I reside in the Midwest and dread the yearly change of time—these 14 beauty and wellness products help me cope.

      I was raised in the Midwest but spent much of my 20s in warmer, sunnier places. My first stop was Los Angeles, followed by Austin, Texas. As I neared 30, I made the choice to return to my hometown. I missed the people, the relaxed pace of life, and the changing seasons. Now that I've been back for a couple of years, I can say with confidence that it was the right decision. I truly enjoy it here. However, there is one thing I dislike—actually, I would go as far as to say I dread it: the annual time change. Living in Northern Michigan means the time shift results in sunsets at 5 p.m. This leads to waking up in darkness, finishing work in darkness, and dining in darkness... you get the idea. Combine that with frigid temperatures and snowfall, and my energy drops significantly. While I think it's essential to adapt to the rhythm of the four seasons (which includes embracing a cozy, homebody lifestyle from late fall to winter), I can't remain inside and sleep the whole season. Nor do I wish to. To ensure I feel my best, I've developed what I consider the ideal self-care routine. Ahead, discover the 14 beauty and wellness essentials that help me counter the effects of the dreaded time change. I hope these prove to be as beneficial for you, dear reader, as they've been for me.

      The last light of one of my few remaining post–6 p.m. sunsets

      My 13 Beauty & Wellness Essentials for Fall and Winter

      Hatch

      Restore 3 Smart Sunrise Alarm Clock

      Waking up in complete darkness makes it far more tempting to hit snooze, roll over, and drift back to sleep. The downsides of this are A) it would make me late for work every day and B) I'd feel sluggish and rely on an unhealthy amount of caffeine to get through the day. Fortunately, I own a Hatch clock. Unlike standard alarm clocks, this one is a smart version. It supports a healthy circadian rhythm with a sunrise light that gradually brightens, simulating dawn. It also provides customizable alarm sounds (I prefer a chorus of singing birds), making it far more pleasant than the jarring sound of a phone alarm. Additionally, there's a "wind-down" feature that mimics a gradual sunset to help cue your brain and body to relax at day’s end. There are so many great features, but beyond its practicality, I think it looks lovely on my bedside table.

      Nespresso

      Lattissima One by de'Longhi

      I'm a coffee enthusiast. Skipping it is rare for me; I often have more than one cup daily. I adore the aroma, flavor, and ritual of it, and this Nespresso machine is one of my treasured possessions. It brews rich espresso shots, has a built-in milk frother for lattes and cappuccinos, and is largely self-cleaning. I may be considered lazy, but in my opinion, this is much better than dealing with a complex espresso machine on hectic mornings.

      Joanna Vargas

      Vitamin C Face Wash

      Once I’m up and have had my cup of coffee, I jump into my skincare routine, starting with this vitamin C face wash. It's infused with antioxidant-rich açaí, goji berry, citrus oils, exfoliating galactoarabinan (from larch trees), and hydrating hyaluronic acid. It leaves my skin feeling clean and smooth. The fragrance, reminiscent of fresh tangerines or juicy oranges, is invigorating and helps me wake up on chilly, dark mornings—10/10 recommend.

      YSE Beauty

      The Overachiever Brightening & Depuffing Eye Patches

      The entire Who What Wear beauty team knows how much I adore these eye masks. I've sung their praises for months, and I won’t stop now. They're loaded with vitamin C, peptides, and allantoin, which genuinely brighten dark circles, reduce puffiness, and smooth lines in as little as 15 minutes. I rely on them to make me appear wide awake, even when I’m exhausted and sleep-deprived. And if I'm traveling? They'll be in my carry-on, thanks. (They’re so effective they won a Who What Wear Beauty Award… just saying.)

      I cherish fall and winter and strive to enjoy every dimension of them, but you won’t find me running in the snow—not a chance. Instead, you'll find me stretching, doing yoga, or practicing Pilates on a warm mat. This one from ALO Yoga is my favorite. It's thick and provides grip, so I don’t slide around like I do on other mats.

      Le Specs

      Duskfall Blue Light Glasses

      The blue light from screens can disrupt our circadian rhythm, making it harder to sleep well. As I spend much more time indoors during fall and winter, and given my increased use of electronic devices, I always make sure to wear