From Denim-Blue Eyes to Dark Matte Lips: The Most Sophisticated Makeup Trends to Try This Fall
I've mentioned this before, and I'll repeat it: There's nothing that excites me more than the arrival of fall makeup trends. While dewy, sun-kissed complexions have their charm, my skin truly flourishes with colors inspired by autumn leaves and comforting spiced beverages. (For those curious, I'm a warm autumn and Scorpio rising.) Plus, a blurred berry lip has become my signature; I find nothing more sophisticated than a velvety matte finish. Fortunately for me, celebrity makeup artists Kelli Anne Sewell and Renny Vasquez say that dark matte lips (think mulled wine and oxblood) are currently all the rage, along with several other striking trends. Check out the autumn eye-catching styles below, as well as essential products you'll need to achieve each look.
**Full-Beat Fall**
Good news for those who love full glam: Both Vasquez and Sewell anticipate a vibrant season featuring intricate eyeshadow, sharply defined eyeliner, flawless coverage, and more. "Everyone will be more experimental with makeup," Vasquez states. "More is definitely more this fall!" Indeed, Sewell intends to embrace what she calls "full-beat fall," enhancing her usual fresh, minimalistic looks. "I'm focusing on airbrushed matte skin while having fun with smoky eye looks and eyeliner," she reveals. "I've rediscovered my love for it all."
**Shop the Trend**
- **HUNG VANNGO BEAUTY** Color Story Eyeshadow Palette
- **Prada Beauty** Pradalines Gliding Waterproof Smudge Proof Eye Pencil
- **Anastasia Beverly Hills** Fall Romance Eyeshadow Palette
**Smoky, Sultry Eyeshadow**
"I think everyone is ready for smoky eyes to make their grand return, and fall/winter is the perfect time," notes Vasquez. "Paired with fresh, blurred skin and a dramatic lip... it doesn't get better than that." Sewell agrees, particularly enjoying a smoky eyeliner look with satin metallic lids. If you lean towards a modern grunge aesthetic, try a smoky eye paired with a nude lip (just like Jenna Ortega!) for a touch of '90s style. "The modern take resembles soft grunge, but with a glamorous twist—no harsh lines, just softly blended edges," Vasquez adds. Eyeshadow sticks will be useful here, as they blend easily with just a fingertip.
**Shop the Trend**
- **Laura Mercier** Caviar Stick Eyeshadow Trio
- **Tower 28** Gogo Cooling Shimmer 8H Eyeshadow Stick
- **Bobbi Brown** Long-Wear Waterproof Cream Eyeshadow Stick
**Soft Blurs**
It's that time of year again when dewy, luminous tinted creams give way to matte, soft-blurred finishes across the board. "I'm noticing that matte blushes are returning to achieve that effect, as well as soft, luminous powders," Sewell shares. "They are matte but won’t dry out your skin, providing a smooth finish." There’s a delicate balance between a soft-focus appearance and one that appears overly clouded; both Sewell and Vasquez suggest finding a happy medium. "There's vitality to the skin, yet [it's] matte and softly blurred," Vasquez explains. "Highlighter should be carefully applied to high points of the face, but very subtly. Aim for more sheen than highlight. This enhances the matte skin while keeping it lively in a controlled manner."
**Shop the Trend**
- **MAC** Mineralize Skinfinish Natural Face Powder
- **Pat McGrath Labs** Skin Fetish: Sublime Perfection Blurring Under Eye Powder
- **Glossier** Cloud Paint Plush Blush
**Less Concealer**
Yes, you heard correctly. According to Sewell, makeup enthusiasts will be (gasp!) using less concealer this fall—if not skipping it altogether. "People are concealing less, allowing their natural eye discoloration to be part of the look," she explains. This trend gives off a hollow-eyed grunge vibe (very Wednesday Addams, if you ask me). If you can't bear the thought of letting those under-eye shadows show, try tapping a bit of color corrector instead of brightening concealer; this way, you can mask discoloration while still maintaining the dimension of your natural shadows. Add a hint of gold eyeshadow to the inner corners, à la Collina Strada, if you’d like.
**Shop the Trend**
- **Isamaya** Color Correcting Skin Tint Serum
- **Exa** High Fidelity Balancing Color Corrector
- **Kosas** Revealer Extra Bright Serum-Powered Color Corrector
**"Blonzer"**
"I encourage people to put down the bronzer!" Sewell insists. Sure, a faux glow is always appealing, but she suggests embracing the season with a more realistic, windswept appearance. "Achieve two things at once by using a blush
Other articles
Shopbop Enthusiasts, Get Ready—These 40 Styles Will Be Big This Fall
Autumn has come to Shopbop. Our editor has sifted through all the top new arrivals for the season. Continue reading to explore her curated selection of the finest picks.
French-Tip Nails Appear Quite Luxurious—6 Chic Ways to Sport Them This Autumn
I'll be right back; I'm heading to the salon.
This is your final opportunity to take advantage of Reformation's sale—discounts of up to 70% off.
The summer sale at Reformation is nearing its conclusion. Take advantage of discounts up to 70% before it ends.
I’ve been using red lipstick incorrectly for 15 years—a model and actress has completely transformed my routine.
"I've been into red lipstick for longer than I can remember."
From "Witchy Mermaid" to "French Girl in Italy": Molly Gordon's hairstylist shares insights about 3 Venice...
Molly Gordon's three hairstyles at the Venice Film Festival were incredibly stylish. Click here to view an exclusive photo diary.
It's Official: This Is the Most 2025 Style to Sport Leopard Print
Animal print is making a comeback for fall 2025. Check out how actress Shailene Woodley elegantly styled leopard-print pants and explore stylish options available for purchase here.
From Denim-Blue Eyes to Dark Matte Lips: The Most Sophisticated Makeup Trends to Try This Fall
The artists have expressed their views.