You Inquired, We Answered—Here’s What Our Beauty Editors Have in Their Autumn Makeup Bags.
If you're as passionate about beauty as I am, you'll understand the unique excitement that comes from a friend revealing the contents of their makeup bag. Discovering new beauty products and beloved classic brands offers a thrill like no other, as word of mouth often leads us to new makeup gems that become staples in our own collections. This is why beauty editors frequently receive inquiries about their makeup bags. At the Who What Wear UK beauty desk, I'm fortunate to work alongside fellow editors who test makeup professionally. We collectively have decades of experience assessing everything from top foundations and must-have mascaras to essential lip balms that we keep close by. So, if a product finds a permanent spot in our makeup bags, you can trust it’s something you'll likely adore too. With autumn upon us and numerous requests in our DMs for our top picks, I asked my beauty colleagues for a glimpse into their (beautifully assembled) makeup bags and compiled their insights here. Keep scrolling for our best recommendations.
**Shannon Lawlor, Beauty Director**
**CHANEL**
Les Beiges Healthy Glow Bronzing Cream
"I’ll be honest; for most of the year, I prefer powder bronzer. My beauty philosophy is to resemble someone who’s wandered the Californian desert for weeks—complete with tousled, sun-kissed hair and a believable dusted bronze that seems authentic," Shannon shares. "However, as autumn arrives, my slightly weathered skin struggles with powder products, prompting me to turn to cream and liquid formulas for added hydration. This bronzing cream by Chanel is iconic—I apply it with a brush to my hairline, cheek hollows, and nose for an effortlessly glowing look," she says. "It’s undoubtedly my most reliable beauty product for autumn."
**Victoria Beckham Beauty**
Colour Wash
"I don’t feel like myself unless I leave the house with a good layer of blush on the high points of my cheeks and the bridge of my nose. This Colour Wash tint from Victoria Beckham Beauty is, hands down, the best blush I’ve ever used," Shannon states. "Just a couple of dots, blended with a brush, produces a deep rouge that radiates from within, and it lasts all day. It makes me look as if I’ve just returned from a rejuvenating autumn walk—like vitality bottled up."
**Dior**
Addict Lipstick Mix & Match
"Before autumn fully begins, I spend time curating everything I own, from my wardrobe to my makeup bag and skincare products. I refuse to take anything into autumn that doesn’t make me feel exceptional,” Shannon explains. “This lipstick from Dior, featuring the shade D Player, comes in the most stunning case I’ve ever seen. Every time I pull it from my bag, I feel put together. Plus, the rich brick-red-brown hue is the very essence of autumn."
**Merit**
Brow 1980 Volumizing Pomade
"My signature look is achieved with unruly, voluminous brows, and nothing helps me get there better than Merit’s Brow 1980 Volumizing Pomade," Shannon reveals. "In the summertime, I prefer a lighter product for a slimmer brow look, but when autumn comes around, I desire a thick, full, feathery brow with a soft finish, and this product excels at achieving that."
**Makeup By Mario**
Master Mattes Cream Eyeshadow
"I tend to embrace eye makeup only in autumn and winter, while keeping it straightforward," Shannon shares. "I usually carry one creamy taupe eyeshadow that can be applied during the day or layered with kohl liner in the evening. This new formulation from Makeup by Mario has not only impressed me but has completely captured my heart," she adds. "I simply dot it onto my eyelids and blend with my ring finger for a lovely chestnut brown wash. It’s the ideal everyday product for those of us short on time."
**Eleanor Vousden, Beauty Editor**
**rhode**
Pocket Blush in Sleepy Girl
"For me, autumn is a truly special season—it’s possibly my favorite of all. The transition from summer beauty to autumn scents and makeup styles fills me with delight. The Pocket Blushes by rhode are a staple in my makeup bag throughout the year. In summer, I love the bright shades of Spicy Marg and Toasted Teddy, but as autumn arrives, I switch to Sleepy Girl. This mauve-tone is just perfect—and doesn't its name evoke cozy autumn vibes? The cream blush seamlessly blends into my cheeks, providing a soft hue that even those who shy away from blush can embrace. I enjoy using it on my lips as well for a coordinated look."
**Hourglass**
Unlocked Instant Extensions Mascara
"I'm quite particular about mascaras. With hooded eyes and stubbornly straight eyelashes, I seek out formulas that won't transfer, smudge, or lose their curl throughout the day, while also providing length
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You Inquired, We Answered—Here’s What Our Beauty Editors Have in Their Autumn Makeup Bags.
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