As we begin planning our autumn/winter outfits, it’s only natural that we turn to autumnal makeup trends that will see us through to winter. While it’s still technically summertime, the new season is fast approaching. We’re already seeing people wear some seriously chic autumn/winter makeup trends and if you are seeking some beauty inspiration, then you are in the right place.
While in summertime we tend to lean towards lightweight formulations and melt-proof makeup (no thanks to the several heatwaves this year), autumn and winter really pave the way for experimentation in your makeup bag. Your skin may favour a heavier, skin-nourishing base as the weather turns (with no risk it sweating off), and who doesn’t adore wearing a glistening eyeshadow as we head into the party season? For me, I’m most excited to default into my uniform of a roll-neck knit paired with a statement lipstick now that the temperatures are beginning to dip.
To guide us through the key autumn/winter makeup trends, I spoke to expert makeup-artists Lan Nguyen-Grealis and Ruby Hammer who talked me through the best makeup trends to try, and the most coveted products to achieve the looks. Plus, not only are they are so easy to recreate, but they will make instantly update your look as we head into the new season. From the smokey siren eye to statement French lipstick, there’s plenty of inspiration ahead.
We’re totally obsessed with French makeup at Who What Wear, and we’re welcoming in one of the easiest French beauty trends to try in autumn/winter via the French lip. This time, it’s all about going bold and colourful, says Hammer. “Vivid shades brighten up dull days. Apply a wash of colour in the day and make it bolder for the evening,” she says.”Find a colour that is flattering to you—a burst of neon, or a hot pink and go for it. However, to keep it looking modern, you should keep the rest of your makeup pared back—that’s the French-girl approach. “Only go strong on one feature to avoid overkill.” says Hammer. “If you don’t want pink eyes, go for fuschia pink lips. Choose your best feature and really emphasise it.” For maximum impact, choose a matte lipstick. Thankfully, formulations have come a long way and are far more comfortable on the lips, says Nguyen-Grealis. “Lipsticks are long lasting, hydrating and provide easy comfortable wear, and there is a bright colour to suit everyone,” she says. “Because the textures are more natural, it allows you to build it up to your desired intensity.”
Dior’s latest lipstick launch is touted as totally transfer-proof, and we can attest to its magical claims. This ultra-matte lipstick is highly pigmented and once set on the lips, it does. Not. Budge. No need for top-up here. Yet, it still manages to feel almost weightless on the lips and has a chic, petal-like finish.
Bourjois lipsticks are among some of the best that I’ve tried. This liquid lipstick leaves a velveteen finish on the lips without drying them out. It’s a must-have for creating the French lip and comes with a budget-friendly price too.
I adore the formulation of this lipstick. If you don’t like lipsticks that ‘set’ onto your lips, then this is a great lipstick to try. It has a mousse consistency that still delivers a matte look without drying or crumbling on the lips.
You’ve no doubt seen siren eyes trending on TikTok. While this elongated cat-eye makeup is being created with sharp, succinct lashings of liquid liner on the inner and outer corners of the eyes, we can expect a softer—but still dramatic—smoky eye take its place, in colourful yet muted autumnal shades. “There is a new love for playful smokey eyes in colours like aubergine, reds and soft browns that gives the eye drama,” says Nguyen-Grealis. “By using soft kohls eyeliners and long-lasting gel liners, it’s an easy way to open up the eyes.The trick is to generously apply product on the lash line and use a flat brush to smudge,” she says. “Blend the edges to soften or use a cotton bud to take away any excess. The best thing about smokey eyes is that you can build and layer to the desired intensity. You can pull it upwards and upwards for a winged shape, or just following the natural eye to keep it effortless.”
Soft kohl eyeliners will enable you to create a soft, diffused smokey eye in moments. Simply apply to the upper and lower lash line and blend. Victoria Beckham Beauty has a whole range of beautifully jewel-toned eyeliners in purple and green for a flattering twist on black or brown.
This stackable eyeshadow brush set is a must for on-the-go applications and saving space in your makeup bag. The angled brush is ideal for winging out eyeliner and the short, flat brush makes blending eyeliner a breeze.
If the idea of a smokey eye is daunting, then make eyeshadow sticks your go-to. You can apply all over the eyelid and just above the crease for a smouldering eye look in less than five minutes. I really rate Beauty Pie’s eyeshadow sticks, which are long-lasting and come in so many metallic and matte shades.
While we might be able to rely on a flush of sun-kissed colour during the summer, skin can sometimes be lacklustre during the colder months. That’s where blusher comes in to add life backing your complexion. “Blush has become a multitasking product and easily adds a modern feel to anyones makeup routine,” says Nguyen-Grealis. What’s more, it can be applied in a number of ways to keep your makeup looking fresh. “Mix your blush into concealer to lift the eye area or higher part of the cheekbones, around the orbital bone for a youthful look, or using a tint on cheeks for a fresh, natural look,” she says. noting that you can even dab some on your lips for a natural-looking lip stain. “Cream-to-powder formulas make it easy to blend, layer and create lasting staying power,” she says.
This handy compact features both a cream and powder blush in one, so you can dabble with both formulations alone, or layer the powder on top of the cream for a long-lasting finish.
Cream blushes are so versatile, and this chic version from Rose Inc looks just as good on cheeks as it does on lips.
if you like your blusher to look dewy and feel lightweight, then allow me to introduce this wonderful blush. The blush pigments are encapsulated in water and burst on contact with the skin, giving you a hydrated, I-drink-three-litres-of-water-a-day kind of glow.
An article on autumn/winter makeup wouldn’t be complete without some party season sparkle, and this year we can expect metallic finishes to take precedent on our eyelids. “For a wearable take on Gucci’s silver chrome eyelids seen at their AW22 show, adapt with a lighter hand and apply to the inner corner of the eyes for a wide-awake, on-trend look,” says Hammer. “Alternatively, go all over the lid for a stand-out party-season look.”
We’re taking cue from Simone Ashley’s shimmering green eyeshadow look, and this cream eyeshadow from Trinny London fits the bill and has a long-lasting formula.
For sparkle and shine, I could not recommend an eyeshadow more. These Scattered Light eyeshadows from Hourglass add just the right amount of transparent sparkle to lids. Pat on to the middle of lids for a chic sparkle.
A pearly cream eyeshadow applied to the inner corners is a great way to open the eyes, and this one from & Other Stories is so pretty.
Glowing, healthy skin is here to stay for AW22. While you may be tempted to layer up on glowy foundations and highlighters, the way to achieve a natural-looking effect is by prepping with skincare. “Instead of adding grease for a glazed doughnut skincare look, emulate the effect with a slightly richer cream or oil in your skincare routine,” says Hammer. “Blend your moisturiser or oil into your foundation for a luminous glow,” she says.
“Add a slick of lip serum on the lips for a juicy look. Ruby Hammer Lip Serum Balm in FX is perfect for that otherworldy glow,” says Hammer.
Tatcha know how to create a dewy glow on the skin. Its latest primer provides a silky canvas for your base makeup, blurring pores and nourishing the skin.
The whole Who What Wear office loves this highlighting stick. It it totally free of glitter, leaving a glossy, expensive-looking sheen on cheekbones.
