Autumn Makeup Trends 2026: The Colours and Looks to Try This Season

Autumn Makeup Trends 2026: The Colours and Looks to Try This Season

There is something about the first proper autumn morning that makes me want to change my makeup bag.

Summer's peachy glosses and barely-there bronzer suddenly make way for berry lips, chocolate browns, warm blush and beautifully smudged eye makeup.

And the good news for autumn 2026? You don't need a completely new face.

This year's autumn makeup trends are much more about clever colour, softer finishes and choosing one feature to bring into focus. Think polished rather than perfect.

Whether you fancy trying a burgundy lip or simply swapping black eyeliner for chocolate brown, there are plenty of easy ways to give your everyday makeup an autumn update.

Here are the colours, textures and makeup ideas we'll be reaching for this season.

What Are the Biggest Autumn Makeup Trends for 2026?

If I had to sum up autumn makeup this year in one phrase, it would be rich colour, softly worn.

Brown, burgundy, plum, berry, taupe, chocolate and earthy shades are all having their moment. But instead of looking heavy or sharply defined, they're being blended, diffused and worn in sheer layers.

It's a really wearable approach.

You don't need to recreate an elaborate runway look before leaving for work. A brown lip liner, berry blush or wash of taupe shadow can give your usual routine an autumn feel in minutes.

If you're ready for a seasonal makeup refresh, start by browsing our makeup collection and look for shades you can mix with products you already own.

1. Chocolate Brown Is One of Autumn's Key Colours

Brown makeup is having a particularly good year.

And before you picture the flat brown lipstick of decades past, today's version feels much softer.

Think mocha, cocoa, cinnamon, coffee and chocolate tones.

Brown works beautifully across your whole makeup bag. You can wear it as eyeshadow, eyeliner, lip liner or lipstick.

For the easiest everyday look, swap your usual black eye pencil for brown. It still gives definition but can look softer around the eyes.

A wash of chocolate or taupe eyeshadow is another simple option.

Blend it close to the lashes and soften the edges with a fluffy brush. Don't worry about making it perfectly symmetrical. Autumn's eye makeup looks better when it feels slightly lived-in.

2. Burgundy Is Back – But It's Easier to Wear Than You Think

Burgundy returns most autumns for a reason.

It's rich, flattering and instantly makes makeup feel more seasonal.

This year, however, you don't need to wear an opaque wine-coloured lipstick to get the look.

Try burgundy as a softly blended lip liner, a sheer lip colour or even around the eyes.

A burgundy or plum pencil smudged into your lash line can make green and hazel eyes look particularly striking.

If wearing burgundy around your eyes feels a little adventurous, start with your lips.

Browse our lipstick collection and look for wine, berry, plum and deep red shades.

One of my favourite ways to make a dark lipstick less intimidating is to apply it with a fingertip. Tap a small amount onto the centre of the lips, then blend it towards the edges.

You get the colour without the formality.

3. Berry Lips Are Perfect for Autumn

If you buy one new lip colour this autumn, make it berry.

Blackberry, raspberry, mulberry, cranberry and deep plum shades fit beautifully into an autumn palette.

Better still, you can adjust the intensity.

One light layer can look fresh and almost stain-like. Add another layer and you have something much richer for an evening out.

You can also add gloss over the centre of your lips if you don't want a completely matte finish.

For extra definition, pair berry lipstick with one of our lip liners.

You don't always need an exact shade match. A slightly deeper liner can create more dimension.

4. The Blurred Lip Is Staying

This is probably one of the easiest trends of the season.

Instead of creating a perfectly sharp lip line, autumn 2026 is embracing softly blurred edges.

The result looks relaxed and modern rather than overly precise.

Start with a lip pencil close to your natural lip colour or chosen lipstick shade. Draw lightly around the lips, then soften the line with a fingertip or small brush.

Add lipstick to the centre and blend outwards.

You can stop there for a soft matte look or add a little gloss.

The beauty of this trend is that your lipstick doesn't have to look absolutely perfect throughout the day.

In fact, it almost looks better when it doesn't.

5. Espresso Eyes Replace Heavy Black Smoky Makeup

I love a smoky eye, but traditional black and charcoal can sometimes feel like a lot for daytime.

This autumn, try espresso instead.

Deep coffee, chocolate, olive, plum and taupe give you the same sultry effect with a softer finish.

Choose one or two colours rather than building five different shadows.

Apply your deepest shade close to the lash line, then gently blend it upwards.

Finish with eye makeup such as a brown or black pencil pressed into the lash roots.

The goal isn't a perfect cut crease or sharp edge. You want the colour to fade gradually into your skin.

6. Taupe, Mushroom and Greige Make Brilliant Everyday Eyeshadows

Not every autumn look needs warm orange and copper.

Cooler neutral shades are also making an appearance this year.

Taupe, mushroom, pewter, stone and greige can look incredibly chic across the eyelid.

They're particularly useful if traditional warm brown shadows tend to look too orange on your skin.

Try applying one colour across the lid rather than creating a complicated multi-shadow look.

Take a little underneath the lower lash line, blend well and finish with mascara.

That's it.

It takes five minutes but looks as though you've put considerably more thought into it.

7. Use Colour Theory to Make Your Eyes Stand Out

One of the more interesting makeup trends this year is choosing eye makeup based on contrast.

The idea is simple. Certain colours can help emphasise the natural colour of your eyes.

• Blue eyes: try bronze, copper, terracotta and warm brown.
• Green eyes: experiment with plum, wine, burgundy and purple.
• Hazel eyes: try olive, plum and richer purple tones.
• Brown eyes: experiment with navy, sapphire, cool purple or metallic shades.

You don't have to use a bright eyeshadow to try this.

A coloured eyeliner or a tiny amount of contrasting shadow near your lash line may be enough.

Browse our eyeshadow collection and experiment with colours you wouldn't normally pick.

8. Don't Put Away Your Shimmer Yet

Autumn doesn't have to mean completely matte makeup.

Small touches of shimmer are working their way back onto eyelids.

The key word is small.

Rather than covering the entire eye in glitter, try adding shimmer to the centre of the eyelid or inner corner.

Bronze, copper, pewter and champagne work especially well with autumn colours.

Pair them with a matte brown shadow and plenty of mascara.

It gives you enough sparkle for a Friday night without looking as though Christmas arrived in October.

9. Lashes Are Becoming a Feature

Autumn eye makeup is heading in two directions.

You can keep lashes very clean and simple, or make them the main attraction.

Spiky, separated lashes are particularly interesting if you fancy something different from the traditional fluffy lash look.

Try applying one normal coat of mascara first.

Then use the tip of the wand to add extra product to small sections of lashes.

You don't need every lash to look identical.

That slightly separated finish is part of the effect.

10. Blush Is Doing Some of Contour's Job

There was a time when contouring seemed to involve enough products to fill a small handbag.

Autumn 2026 looks much simpler.

Instead of carving out your face with dark contour, try using blush to add colour and gentle shape.

Berry, rose, muted nude and terracotta shades all work beautifully for autumn.

Place your blush slightly higher on the cheekbones and blend it towards your temples.

This can create a lifted effect while still looking fresh.

Explore our blushes and bronzers and look for shades that work naturally with your skin tone.

11. Terracotta Is the Perfect Bridge Between Summer and Autumn

If you're not quite ready to give up your summer bronzer, terracotta is your friend.

It sits somewhere between brown, peach and burnt orange.

That makes it perfect for September and early October.

Try terracotta blush with a simple brown eye and nude lip.

Or pair it with bronze eyeshadow for a warmer look.

Just don't feel you need to use terracotta everywhere at once.

One feature is normally enough.

12. Autumn Skin Is Soft Rather Than Super-Matte

The biggest complexion change isn't really about colour.

It's about texture.

We're seeing a move away from both extremely matte bases and the ultra-wet glass-skin finish.

The sweet spot sits somewhere in the middle.

Think healthy skin with a little natural glow, but without shine everywhere.

Start with light layers of your chosen base.

Use foundation and concealer where you want coverage rather than automatically applying a thick layer across your entire face.

Then use powder selectively.

The centre of the forehead, sides of the nose and under-eye area may benefit from setting. Your cheekbones can stay fresher.

You still look polished, but your skin looks like skin.

13. Don't Automatically Choose a Darker Foundation for Autumn

This is one of the easiest seasonal makeup mistakes to make.

Your summer foundation may stop matching as your tan fades, but that doesn't mean you should automatically jump several shades lighter or darker.

Check your foundation in natural daylight.

The right shade should blend naturally between your face and neck.

You may find that your undertone stays the same while the depth changes slightly.

If your summer base is only a touch too dark, you may also be able to mix it with a lighter foundation rather than replacing it immediately.

14. Try the One-Feature Rule

One of the easiest ways to make autumn colours wearable is to choose a main feature.

If you're wearing a dramatic berry lip, keep your eyes fairly simple.

If you've gone for smoky plum eyes, try a softer nude or rosy lip.

If you're wearing lots of blush, your eye makeup can be little more than mascara.

It isn't a strict beauty rule. Wear as much colour as you like.

But if you're experimenting with deeper shades for the first time, it is a very easy place to start.

How to Update Your Makeup Bag for Autumn Without Spending a Fortune

You don't need to replace everything just because September has arrived.

Have a look at what you already own first.

Your summer bronze eyeshadow may work beautifully with a new chocolate eyeliner. A pink lipstick can become more autumnal with a berry or brown lip pencil underneath.

Even your existing blush may look completely different when paired with cooler eye makeup.

When you do buy something new, focus on products that can create several looks.

A neutral eyeshadow palette, versatile lip liner or buildable blush can earn its place in your makeup bag far more easily than a colour you'll wear once.

It's also worth checking the wider makeup deals at The Beauty Store before paying full price. You can find makeup from well-known beauty brands across eyes, lips and complexion, with stock and discounts changing regularly.

Our Easy Five-Minute Autumn Makeup Look

Not everyone has half an hour to do their makeup in the morning.

I certainly don't always want to.

For a quick autumn look, apply a light base only where you need it.

Add a warm rose or terracotta blush high on the cheeks.

Blend one taupe or chocolate shadow across your eyelids and add mascara.

Finish with a brown or berry lip liner and tap a little lipstick or gloss over the top.

It's simple, looks put together and still feels noticeably different from your summer makeup.

How to Take Autumn Makeup From Day to Night

This is where those deeper seasonal colours become really useful.

You don't necessarily need to remove your daytime makeup and start again.

Deepen your existing eyeshadow close to the lash line. Add a little pencil and smudge it with a brush.

Then add another coat of mascara.

On the lips, swap nude gloss for plum, berry or burgundy.

A couple of small changes can make the whole look feel more evening-ready.

What Autumn Makeup Colours Should You Buy?

If you're building a small seasonal makeup capsule, I'd focus on colours you'll genuinely wear.

Chocolate brown is probably the easiest place to start. It works on the eyes and lips and pairs well with almost everything.

Berry is another useful choice. Look for a berry lipstick or blush that can be applied lightly or built up.

Then choose either taupe, plum, bronze or terracotta depending on your usual style.

You really don't need every trending colour.

The best autumn makeup collection is the one you'll actually use.

Frequently Asked Questions About Autumn Makeup

What makeup colours are trending for autumn 2026?

Brown, burgundy, berry, plum, espresso, taupe, terracotta and muted earthy tones are among the key colours for autumn 2026. Softer finishes are especially popular, with colours blended or worn in sheer layers rather than looking very heavy.

What lipstick colour is best for autumn?

Berry, burgundy, brown, plum and deep red are classic autumn lipstick choices. If dark lipstick feels too strong, choose a sheer formula or tap the colour onto your lips for a softer finish.

What eyeshadow colours work well in autumn?

Chocolate brown, bronze, taupe, plum, olive, charcoal and copper are all good choices. You can also choose shades that contrast with your natural eye colour.

Can I still wear pink makeup in autumn?

Absolutely. You don't need to abandon your favourite colours because the season changes. Try deeper rose, mauve or berry-toned pinks if you want your makeup to feel more autumnal.

Is matte makeup back for autumn 2026?

Soft matte finishes are becoming more noticeable, but the overall look isn't completely flat. Try setting only the areas where you need powder while keeping some natural-looking luminosity on the cheeks.

Do I need to buy new makeup for autumn?

No. Try changing how you combine the makeup you already have first. Adding one autumnal lip liner, eyeshadow or blush can completely change an existing look.

Find Your Autumn Makeup Look

Autumn makeup is one of my favourite seasonal beauty changes because you can do as much or as little as you like.

You could completely embrace berry lipstick, smoky espresso eyes and terracotta cheeks.

Or you could simply replace your black eyeliner with brown.

Both count.

The key trends for 2026 are much less about covering your face or creating perfection. They're about choosing flattering colours, playing with texture and making the features you love stand out.

Start with one shade you've never tried before.

Maybe that's burgundy. Maybe it's mushroom taupe. Maybe you've finally decided it's time to bring brown lipstick back into your life.

Explore makeup at The Beauty Store to discover discounted lipsticks, eyeshadows, mascaras, blushes and complexion products for your autumn makeup bag.