“Variety is the very spice of life, / That gives it all its flavor.” —William Cowper
Though often attributed to Shakespeare, the above quote actually comes from a 1785 poem called “The Task” by the English poet William Cowper. This time of year, both variety and spice are around in abundance, and both bring on a quickening sense of excitement and promise.
As the weather cools, our taste buds thrill to heavier flavors—cinnamon, blackberry, rosemary, and bay. The woody scent of myrrh and sweet vanilla are also hard to resist. They bewitch and stimulate the senses and, as it happens, get the blood flowing to the skin, providing nourishment and succor as the season shifts and surrenders the heat of summer to the cool autumn breeze. Here, our veritable cornucopia of autumn skincare.
CINNAMON
Axiology Cinnamon Lip-to-Lid Balmie
Cinnamon is a flavor, but it’s also a color—a delicious shade for fall. This natural crayon is a three-in-one, perfect for eyes, cheeks, and lips. It’s good for all skin types, from dry to combination to blemish-prone. And it’s zero-waste and 100 percent plastic free! The crayons are wrapped in paper and set in a recyclable case made from upcycled materials.
Kari Gran Lip Whip Treatment Balm, Cinnamon
A traditional lip-plumping ingredient, cinnamon does the trick in this lip treatment balm, perfect for chapped, dry lips. This little balm is perfect for travel, and the velvety formulation with organic camellia oil and calendula extract inevitably leads to lubricious lips.
ROSEMARY
John Masters Organics Conditioner for Fine Hair
Rosemary oil is detoxifying, and peppermint removes buildup that can wear down the hair. A blend of sea buckthorn and rice extract gently hydrates and nourishes delicate strands, leaving hair soft, smooth, static-free, and shiny.
ROSEMARY
Z&MA Anti-Blemish Serum
This targeted spot treatment reduces the appearance of pores and banishes blemishes with purifying essential oils—tea tree, niaouli, rosemary, oregano, and thyme—that clarify the skin, restore radiance, and relieve congested skin.
BLACK PEPPER
Hurraw! Chai Spice Lip Balm
If you like chai, you’ll love this chai-in-a-tube lip balm, with black pepper, clove, cinnamon, anise, and vanilla. Made with organic ingredients, it’s vegan and gluten-free.
Erbario Tuscano Black Pepper Body Balm
This warm and enlivening scent with notes of black pepper and blood orange peel is transportive, immediately conjuring a spice garden in Sicily. Warm, woodsy, and absorbent, it is made with organic shea butter for soft, hydrated skin.
VANILLA
Bathorium Milk Coconut & Vanilla Mineral
Soak your cares away in a delicious creamy blissful milk bath, lightly scented with organic Madagascar bourbon vanilla, and spiked with coconut and oat milks. Float off to a relaxed, dreamy state—perfect before bedtime.
Satya & Sage Goddess Candle
Envelop yourself in the scent of bergamot, grapefruit, and orange essential oils, with a tinge of warm vanilla and rose. Made with soy and coconut wax, each candle includes an intention and comes in a recycled, reusable glass jar.
