Fall Beauty Edit: My Go-To Makeup Picks for the Season

Fall always feels like a reset for me. The air gets crisp, the sweaters come out, and my makeup routine shifts right along with the season. This year, I’ve found myself leaning into three distinct looks that feel both fresh and wearable, whether I’m getting ready for a cozy dinner out or a fall wedding weekend.

1. Cherry Cola-Inspired Makeup

Think rich browns paired with cherry reds. For years, I stayed away from brown tones in my makeup because I thought they’d pull too warm against my cool undertones or look too harsh on me. But recently, I’ve been loving how cool-toned browns can ground a look and add depth. Products like the Summer Fridays Lip Oil, the Makeup by Mario Master Mattes Neutrals Palette, and the Rhode Peptide Lip Shape Contour Sticks have been staples for me. Paired with cherry shades, like Benetint, Charlotte Tilbury Glow Blush in Cherry Glow, or the Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm in Cherry, the effect feels fresh, moody, and festive. I can already see this (what I’m calling) “cherry cola” combo being a go-to for Thanksgiving and beyond.

2. Terracotta Blush

There’s something about a terracotta flush that feels very fall. The reddish-brown tones give a healthy, sun-kissed warmth while staying more natural than a bold berry tone. I love how universally flattering this shade is on all skin tones. A few newer options this season: Rare Beauty’s Chamoy (from their Tajín collab), Summer Fridays Blush Balm in Toasted Terracotta, and Ciele Cosmetics Flush & Protect in Ruddy (bonus: SPF built in). I’ve also really been wanting to try Soshe Beauty’s Blurring Pillow Blush in Copper Spice, and Ilia’s Soft Focus Blurring Blush in Wonder is supposed to be a sensitive-skin safe formula with a beautiful blurring finish. Interestingly, we’re seeing a resurgence of blurring and soft-matte textures lately, a shift from the ultra-dewy look that’s been dominating since 2020.

3. Hydrated Skin with Soft Bronzing

Nothing says effortless fall beauty like glowing, healthy skin with just a hint of soft definition. I’ve been loving lightweight bronzing liquids that sculpt without heaviness or cakeyness. My favorite go-to has been the Makeup by Mario Soft Sculpt Bronzing & Shaping Serum. It’s subtle, yet provides amazing definition. Another new bronzing liquid on the market is the Natasha Denona Hy-Sculpt Liquid Bronzer. And on those “no-makeup makeup” days when I still want to add a little life to my face, the Make Beauty Heat Stroke Dewy Gel Cheek Tint in Baked is a perfect bronzer-blush hybrid.

Those are the three fall makeup moods I’m loving this season. I love how each one feels seasonal without being too trendy, which makes them easy to wear now and carry into winter.