Your Upper Hutt Beauty Store's Autumn Skincare Picks for 2026

Autumn is here, and that means your skin is about to start behaving differently. The cooling temperatures, drier air, and less harsh UV all shift what your complexion needs — and at Kiss & Makeup in Upper Hutt, we've been getting a lot of questions lately about what to switch up for the season.

Here's what we're recommending in-store right now.

Swap your gel cleanser for an oil cleanser

In summer, a lightweight gel is perfect. But as the air dries out heading into autumn, an oil cleanser does double duty — it removes sunscreen and makeup while leaving your skin feeling nourished rather than stripped. Our pick is the Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil, which clears congestion without that tight, dry feeling you get from some cleansers. It's been flying out the door lately.

Lock in hydration early

Autumn is the time to add a hyaluronic acid step to your routine before they're sold out everywhere. The SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Air-Fit Suncream has been a customer favourite — it works as both a lightweight hydrating base and morning protection. Pair it with the Anua PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Moisturising Cream at night for a full repair-and-restore routine.

Don't forget eye cream

Cold air and heating season is tough on the delicate skin around your eyes. The Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Bakuchiol Eye Cream is one of our gentlest options — it combines fermented black rice with bakuchiol (a natural retinol alternative) to soften fine lines without irritation.

5 Autumn Skincare Tips You Can Start Today

1. Switch your cleanser — If your face feels tight after washing, your cleanser is too harsh for autumn. Move from foaming or gel to a cream or oil cleanser. Your skin will thank you within days.
2. Add a hydrating toner — A toner with hyaluronic acid or centella between cleansing and moisturising gives your skin an extra layer of hydration. Pat it in with your hands rather than using a cotton pad — less waste, better absorption.
3. Don't ditch the SPF — UV doesn't take autumn off. It's weaker, sure, but still causing damage. A lighter SPF like the SKIN1004 suncream doubles as a moisturising base, so there's no excuse to skip it.
4. Moisturise while skin is still damp — Apply your moisturiser within 60 seconds of washing your face. Damp skin absorbs product better and you lock in that extra moisture from the water itself.
5. Treat your lips — Lips crack first in cooler weather. Keep a balm handy and apply before bed. If your lips are already dry, a gentle sugar scrub once a week removes dead skin so balm can actually penetrate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to change my entire routine for autumn?
No — just tweak 2-3 things. Swap your cleanser, add more hydration, and consider a richer night cream. You don't need to throw out what's working, just adjust for the drier conditions.

Is K-beauty good for New Zealand autumn weather?
Brilliant for it. Korean skincare is built around layering hydration, which is exactly what NZ autumn demands. The multi-step approach (cleanse, tone, serum, moisturise) keeps skin balanced when the weather's unpredictable.

What about sensitive skin?
Autumn is actually easier on sensitive skin than summer — less UV, less sweat, less irritation. Focus on gentle, fragrance-free products. Centella-based products (like SKIN1004) are naturally calming and perfect for reactive skin.

How often should I exfoliate in autumn?
Less than summer. Once a week is plenty. Over-exfoliating in cooler weather strips your moisture barrier and leads to redness and flaking. If in doubt, skip a week.

Pop in and see us

We're at 7 Camp Street, Trentham, Upper Hutt — easy parking, no crowds, and a genuinely helpful team who actually use the products they sell. If you want advice on building an autumn routine for your specific skin type, come in and we'll put something together for you in person.

Can't make it to the store? Shop our full K-beauty range online at kissandmakeup.co.nz with fast delivery across New Zealand. We ship Monday to Friday and most Wellington orders arrive the next day.