August can often feel like one long Sunday evening. As Autumn looms, September's back-to-school vibes gradually replace the promise of another summer full of festivals, frivolity, and err, buzz ball cocktails.
But it's not just our social lives we're mourning; it's the sunlight. One in twenty people in the UK are diagnosed with seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression that is triggered by the changing of the seasons (per Healthwatch). Even if you don't experience SAD symptoms, the lack of sunlight can significantly impact how you participate in the world – especially if you're a woman who likes to go running after 4 pm.
Yep, the autumn anxiety is real. That's why I went around the GLAMOUR office and asked our editors what they're looking forward to in the colder months. Granted, we can't stop the literal passage of time, but we can always recommend a good Netflix show or winter coat.
Here's what the GLAMOUR editors are looking forward to this Autumn…
1. The fashion
Georgia Trodd, Senior Commerce Writer
“As someone who constantly needs something to look forward to, autumn/winter is my favourite time of year because my calendar is full without me being the one to fill it (read: Halloween, fireworks night, Christmas, New Year's). I love nothing more than hunkering down indoors with a good book, candles lit, and something heartfelt in the oven, too, and when better for that than autumn? Lastly, and this will come as no surprise to anyone, but it's also my favourite time for putting outfits together – I've said it before and I'll say it again, layering up when it's cold is far easier than dressing for a heatwave.”
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2. The beauty
Fiona Embleton, Associate Beauty Director
“Sunday evenings in Autumn are made for lounging – and self-care! I love lighting a candle before multi-masking. I'll apply a sheet mask to my face and also a hair mask and just relax in front of Netflix while the hydrators get to work.”
TheraFace Mask
- Number of LEDs: 648 LED lights in total.
- Light modes: Three light settings and three vibration modes. You can choose between pre-programmed three minute or nine minute cycles.
- Treatment time: 9-minute pre-programmed treatment once a day for 6 days each week.
- Wireless? Yes.
- Countdown timer?
- Tested by: Fiona Embleton.
Why Glamour loves it: "First came the Theragun massage gun and then the Theraface Pro. Now, Therabody, the global pioneer in wellness technology, has released an LED face mask that is clinically proven to reduce signs of aging, firm skin and increase radiance – according to the brand's research.
"Their objective clinical study of 31 participants between the ages of 39 to 64 found that after 12 weeks, TheraFace Mask improved the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, firmed skin and reduced sagging, smoothed texture, increased luminosity and radiance, lightened dark spots, and revealed radiant, healthy skin. The mask boasts 648 Red, Red + Infrared and Blue LED lights.
“The mask's main USP is that it is the only LED face mask in this edit which also harnesses the benefits of vibration therapy at the same time as administering light treatment. There are three different vibration settings which each help to ease facial tension, boost circulation and relax you.”
3. The vibe
Amelia Trevette, Acting Global Visuals Designer
“I love the stretch from September to December, but Autumn is my favourite time of year. It’s easy to romanticise life in this season. It’s the crispness in the air, the palette of the trees, cosy pubs with a Sunday roast by the fire. The return of slow, comfort cooking. I love the ease of autumn dressing too. Halloween at Kew has become a new tradition, and Bonfire Night is always a family favourite. I’m ready.”
4. Gilmore Girls
Sophie Donovan, Senior Commerce Writer
“I rewatch Gilmore Girls every September because it's Autumn vibes.”
5. Halloween
Anastasia Vartanian, Freelance Fashion Contributor
“I love Halloween!!! Halloween is for sure my favourite holiday. The gothic, autumnal vibes. Spooky movie nights with friends. Dressing up and going out on Halloween. (I usually cobble together an outfit from things I already own and maybe buy an accessory or two – which is a fun challenge in itself.) Just the exciting, dark mood – it's not quite freezing and miserable yet, but it's dusky and misty...”
6. The crunchy leaves
Emily Maddick, Assistant Editor and Entertainment Director
“Kicking fallen leaves and long walks in that glorious light that comes only in the autumn.”
7. Reading all of the books
Lucy Morgan, Purpose Editor and Deputy Website Editor
Give me a sofa and a blanket over a sun-lounger any day. My mind can only comprehend Victorian literature when it's dark and gloomy outside – hence why I (attempt to) read Bleak House every December. If all else fails, I know the Twilight Saga has my back.
For more from Glamour UK's Lucy Morgan, follow her on Instagram @lucyalexxandra.
Let the tarot reveal what your months ahead look like.
