From Denim-Blue Eyes to Deep Matte Lips: The Most Sophisticated Makeup Trends for Fall

      I've mentioned this previously, and I’ll say it again: Nothing excites me more than the arrival of fall makeup styles. While dewy, sun-kissed shades are enjoyable, my skin genuinely shines with a color palette that reflects flushed leaves and warm spiced beverages. (For those interested, I’m a warm autumn and a Scorpio rising.) Moreover, a blurred berry lip has become my signature; I can't think of anything more sophisticated than a velvety matte finish, and fortunately, celebrity makeup artists Kelli Anne Sewell and Renny Vasquez assert that dark matte lips (such as mulled wine and oxblood) are quite trendy right now, alongside several other eye-catching looks. Explore all the autumnal inspiration below, including essential products you’ll need to perfect each style.

      **Full-Beat Fall**

      Good news for full-glam enthusiasts: Both Vasquez and Sewell anticipate a more elaborate approach this season—think intricate eyeshadow, precise eyeliner, flawless coverage, and more. "Everyone will be experimenting with makeup a bit more," Vasquez states. "More is more this fall!" In fact, Sewell intends to pursue what she calls a "full-beat fall," amplifying her typical fresh and minimal looks. "I am looking to embrace airbrushed matte skin while having fun with smoky eye looks and liner," she remarks. "I’ve rediscovered how much I love it all."

      **Smoky, Sultry Eyeshadow**

      "I believe everyone is eager for smoky eyes to officially return, and fall/winter is the ideal time," highlights Vasquez. "Paired with fresh, blurred skin and a dark lip… it’s just perfect." Sewell agrees, particularly favoring a smoky eyeliner paired with satin metallic lids. If you lean towards a modern grunge vibe, consider combining your smoky eye with a nude lip (just like Jenna Ortega above!) for that '90s aesthetic. "The contemporary version resembles soft grunge, but with a glam twist—no stark lines and softly blended edges," adds Vasquez. Eye shadow sticks are particularly useful here, as they’re user-friendly and blend seamlessly with just a finger.

      **Soft Blurs**

      This is the time for dewy, radiant skin tints to give way to matte, softly blurred finishes across the board. "I'm noticing matte blushes making a comeback to achieve that effect, as well as soft, somewhat luminous powders," Sewell explains. "They provide a matte finish without drying out your skin, creating a smooth appearance." There is a delicate balance between a soft-focus effect and one that appears overly clouded, and both Sewell and Vasquez recommend staying in the sweet spot. "There’s a liveliness to the skin; it’s matte yet softly blurred," Vasquez notes. "Highlighter should be lightly applied to the high points of the face, focusing on more sheen than shine. This offers a touch of life to the matte skin in a controlled manner."

      **Less Concealer**

      Yes, you read that correctly. According to Sewell, makeup enthusiasts will be (gasp!) using less concealer this fall—or at least minimizing its application. "People are concealing less, letting natural eye blemishes be part of the look," she clarifies. Think hollow-eyed grunge (quite reminiscent of Wednesday Addams, if you ask me). If the idea of showcasing those under-eye shadows doesn’t sit well with you, try using a bit of color corrector instead of a brightening concealer; this method allows you to hide discoloration without sacrificing the dimension of those natural shadows. Consider applying a touch of gold eyeshadow to the inner corners, à la Collina Strada, if you’re feeling adventurous.

      **“Blonzer”**

      "I encourage people to set aside the bronzer!" Sewell insists. While a faux glow is always nice, she's suggesting a more natural windswept look suited for the season. "You can effortlessly combine a blush shade that features a balanced bronze but pink undertone," she explains. "It confines the bronze appearance primarily to the cheeks, making it much more natural!"

      **Denim Elements**

      Blue eye makeup isn’t going anywhere—insiders are simply transitioning from bright cobalt and turquoise to a darker denim shade. (Think of Dua Lipa during her blonde hair era in Argylle, featured above.) "I’m observing a lot of blue denim elements in beauty, such as blue mascara and eyeshadow," notes Sewell, referencing celebrity makeup artist Alexandra French’s "double denim makeup" look for a recent MAC campaign. Whether you choose a bold blue eyeshadow or just a swipe of navy mascara, it’s an easy way to elevate your regular glam to something a little more intriguing.

      **Warm Browns**

      Another beautifully autumnal color theme? "Many stunning camel-colored browns—like warm, terra-cotta tones," mentions Sewell. There’s something about brown, monochromatic glam (sometimes