If I had to choose one dessert-island essential, it would be a lip liner. With its ability to contour, shape, and create the illusion of volume on the lips, it's probably my favourite step in my makeup routine. However, as someone with a cool undertone, I’m also very aware that not all lip liners are created equal. I can’t tell you how much money I’ve wasted on overly warm liners that often appear too orange and wash me out over the years. Well, if you feel my pain, never fear, because the runways have spoken, and the cool-toned lip trend we often associate with the ‘90s is officially back for 2026; in turn, the options for cool-toned lip liners on the market are stronger than ever.

A few weeks ago, I sat down with Fara Homidi, a New York-based makeup artist and founder of makeup brand Fara Homidi, to discover the five makeup trends set to be huge in autumn 2026, and it was clear that cool-toned lips dominated the autumn/winter 2026 runways. Homidi says, “It’s official: the cool-toned lips that dominated the ‘90s are back for autumn 2026. Instead of an obvious one-dimensional liner, focus on a buffed-out, sculpted lip through layers of cool-toned neutrals. Layer your liners strategically to create natural-looking dimension and a fuller, 3D pout. It’s less about an obviously lined lip and more about using colour to manipulate shape and volume.”

So, whether you have a cool or neutral undertone or are simply looking for a way to contour and shape your lips in a way that looks natural without being overdone, everyone can hop on the cool-toned lip liner trend.

And as someone who's been through their fair share of lip products, I’ve rounded up my favourite cool-toned liners to suit every skin tone and budget, all of which have been tried and tested by me.

The Best Cool-Toned Lip Liners

• Best Overall Cool-Toned Lip Liner: Anastasia Beverly Hills Lip Liner, £18
• Best Luxury Cool-Toned Lip Liner: Westman Atelier Lip Shape Liner, £30
• Best Affordable Cool-Toned Lip Liner: NYX Slim Lip Liner Pencil, £4
• Best Cool-Toned Lip Liner for Dark Skin: Rhode Peptide Lip Shape in Move, £24
• Best Cool-Toned Lip Liner for Pale Skin: MAC Lip Pencil in Cool Spice, £21

1. Anastasia Beverly Hills Lip Liner

2. Westman Atelier Lip Shape Lip Liner

3. NYX Professional Makeup Slim Lip Liner Pencil

4. Rhode Peptide Lip Liner in Move

5. MAKE UP FOR EVER Artist Colour Pencil in 506 Endless Cacao

6. MAC Cosmetics Lip Pencil in Cool Spice

7. Morphe Signature Lip Pencil

What Is a Lip Liner?

Lip liners work to outline and define the natural shape of the lips before you apply your lipstick or gloss. The product prevents the lips from looking too one-dimensional and also provides a barrier to stop lipstick from smudging into fine lines, helping it last longer.

Although lip liners used to all come in a standard pencil form, the market now offers a range of formulas to suit your preferences, from creamy sticks for contouring to long-lasting stain pens that will see you through from the morning and way into the night.

How Do I Work Out My Undertone?

According to makeup artists, the easiest way to work out your undertone is by looking at the veins on the inside of your wrist under natural light:

• If your veins appear blue or purple: You likely have a cool undertone
• If your veins appear green: You likely have a warm undertone
• If your veins appear green, blue and purple: You likely have a neutral undertone
• If your veins appear green and blue: You likely have an olive undertone

How I Tested

I've been using most of these lip liners for years, and all of the newer formulas for months, so I've put them through their paces to test each formula. I tested each product on my lips to see how well they complemented my cool undertone and have noted how easily they apply, as well as how long they last throughout the day before the need for reapplication.

Why Trust Us?

At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products, including skincare, makeup, hair and nails, over the years and work closely with trusted experts—dermatologists, make-up artists and leading industry insiders—to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.

We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.

Alexandra Leclerc is multi-faceted. She's a model, fashion influencer, philanthropist, art historian, and Formula One WAG—a term widely used to refer to wives and girlfriends of professional athletes. In this case, it's Ferrari racing driver Charles Leclerc. The two recently wed in a civil ceremony earlier this year, during which she wore archival Chanel (NBD).

What happens when she combines her "signature approach" to beauty with Rhode's skin-first formulas and cool-girl aesthetic? The answer is a new celeb makeup collection, of course, and this one has some serious sell-out potential. Today, Rhode announced a "shimmery" collection in collaboration with Leclerc. It features three tiny blushes, a new Peptide Lip Tint, and two cute-as-can-be accessories. The items aren't available to shop until September 15 at 9 a.m. PST/12 p.m. EST, but you don't have to wait that long to get a first glimpse. Ahead, see all six luminous (and limited-edition) products.

According to a press release, Leclerc was the first-ever Rhode muse. In fact, Rhode superfans might recall that she starred in the 2024 Fall Lip Case campaign. That same year, she also co-hosted a Rhode dinner in Miami to coincide with F1.

Since the brand's internet-viral Pocket Blush ($25) is Leclerc's "everyday essential," she made it the star of her limited-edition collection. She co-created a mini Pocket Blush in three shimmery shades. She also co-created an exclusive Peptide Lip Tint ($20) and two accessories. It was all in an effort to capture her "signature approach to natural, luminous beauty."

Pocket Pearl

Sweet Apple Peptide Lip Tint

Rhode Accessories

Shop 5 Rhode Must-Haves

You know what they say: New season, new beauty routine! While I don't completely overhaul my entire regimen (a brown mascara and rosy-mauve lip liner will always be my failsafes), I do make a few strategic swaps for the sake of my already cluttered makeup bag. I also think it's a smart idea for an audit every now and then; chances are, I have some expired tubes lurking at the bottom of my Abbode waffle pouch. Sigh.

In the name of trying to become a makeup minimalist (trying is the operative word here), I'm being extremely selective when it comes to the formulas I'm holding onto this fall. If it doesn't blur my skin to perfection and make me look like a windswept angel á la Zendaya, it's not staying in my collection (well, at least until warmer weather rolls back around). Below, find all the items I'm giving up and their autumn-coded replacements—all of which I've personally tested and adore.

The Top 5 Makeup Swaps I'm Making for Fall 2026

1. Swapping Dewy Bases for Satin Finishes

The very first step in every fall makeup audit: Tweak your base. While summer is undoubtedly defined by dewy, poolside skin, autumn inspires diffused, cloudier finishes that resemble a soft-focus haze. Enter satin-skin foundations, which offers a happy medium for individuals (ahem, me) who don't want to stray too matte. They let your natural skin texture peek through but provide a smooth, blurring effect, which is exactly what I crave during crisper weather. Add some delicate pops of highlighter (more on that later), and you'll wind up with a romantic-looking beat that doesn't appear flat.

2. Swapping Peach Blush for Mauve Blush

With neutral-warm undertones, I basically own the peach blush category during summer. Trust me, I've tried every single one. But when the weather starts to cool, my peachy-coral obsession transforms into a mauve moment. The specific shade blends both warm and cool undertones, which makes it downright perfect for my middle-ground complexion. It's also extremely versatile: I can easily build up a mauve blush until it's rich and berry-like or stick to a subtle wash for some just-pinched color. I am forever and always a cream blush girl (no matter the season), but a couple powder options are calling my name for fall.

3. Swapping Shimmery Glosses for Blurring Tints

Similar to satin-skin foundations, there's something about an inky matte lip that just feels right for fall. I don't exactly lock my glosses away for the season (juicy lips will always have my heart), but the blurry lip launches right now are simply too good not to wear every day. I'm especially partial to a soft plum with just a touch of blush on my cheeks and my eyes left completely bare—my fall makeup uniform in a nutshell.

4. Swapping Wet Lids for Jewel Tones

Oh, but when I do wear eye makeup, I want it to be fun. I want it to be sparkly. I want it to be remembered. All summer, I'd just slap a pearly highlighter on my lids for an easy "wet" look and call it a day, but during fall—when there's no fear of sweating off my eye makeup by 12 p.m.—I'm down for something a little more intricate. A jewel-toned eyeliner or coat of mascara does a lot of the creating lifting without being too high maintenance. And the sparkly fall eye shadow palettes this season? Swoon.

5. Swapping Liquid Luminizers for Cream Highlighters

Absolutely no shade to Rhode's Highlighting Milk (love you, mean it!), but thin, liquid formulas do tend to take a back seat once cooler weather rolls around. See, mixing a glow-inducing milky toner with your foundation will lend a super-dewy, lit-from-within finish that's perfect for summer beats but might lean a bit too dewy for the aforementioned satin-skin looks. That said, I will never give up the glow entirely; I'll just strategically enhance the high points of my face with a pot of cream highlighter, which gives me much more control over the level of shine.

Fall's imminent return is glaringly obvious to me. Not just because there's suddenly an abundance of back-to-school advertisements and military jackets everywhere the eye can see in New York City, but because I'm already feeling the beauty editor itch to revamp my seasonal skincare routine. Even though the weather isn't quite matching up with long-sleeved styles just yet, everyone seems to be anticipating the return of autumn—though what I'm not looking forward to is the dull state my skin eventually fades into when the sun becomes scarce. But the latest addition to my beauty routine is one that I hoped and prayed would preserve my summer glow as the weather eventually cools off—and after a week of testing, it aced my test early.

"Glowy skin" took some time to gain a stronghold in the beauty community. Ten-plus years ago, everyone and their mother used and abused setting powder until their complexions were overly matte—inspiring phrases like “Flashback Mary” when the under-eyes were too bright and the camera flash too strong. More than anything, we were afraid of looking "oily." But along came the COVID-19 era, when we saw a distinct shift towards pared-back makeup and overly moisturized skin—enter the TikTok phrase "clean girl." With it came the rise of “glass skin," or complexions so deeply hydrated that they shone like window panes, and a slew of glowy highlight serums that gave the appearance of healthy radiance. From celebrity brands to your mother’s favorite line, everyone was injecting pearlescent pigment into their skin products. But where, oh where, was the skincare?

This is the question Priscilla Tsai, founder of budget-, inclusivity-, and eco-conscious skincare brand Cocokind, asked herself as glowy products promising the look of quenched skin continued to fall flat when it came to actual nourishment. "When we looked at the illuminators already out there—and when we listened to what our community was telling us about them—the pattern was pretty clear: they'd been developed with a makeup-first mindset, not a skincare one," she tells Who What Wear. Tsai rattles off qualities like pigment load, pearl size, and finish as common offenders, doing zilch other than making the skin look shiny (and, to add injury to insult, drawing attention to texture and pores).

"Unlike a lot of makeup-first illuminators, we built the glow and the skincare together, rather than treating one as decoration on the other. The formula is doing real work—ceramides and rice lipids to replenish and lock in moisture, urea to draw in hydration and keep skin feeling soft and cushiony, rice bran and licorice root to support a healthier-looking glow over time," she adds. "It's hydrating enough that if you're a lighter-moisturizer person, this may be enough on its own. That's not usually true of an illuminator." Say hello to Cocokind's newest creation, the Soft-Glow Illuminator.

About Cocokind's Soft-Glow Illuminator

Concocted specifically for those with sensitive skin, this gentle serum is enriched with ceramides and rice lipids to smooth, plump, and soothe your barrier. The clinically tested formula was proven to offer immediate luminosity, all-day hydration, and a filter-like glow—all while being suitable for acne-prone skin and not settling into fine lines. It comes in one champagne shimmer shade that works across all skin tones, made from ultra-fine pearls that throw light and blur imperfections to create an even and smooth finish.

"A lot of the work went into the pearl, which is what’s giving this formula its gorgeous glow and finish," she explains. To find a truly universally flattering tone that doesn't streak or settle, Tsai and her team created a blend of four different pearl sizes and shades to appease every type of user. "That's where a lot of the makeup-first illuminators land somewhere different from us: their pearls may be large, or very frosty, so the glow sits on top of the skin and catches unevenly," she continues. "A blended fine pearl diffuses light instead of bouncing it back hard, so what you see is radiance rather than sparkle. Which means you can't really go wrong with it, whether you're full glam or no glam."

My Review

I own a fair share of the internet's favorite glow-enhancing makeup bases, from Rhode's Highlight Milk to L'Oréal's Lumi Glotion. While my plentiful collection offers instant radiance and comforting hydration, I couldn't say that any of these formulas felt truly weightless on my skin. That was, until I tried this featherlight serum.

Though its barely there texture isn't one of the product's spelled-out selling points, it's the one thing that kept me reaching for it during a week of sticky-hot New York summer weather. Something as lightweight as a daytime moisturizer can feel too emollient when the humidity hits my skin, earning this liquid an instant spot in my everyday lineup. The first two ingredients listed on the product label are water and glycerin, meaning that hydration, moisturization, and fast absorption are a given, and the results were impressive, absorbing into my skin in less than 20 seconds. (Yes, I timed it.)

If you think I stopped there, you'd be wrong. I like a multitasker, so I watched how it played with my other everyday products. One pump of Westman Atelier's new Supreme Bio-Complex Foundation mixed with Cocokind's Soft-Glow Illuminator offered my skin a glow so ethereal that Ernesto Casillas, mid-Zendaya's glam for the NYC Odyssey premiere, probably would have approved. I was also impressed by the price tag, which clocked in at just $19. Compared to other popular iterations on the market today, combining high-quality ingredients and superior texture into one $20 product is no small feat. In short, it checked all the boxes while feeling lighter, airier, and looking less orange than many of the illuminators that came before it.

How to Apply Like a Pro

Tsai recommends a few different application techniques for the best results. However, she always recommends it as the last step in your skincare routine, following cleanser, serum, moisturizer, and SPF. (Think of it as the shiny top coat of your manicure.)

"Apply it all over the face rather than just the high points—it's built for even, all-over luminosity," she starts. "You can layer it under your complexion products or mix a little into them. Layering underneath gives you that lit-from-within base; mixing gives you buildable radiance through the whole finish," she adds. You can even amp up your body glow game by adding a few pumps into a dollop of body lotion. However, she advises users to avoid mixing it into the SPF. "Apply your sunscreen after, or if you want more glow later in the day, let your SPF dry down and pat a little on top," she recommends. And don't be afraid to take the glow down to your décolleté, chest, arms, and legs. "The airless pump makes an all-over glow easy without wasting product," she explains.

You can shop the Soft-Glow Illuminator as of right now, but I wouldn't wait to press purchase. With its supermodel glow and agreeable price, this glowy serum surely won't stay in stock long. Snag it and other Cocokind best-sellers below now.

Shop Top Cocokind Products

It might just be because of the what felt like never-ending heatwave we had here in the UK this summer, but I’m really starting to feel the chill in the air. And, as a makeup lover, I can only think about one thing: swapping out my simple beauty routines for heavier makeup trends perfectly suited to the autumnal weather. Gone are the days when overly hot temperatures meant I could only throw on a tinted SPF and a simple brown lip gloss, and in their place lies an opportunity to experiment with bolder makeup looks that let me express my creativity. And there’s no better way to do this than by looking at the trends set to dominate the season.

My first port of call for finding out these trends? Well, as someone who works in beauty, I’m lucky enough to have a contact book filled with professional makeup artists who, thanks to their years of experience, can get ahead of the pack and predict the hottest trends before anyone else. And last week I sat down with Fara Homidi, a New York-based makeup artist and founder of makeup brand Fara Homidi, to discover the five makeup trends that are set to be huge in autumn 2026. Working across runway shows and campaigns for the likes of Miu Miu, Hermès, Chloé, Ferragamo, Coperni and Off-White, Homidi is well-versed in predicting trends before they hit the mainstream. And the best part? I’ve rounded them up for you below so that you too can be in the know about the makeup trends that will dominate autumn 2026.

From cool-toned lips reminiscent of the ‘90s to future-forward two-toned eyelashes, keep scrolling to discover the five easy-to-recreate trends that I’m planning to try out this season.

1. Cashmere Eyes

Homidi says, "I’m predicting we’re going to see a lot more cashmere-coded eye looks this autumn. Take a soft taupe, warm brown or deep espresso depending on your skin tone and wash it around the entire eye for a soft, minky haze of colour. It should feel monochromatic, diffused and incredibly soft around the edges, almost like cashmere for the eyes. Finish with a brown mascara on both the top and bottom lashes to keep everything tonal, and the result will be a plush, soft-brown eye that feels effortless but still very considered for autumn."

Shop the Trend:

2. Cool-Toned Lips

"It’s official: the cool-toned lips that dominated the ‘90s are back for autumn 2026. But instead of an obvious one-dimensional liner, focus on creating a buffed-out, sculpted lip through layers of cool-toned neutrals. To do this, you’ll need to take a gradient of soft, medium and deeper taupe lip pencils and layer them strategically to create natural-looking dimension and a fuller, 3D pout. The softer shades diffuse and blend the contour while the deepest tone creates the structure and dimension. It’s less about an obviously lined lip and more about using colour to manipulate shape and volume. And I may have something coming later this autumn that will do just the trick...", says Homidi

Shop the Trend:

3. Weathered Cheeks

Homidi states that, "Instead of an overly pigmented blush look, why not try giving your cheeks a natural, windswept effect, like you’ve just come inside after a cold day or spent the afternoon skiing? Known by beauty insiders as the 'weathered cheeks' trend, you can get this look by applying a low-to-medium coverage blush toward the lower mid-face. Then use a translucent, natural-looking highlighter across the high points of the cheeks and even the eyelids to bring back a glowy, champagne sheen. It’s that contrast between cold-weather colour and fresh, reflective skin that makes it feel modern."

Shop the Trend:

4. Soft-Focus Skin

"Forget the dewy makeup looks we all opted for in summer, as well as the overly matte finishes that can often make the face feel dry; for autumn 2026, it’s all about skin that sits somewhere in the middle. Think about the way makeup looked in film photography throughout the 1990’s—softly diffused and blurred whilst still looking like skin. With radiance, but not an obvious shine, and coverage without the complexion ever feeling flat, the goal season isn’t flawless, but rather beautifully softened skin.", explains Homidi

Shop the Trend:

5. Two-Toned Lashes

Homidi says, "An updated, modern take on a 60’s eye, two-toned lashes create a unique sense of depth and dimension to your makeup looks. Not to mention, it looks extremely intentional and elevated, acting as an incredibly simple switch that changes the entire feeling of the eye. For a more natural look, opt for a black mascara on the upper lashes for definition and intensity, then a soft brown on the lower lashes for a softer, smokier contrast. Or go bold and add in a cobalt blue or rich burgundy that is sure to turn heads and earn you compliments."

Shop the Trend:

Why Trust Us

At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products, including some skincare, makeup, hair and nails, over the years and work closely with trusted experts—dermatologists, make-up artists and leading industry insiders—to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.

We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.

Whilst January marks the official start of the year, September is a new beginning in itself. Even as an adult, I still get that seasonal itch to head to a WH Smith for a fresh set of stationery and a pencil case. It marks the start of a new season, where many of us enjoy that scholastic nostalgia whilst simultaneously embracing new beauty trends, whether a new haircut or making some autumnal switches in our makeup bags. In beauty, September carries the same energy as a new academic term.

For many, school photo day immortalised the best (but mostly the worst) in our beauty discoveries at school. At 13, I vividly remember curling just the front sections of my hair with my GHD straighteners, applying four coats of two different Rimmel and Maybelline mascaras and overplucking my left eyebrow with tweezers stolen from my mum's makeup bag the morning of photo day. By the time I sat down in front of the mottled blue photo screen, the curls had dropped despite copious amounts of hairspray, and my wonky brow looked extra surprised as the photographer chirped, "Say cheese!"

Nearly two decades on (and an eyebrow re-growth journey later), I've thankfully learned most of my beauty lessons. That being said, I often yearn for that sense of experimentation during school years, and the novelty of discovering new beauty products or trying a hairstyle for the first time. And with the arrival of autumn, in my opinion, there is no better time to try something new. There are both benefits and fun to be had from a seasonal hair switch-up, or shaking up the uniform of our makeup bags. So, notepads at the ready; ahead, we're championing back-to-school beauty, with three school-inspired looks alongside tips and tricks from the pros to inspire your beauty routine for autumn. Class is in session.

Lesson One: A Study in Blush

First on autumn's curriculum, blusher. Specifically, A fresh-faced glow you'd have from a morning darting around the hockey pitch, or locking eyes with your crush in the year above in the school corridor. Rather than placing blusher high up on the cheekbones, which we've become accustomed to over recent years, experiment with a lower placement. Not only does it feel modern and fresh, but the makeup trend gives youthful playfulness that brings a healthy glow to your complexion. "Going into autumn, I tend to veer from that dewy, bronzed summer skin, and lean into a more velvety satin skin finish," says makeup artist Faye Bluff. "I also tend to push the cheek placement back, gently sculpting and highlighting from the ears forward, rather than the sun-kissed bronzers through the centre of the face," she says.

The Homework: Swap your cream blush for a powder formula, which gives the complexion a more realistic, skin-like flush, and focus the placement lower on the cheeks. Here, Bluff used Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Matte Bouncy Blush in Thriving (£26) and Grateful (£26), and Violette_FR Plume Blush in Rose Fumé (£35). Both have a plush texture that lends a healthy glow to the apples of your cheeks.

Extra-Curricular Credit: Autumn hair needn't require a drastic hair colour transformation or haircut. Instead, it can be as simple as switching your parting or adding hair accessories to your style, says hairstylist Masayoshi Fujita. "I think the easiest thing is simply changing your hair parting. There’s no real risk, but it can completely change the feeling of your hairstyle," he says. "I’d also recommend trying some new hair accessories, like clips or scrunchies in a different colour. It’s a really simple way to refresh your look without making a big change." Miu Miu's pink hair clips are both chic and delightfully nostalgic.

Lesson Two: Giving Lip

Whilst we might have been subjected to uniform rules at school, autumn feels like an apt time to go forth with a distinctively rebellious spirit. If a bright, glossy lip would have landed you straight in detention at school, then take this as your sign to try it again. "I’m excited about makeup feeling a bit more individual again. I love seeing texture, colour and imperfection rather than everyone chasing the same hyper-perfect skin or identical lip shape," says Bluff.

For hair, we're following suit, embracing our natural texture in all its glory. "Hair is a form of personal expression. So rather than following one specific hair trend, I’m more interested in people expressing who they are—their background and their own character," says Fujita. "The fashion industry is embracing the rawness and natural character of hair rather than making it look too stiff or overly controlled," he says

The Homework: Go all out with bright, juicy persimmon or berry-toned lip gloss for a lacquered finish. Here, Bluff used Gucci Rouge à Lèvres Voile Lipstick in Agatha Orange (£40) and Gucci Gloss à Lèvres Plumping Lip Gloss in Sadie Coral (£36), with Kiko Milano Smart Fusion Lip Pencil in Lively Pink (£5) for a bright pop of colour.

Extra-Curricular Credit: Work with your natural hair texture, enlisting the help of curl creams or texturising mists to enhance its natural movement. "I wanted to keep both looks quite dry and natural, so I didn’t use much product," says Fujita. "I used a small amount of Hair by Sam McKnight Cool Girl Barely There Texture Mist (£29) through the ends of the hair, and a little Schwarzkopf Professional Osis+ Shine Spray (£17) on the top. I also used GHD Perfect Ending Hairspray (£15) at the beginning to control and hold the shape," he says.

Lesson Three: Colour Theory

The final lesson of the term? To play with colourful eyeshadow again. After seasons of bare lids and no mascara on the runways, for A/W 26, we're finally seeing colourful eyeshadows once again. From painterly daubs of apple green on the lids at Acne Studios to sparkling silver at Chanel, now's the time to try those rule-breaking hues. But you needn't have the skills of an MUA or an A* in GCSE art to get involved. "A wash of olive or taupe using your finger feels much more modern than a perfectly blended smoky eye," says Bluff. And if you're not ready for saturated shades, you can still tap into the mood. "For eyes, introduce more of those traditional autumnal tones, but keep the application quite undone," she says.

The Homework: Look to sheer washes of colour in vibrant tones, but don't stress about the application. One rule to break? "The idea that makeup has to be 'perfect'," says Bluff. "Perfection, symmetry and over-analysed colour theory is boring. Great makeup looks best when it sits alongside your features and becomes an extension of your character. Not an overworked, technically 'perfect' stamp on top," she says. Take your pick from Chanel's Les 9 Ombres in The New Singular (£130), or go for a solo shadow, such as Kiko Milano's Water Shadow in Violet (£12).

Extra-Curricular Credit: Once you've curated your autumn makeup bag, look to simple swaps to keep your makeup feeling modern. "Once you have your tried-and-trusted makeup 'uniform' down, you can start to play with changes in colour or texture. Burgundy mascara is my current favourite switch-out for a subtle autumnal pop," says Bluff.

Photographer: Jakub Gessler
Editor-in-Chief: Jane McFarland
Beauty Director: Shannon Lawlor
Models: Belle McDonnell at Storm Management and Beatrix Pimentel at Linden Staub
Makeup Artist: Faye Bluff at Agency of Substance
Makeup Assistant: Francesca Quagliatta at Agency of Substance
Hairstylist: Masayoshi Fujita at Agency of Substance using Hair by Sam McKnight
Hair Assistant: Kei Koshigoe at Agency of Substance
Manicurist: Ami Streets using Essie
Stylist: Remy Farrell
Fashion Assistant: Imani-Nia Francis-Tsolakis
Photography Assistants: Chris Greenway and James Newlands
Production: Town Productions

It still amazes me, after all this time as a beauty editor, just how rubbish a large number of concealers are. They either cake, fade into oblivion, or sit on the skin in a way that looks so unnatural, you may as well have drawn the coverage on with a Sharpie. So when one comes along that genuinely looks and feels like skin, I take notice.

For a long time, my go-to has been Clé de Peau Beauté Concealer, but at £62, and with a limited shade range, it's not the easiest to recommend. That's why I'm always on the hunt for others to steal my attention, which is exactly what happened when Vieve, the makeup range launched by makeup artist Jamie Genivieve. I'm already a huge fan of the brand—the Skin Nova Instant Radiance Primer has been a staple in my makeup since it launched six years ago, and The Skin Nova Complexion Balm is perfect for the days when you want lightweight coverage.

So, could the new Skin Nova Concealer win me over in the same way? Spoiler: it's a huge, fat yes. Here's my full review.

Vieve Skin Nova Concealer Review

The Formula

Just like the Skin Nova Complexion Balm, this is packed with skincare ingredients. There is polyglutamic acid to seal in moisture and niacinamide to smooth skin and dial up your glow.

It's also got that same brilliant blurring quality as the other Skin Nova products and is designed to be buildable and flexible, so you can cover imperfections with ease and not worry about a spot rearing its head a few hours later. Happily, there are also 24 shades to choose from.

The Application

The first time I tried it was just after the bank holiday weekend, when it’s safe to say all the signs of a few too many late nights were written all over my face. Pleasingly though, the formula applied like a dream and, on first impressions, you'd never know I'd gotten to bed at 4 am the night before.

The doe-foot applicator is a good size without being unwieldy, making it easy to sweep the formula under the eyes or target individual blemishes. There’s also enough precision at the tip to get into the corners of the nose and around smaller areas, whilst the larger surface lets you lay down more product when you need it.

Before and After

Before

After

The Verdict

I’ll get straight to the point: this concealer is fantastic. I’m usually wary of liquid concealers because, more often than not, they just feel like a thicker, heavier foundation, and who needs more of that? This, however, does a stellar job of brightening the complexion without compromising on actually concealing whatever it is you’re trying to cover, whether that’s dark circles, redness or the tell-tale signs of a late night.

It’s easy to build if you need a little more coverage, without ever feeling thick or obvious, and the applicator dots on just the right amount each time. My only caveat is that if you have dry or dehydrated skin, you’ll want to make sure you’ve properly hydrated beforehand. It won’t cake, but I found it looked noticeably fresher and more skin-like when applied over adequately moisturised, almost drenched skin. The finish is natural, bright and convincingly skin-like, exactly what I want from a concealer.

Shop Vieve Skin Nova Concealer

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How We Test

As a beauty editor with over a decade of experience in beauty, I've tested a lot of concealers. I've been testing the Vieve Skin Nova Concealer over the past few weeks to see how long it lasted, how it applied compared to other formulas, how it sat with foundation and whether it delivered on what it promised.

Why Trust Us

At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products over the years—spanning skincare, makeup, hair and nails—and work closely with trusted experts including dermatologists, makeup artists and leading industry insiders to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.

We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.

I consider myself to be a bit of a lip balm connoisseur. I've tested hundreds of them for a living as part of my job, but even before I became a beauty journalist, I've long had an obsession with lip balms. Not just because I have dry lips, but it's easily my most-reached-for beauty item in my skincare and makeup routine—I don't feel myself if I don't have a layer on my lips. I've tried everything from Vaseline all the way up to La Mer's £70 lip balm and almost every other formula in between. However, I can confidently declare that I've found my favourite formula yet.

Violette_FR Balm Amour, Review

What Makes Balm Amour the Best Lip Balm?

Violette_FR was created by French makeup artist Violette Serrat, and it is not only one of my favourite makeup brands, but it is a total staple in my makeup bag for its incredible lip formulas in particular (Bisou Balm delivers what she calls "bouche mordue"— meaning just bitten lips in French). So, when I heard that she had spent six years developing Balm Amour, I already knew I'd like it. But after testing it for myself, it became clear that this is the lip balm to end all lip balms.

Firstly, I want to highlight the applicator. It's made of ceramic, which makes swiping it on a moment of joy every single time. It stays cold, which feels particularly cooling on chapped or inflamed lips. My lips are prone to dryness and sensitivity, but since using this formula, they've remained baby-soft.

As for the texture, it has a rich yet non-sticky balm that instantly cloaks your lips in hydration and stays put on the lips for a good while. Even once it's worn away, my lips still feel deeply nourished and sumptuous. Serrat included a whole range of hydrating plant actives alongside tripeptides at double the functional dose, meaning not only is this balm incredibly nourishing and repairing, but it also helps to make your lips look fuller and smoother over time.

The Shades

After the clear version launched last year, the lip balm has become so popular that there are now three tinted shades to choose from. They all have the same formula, but with a sheer tint of colour that are perfect for throwing in your bag when your lips are parched but you also want a wash of colour.

Noisette Fumé

Noisette Fumé is a cool brown that brings just a hint of hazelnut to your lips. It's not so pigmented that it overpowers a natural makeup look, but it offers just enough depth to your lip colour to feel a little more polished. I'll be wearing this all throughout autumn and winter with a lip liner.

Dahlia Noir

Dahlia Noir is Violette_FR's bestselling shade in its Lip Nectar lip stains, so I was thrilled to see it join the Balm Amour tints. The shade might look intimidating at first, but it's actually a perfect pairing of berry and brown in a sheer tint, which makes it so wearable for day-to-day. This one lives permanently in my work bag.

Rose Latte

Last but not least, we have Rose Latte. This is the shade to go for if you like a bright pop of pink that's still effortlessly wearable and leaves your lips with a healthy flush of colour.

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Why Trust Us

At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products, including some skincare, makeup, hair and nails, over the years and work closely with trusted experts—dermatologists, make-up artists and leading industry insiders—to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.

We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.

Blush is one of my favorite beauty products. Whether it's a velvety pressed powder, a buttery cream, or a rom-com-worthy stick, I own it, love it, and use it. Lately, though, I've been reaching for a different type of blush more often than not. I'm talking about watercolor blush, or water-splashed blush. This is dreamy, serum-like blush that deposits a soft, blooming wash of color on the skin—almost like a Claude Monet masterpiece come to life.

These modern formulas are everywhere right now, with major brands like Victoria Beckham Beauty, Refy, and Chanel hopping onto the trend. Ahead, learn everything you need to know about these products, including how to apply them for a professional, painterly effect, according to two top makeup artists.

What is water-splashed blush?

Before I wax poetic about the best water-splashed blushes, let me press pause for a second because I know what you're thinking. Isn't it just liquid blush? Is this another case of clever internet coining? Surprisingly, no. Take it from high-fashion makeup artist Joseph Carrillo. "The real difference is texture. Water blushes are thinner, more fluid, and more translucent than traditional liquid blushes. They almost behave like a serum, so you add color without adding much weight or visible texture to the face," he says.

Carrillo says this product category isn't completely new; it's just trending right now. He uses Benefit Cosmetics' Benetint Lip & Cheek Stain ($28) as an example. As he puts it, it's "an oldie but a baddie" that has been creating a watercolor effect for decades. (As someone who's been a beauty editor for the better part of a decade, I can confirm.) "What feels new is how sophisticated the formulas have become," he adds. He credits that sophistication to K-beauty brands, which have been "ahead of the curve with these skincare-meets-makeup textures for a long time." It might have taken us a while to catch up Stateside, but watercolor blush is officially saturating the market, featuring elegant formulas and delivering ethereal color.

I'm not the only one who turns to artistic references to explain the effect of water-splashed blush. Celebrity makeup artist Lila Childs does too. "They give you that sort of wind-burnt effect, like you just went for a winter walk—a little rococo-esque," she says. "It should leave a natural skin finish, like how your skin looks when you wash your face and pat it dry before you put any product on it—taut and raw. You should be able to see the real skin underneath the blush."

Carrillo agrees. "I think of it like watercolor on paper," he says. "You can keep adding washes of color, but you never lose what's underneath. That's what a great water blush does on the face. You're building the flush without covering the skin. There's something very Renaissance about the result too. You see those pinks, reds, and warmth coming through the complexion, but you don't see where the blush starts and stops. The color feels like it belongs to the face. For years, we relied so heavily on muddy contour to create structure. Color can do that too. Blush can lift, sculpt, soften, or completely change the mood of a face depending on where you put it."

How to Apply Water-Splashed Blush

"I think there are some true watercolor-like blush formulas," Childs says, "but it comes down to application and technique to achieve the actual look." She recommends applying the product to the back of the hand and working it into the bristles of a brush. "This step is key if you are working with an extremely liquidy formula," she says. "I love the Rephr Brush 38 ($38) for this because it replicates that painterly effect. Once the product is evenly distributed into the brush, apply it by lightly tapping to brush on the apples of the cheek. With very light pressure, swipe the excess product in a wide motion across the face, hitting the bridge of the nose and cheekbones."

Check out Childs's watercolor-blush makeup tutorial.

Carrillo says you can use your fingers too. "Fingers are great when you want the color to melt into the complexion (that's what I do), while a brush gives you more control," he says. "I also like to work one cheek at a time because some formulas can set pretty quickly."

He recommends starting with less than you think you need and building it up from there. "Because these formulas are so fluid, the color can really bloom as you work it into the skin," he explains, emphasizing that placement is paramount. "Higher and farther back can give you lift and structure. Bringing the color toward the center gives you that softer, naturally flushed cheek." The same blush, he says, can create a completely different look.

"Anyone can wear these textures. They're especially beautiful on bare skin, over a skin tint, or over foundation when you don't want to keep piling on more texture. On deeper complexions, I make sure there's enough pigment and depth so that sheer still means visible," he adds.

The 11 Best Water-Splashed Blushes

Victoria Beckham Beauty Colour Wash Blush Water Tint

Chanel Les Beiges Water-Fresh Blush

Refy Water Blush Liquid Cushion

Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dewy Flush

Benefit Cosmetics Benetint Liquid Lip & Cheek Stain

A'pieu Juicy Pang Water Blush

Hourglass Unreal Liquid Blush

Wonderskin Wonder Blading All-Day Blush Stain

Nars Insatiable Longwearing Liquid Blush

Milk Makeup Cooling Water Jelly Tint Lip + Cheek Blush Stain

E.l.f. Cosmetics Sheer for It Blush Tint

Ernesto Casillas has just come up for air. The celebrity makeup artist blinks onto my computer screen from his home in L.A. during a rare pocket of downtime—a "mini staycation," he calls it, before the hamster wheel of commitments cranks up once again for fashion week. Aside from a select few jobs and interviews (present company included), he's filling his calendar with little else besides daily workouts and rejuvenating facial treatments. "Excuse the redness," he says, angling toward the camera.

It's a well-deserved recharge, to say the least. For the past 10 weeks, Casillas has been globe-trotting with Zendaya through an escalating run of web-shattering press stops. First, the Odyssey premiere in London, where the actress sported "light, mesmerizing eyes" and a Schiaparelli gown hot off the haute couture runway. Then Paris, with a milkmaid braid, rosy cheeks, and frosted blue eye shadow. Next, New York, where Zendaya's windswept skin and bare lashes sparked a no-mascara movement. Over to Mexico City and back to London to promote Spider-Man: Brand New Day with romantic, rosy beats, then L.A. a week later, where Casillas pivoted to a smoldering smoky eye. Our interview happens to fall just days after Zendaya's rumored wedding celebration at the Beaverbrook estate, so I do wonder if he made one last, unlisted stop in Surrey. (Casillas doesn't mention it, and I know better than to ask directly, but given how long they've worked together, it's hard to imagine he wasn't involved in some capacity.)

"I've been enjoying seeing people re-create the looks online," he tells me. "I wasn't expecting the extent that the actual makeup looks went viral and how much of that attention was diverted toward me. That was a very pleasant surprise."

Of all the viral creations, none has captured the masses quite like the aforementioned no-mascara look at the Odyssey New York premiere. He's too humble to say it, so I will: Casillas knew he knocked that glam out of the park. "When we were done with the hair and makeup, we all looked around and were like, 'Honestly? Yes,'" he reveals. Fans swiftly responded with just as much fervor; at present, there are over 13.7 million TikTok videos related to "Zendaya Odyssey Makeup." Of course, Casillas's own BTS photos caused a frenzy on Instagram, where you'll find an endless scroll of praise from fellow industry bigwigs and celebrities alike. Even Donni Davy, who worked with the actress for years as the head makeup artist for Euphoria, chimed in on the conversation, saying the look "made [her] totally emotional."

"That was a very beautiful sentiment coming from Donni," Casillas tells me, "because she's very familiar with Zendaya's character as Rue. The show ending in her death was very devastating. Seeing this beautiful glowing angel… seeing her look super ethereal just does something to people."

Despite the buzz, Casillas tells me the London Odyssey glam was actually the hardest to get right given all the tiny details—spidery lashes (via individual Lashify clusters), luminous inner eye corners, naturally lifted contour. "I really took my time with the lashes," Casillas says. "It took time to sculpt the face and make sure everything looked pretty, blended, and seamless. … It's all the little details that you don't notice right away that add up."

But that's exactly Casillas's speciality: tiny, painstaking tweaks that culminate in a harmonious masterpiece. Like gazing a Georges Seurat painting, you step back and marvel at how it all came together. "I'm not always doing a super-creative eye shadow, but I will make sure that the lashes and the brows pop," he adds. In fact, halfway through the Odyssey press tour, he switched up Zendaya's brow pencil to a slightly warmer shade of brown to soften the contrast and help her eyes stand out—a super-small adjustment but one that he says made all the difference for the final beat.

"You'll see beautiful skin, and then you'll see the features," he says regarding his execution. I want you to see the woman before you see the makeup." A luminous baked powder (he's quick to call out Hourglass and Kosas) does just the trick to diffuse any sharp lines, until you can't tell where the bronzer ends and highlight begins. "After I've done the face, the highlight, contour, blush, I'll take a big fluffy brush, load it up with some of that powder, and buff everything together. Then meld it down with some [setting] spray." Again, simple, but it does a lot of the legwork on camera. "I went to college for photography and art. I think that helped me hone in on being a better makeup artist. You know, color theory, lighting, photography," he says.

Don't get him wrong, though: Casillas adores a striking, bold beat. An L.A. native with "Hollywood in [his] backyard," he has dramatic, pop star–inspired glamour essentially baked into his DNA. "I found a mentor who taught me, 'If you like this makeup that Christina Aguilera is wearing, try to find out who did her makeup, and study their work,'" he recounts. "That really shaped the way I view beauty. Some of those artists were Kristofer Buckle, Sam Fine, Francesca Tolot, and Billy B., and I had a few friends who really, really inspired me. Their talent was innate. The end result was always so beautiful. I didn't feel as talented as they were, but I knew that I was passionate and I could work hard to get to that level."

It's almost disorienting, Casillas's humility. This is a man who won two Emmy Awards for his work on CBS's The Talk, whose A-list roster reads like a red carpet call sheet, yet he speaks about his own talent like it's somehow up for debate. I would argue that you're wildly talented, I tell him. After all, you don't land clients like Queen Latifah and Ashanti when you're still in college without some serious technique. A smile. A soft "Thank you." Then, "I think what ultimately led to getting more celebrity clients is trust, right? There are so many of us who are talented, but the women in this industry want to feel safe with you."

Casillas knows how to read the room: He can be playful when the moment calls for levity ("I dance on set," his Instagram bio reads) or steady when someone is looking for a soft place to land. "It's easier to get to the top in the industry than it is to stay there. Your talent will get you up there, but what's going to keep you there is your energy," he continues. "That's something I pride myself in. Maybe I'm not the most talented, but I love what I do, and I love making sure my clients feel taken care of."

Is there a dream client he has yet to work with? Casillas keeps his manifestations close to his chest—I'm unable to draw a specific name out of him—but he does offer an open call. "My parents are Mexican immigrants, and my Mexican culture has definitely impacted the way that I perceive beauty," he shares. "I would love to have more Latinas in my roster. All my Latina baddies: I would like to work on y'all."

By the time this profile goes live, Casillas's staycation will be nearly over. He's staring down a jam-packed September—fashion month, the Emmys—still riding high off the press circuit he's currently proudest of. While he doesn't have an exact turning point in his career (he defines success as a "series of moments"), he recognizes that The Odyssey set the bar high, both in terms of virality and his own visibility. "I worked really hard over the past two years on self-love and my mental health, so now, I'm more comfortable putting myself out there," he shares. Expect to see a lot more of Casillas—the artist and the art—as he dives headfirst into fall/winter projects, such as Dune: Part Three, which premieres in December. Yes, as Casillas catches his breath from all the buzz, another Zendaya blockbuster awaits.

"I would like to play with specific colors on the eyes, for sure," he says of what's next. "That [press tour] is going to have a lot more looks that are super out-there." He lights up, precious downtime long forgotten as I can practically see the creative gears spinning. Pressed for specifics, he grins. "I would tell you, but I want to keep it a secret."

If I could pick a compliment to receive for the rest of my life, it would probably be something along the lines of "Wow, your hair looks so shiny." It's not just a vain ego boost that gives me confidence when I flip my hair over my shoulder. It's an indication that I'm treating my mane properly: giving it a healthy dose of hydration, using the right rotation of strand-strengthening products, and effectively protecting my hair before styling it with heat. This, however, is not a compliment I hear every day—unless I've come straight from a salon or used an in-shower gloss treatment the night before. But when our strands are looking a little extra dull, my fellow beauty editors and I rely on this low-effort product that transforms our lackluster locks into "liquid hair" in a pinch. That, my friend, is shine spray.

If you're wondering what exactly shine spray is and does, you've come to the right place. This glossy elixir mists your strands in a fine layer of glassy product—fighting humidity-induced frizz, enhancing your hair color, and, of course, boosting shine. Oftentimes, these formulas are packed with additional functional benefits, such as heat protection and hydrating ingredients. Adding a shine spray to your cart might seem high-maintenance (After all, what's the difference between that and a shiny hair spray? More on that later.), but it's a worthy investment for a low-maintenance life.

These magical mists come in a range of formulas and price tags, so we tested options from the drugstore aisle and luxury beauty departments alike to find the ones worth your hard-earned cash. Here, shop the best shine sprays of 2026.

The Best Shine Sprays of 2026, at a Glance

• Best Overall: Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray
• Best Drugstore: Tresemmé A-List Collection Lacquer Shine Spray
• Best Lightweight: Amika Top Gloss Shine Spray
• Best Hydrating: Chris McMillan The Glassy Smooth Hair Oil
• Best for Waves and Curls: Oribe Aprés Beach Wave and Shine Spray

Best Overall: Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray

Best Drugstore: Tresemmé A-List Collection Lacquer Shine Spray

Best for Fine Hair: Amika Top Gloss Shine Spray

Best Hydrating: Chris McMillan The Glassy Smooth Hair Oil

Best for Static: IGK Disco Disco Clear Gloss Shine Spray

Best for Waves and Curls: Oribe Aprés Beach Wave and Shine Spray

Best With Heat Protection: Color Wow Extra Mist-ical Shine Spray

What to Look for in a Shine Spray

• Glossy finish: Let's face it. The most important characteristic in a shine spray is, well, a shiny finish. It should be able to give your strands a glossy sheen sans hair glazes or in-salon treatments; however, it's a quick fix and won't offer the same results as those intensive treatments. Look for hydrating ingredients and specialized formulas (ahem, Color Wow's mullein-powered Extra Mist-ical Shine Spray) for impressive shine without a heavy feel.
• Smoothing properties: Your spray of choice should do more than just coat your hair in a lacquered sheen, though. Good shine spray works well for frizzy hair, slicking down flyaways with light hold and defining your natural texture. Take, for example, the weightless Amika Top Gloss Shine Spray, which works supremely for fine frizz, or the Oribe Aprés Beach Wave and Shine Spray, which enhances natural bends with glossy shine. This spray should finish your look not just with a radiant finish but also a smooth one.
• Extra benefits: Top-notch shine spray should make our styling routines easier, offering additional perks like heat and UV protection while nourishing our strands. Chris McMillan's Glassy Smooth Hair Oil is a prime example, offering styling protection up to 450°F, smoothing frizz, and nourishing dry strands with a moisturizing blend of botanical oils.

Are shine spray and hair spray the same thing?

While shine spray and hair spray possess some of the same qualities—they tame frizz, add shine, etcetera—they serve different purposes in the styling process. Hair spray is designed to offer light to extra-strong hold, varying from touchable grip that keeps your hairstyle loosely defined to strength that adheres every strand together in a smooth style. (Think tousled beachy waves and slicked-back buns.) While hair spray has a bit more gusto, shine spray is meant to be that sleek finishing touch.

How We Chose the Best Shine Sprays

We chose the best shine sprays of 2026 by testing a handful of shine sprays—both famous and niche, pricey and budget-friendly—to find which were worthy of your hard-earned cash. These sprays, both new and long-favored, have impressed our team of beauty editors throughout the years and continue to earn spots in our hair-product collections. We will continue to update this list of favorites as we trial and discover new formulas, keeping our recommendations current and reliable.

Why Trust Who What Wear

At Who What Wear, we know that beauty isn't one-size-fits-all. Over the years, our editors have tested thousands of products—including skincare, makeup, haircare, and nails—while also working closely with trusted experts, like renowned dermatologists, celebrity makeup artists, and other leading industry insiders. Together, this ensures every guide is well-researched, inclusive, and relevant to you.

We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they're affordable favorites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how, and what we'd truly recommend to our closest friends and family members.

For fashion and beauty lovers, September is basically New Year's. Rife with fresh, "back to school" energy, it represents a special shift: vibrant nail colors make way for moody polishes, breezy linens step aside for cozy fabrics, and dewy, glossy finishes hand off their crown to diffused, soft-matte textures. Concerning the latter, it's not uncommon to complete a fall-inspired audit for your makeup bag and focus on velvety, autumnal heroes—and that, dear readers, is where Dior comes in. The house recently debuted a new addition to its Rouge Dior On Stage collection, one that's so gorgeously fall-coded that I think it may usurp the popularity of its viral Lip Glow Oil. There, I said it.

Introducing the Rouge Dior On Stage Ink, a liquid lipstick with a beautifully blurred finish, buildable color, and 24-hour wear. With a combination of gel pigments and blurring polymers (plus, ahem, Jenna Ortega as the face), it lends a soft, diffused finish that doesn't sacrifice comfort. It actually stays malleable all day, despite the no-budge technology, and the formula is intentionally thin, so you can layer it endlessly without any fear of cakiness. That fine, made-to-layer application is directly inspired by Korean beauty techniques, Peter Philips, Creative and Image Director of Dior Makeup, shares during a brand preview, which hinge on "very sophisticated, very delicate applications."

"[K-beauty] mastered that technique, which now is a worldwide recognized lip style," he adds. "This formula lends itself in a very easy way to get that makeup result. You can do a soft [application] all over, let it set for a second, and then go a little bit deeper in the center of your lips and have this beautiful degradation, like a soft-stained blurring effect." Dior Beauty is already quite buzzy in the Korean market, says Philips ("The Oil is very popular," he adds), so he expects this new formula to make just as big of a global splash. And because it's blurring—not matte, there's a difference!—it melts into your foundation effortlessly, resulting in a fluffy halo of pigment that looks like your lip color naturally extends from the lip line.

I can personally attest to that smoothness; while most soft-matte formulas leave my lips screaming for moisture, this one is so thin that I honestly forget it's even on. I'll apply the doe foot directly on the center of my bottom lip, then swipe it with my fingertip until the entire surface is coated in a soft wash of color. Just that one dab is truly all I need for an effortless, everyday blur, but I will sometimes opt for another round or two to increase the intensity and eschew all other makeup—the perfect French-girl beat. Rosewood Star (a deep, pinky-brown) has been my staple du jour, especially as fall rolls around, but even bolder shades (like the brand's legendary 999) don't feel as intimidating with this easy, foolproof application.

"I do like the effect of a classic, matte red lipstick, and 999 is one of the most iconic reds around," Philips adds. "So I do love my 999." That said, you really can't go wrong with any of the elegant shades, which you can snag by scrolling ahead. Your romantic fall makeup routine awaits.

Shop Dior Rouge Dior On Stage Ink

I’ve always had a bit of a lip balm addiction. There’s always one on my bedside table, one (or three) in my handbag, a couple in my desk drawer and, much to the frustration of my husband, a few more scattered chaotically around the house. And whilst autumn’s arrival feels like a natural time to talk about the best ones—traditionally the weather starts to cool, and the air feels a little more harsh—I’ve found that dry, chapped lips can be just as much of a summer problem as they are an autumn and winter one. Emerging from a season of pretty intense heat and sun exposure, I’ve found that my lips are already feeling chapped, tight and flaky. Which is why I’ve been on a quest to find the best lip balms for dry lips.

For me, a good lip balm is less of a nice-to-have and more of a daily beauty essential, and the best ones are those that genuinely make a difference to the condition of my lips long-term. Plus, I’m fickle, so while they do need to deliver on intense hydration and rich moisture, I’m partial to ones that also smell amazing and look great too. I’ve tried hundreds over the years, but before we get into the ones I’m willing to pay genuine lip service to, I wanted to know exactly what causes dry lips and how we should be looking after them.

What Causes Dry Lips?

Unsurprisingly, dry lips are one of the most common skin issues. “It’s because the skin on our lips is much thinner and doesn't have the same oil glands as the rest of our skin, so it loses moisture more easily,” explains aesthetic nurse and founder of R&R Aesthetics, Caroline Hall. “Cold weather, sun exposure, air conditioning, dehydration and repeatedly licking your lips can all make it worse.” However, Hall does mention that if you are experiencing persistent or extreme dryness then it could point to an underlying issue like an allergy (to skincare or even toothpaste) or a condition like eczema. “Lips that are continually cracked, sore or inflamed are worth getting checked rather than simply applying more lip balm,” she advises.

How to Choose the Best Lip Balm

It seems that the key to choosing an efficacious lip balm is to spend a bit of time looking at the ingredients list. Hall recommends choosing a balm that contains ingredients that both add moisture and help to seal it in. Her top pick? Good old-fashioned petrolatum: yes, that’s Vaseline. “Petrolatum is one of the simplest and most effective options for reducing moisture loss, while ingredients such as shea butter, ceramides and squalane can help soften and support the skin barrier.” For daytime use, rather than an overnight treatment, Hall also suggests looking for a lip balm with SPF to combat UV exposure, which can cause dry and damaged lips.

As for any ingredients to avoid? “I’d be careful with anything that makes your lips tingle, sting or feel particularly cooling. Ingredients like menthol, camphor and some fragrances may actually irritate already dry or cracked lips,” Hall explains. She also recommends avoiding lip scrubs or exfoliators when lips are very dry. “If the skin barrier is already damaged, repeatedly exfoliating it can make the problem worse,” she says.

The Best Lip Balms for Dry Lips

• Best Overall Lip Balm for Dry Lips: La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume Lips (£9)
• Best SPF Lip Balm: Mecca Cosmetica Lip De-Luscious SPF20 (£20)
• Best Plumping Lip Balm: Alpha-H Peptide Lip Perfector (£23)
• Best Everyday Lip Balm: The Ordinary Squalane & Amino Acids Lip Balm (£9)
• Best Overnight Lip Treatment: Tatcha The Kissu Lip Mask (£27)

1. La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume Lips

When my lips are really struggling—particularly during instances where I've been unwell and I'm dehydrated, or I've spent a lot of time outdoors—then this is the lip balm that I always come back to. Rather than a glossy balm or tinted formula, it's a real barrier-focused product that feels like it really tackles repairing compromised lips and helps restore their health. It has quite a thick texture that really coats the lips and helps to take the sting out of any particularly dry or uncomfortable patches, yet it isn't sticky in the slightest. It's a great option to keep by your bed and apply generously overnight, just because it does have that thicker consistency that makes it feel more like a treatment, but it would make a decent everyday option too if you really struggle with dry or very chapped lips.

2. Mecca Cosmetica Lip De-Luscious SPF20

I’m a big believer that lip balm should ideally come with SPF, particularly because it’s an area that’s very easy to forget when applying sunscreen. And as someone who has actually burnt their lips in the past, I am well aware of just how sore they can be. Mecca Cosmetica’s Lip De-Luscious is the balm that I've been reaching for most during the heatwaves this summer for that very reason—it contains SPF 20. Plus, it's also packed with shea butter, plant oils and vitamin E so it doesn't compromise on hydration either. It's moisturising yet feels lightweight, and delivers the prettiest pink sheen to lips so I tend to skip my usual lip glosses and lipsticks when I wear this. The pot is robust enough to chuck into handbags and beach bags too, yet it's pleasingly weighty so feels quite luxurious when you take it out to reapply too.

3. Alpha-H Peptide Lip Perfector

I’m always sceptical of lip products that promise plumper-looking lips, and have always hated those intensely tingling glosses that practically burn your lips into looking more full. However, this one from Alpha-H has only recently landed on my doorstep, but I've been wearing it every day since. While the peppermint oil does give a slightly refreshing tingle, it's the science-backed peptides that really do the heavy lifting when it comes to plumping and smoothing lips. Plus, it uses plant-based lanolin sodium hyaluronate to deeply hydrate, so not only do my lips end up looking subtly more full and juicy, but they feel genuinely moisturised too. It's great worn alone, but I particularly love it as a base for lipstick to get that really cushioned, smooth look.

4. The Ordinary Squalane & Amino Acids Lip Balm

5. Tatcha The Kissu Lip Mask

6. Rhode Peptide Lip Tint

Even if it's just a subtle wash, I rarely step out of the house without some kind of tint on my lips so I'm always going to be tempted by a lip balm that offers both hydration and colour. And, like so many other people, Rhode’s Peptide Lip Tints have become a staple for those days when I want to feel more put together without actually wearing lipstick. Packed with peptides, shea butter and vitamin E, the formula feels nourishing and glossy while the tint provides a sheer pop of colour that can easily be applied without a mirror. I particularly love Jelly Bean, a sheer and slightly shimmery pink, and Colada, a summery pink-bronze shade.

7. CeraVe Advanced Repair Ointment

Although this isn’t purely a lip balm, I’m including it here because it’s one of my favourite multipurpose products for tackling seriously dry skin—and that includes lips. When mine are flaky, tight or in need of some serious TLC, I like applying a generous layer of this before bed and letting the hardworking formula do its thing overnight. It feels rich and protective, thanks to pharmaceutical-grade petrolatum, ceramides and hyaluronic acid, without needing to constantly reapply. And I love that I can also use the same tube on dry hands, cuticles and other rough patches. It’s definitely not the prettiest lip product in my collection, and the texture is much more ointment-like than a traditional balm, but when it comes to rescuing dry lips, it delivers.

8. By Terry Baume de Rose Lip Balm

9. Paula's Choice Pro-Collagen Peptide Gloss Balm

I'm now 37, and getting older is undoubtedly a factor in how dry my lips can be. As collagen production naturally drops, my lips are looking less smooth and don't have quite the same fullness that they once did. This gloss balm from Paula's Choice is great for days when I need more than just hydration. It's more of a treatment than a traditional lip balm, combining three tri-peptides with shea butter to hydrate whilst supporting collagen production and smoothing out the appearance of fine lines and dry patches. It’s a great option if you’re noticing fine lines or changing texture around your lips and want something that feels like skincare rather than just a balm.

How We Tested

I have used lip balm every day for the best part of two decades, so I have included some long-term favourites as well as testing some new lip balms for dry lips for this piece. Plus, I sought out balms containing the ingredients that Hall recommended too. The balms that have made the cut offer deep hydration, moisture without stickiness, and look and feel good on the lips too.

And if you’re worried that your lips will become dependent on balm if you wear it every day, then fear not—it turns out that this is a beauty myth. “Your lips don't become physically dependent on lip balm or lose their ability to moisturise themselves because you're using one regularly. What can happen is that you become used to the feeling of having balm on your lips, so you notice dryness more when it's not there,” says Hall.

Why Trust Us

At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products over the years—spanning skincare, makeup, hair and nails—and work closely with trusted experts including dermatologists, makeup artists and leading industry insiders to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.

We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.

Here at Who What Wear, we're obsessed with Victoria Beckham Beauty, and more specifically, the brand's Satin Kajal Eyeliners. I personally own at least eight of them, and fine, I'll say it: I use them more than any other eyeliner in my vast collection. I'm not the only one. As my colleague Jamie put it, "The formulas are creamy and forgiving, the packaging is chic (dare I say posh?), and the shades are simply mesmerizing." Apparently, even the internet agrees with us because one eyeliner is sold every 30 seconds, according to VB herself.

Even though I'm a Satin Kajal superfan, I wasn't prepared for the brand's recent drop: a new, shimmering blue eyeliner that completes a trio of denim-inspired shades. Each one, including the latest, is inspired by Beckham's personal denim collection. (I love a fashion-beauty crossover!) After testing all three, I can confidently say blue is the most sophisticated eyeliner shade to wear in fall 2026. Ahead, see the eyeliners (and a limited-edition carrying case).

Jeans

This is one of my favorite shades to wear because it feels fresher and less expected than traditional black or brown eyeliner, yet it's still subtle, sophisticated, and versatile. I tend to wear it with a light bloom of rose-colored blush and a matching lip stain.

In this case, the blush was Pat McGrath Labs Skin Fetish Divine Powder Blush ($39) in Divine Rose, and the lip stain was MAC Cosmetics' Lustreglass Stainglass Glossy Lip Tint ($24) in the shade Sneaky Pink. I applied it over the brand's Lipglazer Glossy Lip Liner in Whirl ($25). It's a lip combo I've been loving lately.

Navy Noir

Navy Noir Pavé

It's hard to catch on camera, but IRL, it has a shimmery (not chunky) finish.

The Denim Pencil Case

Shop 5 More Editor-Favorite Items

In my early days of trying makeup, there were always products that I was more open to than others. I loved brow gel, eye shadow palettes, and all things contour and highlight. But if there's one thing I consistently stood away from, it was full-coverage foundation. I was always open to using concealer and tinted moisturizer, but the idea of a heavy formula that would clog my pores, cause acne, or look straight-up cakey was the last thing I wanted.

Since then, I've spent my years as a beauty journalist learning what makes a quality product, and in the process, I learned that not all full-coverage foundations are made equal. "A full-coverage foundation contains enough pigment to conceal most visible discoloration, including blemishes, redness, and hyperpigmentation, creating a more even-looking complexion," says celebrity makeup artist and educator Thynna Wagenblast. "Although full coverage is often associated with thicker formulas, newer technology has made it possible to achieve that level of coverage with lightweight, breathable textures."

Beyond my days of avoidance, I've grown to love quite a few of these foundations, but it also helps to have colleagues who've tested their fair share of them too. Between myself, my fellow beauty editors, and top-notch makeup artists, we've put together a list of the 10 best options on the market in 2026. Keep scrolling to see our picks.

The Best Full-Coverage Foundations, at a Glance

• Best Overall: Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Foundation
• Best Dewy Finish: Live Tinted Huestick Complexion Stick
• Best Drugstore: L'Oréal Infallible Fresh Wear 32 Hr Liquid Foundation
• Best Multipurpose: Milani Conceal + Perfect 2-in-1 Foundation + Concealer
• Best Budget: Sheglam Skin Magnet High Coverage Foundation Stick

The Best Full-Coverage Foundations of 2026

Best Overall: Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Foundation

Best Dewy Finish: Live Tinted Huestick Complexion Stick

Best Drugstore: L'Oréal Infallible Fresh Wear 32 Hr Liquid Foundation

Best Multipurpose: Milani Conceal + Perfect 2-in-1 Foundation + Concealer

Best Budget: Sheglam Skin Magnet High Coverage Foundation Stick

Best Matte Finish: Tarte Face Tape Full-Coverage Foundation

Best for Redness: Dermablend Flawless Creator Multi-Use Liquid Foundation

Best for Mature Skin: Shades by Shan The Foundation

Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Lightweight Longwear Matte Foundation

Best Blurring: Huda Beauty Easy Blur Natural Airbrush Foundation

How We Chose

As with all of our buying guides at Who What Wear, we compile our edits based on original testing and expert recommendations. To find the best full-coverage foundation, we leaned heavily on firsthand testing, insight from makeup artists, and our knowledge as beauty experts. We also considered several factors, including shade range, key ingredients, finish, and customer reviews. We're aware of how important these factors are for a wide range of needs and preferences, so we made sure to list out all the helpful details.

Why Trust Who What Wear

At Who What Wear, we know that beauty isn't one-size-fits-all. Since 2006, our editors have tested thousands of products—including skincare, makeup, haircare, and nails—while also working closely with trusted experts, like renowned dermatologists, celebrity makeup artists, and other leading industry insiders. Together, this ensures every guide is well-researched, inclusive, and relevant to you.

Who What Wear has been a digital fashion, beauty, and lifestyle publication and community where people can discover the latest brands, trends, and must-have products to help define and evolve their personal style. Think of Who What Wear as your most trusted style and shopping resource.

Fun fact about Jasmine Tookes: If for some reason modelling didn't work out for the 5'9" Victoria's Secret Angel, she'd become a makeup artist. "I've always loved the creative side of makeup," the runway veteran, beauty brand founder, and mum of two shares with Who What Wear. "Early in my modelling career, I had the opportunity to watch some of the most talented makeup artists on set, and I was constantly asking questions because I was fascinated by how small techniques could completely elevate a look. I think that’s really when I fell in love with the artistry of makeup. Every photoshoot and runway felt like a learning experience, and I loved seeing how makeup could enhance your features, create a mood, or even tell a story."

Perhaps one day we'll find Tookes behind the glam chair (never say never!), but it's clear all those on-set crash courses paid off in spades. Take a scroll through her TikTok GRWM videos, and you'll agree: Tookes is an absolute whiz at technique. She's even got notoriously finicky eye makeup down to a science, which makes her quite the fitting partner for Ilia's new Thru Line Waterproof Eyeliner. "Ilia has been one of my staple brands for years," she says. "Between motherhood, running a business, and having sensitive skin, I’m much more intentional about what I use." The eyeliners are cruelty-free and clinically tested on sensitive eyes and the waterline, so she doesn't have to sacrifice comfort for performance (quite a feat for waterproof formulas that often leave you bleary-eyed!).

In terms of nailing an immaculate wing, "I think eyeliner is one of those things that definitely takes a little practice. But I’ve learned it really doesn’t have to be perfect," Tookes explains. "I think the less precious you are about it, the easier—and more fun—it becomes." In fact, she deems a warm, softly-smudged smoky eye her signature, inspired by era-defining supermodels of the '90s. "It's a look I always feel like myself in," she adds. "I've always loved enhancing my eyes because they can completely transform a look, whether I'm keeping my makeup minimal or doing something more glam."

Before dressing up the lids, however, she likes to nail down her other signature: a glowy, sun-kissed canvas. "I usually start with Ilia's Super Serum Skin Tint in Dominica ST14 and Honopu ST14.5 for a natural-looking base, add a touch of warmth with bronzer, while keeping the rest of the complexion fresh and luminous before defining my eyes," she explains. Once her complexion is nice and sculpted, she fills in her lids with Ilia's Stylus Shadow Stick in Relic, then grabs the Thru Line Waterproof Eyeliner in Gesture (a matte warm brown) to tightline her upper lashes, smudging it at the outer corners until it resembles a teeny wing. "It gives my eyes definition without feeling too 'done,'" she notes.

For a nighttime look, Tookes swaps Gesture for Serif (a matte dark brown hue), tightlines her top and bottom lashes, and extends the wing for a bit more drama. "Using eyeliner to subtly define my lash line is one of my favourite tricks for making my lashes look fuller," she adds. From there, she smudges out the lines to make them appear more lived-in ("One of my favourite techniques," she shares) and wiggles on a brown mascara—namely, Ilia's Limitless Lash in Before Dawn. "I want my makeup to feel polished but easy, something that still looks and feels like me," she says of the minimal, brown-toned aesthetic. It's simple, but she can always dial up the intensity depending on her mood without overpowering her features, just like the '90s icons living on her beauty mood board. "There's something so chic about that," she says.

Shop Jasmine Tookes's Makeup Routine

Lip gloss has been a part of my beauty routine for as long as I can remember. Even before I was introduced to the world of foundations, bronzers and blushers, I have memories of swiping an overly glittery and extremely sticky gloss on my lips before I went out. Now, you’ll be pleased to know that lip gloss formulas have come a very long way since then, and so have my makeup preferences. Nowadays, I much prefer natural-looking, glowy makeup looks, especially when it comes to my lip products. And for me, as someone with dark skin, no gloss colour looks quite as natural as brown.

Elegant and versatile, with that ‘90s vibe we all adore, a brown lip gloss is a flattering product that enhances your natural complexion without looking overdone or taking you too out of your comfort zone. This sophisticated gloss colour also works well with every type of makeup look, from a full face to "no-makeup" makeup. Not to mention that the shade feels perfect for the upcoming season, especially if you opt for a deeper, moodier iteration.

As someone who has tried a lot of brown glosses in her time, I have a pretty good idea of which formulas are actually worth the investment. And after testing what feels like hundreds, I’ve narrowed it down to seven of the very best. So if you’re on the market for a brown lip gloss this season, keep scrolling to shop my top picks.

Shop the Best Brown Lip Glosses

• Best Overall Brown Lip Gloss: Refy Lip Gloss, £16
• Best Luxury Brown Lip Gloss: Dior Addict Lip Glow Oil, £34
• Best Affordable Brown Lip Gloss: NYX Fat Oil Lip Drip, £8
• Best High-Shine Brown Lip Gloss: Vieve Lip Dew, £22
• Best Shimmery Brown Lip Gloss: Fenty Gloss Bomb Lip Luminizer, £20

1. Refy Lip Gloss

2. Dior Addict Lip Glow Oil

3. NYX Professional Makeup Fat Oil Lip Drip

4. Vieve Lip Dew

5. Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer

6. Rhode Peptide Lip Tint

7. Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm

How I Tested

I've been using most of these brown lip glosses for years, and the newer formulas for months, so I've put each one through its paces. I tested each gloss on my lips to see how easily they apply, as well as how long they last throughout the day before requiring reapplication.

Why Trust Us

At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products, including skincare, makeup, hair and nails, over the years and work closely with trusted experts—dermatologists, make-up artists and leading industry insiders—to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.

We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.