People Are Already Wearing These 5 Easy Autumn/Winter Makeup Trends

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 quickly approaching. I'm already seeing people wear some seriously chic autumn/winter makeup trends, and if you're seeking some beauty inspiration, then you're in the right place.

In summertime, we tend to lean towards lightweight formulations and melt-proof makeup (no thanks to the several heatwaves this year), but autumn and winter really pave the way for experimentation in our makeup bags. Your skin may favour a heavier, skin-nourishing base as the weather turns, and who doesn't adore wearing a glistening eye shadow as we head into party season? I'm most excited to default to 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. Not only are these looks so easy to re-create, but they will instantly update your look. From the smoky siren eye to statement French lipstick, there are plenty of inspirational looks ahead.

The 5 Best Autumn/Winter Makeup Trends

1. The French Lip

We're totally obsessed with French makeup at Who What Wear, and we're welcoming in 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 your lip 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 fuchsia 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, according to Nguyen-Grealis. "Lipsticks are long lasting, hydrating and provide easy, comfortable wear, and there's a bright colour to suit everyone," she says. "Because the texture is more natural, it allows you to build it up to your desired intensity."

Shop the look:

2. The Siren Smoke

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 to take its place in colourful yet muted autumnal shades.

"There is a new love for playful smoky eyes in colours like aubergine, reds and soft browns that give the eye drama," says Nguyen-Grealis. "By using soft kohl 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 smoky 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 follow the natural eye to keep it effortless."

Shop the look:

3.Bold Blush

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 back to your complexion.

"Blush has become a multitasking product and easily adds a modern feel to anyone's 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 use 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.

Shop the look:

4. Metallic Accents

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 its A/W 22 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."

Shop the look:

5. Glowing Skin

Glowing, healthy skin is here to stay for autumn/winter 2022. 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.

Shop the look:

Up Next: A Makeup Artist Just Showed Me How to Avoid These 5 Common Mistakes