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.

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."

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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

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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."

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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

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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."

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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.

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

Shop More From The Vieve Skin Nova Range

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.

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.

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.

As we turn towards the new season (and the great British weather returning to its usual programming after a summer of heatwaves), I'm positively brimming with excitement. Not just because soon I'll be able to bring out my boots and cashmere once again, but also because I'll be able to wear the Autumn/Winter 2026 beauty trends that I saw all over the runways back in February.

As a beauty editor who has been studying fashion week beauty looks for over a decade, it feels like fun is finally being had with the hair, makeup and nails backstage again. Don't get me wrong, I loved the pared-back, effortless looks we've seen backstage in seasons prior, but for Autumn/Winter 2026, the runways have decreed a return to maximalism in many ways. Bare nails? We're wearing bold nail art again. Bare lids and lashes? It's time to dust off your eyeshadow palette. Short hair? Nope, we're all growing out our bob haircuts.

Of course, there are remnants of the minimalist and effortless moods we've seen previously (take note of the absence of bold blusher this season); however, even the more out-there trends remain completely wearable. If you're in need of some hair, makeup and nail inspiration for the new season, scroll on for the defining Autumn/Winter 2026 beauty trends that you won't be able to wait to try.

1. Barely-There Blush

Bold blush has been dominating our feeds and makeup bags and most new launches for the best part of the decade so far, but this season, we're seeing a more subdued look emerging on our cheeks. In fact, it's barely there. Instead of brightly painted cheeks, the models at Victoria Beckham, Fendi and Altuzzarra had delicate, natural flushes that you'd see from a brisk walk on the first cold day of autumn.

At Ralph Lauren, the blusher placement was lower on the cheek; replicating softly windswept cheeks feels more authentic than the sculpting blusher placements we've seen that sit higher on the cheekbones. At Victoria Beckham, makeup artist Lucia Pica drew inspiration from the gentle flushes in the portraits by artist Tamara de Łempicka. “The skin remains beautifully transparent and perfected, with a gentle touch of pink on the cheeks that brings a fresh, unexpected warmth to the complexion," she says.

2. Great Lengths

It's undeniable that short haircuts and bobs have been dominating the fashion set of late, but if the A/W26 shows are anything to go by, now may be the time to grow your hair out long. We saw waist-skimming pre-raphaelite lengths finished with plaited accents at Chloe and Acne Studios, whereas the hair looks at Patrick McDowell and Holzweiler showcased long, buoyant curls in all their halo-like glory. The common thread is that each show enhanced the models' natural texture.

Hairstylist Anthony Turner explained how he achieved the effortless wavy lengths at Chloé. "The hair itself feels very weather. It's mountainous, it's windy, it's sunny, she's making her way through all of the elements," he says. "A lot of the girls have naturally very curly hair, so we're using the Dyson Supersonic R Hairdryer (£450) with the diffuser on the end and making [the curls] even more. For the girls with really long hair, we've braided them, taken the braids out and then brushed them."

3. Eyeshadow Abundance

After seasons of bare lids and the omission of any mascara from the lashes, A/W26 is heralding the triumphant return of bold eye makeup once more. From holographic silver dusted on both the lids and the hair at Chanel to metallic purple smouldering the eyes at Carolina Herrera, now is the time to pull out the shimmers and glitters that have been waiting in the wings inside your eyeshadow palette.

At Acne Studios, the eyes were a study in colour, with bright smudges of apple green and electric blue winged from the model's sockets, but if you prefer something more subdued, take inspiration from the makeup at Tolu Coker, which saw models with hazy washes of blue, spanning from smoked petrol blue to powdery hues. Either way, it's time to dust off those eyeshadow brushes and get creative.

4. Nail Renaissance

At several shows in past seasons, we've become accustomed to seeing bare nail-inspired looks with sheer washes of pink backstage—or even nothing at all. However, the A/W26 shows welcomed back nail art and shimmering shades in all their glimmering glory. Long almond nails adorned with aura nail art and reverse French tips featured at Christian Cowan and Harris Reed, whilst bold blues were painted on the nails at Proenza Schouler. But perhaps the most mesmerising of all were the jewel-like nails at Chanel.

"In and amongst the classic pieces of the Chanel A/W26 collection, the clothes and accessories had an element of fantasy; the metamorphosis of the caterpillar into a butterfly," says Ama Quashie, the key session manicurist behind the looks. "So for the nails I tapped into my favourite elements of insect and bug colourings, choosing a palette that touched on iridescent and subtle shimmers," she says. "It feels like globally we’ve collectively and individually had a hard couple of years, definitely some more than others. In a time where we’re being stripped of so much, fantasy and escapism, even on the smallest canvas, remind us of the simple joy of beauty."

5. Parting Shift

Perhaps the easiest trend to adopt from the Autumn/Winter 2026 shows is switching your parting. We saw deep side partings and swooping side fringes all over the runways this season, so take this as your sign to switch from a middle part. It's a great way to boost volume for finer hair, too.

Hairstylist Anthony Turner created a sleek side-parted style for the Victoria Beckham show, explaining: “We wanted the hair to feel effortless and feminine but still refined. There’s a strong side parting which gives the look structure, but the overall feeling is relaxed and slightly undone—almost like the girls have already been to the after-show party," he says. "It’s simple, elegant hair with a little bit of personality and ease.”

6. Smoked Eyes

The smoky eye is a timeless Autumn/Winter makeup trend; however, it was particularly prevalent on the runways this season in a whole spectrum of smouldering shades. At Connor Ives, Dominic Skinner, director of makeup artistry for MAC UKI, drew inspiration from femme fatales of the '60s, with an '80s twist of garage door eyeshadow, generously applied all over the lids and up to the brow bone. At Hermès, the eyes were framed in nocturnal shades of deep green-grey and midnight blue, whilst at Rabanne, the effect was softer but mesmerising with watercolour washes of burnt umber buffed all over on the upper and lower lids. And if you're feeling bold, you could even channel Bella Hadid's smudgy, sooty kohl-lined eyes at Prada. Get your eyeliners and eyeshadows at the ready.

I love summer, but each August, I start looking forward to fall. I can't help it. There are crisp apples, cool breezes, and changing leaves. I can bring out my favorite sweaters, jackets, and boots. I can even refresh my beauty routine by making certain seasonal swaps. What's not to love?

As always, a new season means new beauty drops. Right now, the best ones are at Nordstrom—at least I think so. There's an intoxicating new Chanel perfume that evokes "the power of attraction." There are iconic eye shadow sticks that have recently been reformulated to be better than ever. There are even new, glossy lip stains that provide a stained-glass effect. Did I mention the low-tech gua sha brush that sculpts the skin and stimulates lymphatic drainage? Keep scrolling to see 13 Nordstrom beauty arrivals that I can't add to my cart quickly enough.

There are a lot of great makeup brands out there. In fact, there are so many that my friends will often ask me which ones I actually recommend. I always tell them the same thing: it totally depends on what you're after. As a beauty editor and makeup artist, I've come to learn that certain makeup brands have their own unique strengths. Take Charlotte Tilbury, for example. Whenever I know I'm going to be in front of the camera for work, this is the brand I reach for, as I can always rely on its foundation, concealer and setting powder for that blurred finish. However, on a day-to-day basis, I love a natural-looking, glowy makeup look, and there's one brand that delivers like no other. Summer Fridays.

Founded in 2018 by Marianna Hewitt and Lauren Ireland, this brand was predominantly known for its skincare (the Jet Lag Mask is still a bestseller). However, in recent years, they've expanded the line into easy-to-use makeup formulas that perfectly align with the brand's aim to create simple, hardworking, hydrating products that effortlessly slot into your everyday routine.

And it doesn't stop there. In true Summer Fridays style, the packaging is minimal and chic, which is probably why you're used to seeing it all over your Instagram feed. It's true, some of the most stylish people I know swear by this makeup brand, so I think it's about time we break down every single product. Below, I've created a full face of Summer Fridays makeup and reviewed my ride-or-die formulas from the brand. Happy, healthy-looking skin right this way...

The Best Summer Fridays Makeup Products, Tried & Tested

• Best Base Product: Summer Fridays Sheer Skin Tint, £42
• Best Bronzer: Summer Fridays Bronzer Butter Balm, £30
• Best Highlighter: Summer Fridays Illuminating Drops, £30
• Best Blush: Summer Fridays Blush Butter Balm, £27
• Best Lip Product: Summer Fridays Flushed Lip Stain, £22

1. Summer Fridays Sheer Skin Tint

This is, hands down, one of the best skin tints I've tried. It has this incredibly lightweight, hydrating formula that glides on, blends like a dream and never settles into dry skin. Instead, it adds this fresh, radiant finish to your complexion that always has people asking me why I look so glowy. I will say, it doesn't provide much coverage, but it does help to even out redness. I use this alongside a slightly higher coverage concealer for my perfect everyday base. Infused with soothing tiger grass, glycerin and hyaluronic acid, my skin practically laps it up.

2. Summer Fridays Bronzing Drops

If my complexion is looking a bit dull or lacklustre, I love mixing these bronzing drops with the skin tint above for the ultimate glowy, sun-kissed effect. Similar to the skin tint, these drops are infused with glycerin and hyaluronic acid, providing all that hydrating goodness alongside a dewy, bronzed finish. There's absolutely no shimmer, so they always look natural, and you can also mix them in with your moisturiser to add warmth to your skin on days where you want to skip makeup altogether. The product currently comes in one shade, but I'd love to see a wider range of shades from the brand in the future.

3. Summer Fridays Illuminating Drops

I've tried a lot of illuminating makeup products in my time, but these drops truly blew me away when I first applied them. Because Summer Fridays does natural-looking makeup so well, I naively thought they wouldn't add much glow to the skin, but oh, how wrong I was. Don't get me wrong, this isn't like a traditional highlighter, and won't add any sparkle or shimmer, but what it does do is add a hit of radiance like no other. The serum-like formula can be used in so many different ways to add a dewy, lit-from-within finish, but I personally like to mix a few drops into my skin tint before applying a small amount to the tops of my cheekbones as the last step in my routine.

4. Summer Fridays Bronzer Butter Balm

This product had me at the name "butter balm". A smooth, creamy delight, this bronzer practically melts into the skin, becoming one with your makeup and adding a naturally radiant, sun-kissed effect. It's the kind of bronzer you can apply at home or on the go, as all you have to do is swipe it on for instant warmth. It's hard to get across just how creamy the formula is, but it's all thanks to skin-loving ingredients such as shea butter and mango seed butter. It's probably not for those of you who love a super sharp, contouring effect, but if you want an easy-to-use bronzer that adds a "your skin but better" finish, I urge you to try this immediately.

5. Summer Fridays Blush Butter Balm

Alongside the bronzer is the Blush Butter Balm. Equally as hydrating and easy to blend, this dewy cream blusher adds a beautiful flush of colour to the cheeks. There are six pretty shades available, but my favourite has to be Toasted Terracotta. I've actually worn this blush every single day this summer, as the terracotta hue adds a warm, sun-kissed effect that makes it look as if I've just got back from the South of France. I'm a big fan of the brand's makeup products, but if I only had to recommend one, it would definitely be this blush.

6. Summer Fridays Flushed Lip Stain

This lip stain is a relatively new launch from the brand, but it's quickly become one of my go-to products. What I love about it is that it has a felt-tip applicator, so I can actually use it as a lip liner, too. I use the shade Almond, a soft brown hue that adds a subtle yet buildable, natural-looking flush to the lips. I line my lips with this, then pair it with the Lip Butter Balm (more on that below) for the ultimate lip combo. The best bit is, thanks to aloe vera and panthenol, this lip stain never feels drying. That said, if you prefer a traditional lip liner, I also love the Summer Fridays Softline Lip Liner in the shade Cinnamon (£21).

7. Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm

A lip balm that needs no introduction. I'm yet to meet anyone who hasn't fallen in love with the Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm. Whether it's the chic packaging, the fun range of flavours (Vanilla is my personal fave) or the hydrating formula, there are so many things to rave about. One thing in particular that always impresses me is just how glossy this lip balm looks. Forget lip gloss, as this delivers serious shine in just one swipe.

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 friends.

Maybe it’s because we spent the summer being spoilt with many above-30°C days here in the UK, but I’ve really been feeling the chill in the air lately. So of course, as someone who works in beauty, this has me thinking of the makeup trends that will dominate the upcoming autumn season. Very soon, the days of using only lightweight concealers and lip balms will come to an end, but in their place lies an opportunity to experiment with a myriad of bolder makeup looks that allow me to explore my creativity. Now, of course, it feels wrong to wish the UK summer away, so in lieu of jumping the gun too quickly, I decided to have a chat with my fellow Who What Wear editors about the transitional makeup trends that perfectly bridge the gap between summer and autumn.

After all, it’s probably a tad too soon to reach for the beauty equivalents of my cashmere jumper and wool scarf at the moment. So instead, I’ve decided now is the perfect time to make subtle swaps that nod towards the upcoming season without completely abandoning the fresh, glowy makeup I’ve been wearing all summer. And if the current trends that I’ve spotted on the Instagram accounts of my favourite celebrity makeup artists are anything to go by, there’s plenty of scope to do just that.

So if you, like me, are in the mood for some fresh makeup tips to make the transition from summer to autumn that little bit more seamless, keep scrolling to discover the five trends that our editors are planning to try this transitional season.

5 Transitional Makeup Trends to Try in 2026

1. Pausing: Dewy Makeup

Trying: Satin-Finish Makeup

As someone with very dry skin and eczema, if there’s one trend I fully commit to every summer, it’s dewy makeup. There’s something about that healthy-looking, glass-skin finish that just makes sense when the weather is warm, so I’ve spent the past few months happily layering on my hydrating skin tints, liquid highlighters and dewy setting sprays to achieve that "sun-soaked getaway" sheen. However, as we move towards autumn, I’m planning to press pause on the glow and try something a little different—enter satin-finish makeup. Sitting somewhere between the dewy looks we see in summer and a fully matte look that’s way too drying for my skin type, a satin finish still allows the skin to look fresh and alive, but with a softer effect that feels particularly well-suited to the transitional season.

Shop the Trend:

2. Pausing: Lip Glosses

Trying: Bitten Lips

I’m not quite ready to fully commit to the matte lip look, but after months of reaching for a lip oil or gloss almost exclusively, I’m in the mood for something in between matte and glossy, and I know a bitten lip tint will deliver. These products create a softly diffused effect without the dryness of a traditional lipstick. There’s something about a slightly lived-in lip that feels much more appealing to me than an overly precise lip liner and gloss combo as we head into autumn.

Shop the Trend:

3. Pausing: No Eyeshadow

Trying: Subtle Smokey Eye

When it’s hot outside, the last thing I want to be doing is carefully blending multiple shades of eyeshadow, only for everything to inevitably melt off my eyelids by lunchtime. So, for the majority of summer, I’ve been embracing the joy of doing absolutely nothing with my eye makeup. But now that autumn is approaching, I’m in the mood for something a little more dramatic, without too much effort. The subtle smokey eye that I’ve spotted several celebrity makeup artists create is exactly the kind of look I can see myself wearing for more formal events this season. Think washes of dark chocolate or soft charcoal, blended around the lash line without any harsh or overly precise edges.

Shop the Trend:

4. Pausing: Bold Blush

Trying: Watercolour Blush

From bold reddish-brown "blonzers" to pretty fuchsia pink blushers, this summer has very much been the season of bold blush for me. And while I’m not quite ready to give up this cheek product altogether, I’m ready to make the finish a little more subtle for the season ahead. The solution? Watercolour blush that gives my cheeks a sheer, translucent wash of colour. For my deeper skin tone, I’m leaning towards softer brown, muted burgundy and terracotta hues that give me the blurred, ethereal quality I want to emulate this season. But the power of this trend lies in the fact that it can be tweaked to suit every skin tone and desired look.

Shop the Trend:

5. Pausing: Overly Tamed Brows

Trying: "Undone" Eyebrows

After years of brow mapping, threading and waxing, and just generally trying to make every single hair on my eyebrows behave, there’s something quite liberating about the idea of doing less and just letting them be a little more… well, themselves. Yes, this season I'm taking tips from the makeup artists that are embracing a slightly "undone" look. Think brushed-up hair (the best eyebrow gels will definitely come in handy) and natural texture with just enough definition to enhance the shape that’s already there. It’s a small change, but one that will save me a lot of time in the mornings.

Shop the Trend:

If, like me, you have oily skin, you'll know how hard it is to find a good foundation. Back in the day, I'd opt for a matte formula, but they were so drying that my makeup would end up looking cakey and flat by lunch. However, when I went for a more hydrating, glowy formula, I found it made me look even shinier and didn't last for more than a few hours before sliding off my face. It's definitely been a challenge finding a base product I like, and I've often resorted to the best primers or concealers to achieve my desired finish.

However, makeup has come a long way in recent years, and I myself have learnt more about my skin type and what formulas work best for my complexion. These days, there is a range of foundations for oily skin that deliver a soft matte finish without that dreaded drying effect. Plus, if you still like a luminous look but want your makeup to last, there's a foundation for that, too.

I've been busy testing some of the best foundations for oily skin, and I've rounded up my top formulas below. Plus, I spoke with an expert to learn more about choosing a foundation for oily skin, so that you can find your perfect match.

What to Look for in a Foundation for Oily Skin

So, what should you look for when shopping for a foundation? According to the experts, it's all about longevity. "During the day, natural oils can start to come through on the skin and disrupt the look of your complexion, making it shiny and reducing coverage," says Jennifer Lyons, national education manager at Nars Cosmetics. "A long-wear product means your makeup will look great all day." It's also important to think about coverage and finish. Do you want a high-coverage foundation, or one that lets your natural skin shine through? Once you've decided that, choose between a matte or luminous effect.

How to Apply Foundation for Oily Skin

Now that you've found your perfect formula, it's time to think about application. "At Nars, we love applying foundation with our hands, as this helps the product to warm and melt into the skin," says Lyons. "It still provides you with the level of preferred coverage, and it means you can control the product and apply it where you need it most." Lyons also recommends adding a little setting powder with a fluffy brush for extra smoothness and longevity.

The Best Foundations for Oily Skin

• Best Overall: Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Foundation, £40
• Best Matte Finish: Nars Natural Matte Longwear Foundation, £45
• Best Luminous Finish: Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation, £49
• Best Full-Coverage Finish: Estée Lauder Double Wear Longwear Matte Foundation, £40
• Best Affordable Option: L'Oréal Paris Infallible 32hr Freshwear Liquid Foundation, £14

1. Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Foundation

First up, a favourite of mine from Charlotte Tilbury. This is one of those do-it-all foundations that provides good coverage, a natural matte finish and a long-wearing formula, so you can go about your day without worrying about your makeup sliding all over your face. The lightweight formula creates a blurring effect and feels surprisingly hydrating despite its mattifying qualities. It creates this somewhat radiant matte finish, rather than a flat, dull effect (it looks especially great in photos). My biggest advice when using this product is to start small and build up coverage wherever you need it. The reason I say that is that if you do have patches of dry skin like me, it can sometimes cling if you apply too much. Apart from that, I can't fault it.

2. Nars Natural Matte Longwear Foundation

I recently got my hands on this Nars foundation, and have since been asking myself where it's been my whole life. It is so lightweight, yet one swipe, and my skin suddenly has a smooth, blurring effect. Yes, the finish is naturally matte, but it doesn't feel drying and still lets your natural skin texture shine through. Honestly, this is just a great everyday formula I can see myself using for years to come.

3. Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation

When I first started in the beauty industry, everyone was raving about the Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation. However, as someone with oily skin, I saw the word "luminous" and immediately assumed it wouldn't work for me. Oh, how wrong I was. Offering good coverage, impressive lasting power, and a naturally luminous finish that never looks shiny or greasy, this is actually a great formula for oily skin if you don't want a mattifying effect. Plus, the new formulation is packed with skincare ingredients such as niacinamide, which helps to balance oil production. I can't imagine my makeup bag without this now.

4. Estée Lauder Double Wear Longwear Matte Foundation

This is somewhat of an icon in the foundation world, and for good reason. A full-coverage, mattifying formulation that's ideal for oily skin, editors and experts are always raving about its magic powers. That being said, when I first tried it, I found it way too heavy (and a little drying) for my tastes. However, the brand recently reformulated the foundation, creating a breathable, buildable version offering medium-to-full coverage depending on your preference. Plus, it's packed with hyaluronic acid, so it doesn't feel as drying on the skin. I would probably still save this one for heavier makeup days and special occasions, but it's safe to say I'm now a big fan.

5. L'Oréal Paris Infallible 32hr Freshwear Liquid Foundation

I wasn't sure what to expect from this drugstore foundation, but according to the brand, it's one of the best options for oily skin, so I was keen to give it a go. The lightweight formula is really long-lasting and provides natural-looking coverage with a subtly radiant finish, which is great for those of you with oily skin who don't want to look too matte. Another plus is that the formula is non-comedogenic. One thing I will say is that this works best when you have prepped your skin correctly; otherwise, it can cling to dry skin in places. However, for under £15, I really can't complain.

6. Hermès Plein Air Luminous Matte Skincare Foundation

I know this foundation is eye-wateringly expensive, but if you're looking for a luxury option, I can't fault it. The formula contains niacinamide and hyaluronic acid, so it feels nice and hydrating whilst remaining balanced enough for oilier skin types. I personally think it's a great example of how far matte foundations have come in recent years. It has this beautifully soft matte finish that looks natural and healthy, seamlessly blending with your complexion for a second-skin effect. It's heat-, humidity- and perspiration-resistant, so a great option for the summer months, but I can definitely see myself reaching for this in autumn and winter, too.

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 may work in beauty, but it's been evident to see the way in which brown has taken over fashion over the past year, from chocolate tailoring to suede accessories. More recently, beauty has followed suit with a renewed appetite for everything espresso, mocha and cocoa. Rhode’s recent brown-themed summer collection was a prime example of this.

I’ve noticed the shift in my own makeup bag, too. I’m reaching for brown lip liner shades far more than I used to, largely thanks to the women who have made them look impossibly chic. Namely, Hailey Bieber’s softly defined, brown-lined lips and makeup artist Nina Park's knack for making brown lipstick look cool rather than dated on her celebrity clients, from Zoë Kravitz to Mia Goth. Her looks are proof that brown doesn’t have to mean heavy or matte or ’90s-inspired; it can be sheer, glossy, softly blurred and barely there. Just how I like it.

For me, that really is the appeal. The best brown lipsticks, in my opinion, have that rare ability to make your makeup look instantly more polished without looking overly “done”. From barely-there nude browns to rich chocolate browns, these are the best brown lipstick shades I’m reaching for now.

The Best Brown Lipsticks

1. Best Overall Brown Lipstick: Rhode Peptide Lip Shape in Balance
2. Best Matte Brown Lipstick: KJHBrand Precision Sculpture Stylo in Etch
3. Best Brown Lip Gloss: Vieve Lip Dew in Socialite
4. Best Sheer Brown Lipstick: Chanel Rouge Coco Baume in Honey Bliss
5. Best Affordable Brown Lipstick: Kiko One Magic Touch Lip Stylo in 01

1. Rhode Peptide Lip Shape in Balance

2. MAC Cosmetics Velvet Teddy

3. Refy Tinted Lip Gloss in Sepia

"As someone with eczema and dry skin, I’ve always favoured dewy over matte makeup looks, and this, of course, extends to the lip products I choose," says Who What Wear UK editorial writer, Brittany Davy. "For this reason, I’ve never been a fan of traditional lipsticks, which can often settle into fine lines and make my lips look cracked. But luckily I found the perfect brown lip gloss a few years back—Refy’s tinted lip gloss. With the ability to be built up into a high-shine or sheered out into a more natural finish that resembles a lipstick, this hydrating formula comes in four different brown shades. My personal favourites are Suede (a medium-deep warm brown that acts as the perfect nude for my deeper skin tone) and Sepia (a cool-toned chestnut brown that I use for those more dramatic lip combos I love). In the picture above, I’m wearing Suede on its own, something that earns this product major points from me, as a lot of other brands I’ve tried have shied away from deeper brown hues, which often means I need a lip liner. With Refy’s gloss, I have a choice, making it perfect for both “no makeup” makeup and full glam days. The only setback for me is that you need to be super careful with putting the cap back on, as this product can easily leak if you don’t.

4. KJHBrand Precision Sculpture Stylo in Etch

5. Vieve Lip Dew in Socialite

6. Chanel Rouge Coco Baume Honey Bliss

7. Kiko One Magic Touch Lip Stylo 01

8. Kylie Cosmetics Tinted Butter Balm in She's Lovely

9. Merit Signature Lip Blush in Bespoke

10. Merit Signature Lip Blush in Vendome

11. Hourglass Phantom Volumising Glossy Balm in Rise

How to Choose a Brown Lipstick Shade

The trick to finding a brown lipstick you’ll actually want to wear is considering the undertones. If you suit warm shades, look for caramel, terracotta, or red-brown tones, while cooler complexions can often carry taupe, mauve-brown, or espresso shades more easily. Your depth of skin tone matters, too. Lighter skin tends to suit softer nude-browns, whilst medium and deep skin tones can experiment with richer chocolate and coffee shades. And don’t overlook finish—a sheer balm can make brown feel effortless, while a matte formula gives it more ’90s mood.

How to Wear Brown Lipstick

There’s no single way to wear a brown lipstick, which is why I think this trend actually has staying power. For a softer, Hailey Bieber-inspired look, try a brown-toned nude with a slightly deeper lip liner and a sheer gloss layered over the top. For something more defined, choose a richer chocolate shade and keep the rest of your makeup pared back. I also love tapping brown lipstick onto the lips with a fingertip rather than applying it directly from the bullet, as it gives a softer, lived-in finish.

How We Tested

We tested these brown lip shades with real life in mind: at our desks, on days when we were wearing little more than concealer and mascara, and with fuller makeup when we wanted a more defined lip. We paid attention to how each shade looked against our skin, whether the undertone felt flattering and how easy each was to apply. We also wore them through coffee, meals and meetings to see which formulas actually stayed put.

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.

A lip liner has been a part of my makeup routine for as long as I can remember. I mean, I have memories of sneaking into my mum's and aunties' cosmetic bags to "borrow" MAC's iconic Chestnut pencil dating back at least 10 years.

An easy way to add dimension, definition (and in my case, volume) to your lips, a liner makes the world of difference when paired with a gloss, lipstick or lip stain. And as a beauty writer, I’ve had the privilege of testing a wide range from different brands, all claiming to offer amazing definition and longevity. However, finding a quality lip liner with an extensive shade range that won’t leave dark lips looking grey or ashy has been a challenge, to say the least.