How to Elevate Your Makeup Routine This Autumn
By: Sarah Cassell
A new season brings new trends to complement the new and improving you. In the ever changing winds of the northeast, the post-summer heat is bound to die down. As of late, trends have been changing even faster than the weather. We’re just past the midpoint of the 2024 year, and a celebration is much needed. As a university student myself, I’m preparing for the battle of all of the back-to-school shopping on the rise and changes that come with the new semester like saying goodbye to childhood friends until the next break. After a summertime of minimalism and/or the period of embracing self-expression, a “new you” is arriving back to campus and one way I’m looking to complete an outfit– in addition to finally trading in my tote bag for an actual backpack– is changing up my makeup game. Whether you’re thinking of elevating your everyday look or wanting to completely transform, these Autumn makeup trends will help you do the job.
Satin Lipsticks
Coming down from the “just kissed” lipstick high, the fall/winter fashion cycle reminds me that it’s time to break out my favorite red lipstick. I’ve only started wearing lipstick at all since graduating high school, but ever since I incorporated it into my everyday look, I’m most likely to leave the house in only lipstick on my no-makeup kinds of days. As much as I love glossiness, the changing of the seasons calls for a commitment to the matte look. Sacrificing your favorite lip oil in the trade of lipstick can be a trying one, which is why there’s another texture to think about: satin. Satin lipsticks give a matte look, but are formulated to feel natural and move with your lips. It’s creamy enough to feel comfortable with the lips and incredibly easy to reapply while avoiding dryness. Especially if you’re facing the doom of living in colder climates, chapped lips are something that’s worth it to avoid. Satin lipsticks can be moisturizing and hydrating, sometimes including Argan or Jojoba oils (e.g. L’oreal satin lipsticks) so you’re able to get the lip oil benefits with the light of the autumn season.
Wine Reds
Whether it be a lipstick, eyeliner, or even blush, a wine red will always help to elevate an outfit. Wine reds are a genre of red lipstick that work with any kind of complexion, easily able to alter undertones for what best fits your skin or even preferred aesthetic. Especially in that satin texture, my wine red lipstick is always broken out when the weather drops and pairs well with my everyday brown liner or bold brows. Even the color itself is reminiscent of that feeling of sitting with friends after a long day of work with a glass of wine. It will assure an easier transition into the winter season, and provide a sense of brightness as the season’s colors begin to dull.
Bold Lower Lash Liner
Similar to colored mascara, a bold lower lash liner is a unique and quick way to add more personality to your look. Whether that color be a signature autumn jewel tone or a metallic, depending on your personal style, any color can really work. Grab any of your favorite shadows, pigmented blushes, potted liners, or highlight, and apply right under/on the waterline with a small angled brush. I’m planning on heightening my everyday brown liner with a navy blue or gilded glitter to complement my rosy blush and deep red lips that I’m always donning. As minimalism ultimately falls out of style and reverts to maximalist grunge, a metallic or smudged black lower lash liner will emphasize that feeling.
Doll-like Makeup
For a more editorial everyday look, the viral Maison Margiela show pioneered by makeup artist Pat McGrath is a beautiful inspiration. The runway show, which featured glassy porcelain skin, gradient lips, thin brows, and defined lashes, had the internet begging for behind-the-scenes videos and tips. The most beautiful thing about this mythical makeup is that it can be worn in varying levels of intensity. You can commit to all of the makeup aspects featured, or tone it down to a lower level of comfortability. For the editorial lover, the gradient lips are easy to recreate, by taking a bolder color (e.g. a green or blue) and blurring it across the top lip onto a nude base. Even the thin brows emit a sense of opulence paired with a dark smokey eye.
Bonus: SPF
This is very clearly not a trend, but a friendly reminder, to always remember to use sunscreen before applying makeup! No makeup look will be able to glow without skin prep, and no matter how thick you like to apply foundation, it cannot protect against the sun’s ever-piercing rays. Whether it’s a spray, face stick, or just simple cream, sunscreen is the most important part of any fall makeup routine. Keep sunscreen in your bag so you have an easy reminder to reapply, even if you’re just staying indoors. If you’re worried about ruining your makeup throughout the day, a spray sunscreen is a great option to avoid any kinds of smudging while still protecting your skin. Even if you live somewhere when the sun’s glow is reduced to a couple hours everyday, UV levels can still stay high. Protect your skin, no matter the season.
Albeit this article notes some suggestions, it’s crucial to remember the most important and exciting thing about makeup: freedom of true expression. If one of these trends is something that
you hate, don’t wear it! If something inspires you to try something else, we can’t wait to see! True authenticity is always the way to go, and from Girls Like, we’re looking forward to seeing how you embrace yourself this fall.