The sun was down by 4:30 p.m. today. As much as we enjoyed this weekend’s unseasonably warm temperatures, there’s no clearer sign of winter’s approach than this premature darkness. Now’s the time to reach for thicker, more comforting clothing and beauty products and start cooking richer meals. It’s all about creating insulation—especially since no one in the UK wants to turn on their heat.

The three products in this week’s edition are all sumptuous and solid. They also make pulling it all together during the colder months quicker. As the chaos of the holiday season approaches, they can make your day-to-day tasks simpler and more comforting.

This season, think thick.

1. Naturium Azelaic Acid Emulsion 10% ($22)

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As a long-time acne sufferer, azelaic acid was one of the few ingredients I hadn’t tried yet. Now I’m wondering why I waited so long. This creamy emulsion from Naturium, the skincare brand launched in 2020 by Susan Yara, contains 10% azelaic acid, a potent active that plays along really well with others. It also includes niacinamide, bio-retinol and other brighteners which have dramatically calmed my skin down in just a few weeks. The combo of actives and thicker texture make it an ideal choice for paring down your routine without missing out on any hydration.

2. Uniqlo 100% Cashmere Crew Neck Jumper (£109.90)

uniqlo

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When I think of cashmere, I think of luxury, which makes me see dollar signs. And while the price tag on this sweater isn’t small, it’s far better than similar styles. I love Uniqlo for my basics (previously featured here). Their clothes fit well and hold up after repeated wear. Available in a broad range of colors, their crew neck sweaters are a fall and winter staple for me. They can be paired with anything and everything and make packing a breeze. The 3D knit of these sweaters (men’s available here) also makes them more resistant to stretching while still being unbelievably soft.

3. John Lewis Marble Utensil Pot (£35)

I have yet to live in a home where I’ve walked into the kitchen and said, “Finally, I have enough drawers.” That means I need ways to coral everything that I don’t mind looking at on a daily basis. This utensil pot from John Lewis looks far more upscale than the price and is very solid. Fill it with your spoons and spatulas and it isn’t going anywhere. I have one on each side of my stovetop to keep everything organized. One thing to remember: Marble is porous, so be sure to clean up splatters quickly to avoid stains or discoloration.

Something to think about …

London Grammar Artist

London Grammar lead singer Hannah Reid’s voice struck me the moment I heard it. Her voice added such weight to their songs, capturing heartbreak in such a visceral way. They’ve become one of my favorite British groups.

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MIDDI is a weekly roundup of mid-priced beauty, fashion and home buys released every Monday. Have a product you’re searching for? Leave your suggestions in the comments.