Fall into Autumn with Pumpkin Pleasures

Summertime always seems to fly by too fast. With vacations, the kids out of school, and filling days with outdoor activities, once July 4th arrives, it seems to slide into Labor Day at warp speed.

But after the brutal heat of this summer, I always look forward to my favorite season: Autumn. The cool, crisp air, scent of burning leaves, layered wardrobes, and football season are all nostalgic. Not to mention both Halloween and the holiday season on the horizon to look forward to.

Nothing evokes the essence of autumn and its changing leaves like the sight, scent, and taste of sweet, spicy, burnt orange pumpkin. Pops of bright orange appear in dry fields and their scent envelops coffee shops. Freshly baked muffins, pies, and bread never taste better than this time of year as fall ascends and pumpkins take over.

Pumpkins provide us more than just sensory stimulation: they have many health benefits as well. Both the dense, orange flesh and the seeds inside pumpkins are edible and contain many valuable ingredients.

Pumpkins are also packed with beta carotene, a powerful antioxidant that our bodies turn into Vitamin A, which helps protect against free radical damage and reduce inflammation. Some studies show that the ingredients in pumpkins can help reduce the risk of certain types of cancer—including breast, skin, and prostate—by slowing the growth and spread of diseased cells.

Pumpkin’s benefits are also linked to improved eye, heart, and gut health, as well as controlling blood pressure, maintaining healthy bones, and regulating blood sugar levels. They are thought to help boost our immune system, and since they are low in calories and high in fiber, pumpkin may aid with weight loss, too.

Pumpkins also provide a variety of beneficial improvements to skin and hair. Their natural antioxidants protect skin from free radical and UV damage that cause premature aging and enzymes exfoliate the skin and boost cell renewal. Vitamins A, C, and E help hydrate, soothe, soften, and brighten skin.

Zinc and potassium in pumpkins help fight acne and reduce inflammation. These ingredients also help promote hair growth while maintaining its overall health. Folate, a B vitamin also known as folic acid, improves blood circulation to the scalp to stimulate healthy hair growth.

More than a spooky candle insert or pie filling, pumpkins promote health, stimulate our senses, and even enhance our complexion and hair.

In celebration of fall’s arrival, I have compiled a list of pumpkin themed products (starting under $5.00) sure to delight your senses, improve your appearance, and get you in the mood for my favorite season.

Demeter

Pumpkin Pie Cologne Spray

Have your partner eating you up with this Pumpkin Pie Cologne Spray from Demeter. Literally smell edible with notes of pumpkin, sugar, cinnamon, a touch of ginger and a hint of cloves. According to a study at the Monell Institute in Philadelphia, the smell of pumpkin pie increases the arousal level in men by 40%, especially when mixed with lavender. A light spritz behind the ears and on the pulse points is all that’s needed for an irresistible aroma.

Voluspa

3 Wick Decorative Tin Candle in Spiced Pumpkin Latte

Fill the room with the scent of fall with this hand-poured, coconut wax blend, 12-ounce candle from Voluspa that’s housed in a decorative tin with matching lid that’s embellished with a beautiful Japonica pattern. Three natural wicks ensure a clean, even, fragrant burn with notes of kabocha pumpkin, vanilla marshmallow, coconut crema, and spiced cinnamon for up to 40 hours. Free of phthalates, pesticides, parabens, and sulfates. Never leave a burning candle unattended or in reach of children or pets.

Nest Fragrances

Reed Diffuser in Pumpkin Chai

Get all the fragrance without the flame with this Pumpkin Chai Reed Diffuser from Nest Fragrances. An elegant, frosted glass vessel holds the high-quality fragrance oils and reeds that release a continuous even scent with notes of wild pumpkin, spicy masala chai, cardamom, ginger, and cinnamon for up to 90 days. Customizable fragrance can be intensified by adding or flipping reeds. Vegan and made without cruelty to animals, formaldehyde, parabens, or phthalates.

Peter Thomas Roth

Pumpkin Enzyme Mask

This multitasking, resurfacing Pumpkin Enzyme Mask from Peter Thomas Roth exfoliates, peels and polishes the skin to reveal a younger looking, more radiant complexion. Helps even skin tone while smoothing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Pumpkin enzyme provides enzymatic exfoliation to smooth skin’s surface. Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) chemically peels the surface layer of skin to boost cell turnover for a fresh, healthy glow. Aluminum oxide crystals physically exfoliate and polish skin to improve uneven texture.

Farmhouse Fresh

Splendid Dirt Nutrient Rich Mud Mask with Pumpkin Puree

This all natural, nutrient-rich mud mask from Farmhouse Fresh has a light, whipped texture that uses active ingredients to combat congested skin, uneven skin tone and acne. Clears, refines and shrinks pores while reducing blotchiness to enhance skin’s radiance and tone. Organic pumpkin puree, rich in antioxidants, vitamins A, C and E, as well as beta carotene restore and protect the moisture barrier as yogurt cultures full of natural fats and lactic acid nourish skin. Highly absorbent bentonite and illite clays pull impurities, toxins, and excess oil from skin’s surface. Minerals like calcium, potassium, magnesium and silicon provide a healthy, luminous glow.

Nesti Dante

Horto Botanico Pumpkin Soap

This pumpkin soap from Nesti Dante has a naturally derived and botanically active formulation that gently cleanses and purifies skin while maintaining its natural balance. Made in Italy, this soap features an olive oil base with a delicious pumpkin fragrance and leaves skin soft, smooth and hydrated. Can be used on both face and body. Vegan and suitable for all skin types. Free of mineral oils, parabens, petrochemicals, PEG, sulphates, and GMO.

Epicuren Discovery

Pumpkin Apple Spice Peel

Delicately buff away facial impurities while increasing hydration and clarity with this Pumpkin Apple Spice Peel from Epicuren Discovery. Pumpkin, rich in phytonutrients and antioxidants, along with malic and phytic acids gently exfoliate skin for a more youthful, refined appearance with regular use. Use up to three times per week. Suitable for all skin types, even sensitive.

J. Cat Beauty

Love Struck Blusher + Bronzer in Pumpkin

There are multiple ways to wear this 2-in-1 powder blush + bronzer from J. Cat Beauty. The matte blush is the background color, and the hand stamped cat provides the shimmery mineral bronzer. Use one or both, separately or together. The buildable color glides on evenly and provides a natural, radiant finish.

Ofra Cosmetics

Highlighter in Pumpkin Pie

Get a natural, golden, sunset orange, lit-from-within glow for fall with this highlighter powder in Pumpkin Pie from Ofra Cosmetics. Baked from a liquid for the smoothest possible formula, this powder seamlessly melts into skin without being chalky or flat. Intense pearl pigments provide a striking color payoff with just the right amount of shine. The magnetic compact is refillable. Vegan and cruelty-free.

Dasique

Mood Glow Lipstick in 02 Nude Pumpkin

From Dasique comes the perfect, every day, neutral fall lip color, Nude Pumpkin. This universally flattering shade offers a pop of color that enhances the natural tint of your lips with a custom glow. Contains natural oils from rose, avocado and almond to moisturize and nourish lips. The semi-gloss finish provides a natural, dewy shine with no stickiness. Vegan and cruelty-free.

Pupa Milano

Pupa Ghost Kit in 004 Pumpkin Orange

This adorable ghost shaped compact opens to reveal four vibrantly colored eyeshadows and one deep, matte lip cream. Perfect for Halloween or gifting. In addition to Pumpkin Orange, it’s also available in the shades Scary Violette, Purple Witch and Black Mood.

Londontown

Kur – Perfecting Nail Veil in 5 Muted Pumpkin

Like skin, our nails need a little TLC and maintenance as well. Londontown’s Kur – Perfecting Nail Veil provides a hint of color packed with potent active ingredients that deliver nourishing, strengthening and moisturizing benefits to dry, brittle or damaged fingernails. Gel manicures and the UV light used to cure them can wreak havoc on fingernails. Nail Veil works like skincare to restore nails back to a healthy state by using AHAs to exfoliate, promote cell turnover, increase hydration and retain moisture. All while wearing sheer, shiny, universally flattering color. No base or top coats needed.

Philosophy

Shampoo, Shower Gel & Bubble Bath in Pumpkin Icing

Soak in the essence of fall with this award-winning 3-in-1 Shampoo, Shower Gel & Bubble Bath from Philosophy that cleanses and conditions from head to toe. Gentle enough for everyday use, it leaves skin and hair infused with the yummy scent of sweet and spicy pumpkin icing.

Savannah Bee Company

Pumpkin Spice Whipped Honey

Enjoy this decadent fall treat in your tea, salad dressing, baked goods or warmed over a fluffy stack of pancakes on a brisk autumn morning. Savannah Bee Company uses whipped wildflower honey sourced from around the world combined with their signature blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice to bring the sweet taste of fall to your table.

For questions, concerns, or article ideas, feel free to reach out to our eCosmetics Beauty Editor directly at beauty@ecosmetics.com