Fall 2026 Makeup Trends: Blurred Lips, Earthy Smoky Eyes and Frosty Shimmer

Fall 2026 makeup is finding its color again. After the restrained “clean girl” look, purple blush, matte lips and colorful eyeliner are making room for richer shades and more varied finishes. Makeup artist and VIOLETTE_FR founder Violette Serrat’s approach is a useful guide: borrow the mood of the season, then adapt it to your own features and preferences.

Serrat says autumn naturally draws her toward deeper colors and textures, even though she doesn’t follow trends closely. Her picks span an amber cheek, softly defined eyes and statement lips: Plume Blush in Ambre Rouge Fumé, Plume Eyeshadow in Poussière de Lune, Petal Bouche in Amour Fou for a vivid red, and Plume Lip in Syrah Fumé for a deeper finish.

Soft focus at the lips

The blurred matte lip has held on for several seasons because it gives color a softer, less precise edge. Serrat likes the finish for its just-bitten effect, inspired by the French bouche mordue technique. The aim is color that seems to belong to the lips, rather than a crisp layer sitting on top.

For a sheer matte option, VIOLETTE_FR Bisou Balm is listed at $30 at Sephora, Violette_FR and Moda Operandi. Other options include REFY Lip Blush ($24 at Amazon and Sephora) and Guerlain Kiss Kiss Blur Matte Long-Wearing Lipstick, listed at $42 at Macy’s, down from $50.

Brown smoke, brighter color

For smoky eyes, Serrat favors brown over black. Chocolate, tan and bronze still build depth, but their softer contrast can feel easier to wear by day. Her combination: Plume Eyeshadow in Lait au Café over the lid, with Bois Brûlé along the lash line and blended into the crease. For a similar palette-led approach, Makeup By Mario Master Mattes® Eyeshadow Palette: The Neutrals is $56. VIOLETTE_FR Plume Eyeshadow is $32 at Sephora, while Dior BACKSTAGE Eyeshadow Palette - Smoky Essentials is $55 at Dior.

Colorful eyeshadow is also returning, in both shimmering and velvety matte finishes. The range runs from the Byredo Borealis Eyeshadow Palette ($150 at Bloomingdale’s) to Urban Decay Chrome Melts High-Pigment Metallic Eyeshadow ($26 at Ulta Beauty) and AORA México MÍRAME Talc-Free Matte & Metallic Eyeshadow Palette ($65 at Sephora). The styling takeaway is to choose one unexpected shade or finish as the focal point, rather than needing color across the whole eye.

Skinlike base, with room for contrast

Serrat sees no need to commit to an entirely matte or dewy complexion. Her preference is to keep natural texture visible, use minimal complexion makeup and let the finish vary across the face: softly matte in some areas, with radiance showing through elsewhere. “The goal is never to look overly perfected, but to look like yourself,” she says.

That philosophy leaves room for different coverage preferences. Westman Atelier Vital Skin Foundation Stick is $68 at Amazon, Nordstrom and Sephora. HAUS LABS BY LADY GAGA Triclone Skin Tech Medium Coverage Foundation with Fermented Arnica is $52 at Sephora. L’Oreal Paris Infallible Cushion Foundation is listed at $15 at Ulta Beauty, reduced from $20.

Cool cocoa and winter light

Moody lips bring wine, chocolate and plum into the rotation. Serrat singles out cool-toned brown and VIOLETTE_FR Bisou Balm in Chocolat, a cocoa shade with a creamy quality and a ’90s-inspired feel. Other options include Victoria Beckham Beauty Posh Lipstick ($39 at Violet Grey) and Lisa Eldridge Rouge Experience Refillable Lipstick ($59 at Lisa Eldridge).

Frosty makeup offers a cooler counterpoint as winter approaches. Serrat recommends placing shimmer on the eyes or using it as highlighter, then setting it against fresh-looking skin and a softly blurred lip. The difference in texture is what gives the look its polish. Products to explore include about-face Glow Orbs - Heavenly ($15 at Ulta Beauty), r.e.m. beauty The Prima Palette ($44 at Amazon and Ulta Beauty), and Laura Mercier Blush Colour Infusion Duo -Strawberry ($40 at Dermstore). Serrat’s advice is to keep the finish playful: a small hit of cool light can make familiar fall colors feel fresh.