The transition from summer to autumn is one of the most exciting times of the year for makeup lovers. Instagram celebrities feature dramatic smokey eyes and fashion magazines debut deep-colored lips for the fall. It can be tempting to purchase high-end makeup to create seasonal looks, but cheaper alternatives will get the job done too. Pipe Dream’s picks for high- and low-end products can help you complete the perfect fall look — without draining your bank account.
Primer
Since it gets chilly quickly in the fall, applying a moisturizing primer to your face before foundation is a must to prevent flakey skin. Primer acts as a smooth base on your skin while ensuring your makeup doesn’t look cakey and that it stays on all night long. A great option is Glossier’s Priming Moisturizer ($22, glossier.com), which preps your face for makeup, conceals pores and evens out your skin tone. While it’s a bit expensive, a small amount of this product goes a long way and the product is also buildable if you need extra moisture. Start with a pea-sized amount on your fingertips and gently rub the product on your skin to create an even layer. Add more layers in the same way if you need more hydration.
Foundation
Finding the right foundation for your skin tone can be tricky, especially as your summer tan begins to fade. Trying a color-true foundation like bareMineral’s BarePRO Performance Wear Liquid Foundation ($34, bareminerals.com), which comes in a range of 30 colors, makes finding for your perfect shade simple. It’s a full-coverage foundation, but is still breathable and works for any skin type — sensitive, combination, acne-prone and even oily. Apply a small amount of product on the back of your hand and dot the foundation all over your face. Use a synthetic-fiber brush or sponge to blend the foundation into your face and neck.
Eyes
One of the most important steps for completing a fall look is applying the eye makeup. Fall eyes are notable for being dramatic, with blended dark eye shadow and sharp winged eyeliner. Matte eye shadow, like e.l.f.’s Mad for Matte Holy Smokes Eyeshadow Palette ($10, elfcosmetics.com), is a must-have for the season. This highly pigmented palette includes shades of brown and blue, and is a great dupe for Urban Decay’s more expensive Naked palette.
For eyeliner, NYX’s Epic Ink Liner ($8, nyxcosmetics.com) helps get you that super-sharp winged eyes look. The liner features a brush tip for an effortless application, and you can control the thickness by how hard you press the liner down.
After eyeliner, just apply some mascara for thick, luscious lashes to heighten the drama. One of many excellent drugstore mascara options is L’Oreal’s Voluminous Lash Paradise ($10, lorealparisusa.com), which isn’t clumpy and lasts for hours.
Lips
Lips are the last step to complete any autumn-themed makeup look. Vampy, or vampire-inspired, lips are one of the most classic fall makeup trends, and NARS Pure Matte Lipstick in Volga ($28, narscosmetics.com) is perfect for that dark, edgy style. Volga is a deep eggplant shade which is as vampy as it gets. It has a super matte, long-lasting finish that will keep you looking flawless throughout the day. To keep the product from drying out your lips, it contains wild mango butter, which is super hydrating to repair dryness and scaling.
Don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone this season and follow these tips to keep your fall look from falling flat.