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As the days get shorter and our wardrobes slowly shift from bright summer colors to mocha knits, our makeup bag follows suit.
From staying hydrated to reflecting the seasons, fall's biggest makeup trends are all about balance.
Playing with bold eyes, autumnal hues and shimmering textures, while still keeping polished skin in mind, is the key to this season's best looks. Here's everything you need to know about the biggest makeup trends for fall…
Iced latte lips
MAC Global Senior Makeup Artist Dominic Skinner has coined a new term for a look that will seamlessly blend autumn and summer palettes. “The ‘iced latte lip’ uses a dark grey-brown lip liner and a nude honey lip. It’s milkier and cooler than espresso as it has that grey undertone,” he explains.
The look is inspired by 90s stars like Victoria Beckham and Mariah Carey.
“Every time we change seasons, there's a certain reluctance to go from the bright tones of summer to the dark tones of winter,” says Skinner, a judge on BBC Three's Glow Up makeup competition.
“I feel like people don’t want summer to end. This year in particular, when summer comes late, we want to extend it. So finding those summery shades that work in the colder winter seasons [is key] “Opting for warm tones with cool undertones works very well.”
Skinner argues that our makeup shouldn’t necessarily be dependent on the seasons. “We can prolong summer by keeping the bronzer and bronzy smoky eye on, paired with a golden lip of this grey contour and caramel center. [that] “Remember summer by planting in the fall.”
NARS Longwear High Pigment Eyeliner in Haight-Ashbury, £17.60 (was £22), LookFantastic
Charlotte Tilbury KISSING Lipstick in Yes Honey, £28
Grunge is back
As the days get shorter and the nights get shorter, smoky, smudged eyes will be everywhere.
The smudged eye has been seen on recent runways from Tom Ford to Moschino to Versace—think of it as an extension of the “bratty girl of summer” aesthetic popularized by Charli XCX.
The resurgence of grunge and indie sleaze means this style is likely to become a staple for autumn. Maybe it's time to rewatch Skins for some Effy Stonem inspiration.
Beauty Bay Smoky 16 Colour Palette, £10.45 (was £14)
Beauty Pie Supercolour Kohl Eyeliner in Soft Black, £7.50 (was £13)
Skinimalism remains strong
This season, it's all about the eyes and lips, and the emphasis will be on skincare rather than heavy makeup, in a trend dubbed “skinminimalism.”
“This will mean using lightweight, sheer foundations or even just foundations that conceal blemishes, allowing freckles and the natural texture of your skin to be visible,” says Katie Walker, deputy editor of Beauty Answers.
Investing in moisturising products will be a must when the colder months arrive. To achieve the much-loved dewy look, you can apply several layers of hydrating serums, light foundations and a generous amount of highlighter to the most prominent points of the face.
“Multi-purpose products like tinted moisturizers and cream blushes are popular for creating a fresh, even look with minimal effort,” Walker says.
Beauty Pie Superluminous Skin Glow Hyaluronic Acid Complexion Illuminator with Filter, £20 (was £34)
The Ordinary Serum with 10% Niacinamide and 1% Zinc, £9
Iconic London Blurring Blush Stick, £16 (was £20), LookFantastic
Make up Your own rules
Despite these trends, some rules are made to be broken. Paige Williams, founder and CEO of cosmetics brand P.Louise, says: “With the rise of TikTok, the way we perceive beauty is constantly changing and evolving, so I think for the first time in history, people are more confident to wear makeup in a way that makes them feel good, not because everyone else is doing it that way.”
With the incredible pace of microtrends in the beauty community, experimenting with a variety of styles and trends has never been more welcomed. For Williams, it’s not about the trend, it’s about achieving the look you’re going for.
“Rather than specific colours, shades or products, it is definitely the technique that matters when it comes to achieving the best results,” she says.
Illamasqua Artistry Palette – Experimental, £19.50 (was £39), LookFantastic
