please remember to use a high factor SPF as your skin will be more vulnerable to the damaging effects of UVA & UVB rays.

Vegan & Cruelty Free

Tropic Beauty Booster Sheer Foundation SPF35*

Although I’m someone who doesn’t like to wear much makeup on a daily basis, I still like that look of being put together and like my skin to look evened out with a little glow. This Beauty Booster from Tropic gives me just that. It is lightweight, and I just apply it with my fingers on top of my moisturiser. It leaves my skin with a nice touch of colour, helping to reduce redness, uneven skin tone and gives the illusion that I haven’t seen the sun for months! The other wonderful things about this lightweight, almost tinted moisturiser (with a bit more coverage) is the fact it has UVA, UVB and HEV (artificial light) protection and SPF35, so if you do venture out you know your skin is well protected.

Antioxidant-rich resveratrol and vitamin E help to condition the skin, while building defences against daily pollution. Titanium dioxide gives a mineral SPF of 35 to shield against everyday exposure. So if you’re looking for a base that gives you an even, lightweight, natural dewy finish then this Tropic Beauty Booster is the one. I have been loving it and using it every day as my base to combat my tired, dry winter skin!

Vegan & Cruelty Free

Miller Harris Peau Santal Perfume*

This is my happiness in a bottle, it smells beautiful and so luxurious, it makes me feel amazing whenever I wear it. The scent is uplifting and just gives me a reminder that warmer, brighter days are on the horizon (even if it is raining cats and dogs). It has such a rich, warm creamy scent, but you get a hint of fresh, airy crisp notes as it settles. I am not exaggerating when I say this perfume is the most sophisticated and beautiful perfume I have ever owned, and I love quite a few Miller Harris perfumes, but this one has something special.

The woody notes add a real touch of warmth and class, whilst the bergamot and cashmere give it creaminess and class. The pink pepper, amber and vanilla make it modern and very sexy.

Top Notes: Bergamot, Pink Pepper and Saffron
Heart Notes: Olibanum, Violet Leaf and Papyrus
Base Notes: Sandalwood, Cashmere Woods, Crisp Amber, Vanilla CO2 Extract and Moss

This would make the most luxurious, thoughtful gift or treat to yourself, it’s a beautiful perfume and the scent lasts so long, I can smell it on my scarf/coat days after I have spritzed it. The quality is second to none. The bottle is also beautiful, the minimal dusky pink give it a subtle, classy feel and the simple gold accents on the font and the lid add a touch of luxury, the bottle is very weighty too and feels so nice in your hand and also looks great on your vanity.

ARK Skin Perfector Firming Serum*

I tried a few products from UK based ARK skincare last year and was very impressed with their ethos of products that target specific skin concerns depending on your age, as our skin changes so much as we get older and ARK have targeted skincare so it is easy for you to include it in your routine and see fantastic results. This Firming Serum has been a skincare saviour for me this year as it targets your skins’ loss of elasticity and works to reduce fine lines and wrinkles and with my skin being so dry from the weather it has helped smooth, hydrate and plump! So if like me, you’re in your early 40s this is a wonderful product to use for long term results. I like to mix the serum in with my moisturiser and apply it as part of my morning skincare regime.

It is jam packed with some wonderful ingredients that help keep your skin looking fresh, smooth and healthy.

Micro Algae Extract – Highly purified microalgae extract delivers an instant and long-term tightening effects

Hyaluronic Acid – Active 100% natural Hyaluronic Acid locks moisture in the skin matrix and improves collagen synthesis. Skin appears firmer and more flexible, while fine lines are plumped and smoothed.

Biomimetic Lipopeptide Idealift – targets skin sagging and improves resistance to gravity by promoting skin’s elastic fibre architecture

ARK Skincare is proudly developed & manufactured in Britain. Cruelty Free, with many of their products being Vegan friendly. They use Bioactive, natural ingredients that are gentle on your skin but give effective results. You can browse their entire range on their website www.arkskincare.com and tailor your skincare for your specific skin concerns and age.

Delilah Illuminating Powder in Aura

I love this compact, not only the fact that it is a beautiful rose gold & pewter, but it has a good size mirror which makes it perfect for keeping in your handbag. This stunning bronzing/highlighter is also a wonderful product to add a touch of radiance to that Winter complexion without going OTT on the glow. It’s a mix of rose gold, soft peach and lavender pink and I just swirl my brush to pick up a little of all the colours, and it gives my cheekbones a nice bronzy warm touch of colour. Such a beautiful product and a very luxurious and not so well known brand, their blushers are super nice too.

*Products have been provided as PR samples, but reviews are 100% my own.

Tropic Makeup Range Bases & Lips

August 3, 2019September 4, 2026 - Vicki

I’m sure you have heard of Tropic, they’re one of my absolute favourite beauty brands. A few of the reasons I like them so much include their positive ethos on the environment, the ingredients they use and and the fact their entire skincare and makeup collections are natural, vegan and cruelty-free. As a brand they’re proud to use naturally derived, sustainably sourced ingredients, that are free from harmful toxic chemicals. So your skin is in good hands.

They also use minimal packaging, and are embracing green technology. Tropic are a brand that produce quality products that deliver results, I honestly don’t think I have tried a product from Tropic that I didn’t like. Recently I’ve been lucky enough to try a few products from their revamped makeup collection.

Tropic Beauty Booster Sheer Foundation SPF35 – £22

This is my stand-out product, not only does it give your skin the most radiant, healthy dewy, even coverage it also offers UVA, UVB and HEV (artificial light) protection and a high SPF. I have been testing this Beauty Booster out at the best time of year, it has been so warm, sunny and very humid in Cornwall and the last thing I have wanted was to apply a heavy foundation – or up to a point any makeup at all. This lightweight serum based foundation is like a very, very good BB cream in that you get a light-medium coverage, so your skin feels like it can breathe, it is so hydrating and your freckles are still visible, but it evens out your skin tone, covers redness and gives you that natural healthy glow with the added layer of UV protection.

The consistency of this sheer foundation is very silky and fluid which makes it easy to apply and blend, I just use my fingers, but Tropic also have a makeup sponge if you wanted more precise, long wearing coverage. It comes in the newly revamped bright white packaging, which looks so fresh and classy. The tube is handy for travel and very light. It is the perfect product to take away with you on your travels especially if you’re trying to pack light, this is your skincare, base & SPF protection in one.

Tropic Mineral Foundation £24

Mineral foundation used to be a no-no, it was cakey, dusty and oxidised as the day went on, but no more! The humble mineral foundation has made such advances over the past few years every brand has one in their collection and that’s because people want their mineral makeup to be nutrient rich, beneficial for their skin, and they want a natural finish but with incredible coverage. This Mineral Foundation from Tropic ticks all the boxes, it gives medium to full coverage with a silky smooth finish that won’t look dry and heavy throughout the day. My skin looks flawless, and it is so comfortable and very long wearing, if you need your makeup to last all day (and into the night) then this is ideal.

This lightweight powder applies effortlessly and is easy to blend, it gives an even medium to full coverage and looks like a second skin. The formula is enriched with active botanical extracts of olive leaf, sea buckthorn and vitamin E (which nourish the skin) whilst zinc oxide protects skin from UV rays with an SPF of 25.

Tropic are focused on their environmental impact and with that being said, the clever thing about this foundation is the fact this pot can be refilled with Tropic’s innovative compostable pouch. Simply remove the buffing plate of the pot, pour in your foundation, and pop the pouch into your compost bin – earth-friendly cosmetics couldn’t be easier. So you’re getting great looking skin and being kinder to the planet in the process. It comes in 6 shades,

Tropic Kabuki Brush £22

This flat top makeup brush is the perfect way to apply your mineral foundation. It picks up just the right amount of product and with a swirling motion you can buff it in to your skin to achieve that gorgeous even, velvety, smooth finish. Applying your foundation with a Kabuki Brush allows you to build up the coverage so you don’t apply too much product at once. This brush from tropic has a lovely white wooden handle and is made with vegan fibres, it is compact and a nice size to pop in your makeup bag for reapplying on the go.

Tropic Kiss Me Quick Lipstick

This is the ultimate Summer lipstick, it is pigmented, hydrating and has a super glossy finish. This Kiss Me Quick Collection comes in 8 shades that range from bold to everyday elegance. I have been wearing the Lush Lychee shade, and it is a pretty neutral that goes with everything. It is a universal, go to lip colour that would be a winner in everyone’s makeup collection. The creamy consistency makes it effortless to apply, and it looks smooth and feels smooth on the lips. Just what I need over the warmer months, a lipstick that’s hydrating, nourishing and has a good amount of pigment.

The handy Lipstick Colour Cartridge means you can easily refill your favourite shade, or collect them all and switch your daily colour into your case for on-the-go application. This luxurious lipstick has been named after one of its hero ingredients, Kiss Me Quick flower extract, which gently plumps your lips over time by stimulating collagen and hyaluronic acid production. The addition of vitamin E and oils of Shea, mango and jojoba give a rich, conditioning formula.

Skin Booster in Warm Beige / Kiss Me Quick Lipstick in Lush Lychee

Tropic Skincare is cruelty-free, vegan and 100% naturally derived.

*this post contains PR samples

Let's talk beauty

Unbiased beauty product reviews & tips

Makeup