Beauty: Fond farewell to summer products

Elizabeth Arden, Sebastian, Thierry Mugler, Chanel and Clarins. Picture / Carolyn Robertson

Autumn is really just a long goodbye to summer so don't be in too much of a hurry to chuck the fake tan, tinted mosturiser, bronzer and marine eau de toilette.

It's a much more gentle process - picking up a more serious perfume here, maybe a heavy-duty hair treatment there, in preparation for what lies ahead.

Sebastian Potion 7 Rich Nutritive Treatment
$43.20 for 150ml

This amazing treatment can go on dry hair for 5 minutes at home or last all day at work. There are seven groups of nutrients, including vitamins and amino acids, grapefruit, orange and cactus extracts, proteins, and oils to nourish and revitalise.

From selected hair salons.

Chanel Precision Gommage Microperle Eclat
$75 for 75ml

Translated, this is a maximum radiance exfoliating gel which promises to deal to dead skin cells and restore radiance with ground cultured pearls, jojoba microbeads, marine extracts and the fine-smelling orange blossom concentrate. From selected department stores and pharmacies.

Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Plump Perfect Makeup SPF15
$69 for 30ml

This great new foundation uses Arden's ceramide plump perfect technology to plump surface lines, moisturise and protect, as well as give precise colour that lasts. Just as well it goes the distance, as this substantial glass jar isn't one to throw in the bag. Gives medium to full coverage.

From selected department stores and pharmacies.

Clarins Extra-Firming Night Cream
$132 for 50ml

Clarins has been doing extra-firming creams since 1978 and the 2005 vintage for women over 40 is reinforced with a neuro-immune protective action to help preserve nerve endings. The plant-based ingredients such as alfalfa and rosemary moisturise, soothe, repair and firm.

From selected department stores, pharmacies and beauty therapists.

Thierry Mugler Alien
$150 for 60ml refillable eau de parfum

This floral fragrance reveals women's "inner beauty". Its three elements are amber for warmth, a woody note, and a floral jasmine note. The bottle denotes an amethyst stone set in gold. For Angel fans looking for the next big thing, this is it. For Angel detractors, it's nothing like the divisive fragrance.

From Smith & Caughey's.