fall makeup ideas
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10 Gorgeous Makeup Trends to Try This Fall

Call it escapism in lipstick form

By this point in the pandemic, you’ve likely reached one of two points: either you’ve fully leaned into the drawstring life and have no desire to ever switch on your blow-dryer again, or you’re so desperate to get dressed up, you’re rocking a cat-eye to the corner store. Or maybe, like many of us, you oscillate between the two, going from “did I shower today?” to “oops, I got lipstick all over my mask.” For those times when you’re in the mood to play in front of the mirror, here are 10 (deliciously extra) fall makeup ideas. 

 

fall makeup ideas
Getty ImagesChocheng; Rodarte.

Vampy lips

Whereas spring was all about cherry cola lips (a cross between brown and burgundy), fall’s take is decidedly moodier. Chocolaty tones have been replaced by a cool purple tinge for a dark romance feel (interestingly, the look was paired with a bird-cage veil at both Rodarte and Chocheng). If you’re unsure about the trend, try slicking on a sheer plum gloss or stain—it’s more wearable than you might think.

 

fall makeup ideas
Getty ImagesMarc Jacobs; Max Mara.

Smudged liner

Black-rimmed eyes are the equivalent of a leather jacket, imparting a timeless toughness to any look. The Marc Jacobs version, teamed up with cocktail dresses and rumples waves, had a “party girl who slept in her makeup” vibe, whereas Max Mara went more dystopian à la Mad Max—quite apropos given our current state of mind.

 

fall makeup ideas
Getty ImagesSportmax; Chanel.

Bushy brows

The brows of the moment are boldly natural, in that instead of making a statement through angular shaping or heavy-handed pencil, they stun with an almost feral quality. So keep tweezing to a minimum and make arches ultra feathery by brushing them up with clear gel.

 

fall makeup ideas
Getty ImagesMSGM; Lanvin.

Red lacquered lips

How do you make red feel fresh this season? By choosing a high-shine formula or simply topping your go-to shade with a clear gloss. Lacquered red made appearances on a number of runways including MSGM and Lanvin, where it yielded a retro, “ladies who lunch” feel.

 

fall makeup ideas
Getty ImagesGabriela Hearst; Tom Ford.

Gold eye makeup

From metallic shadows to smatterings of glitter, gilded lids brought a festive touch to the runways. There’s no telling how we’ll be celebrating the holidays this year, but a bit of gold might be just what we need to make the season bright. 

 

fall makeup ideas
Getty ImagesMichael Kors; Alejandra Alonso Rojas.

Sculpted blush

After topping the apples of our cheeks this summer, blush is moving down south. Dusty rose shades hugged cheekbones at Michael Kors, Versace and Alejandra Alonso Rojas, chiselling faces and replacing bronzer on contour duty.

 

fall makeup ideas
Getty ImagesTory Burch; Missoni.

Rust makeup

Love the convenience of a one-pot meal? This is kind of the same idea. A monochromatic makeup look that calls for a single product you can swipe on your lids and lips (add a bit on your cheeks while you’re at it). This russet hue has sunny fall day written all over it.

 

fall makeup ideas
Getty ImagesOff-White; Ulla Johnson.

Bright mascara

You can’t beat the effort-to-wow-factor ratio of colourful mascara. It requires zero makeup skills yet garners tons of compliments, even over Zoom. Pick a colour, any colour, or channel Off-White with fuchsia or Ulla Johnson with turquoise. 

 

fall makeup ideas
Getty ImagesFendi; 16Arlington

Gradient lips

Inspired by the K-beauty bitten lip trend, this technique was spotted in myriad colourways, from merlot at Fendi to brick at Chloé and peach at 16Arlington. It’s simple: Dab a lipstick or lip ink in the centre of your mouth and diffuse the colour outward using your finger or a cotton swab. Don’t won’t worry if it’s not perfect—that’s part of the appeal.

 

fall makeup ideas
Getty ImagesAnna Sui; Altuzarra.

Jewel-toned shadow

First, there were the shimmering emerald lids at Anna Sui in New York, accompanied by fluttering falsies and burgundy lips. Then, that same green showed up in Milan, at Prada, floating above models’ creases alongside amethyst shadow. Last came the Altuzarra show in Paris, where that metallic green and purple pairing elongated eyes in a dramatic pointed shape. 

 

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