What Are the Best Makeup Trends for Fall 2021?

Last Updated: 20 September 2021

Estimated Reading Time: 2 minutes

This summer has been all about easing back into wearing makeup. Now that fall is here, we’re going BOLD (with or without a mask)! Eyes should

make a dramatic statement, cheeks can be highlighted and vibrantly colored lips are making a comeback. Gone is the pandemic no-makeup makeup look as heavier and more defined styles are all the rage.

Scroll through to check out the best makeup trends for this autumn. The range of fall makeup looks is quite broad, so don’t be surprised to see a mix of classic styles and dramatic looks!

Terracotta makeup look

Inspired by earthy tones, the terracotta makeup trend pays tribute to the warm and toasty spirit of autumn. Its palette largely consists of coppers, browns, oranges, nudes and brick reds, colors that give a radiant finish. Terracotta makeup gives off a fierceness that’s underplayed by the earthiness, and the look works well for all skin tones. To nail the look, first use your usual foundation base. Next, blend in highlighting powder to your cheekbones, and then bronzer right under for sharpness. Bring out your eyes by applying the same bronzer on your eyelids and a tan or off-white shade on the inner corners. Finish off with a brick red lippy.

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A burst of color around the eyes

With the world easing back into normalcy, many are excited about bringing back bold pops of color to their eye makeup. Rather than translating the cold, crisp fall weather into dark makeup looks, choose any color this season! Experiment with Pantone’s Fall/Winter 2021 palette, which features dark violets, indigo blues, browns and chestnuts. The smoky eye look is also making a comeback, but this time, reach for army green or dark blue eye shadow to smudge (instead of the usual dark shades). For extra pizzazz, use that eye shadow as a bottom eyeliner to deepen your look.

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Kitten eyeliner and graphic liner

The spectrum of 2021 fall makeup trends is quite broad, and that applies to eyeliner looks. For something subdued and minimal, go for the kitten eye style that’s just a flick of the wrist. Or go bold with various graphic liner styles, such as a line on each eyelid that runs parallel to your eyes. Alternatively, get creative by drawing asymmetrical and geometrical shapes or lines. Graphic liner stands out and adds dramatic flair to your look. Choose the technique that resonates with your personality!

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Bold lips

Even if the mask mandate is still in effect, you don’t have to shy away from lippies this fall. The bolder the lip color, the better. Classic bright reds ooze sass and chic. Plum and berry shades give off an air of mystique that befits the cool season. Try a lip liner that creates a fuller and more contoured lip look. Take your pick and smack on this fall’s juiciest shades.

Natural-looking brushed-up brows

Bushy brows are still in trend! Lean towards drama and exaggerate your wild brows by brushing them up. Use an eyebrow pencil to fill in your brows where necessary, and then use a brow gel to tame the wild hairs. The soap brow trend is forecasted to continue into fall. To get the look, have a soap bar and spoolie on hand. Watch fellow editor Melanie and me attempt soap brows here. If you don’t plan on going this route, use brow gels and wax to achieve a similar outcome.