Listen Up: Makeup Artists Say These Autumn Trends Will Reign Supreme

Is it totally cliche to say, “Can you believe it’s almost fall?” Well, I guess I just said it. But seriously, am I the only person who thought June was just two days ago? While I’m sad to see the summer season go, it is pretty exciting to think about all that fall has to offer. Chunky knit sweaters, boots, cosy drinks, cooler and pleasant weather (the list goes on and on).

One thing a lot of us think about when a new season rolls around is how we want to change up our looks and if there are any new and intriguing trends to try. My fashion colleagues have already got us covered on what to wear, so I thought I’d poll some makeup artists to see what their predictions are for the top fall makeup trends this year. Take a look at their thoughts below. Spoiler alert: They’re pretty mesmerisng, and I guarantee you’re going to want to try at least one of them.

“When people look at your skin, they should see the natural beauty of your skin first, not be distracted by layers of concealer, foundation, powder, and highlighter. Even when so many pros were doing the baked, heavy on coverage skin, my approach has always been minimal, less-is-more skin. I’m so happy to see people are embracing that now. As we go into autumn/winter I predict a return of matte skin. It’s so chic and luxurious. I don’t think it needs to be totally matte, we can modernise it and do a semi-matte natural finish. The key is to use less, apply coverage only where needed, lightly powder the center of the face, and leave the rest nearly bare.”—Carolina Dali, whose clients include Constance Wu and Storm Reid

“Makeup these days has become a lot more fun and playful, and we’re really celebrating our own uniqueness. With that comes bright, eye-catching liner that will be a huge trend come autumn—especially since masks seem to be making a comeback.”—Gita Bass, whose clients include Olivia Wilde and Elizabeth Olsen

“My prediction for autumn 2021 will be a ‘flush trend.’ A flush of complementary and enhancing tones on healthy skin. Right now health is at the forefront of people’s minds whether that be through the latest workout, double-serum skin, or spirulina smoothie. [Like] Flush, healthy skin with matte cream makeup formulas. The Eye Crayons by Sunnies Face or Chanel Stylo Ombré et Contour pencils blended with a brush are perfect for the eyes. Use an ultra-defining mascara like Future Lash by Victoria Beckham Beauty. The Tinted Love shade range by Charlotte Tilbury swept over the cheeks and lips are so gorgeous yet effortless. Flush-sculpt your features with a cream contour or bronzer to finish the look.”—Mia Jones, whose clients include Riley Keough and Rosario Dawson

“Nineties beauty is having a moment, and I’m here for it. Think Gucci by Tom Ford runway smoky eyes, achieved using browns, burgundy, and smouldering blacks. The look is smoky, mysterious, sexy bedroom eyes. For those with fair skin, I stick with brown, gray, or burgundy shades, for darker tones I prefer deep browns, burgundy, and or black. For added drama, once your eyes are done, apply a touch of Tom Ford Beauty cream highlighter to the center of the eyes right along the lash line and to the corner of the eyes.”—Dali

“Another ’90s beauty influence that I personally love and predict will be hot this fall/winter is monochromatic brown beauty. Matching your brown eye shadow to your brown lip colour—[it’s] so chic and flattering on everyone. Be sure to add a little blush and colour to the face at the end so you don’t look washed out.”—Dali

“Many of us don’t have the time or patience to deal with a dramatic wing, or perhaps want a more natural look, so the kitten eye or ‘mini flick’ will be a huge trend for fall. It still gives you that sexy lift but is much quicker and easier to achieve.”—Bass

“As we see early-2000s fashion make a comeback, I also predict some of the beauty will too, especially the lip-liner–and–glossy-lips combo. I love it because it’s effortless and doesn’t require much time or maintenance. The liner adds shape while the gloss adds an illusion of fullness to the lips. When applying the gloss, I like to add an extra coat of gloss to the cupid’s bow and the centre of the lips. This technique helps attract light to the centre of the lips, further giving an illusion of a fuller pout. My go-to lip liner is Kevyn Aucoin Beauty, lipgloss is Chanel.”—Dali

“Colour holds the power to make us feel happy and optimistic. We’re going on two years of this epidemic; we can all use some colour in our lives and beauty routine. Even if you’re colour shy, you can still have fun implementing one colourful element to your routine like a wash of blue eye shadow on the lids, or a pop of pink blush on the cheeks. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different colours—after all the beauty of beauty is we can wash it all off. You’ve got nothing to lose and everything to gain, you may find out that you look stunning with purple eye shadow and pink blush.”—Dali

“As autumn approaches and temperatures cool down, wearing lipstick becomes more comfortable again and is the perfect accessory for a fabulous fall outfit. Since masks are still floating around, a highly pigmented lip stain is a great choice for a pop of colour that won’t transfer.”—Bass

“After years of blush taking a backseat, I predict it to take centre stage this autumn/winter and into the following year. Personally, I’d rather wear blush than mascara. Blush instantly brightens up the face, adds shape/dimensions, as well as gives a youthful appearance. I’m obsessed with all the Dior blushes, especially the 001 Pink.”—Dali