Fall 2023’s makeup trends are all about drama, from liner cocktailing to matte lips.

Fall 2023's makeup trends are all about drama, from liner cocktailing to matte lips.

Fall 2023 Makeup Trends: Get Ready for a Magical Season

Image: @thefacebykase/Instagram

Even if you’re the biggest summer fan in the world (um, me), there’s something so magical about fall. The crisp mornings, the changing leaves, the thrill of a hot PSL in your hand, snuggling into a cashmere sweater—oh, and swapping your sheer skin tints and dewy lip glosses for fall makeup trends.

Changing up your wardrobe for the season is a rite of passage, and that goes for your makeup bag too. Certain products just hit differently come September and October. The cooler temps also open up a whole new horizon of makeup experimentation. “Fall makeup is exciting because as the weather gets cooler, it’s fun to play with different textures and finishes for makeup, things you may want to avoid during the hot summer months,” explains celebrity makeup artist Mai Quynh. Makeup artist Sara Wren, Global Director of Artistry at Milk Makeup, agrees. “I think just like with fashion, it’s a great time to layer. The weather gets cooler, and we get back to playing with complexion and layering—without the worry of sweat and makeup meltdown.”

So, let’s dive into fall 2023’s biggest makeup trends, straight from the pros.

Meet the Experts:

Kasey Spickard, makeup artist
Jillian Dempsey, celebrity makeup artist
Mai Quynh, celebrity makeup artist
Sara Wren, makeup artist and Milk Makeup Global Director of Artistry
Tobi Henney, celebrity makeup artist

1. Latte Makeup

Image: @haileybieber/Instagram

If Hailey Bieber gives a trend her coveted stamp of approval, you know it’s going to catch on fast. The monochromatic tan and light brown latte makeup is one such trend, and Quynh is loving it for fall. “I think it’s popular right now because it’s the perfect neutral makeup to wear and it can work with any skin tone,” she explains. “It’s a subtle progression from the no-makeup makeup look. I love that it is a more contemporary, pared-down version of all the ’90s and early 2000s makeup we’ve been seeing.”

To achieve the latte-inspired look, Quynh recommends sculpting the skin but keeping it radiant, not too matte, and choosing light brown and tan shades. One go-to product she suggests is the Tula Gold Glow + Get It Cooling & Brightening Eye Balm ($38). This versatile balm can be used on various areas of the face, leaving a shimmery and golden finish while defining your face with natural dimension. For latte-inspired eyes, try the Huda Beauty Matte Obsessions Eyeshadow Palette in Warm Matte ($32) and add a smudge of light-medium brown pencil along the lash line before applying mascara.

2. ’90s Lips

Image: @thefacebykase/Instagram

The ’90s lip looks are here to stay, especially for fall. “We will be continuing with the ’90s lip looks this fall,” says Tobi Henney. “Think latte-style lips with brown liner, lipsticks, and glosses.” You don’t have to stick to the signature ’90s matte this time around, however. “Play around with matte, sheer, and gloss finishes to wear this look day and night,” advises Henney. Her top picks for achieving this look are the iconic MAC Lip Pencil in Cork ($24) and Chanel’s Rouge Coco Flash Hydrating Vibrant Shine Lip Color in Destination ($45).

3. Caramel Macchiato Makeup

Image: @tuddynana/Instagram

Spickard has his own twist on the monochromatic latte look, which he calls “caramel macchiato makeup.” Using warm and rich tones, this look is perfect for a trip to the coffee shop. “I think we’re going to see the resurgence of more warm-toned makeup making a comeback this fall,” explains Spickard. “Think light warm beiges on the lids and with warm browns and burnt siennas on the crease with rich deep espresso along the lash line.” For that extra Starbucks-inspired touch, Spickard suggests adding a little “caramel drizzle” on the inner corners of your eyes using copper or gold shades. To achieve this look, he recommends trying the Patrick Ta Major Dimensions Eyeshadow Palette ($70).

4. Vampy Matte Lips

Image: @patrickta/Instagram

It may be time to bring back the Kylie Lip Kits! “I’m starting to see 2016 makeup trends start to creep back in online, and I’m personally excited to see it!” exclaims Spickard. Fall and the vampy matte lip are pretty much synonymous, though we’ve been firmly on team gloss and tint as of late. “I think we’re gonna see rich burgundies and deep reds with a focus on rich deep warm browns.” To keep it modern and not a YouTube palette era throwback, Spickard recommends going for a full “clean girl” face with fresh, dewy skin and fluffy brows, anchoring it with a warm matte brown lip. He suggests trying Maybelline’s SuperStay Matte Ink in Chai Genius or Caramel Collector ($10).

5. Soft Goth

Image: Milk Makeup

If your style is more Billie Eilish than Barbie, go for the goth this season. “We saw goth-inspired looks on the runways, and it’s making its way to the masses with smoky sparkly eyes, vampy lip gloss, and chunky lashes,” says Wren. Achieve the look by layering on the Milk Makeup Kush Mascara ($28) for spidery lashes and pairing it with a shiny black gloss using a combo of Color Chalk in Skateboard ($18) and Odyssey Lip Oil Gloss in Journey ($26). To intensify the look, try Sculpt Cream Contour Stick in Simmer ($24) on the lips, topped with Odyssey Lip Oil Gloss in Voyage.

6. Cloud Skin

Image: @ninapark/Instagram

Think matte, but soft and blurred, not chalky or one-dimensional. “Cloud skin and soft matte finishes are always on-trend for fall, but we never want the skin to be dry,” explains Wren. For a spot-matte effect without adding more powder, Wren suggests spraying Milk Makeup’s Pore Eclipse Matte Setting Spray ($38) onto a sponge and dabbing it onto the skin to absorb excess oil.

7. Flushed Cheeks

Image: @ninapark/Instagram

Summer’s strawberry girl flush feels just as pretty in fall. Cream blush will continue to be a power player in the beauty world as summer fades into autumn, according to Henney. To achieve a lifted look, she recommends dusting color across the top of the cheekbones with a blush brush and sweeping a touch of color across your nose to keep a touch of sunkissed summer fun alive. Some of her top picks include Kjaer Weis Cream Blush in Sun Touched ($32), Milk Makeup Lip + Cheek in Rally ($24), and Ilia Multi Stick in a Fine Romance ($36).

8. Bold Eyes

Image: Jillian Dempsey

It started with mascara cocktailing—pairing two different formulas for your desired look—and now makeup artist Jillian Dempsey is taking it one step further with what she calls “eye cocktailing,” or “using different mediums to create a bold finished look.” She loves when character is built into the eyes, making them bold and fun without overpowering the face. To achieve this look, start with a cream eyeliner like Dempsey’s Khôl Eyeliner ($20) to draw and define the crease and shape of your eye. Then, blend a cream eyeshadow in a similar shade with the cream liner for seamless integration. For fall-ready palettes, try the Khôl pencil in Rich Brown or Deep Burgundy and Lid Tint ($28) in Bronze, Peach, or Plum. Finish off the look by defining the eyes with a liquid or gel liner in a winged shape and load on the mascara.

So, get ready to embrace the changing leaves and explore these stunning fall makeup trends. Whether you opt for the neutral latte look or go full-on soft goth, there’s something for everyone this season. Have fun experimenting and let your beauty shine!

Fall 2023’s makeup trends are all about drama, from liner cocktailing to matte lips.