While I consider myself a makeup novice at times (I've been wearing it for only five years), it's safe to say that I know a thing or two about getting glammed. With the help of one of my best friends — who did my face for my 21st birthday during the pandemic — I've been able to solidify my base routine. And of course, being in beauty journalism, I always look forward to getting the latest and greatest products delivered to my doorstep every week, especially around one of my favorite seasons — fall.
Being that I'm a "use what works for you" kind of girl, I don't overthink it when it comes to transitioning my routine for fall. But I've been enjoying the new and renewed trends that are dominating this season, especially mocha makeup (which I like to think of as latte makeup [1]'s edgier sister). Brown products are staples in my everyday makeup, from my lip liners to my go-to powder for contouring. What makes shopping for these items even more fun? These brands are available at major retailers like Amazon [2] — which has the best sales and deals [3], especially for members.
Keep scrolling to shop my favorite beauty essentials for revamping my fall makeup routine.
A Body Oil
Vaseline Glazed & Glisten Shimmering Gel Oil [4] ($9)
I've always used Vaseline products, and their body oil has become a mainstay in my pre-makeup routine. The brand recently released a shimmery version infused with 100 percent cocoa butter, and I'm completely obsessed. I used it throughout all of Fashion Week, and even after 12-hour days jumping from show to show, my skin was still moisturized and glowing. It's so good, even "Love Island USA" star Olandria Carthen uses it [5].
An Eyeshadow Palette
Milani Gilded Mini Eyeshadow Palette [6] ($9)
I've been really trying to hone my eyeshadow routine lately, and fall's mocha makeup trend presents a great opportunity for me to do so. I love how this palette features a mixture of matte and shimmer hues, allowing me to experiment with ease.
A Matte Foundation
Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation [7] ($9, originally $11)
During a trip to Miami with friends, I realized too late that I had forgotten my makeup bag at home. So my best friend picked out a bunch of products from the Walgreens near our hotel, and this foundation instantly agreed with my normal-to-oily skin. I'm excited to start using it again this fall, which is all about matte glam for me, when my tan wears off of course.
A Dark Lipstick
The Lip Bar Nonstop Matte Liquid Lipstick [8] ($15)
Ever since discovering The Lip Bar five years ago, I've appreciated how moisturizing their lipsticks are, even though they deliver a matte finish. Between the fact that it's infused with jojoba oil and vitamin E and its luxe, chocolate-red hue, I'm completely sold.
A Lip Balm
Eadem Le Chouchou Lip Softening Balm [9] ($24)
Eadem's lip balms are a cult-favorite find, and for good reason. They not only give your lips an irresistible shine but also nourish them through skin-loving ingredients like hibiscus enzymes, lactic acid, and collagen-boosting peptides.
A Good Primer
Fenty Beauty Grip Trip Mattifying & Blurring Primer [10] ($26, originally $37)
A key thing I've learned about doing my makeup over the years? Having a good primer is major. Rihanna [11] is like my big sister (in my head), so I'm here for anything she releases. Fenty Beauty recently added a blurring and mattifying primer to its already iconic lineup of makeup staples; it includes maple sap extract to lock in makeup, and chia seed extract for a matte finish.
A Setting Spray
Urban Decay All Nighter Matte Waterproof Setting Spray [12] ($34)
Urban Decay's setting spray was the first one I used in my makeup journey, and honestly, I don't know why I stopped using it. The brand recently released newer iterations of the hero product, including this matte finish that locks in your makeup for 24 hours. I've never looked forward to nights out in the fall more.
A Moisturizer
Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream [13] ($190)
Skin prep is just as important as finding the right cosmetics when doing your makeup, and my eye has been on this cream from Augustinus Bader for the longest. The award-winning product contains hyaluronic acid and hydrolyzed rice protein to soothe and deliver maximum hydration to the skin.
Naomi Parris [14] is an assistant shopping editor at Popsugar, based in New York. With over eight years of experience and previous roles held on the brand's Beauty and Operations teams, she enjoys telling stories that merge fashion, beauty, and Black culture. Naomi has also lent her skillful pen to Essence Girls United, Elle, Bustle, and Elite Daily. When she's not crafting shopping roundups, high-profile features, beauty op-eds, or trend guides, you can find Naomi behind her blog "Eli-Nay," where she inspires readers through style guides, cultural pieces, and innovative content on her Instagram.