When it comes to fall makeup, I like to keep things simple and classic. The only area I go somewhat “heavier” on is blush, since it offers up a natural and flushed look. I also love to play around with warmer toned lipsticks that complement the season. I might need to write a blog post that’s solely dedicated to my favorite red lipsticks, but more on that later!
The products below are what I have been using for a timeless, everyday makeup look. All of these picks can definitely carry well into the fall and winter, so I’m planning on following this routine for the next few months. I’m including everything in the order that I apply it, along with some tips for making the most out each product.
If you’re hoping to refresh your fall makeup routine or you’re looking for some quality beauty product recommendations, you’re in the right spot!
My Go-To Fall Makeup Routine
Step 1: Apply Tinted Moisturizer
In my opinion, the perfect base for fall makeup is a good tinted moisturizer. I like to use something that’s lightweight yet still provides some coverage which is why I always reach for this tinted moisturizer. It leaves your skin with a subtle glow and I love that it has SPF in it (takes out an added step!)
Promo Codes: Use code MOON20 for a discount from Dime Beauty and code RACHMOON for a discount from Tarte!
Step 2: Apply Foundation
For days that I want more coverage, I apply this foundation with a damp beauty blender. It’s made with a great formula that I keep coming back to, especially in fall and winter. I use shade 6.5.
Step 3: Add Concealer
Why is it that so many concealers crease throughout the day? It can honestly be a struggle to find one that works with your skin tone yet doesn’t get all wrinkly and cause lines under your eyes. This one is a long-standing favorite of mine because it doesn’t crease at all — I also love that it comes with a brush. I wear the shade “medium tan sand” for reference!
Another tried and true favorite is this one from Hourglass. It’s under $20 and has a blurring effect that leaves troublesome spots looking airbrushed. A little bit goes a long way, so one tube should last you quite some time. I wear the shade the shade “sepia” and it brightens my under-eye area perfectly.
Step 4: Contour and Bronze
I first contour and bronze using the bronzer side of the Dibs Duo Stick and then I blend it in with a brush. Next, I use the Dibs Brush (the dense side) to apply the blush. This blush color is universally flattering and will work for all skin tones. This stick is what helps add that long lasting flawless skin look. I promise that you will glow.
Another blush and bronzer option that I cannot speak more highly of: This Park Ave Princess Cream Cheek Duo. It’s frequently sold out (which should show you how good it is!) and I find that it blurs your pores and imperfections seamlessly. You could truly use this anytime of the year, but I find it especially nice to use in the fall (when I want a dewier, glowier look.)
Step 5: Highlight
I love a good highlighter — I feel like it takes every makeup look up a notch and it adds so much dimension to your face. The Dibs Status Stick is one of my favorite products in my makeup bag. I use it in the shade Rose Goals and love that you can apply it to your shoulders or anywhere else you want to glow.
Step 6: Give Your Lips a Pop of Color
Not to sound dramatic but I’m totally obsessed with my current lip combo. You can keep it matte or you can top it with a lip gloss to add some extra oomph — both looks are equally as good.
First, line your lips with the Dibs No Pressure Lip Liner, then fill them in with Charlotte Tilbury’s “So 90’s Nude Brown” Lipstick. Next, dab a little Charlotte Tilbury’s “Very Victoria” Lipstick in the center and top it off with the Nars Afterglow Lip Shine Gloss in shade “A-lister.”
If you want a more natural and hydrated shine, skip the lipstick and top the lip liner with the tinted lip balm from Dime Beauty — it’s amazing and is always in my bag! (Use code MOON20 for a discount).
Step 7: Enhance Your Brows
For Brows, I fill in using the Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz or I use the NYX Micro Brow Pencil, which is a good dupe for less! I always use the Dime Beauty Brow Serum Gel on top. I think it’s one of the best products Dime makes! It is SO good (use code MOON20).
Step 8: Set Your Look
Set it all with the Iconic London Hydrating Spray! You can use this before, during, and after makeup prep. When I use powders, I spray this on my face after I’m done applying all the cream/liquid products and before moving on to powders. Then I go back in and spray to set it all. If I really want my makeup to stay, I spray to set, let it dry, and then spray one more time. It really does the trick!
If it’s still hot where you live, you may want to reinforce your makeup with some powder products, in which case I have my favorites linked below. Regardless, do not sleep on this Dibs Duet Blush…it’s the absolute best blush that I own.
I don’t always use powders because I like a natural skin glow, but sometimes they are needed.
(Optional) Step 9: Add Some Drama to Your Eyes
Also, I haven’t been using eye makeup lately, which saves so much time because I have been trying out a new DIY lash extension brand. I love them. There are so many styles to choose from whether you want subtle and natural, classic, or dramatic lashes. My favorite style that I’ve tried so far is number 25, the Volume Luxe Cat Eye XL. You can use code RACHELM for a discount.
If you do want to add some eye products into the mix, this cream eyeshadow stick is a recent (and highly beloved) find of mine! It’s super easy to apply and I think the rich bronze color is ideal for the autumn season.
Another option that I’m a big fan of regardless of the season? This Tarte Clay Palette, which has just about every eyeshadow shade you could ever need. Each color is highly pigmented and has a long-lasting, smudge-proof end result. It comes with shimmers, mattes, satins, and glitters and you can combine all the shades in so many ways.
That concludes all the steps in my current fall makeup routine! It might seem like a lengthy process at first, but once you get the hang of applying each product, it’s quick and easy to replicate each morning. You could also save this look for more special occasions, like a date night or event. Either way, I couldn’t recommend each of these products more and think they’d all make versatile additions to your makeup bag!
Reader Interactions