Not Quite Ready for Autumn Makeup? Take a Look at These Transitional Trends.
Perhaps it’s due to the summer we enjoyed with numerous days exceeding 30°C here in the UK, but I’ve definitely begun to feel the chill in the air recently. Naturally, as someone in the beauty industry, this has led me to consider the makeup trends that will be prominent in the upcoming autumn season. The time for relying solely on lightweight concealers and lip balms is soon coming to a close, making way for an exciting opportunity to explore bolder makeup looks that ignite my creativity. It feels a bit premature to wish away the UK summer, so instead of rushing into the new season, I’ve decided to have a conversation with my fellow editors at Who What Wear about transitional makeup trends that smoothly connect summer and autumn. After all, it’s probably slightly too early to reach for my cashmere jumper and wool scarf just yet. Therefore, I think now is an ideal time to make slight adjustments that hint at the impending season while still embracing the fresh, glowy makeup that has characterized my summer routine. Based on the current trends I’ve noticed on the Instagram accounts of my favorite celebrity makeup artists, there’s certainly plenty of room to do just that. So if you’re, like me, looking for new makeup tips to facilitate a smoother transition from summer to autumn, keep reading to discover the five trends our editors are eager to try this transitional season.
**5 Transitional Makeup Trends to Try in 2026**
1. **Pausing: Dewy Makeup | Trying: Satin-Finish Makeup**
As someone with very dry skin and eczema, I fully embrace dewy makeup every summer. The healthy, glass-skin effect feels perfect for warm weather, so I’ve enjoyed layering on hydrating skin tints, liquid highlighters, and dewy setting sprays for that "sun-soaked getaway" glow. However, as autumn approaches, I plan to take a break from the glow and experiment with satin-finish makeup. This finish sits between the summer’s dewy looks and a fully matte effect that is too drying for my skin type, allowing my skin to maintain a fresh, alive appearance with a softer touch, ideal for the transitional season.
**Shop the Trend:**
- **Armani Luminous Silk Foundation**: Highly regarded among editors as one of the finest foundations available, it provides a naturally luminous finish suited for this time of year.
- **Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray**: A reliable setting spray that won’t disappoint.
- **MAC Cosmetics Skinfinish Colourstruck Blush in Raizin the Roof**: This blush gives my cheeks a perfect satin effect.
2. **Pausing: Lip Glosses | Trying: Bitten Lips**
I’m not ready to dedicate myself entirely to the matte lip look, but after several months of relying mostly on lip oils or glosses, I’m in the mood for something that sits comfortably between matte and glossy. A bitten lip tint fits the bill perfectly, creating a softly diffused effect without the dryness of traditional lipstick. The slightly lived-in lip aesthetic seems more appealing to me than a precise lip liner and gloss combo as we move into autumn.
**Shop the Trend:**
- **Victoria Beckham Beauty Bitten Lip Tint in Amour**: A product that perfectly embodies this trend.
- **Benefit Benetint in Dark Cherry**: I was late to jump on the Benetint bandwagon, but now I’m completely obsessed.
- **e.l.f. Cosmetics Sheer for It Tint in Cherry Cola**: An excellent affordable option that performs comparably to its luxury counterparts.
3. **Pausing: No Eyeshadow | Trying: Subtle Smokey Eye**
During hot weather, my preference is to avoid carefully blending multiple shades of eyeshadow, only to have it melt off my eyelids by lunchtime. Therefore, I’ve enjoyed the simplicity of not using any eye makeup throughout summer. With autumn on the horizon, however, I’m ready for something a bit more dramatic with minimal effort. The subtle smokey eye created by several celebrity makeup artists is a perfect look for more formal occasions this season, featuring blends of dark chocolate or soft charcoal around the lash line with no harsh edges.
**Shop the Trend:**
- **Makeup by Mario Master Mattes The Neutrals Eyeshadow Palette**
- **Charlotte Tilbury Rock 'n' Kohl in Smokey Bronze**: This eye pencil includes a smudger brush tip for a lived-in appearance.
- **Yves Saint Laurent Couture Mini Clutch in Over Noir**: A great palette for individuals new to eyeshadow.
4. **Pausing: Bold Blush | Trying: Watercolour Blush**
This summer has been all about bold blush for me, from deep reddish-brown "blonzers" to bright fuchsia shades. While I’m not ready to give up on this cheek product entirely, I’m inclined to opt for a more subtle finish for the upcoming season. The answer lies
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