Fall 2026 Makeup Trends: Velvet Skin, Smoky Eyes, and Moody Color

It’s no surprise that our makeup routines have to pivot with the season. Along with cooler and temps and shorter days, here are the beauty trends that are in the forecast this season.

The Dew Dials Down

After months of dewy skin, fall is moving toward a velvety matte complexion.

For natural-matte coverage, try Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Blurring & Matte Full Coverage Foundation. Prefer powder? Natasha Denona HY-GLAM Powder Foundation makes it easy to build coverage where you want it.

Smoke Gets Smudgier

While smoky eyes are a fall staple, this year’s version looks better when it’s a little less precise. Try blurring shadow beyond the lash line or softening liner with a brush or fingertip.

Natasha Denona I Need A Cool Eyeshadow Palette gives the classic smoky eye a cooler update, while MOB Beauty Long Wear Liquid Clay Eyeshadow is the perfect one-and-done solution.

Liner can get in on the action, too. Try sketching MOB Beauty Cake Liner or Charlotte Tilbury The Classic in Shimmering Brown along the upper and lower lash lines for an instant smoky effect.

Plum Has Entered the Chat

Burgundy for fall? Yes, we know. But there’s a reason these shades keep returning year after year. They’re effortless and flatter a range of skin tones.

For eyes, Danessa Myricks Beauty Colorfix Metallics in Journey or Wild Orchid gives the color extra dimension. For the face, Dominique Cosmetics Pillow Soft Hydrating Lip and Cheek Stain in Berry Soft brings in a softer berry note, while Danessa Myricks Beauty Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder Flushed in Dancing Queen takes things deeper.

And if your preferred way to wear plum is with plenty of shine, swipe on Danessa Myricks Beauty Glosswork 4D Ultra Shine Plumping Gloss in Black Currant.

Lips Lose Their Hard Edges

Blurred lips are the default this fall. Think diffused edges that feel intentionally undone. Take the look for a spin with Hourglass Phantom Blur Balm or Sisley Paris Phyto-Rouge Velvet.

A Little Gloss Goes a Long Way

One of fall’s best contrasts is a polished, glossy accent against soft skin and deeper color.

Sisley Paris Phyto-Twist Top Coat adds a flash of shimmer without requiring you to rethink the entire look. For something more unexpected, Danessa Myricks Beauty Colorfix Glazes in Stargazer brings a translucent, darkened gleam that pairs especially well with charcoal, plum, and black.

Metallics Get Moodier

If summer metallics live in the champagne-and-gold neighborhood, fall takes a turn toward richer territory with antique bronze and pewter.

Danessa Myricks Beauty Colorfix Metallics makes the trend easy to wear. For more options in one place, Anastasia Beverly Hills Rose Metals Palette mixes smoky neutrals with reflective finishes.

Pro tip: Press metallic color onto the center of a smoky lid, tap it into the inner corner, or use it as liner. An unexpected hint of shine makes the look more current.

Blue Is Fall’s Wild Card

Deeper shades of blue (think: denim and navy) have been seen everywhere from runways to red carpets. They’re unexpected enough to stand out yet offer the depth fall calls for.

Charlotte Tilbury Palette of Beautifying Eye Trends in Denim Dimension and MOB Beauty Long Wear Liquid Clay Eyeshadow in Spirit Room Blue offer an easy entry point, while Jeffree Star Cosmetics Night Owl Artistry Palette gives you plenty of room to experiment.