I Recently Crafted Gorgeous Autumn Makeup Looks in Just a Few Minutes.

      Autumn has always possessed a unique kind of enchantment. It's the transitional season that resides between the golden embrace of summer and the chilly temperament of winter, where beauty trends adopt a richer color scheme from our hair to our nails. This is also a time when makeup evolves, moving away from summer's dewy look toward depth, drama, and an inclination for experimentation. This year, the makeup trends appearing on my social media feeds seem like chapters in a narrative, with each look embodying a distinct mood or essence of the season. Just as we express ourselves through our clothing as the seasons change, we can achieve the same through our makeup collections.

      First, consider the "fine art flush," a style that applies a painterly technique to blush, both expressive and easy to wear. Picture rosy cheeks that reflect the crispness of October air, a romantic wash that alludes to watercolor techniques, bringing color even to the grayest autumn days. Next, we have "book club brown," inspired by the comforting nostalgia of Gilmore Girls yet undeniably contemporary, embracing leather-bound browns reminiscent of academic life. This makeup style is akin to curling up with a well-loved book and a steaming cup of tea.

      On evenings filled with promise and energy? Enter "night sirens," featuring smoky eyelids and smudged eyeliner that echoes the mysterious allure of autumn nights. Its counterpart, "polished vamps," builds upon that magnetic energy, showcasing seductive crimson lips and velvety skin that was prevalent on the autumn/winter 2025 runways. Finally, "'90s minimalism" takes a different approach, offering a natural aesthetic with sheer foundation and neutral shades that would receive a nod of approval from any '90s supermodel. It serves as a reminder that sometimes simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.

      Together, these makeup styles outline the diverse personalities of autumn. Whether you prefer a hint of blush or a reference to the '90s, the beauty of this season's trends is their adaptability. Much like the ever-evolving experiences of autumn itself, they encourage us to explore and embrace the transient emotions of the time. Scroll on for the inspiration behind each look and learn how to achieve them with tips from makeup artist Zoe Kim Kenealy, along with my quick recreations. Which one will you experiment with?

      5 Makeup Moods to Experience This Autumn:

      1. Fine Art Flush

      Blushers are a key highlight of autumn’s makeup trends, present on and off the fashion runways. This season, however, they’ve adopted a more artistic flair, offering a painterly touch to the cheeks. The beauty lies in creativity, while the canvas extends beyond just the cheeks to include the lips and eyes as well. "Compared to the bold blush styles trending on TikTok, which often lean toward full glam, the fine art blush aesthetic seems to be worn by the 'cool girl' who applies blush to her cheeks with just her fingers," explains Kenealy. The great thing about such products is that you can step outside the lines and utilize them on your lips and eyes for a unified look. Victoria Beckham Beauty’s Colour Wash (£44) provides a watercolor stain for lips and cheeks, delivering a fluid, sheer touch of color that brightens up your cheeks with a natural glow.

      Meanwhile, Violette Serrat, a French makeup artist, drew inspiration from neoclassical and Italian Renaissance masterworks for her Violette_Fr Bisou Blush (£37), which pairs two marbled tones—one sheer, the other deep—blending seamlessly for a painterly effect. Any enthusiast of blush is likely to have a couple of Glossier’s Cloud Paints (£24) in their kit, creating a colorful haze best applied with your fingertips, or even by mixing two shades for a custom hue.

      Get the Look:

      Makeup Tips: Start with a dewy base before applying a sheer, watery blush to your cheeks and lips. Keep other elements simple and understated with just a hint of natural-looking mascara and brow gel.

      2. '90s Minimalism

      There's an enduring appeal to the stripped-down beauty of the '90s. With the effortless elegance embodied by supermodels like Cindy Crawford and fashion icons such as Carolyn Bessette Kennedy, it's no wonder we find our way back to the beauty of this decade repeatedly. "For '90s minimalism, the focus is on matte and neutral to cool tones," advises Kenealy. "It evokes the classic 'corporate glam' looks from runways. Though trendy today, the essence remains simple, sophisticated, and less playful."

      Skin should appear velvety but never flat, allowing freckled and natural textures to shine through. Today, Merit's The Complexion Stick (£34) serves as a modern interpretation of a natural-matte foundation. Powder is used sparingly to set and soften, lending an almost airbrushed finish that contrasts beautifully with the high-glow looks