Your Best Fall Makeup Look: 5 Tips to Get You Started

October 21, 2020

Ah, the crunch of dried leaves underfoot, rich blue skies, and that snap in the air — who doesn’t love fall? Sure, the weather’s getting cooler, but the colors are getting warmer: golds, reds, violets, and bronzes surround us at every turn. And in keeping with the change of seasons, why not update your own fall makeup look?  Take a look at our 5 tips below to get you started — we’ll have you looking your autumnal best whether you’re apple-picking or dialing in for that next Zoom call.

1: Go for a bit of seasonal radiance with a rosy blush.

Use a warm rosy blush for that “I’ve just been outside” look. (Source: iStock / Natalia Babok)

Sparkly summer bronzers are out, warm poppy tones are in. To get that hint of a flush inspired by autumn’s cool crisp days,  go for a rosy-toned blush – powder or cream. Go light on the cheekbones and blend out toward your temples. Also, don’t forget a touch on the bridge of your nose, cupid’s bow, and brow bones — you’ll want to make sure to hit all your high points.

2: Keep your eye shadow palette in the neutral zone.

Neutrals actually come in many shades. (Source: Shutterstock / Becky Starsmore)

A great fall makeup look is all about contrast, and a little color goes a long way. Avoid using the richer tones of the season in every cosmetic element and only go bold with a few features. For example, start with a neutral eye shadow and boost the look with a deeper color liner or mascara (more on this below).

Pro tip: Don’t limit your neutrals to a small range of brown and beige. Neutrals can range from pearly pinks to faded khakis, muted teals, and pale greys.

3: Celebrate with a vibrant eyeliner shade.

Catch their eye with a pop of color. (Source: Shutterstock / Shtennikova Evgenia)

Boost your look with a swipe of eyeliner in a rich color close to the lash line along the upper or lower lid. Start with a muted cobalt, dark jade, violet, or burnt gold, and use sparingly. The idea is to include a pop of color, but not to overwhelm.

Pro tip: To amp up your fall makeup look for the evening, add a touch of sparkle in the inner eye corners and across the top lid.

4: Say something bold with a deep lip color.

Say yes to a bold lip color this fall. (Source: Shutterstock / Subbotina Anna)

Every fall makeup look needs a statement lip color, and with the range of seasonal hues available, your options are nearly endless. Show off your fall flair with a rich shade of Bordeaux, berry, or terracotta. Want to try something a little edgier? Go for a dark pumpkin or amethyst.

And while a bright hue can be fun, make sure it’s grounded in a rich pigment consistent with the season. Think intense rather than light.

Pro tip: Start with lip primer to ensure that your color lays evenly and lasts throughout the day. Oh, and don’t forget lip liner in a similar hue to prevent feathering.

5: Complement your fall makeup look with a natural brow.

A thicker, more natural brow complements an autumn palette. (Source: iStock / CoffeeAndMilk)

Frame your fall makeup look with a natural, thicker brow — nothing too over-tweezed or fussy. To get this just right, groom your brows by brushing up with a spoolie brush. Tweeze stray hairs under the brow sparingly and fill in spots with a like-color brow pencil as needed.

Pro tip: After any tweezing, reduce redness and sting with a swab of witch hazel. Follow up with a touch of light moisturizer or facial oil.

For everything you need to create your best fall makeup look, head to Grand Giraffe’s Beauty category page — it’s chock-full of top offers from the beauty brands you love and trust.