Every year, I seem to simplify my beauty routine. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve narrowed down my daily products to the absolute essentials. Back in June, my vanity was all about lightweight summer defense. But now that the neighborhood pool days are behind us and the cooler seasonal air is moving in, our mature skin demands a completely different level of respect, hydration, and defense.
If you followed my summer updates, you know how particular I am about how my face feels. I absolutely hate the heavy, greasy feeling of traditional winter lotions and cosmetics. That is exactly why I am thrilled to transition my vanity to the newly dropped Counter Brand Limited-Edition Holiday 2026 Gift Sets. They deliver the intense, clean hydration we need for a gorgeous midlife glow without any of the weight.
Whether you are looking to treat yourself, refresh your cool-weather routine, or kickstart your holiday shopping, here is how I am updating my favorite look for the new season:
The Ultimate Midlife Lip: From Summer "Plush" to Holiday "Shine"
After at least 45 years of testing lipsticks, my absolute favorite formula on the market remains Counter’s Clean Swipe Hyaluronic Lip Balm. Over the summer, I couldn’t get enough of their limited-edition shade, Plush.
But as we head into the holiday cheer season, I'm upgrading my look.
For those who remember my daughter's cheer team colors last year—hot pink and black—I lived in their Sheer Genius Conditioning Lipstick in Orchid. This year’s team colors are neon yellow and black... which is a bit tougher to match! I am opting for a gorgeous, sophisticated warm neutral instead. If you want the ultimate festive lip upgrade, the new holiday Line & Shine Lip Duos (especially in Rosy Pink or Deep Berry) are spectacular for adding definition and high-impact moisture to mature lips.
The TSA-Ready Upgrade: Countertime Travel Edit
Over the summer, I raved about the travel-sized moisture mists for long travel days. For the upcoming holiday travel season, I am officially upgrading to the Countertime Travel Edit.
If you are traveling to see family or taking a winter getaway, this set is a lifesaver. It features TSA-friendly, luxury travel sizes of the entire 5-piece anti-aging regimen—including the legendary Tetrapeptide Supreme Cream. I still love taking a warm shower after a long day and applying my daily moisturizer before cooking dinner. This regimen keeps my skin looking incredibly fresh, clean, and deeply hydrated through the harshest winter weather.
The Daily Staples: Mascara & Supreme Eye Care
No matter the season, my daily look isn't complete without a few high-performance makeup staples. The Think Big All-in-One Mascara permanently lives in my makeup bag because it gives full, dramatic length without midday flaking. Pair that with the ultra-rich Ultra Renewal Eye Cream to target fine lines, and you have the perfect simple, elegant everyday look for midlife beauty.
Shop the Holiday Collection
High-performance, non-toxic clean beauty shouldn’t be hard to find, but these limited-edition holiday value sets will absolutely sell out fast. Ready to swap out your summer textures for ultimate seasonal hydration?
👉 Shop the Counter Brand Holiday Collection Here
Updated October 11, 2026
For a limited time, Counter is offering a special sun beauty set with a new lip balm color called Plush.
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