4 Fall Makeup Trends We're Itching to Try This Season

Published on 8/18/2020 at 1:10 PM

Illustration by Becky Jiras

This fall may look a lot different than past years, but that doesn't mean there won't be a handful of makeup trends at our fingertips that we'll be itching to try this season. Much like the summer trends we've seen all over our Instagram feeds in these last few months, fall makeup is going to be all about emphasizing the eye area — from the brows to the lids.

This time around, the focus will be on statement eyes and bold brows that'll draw attention while our faces stay mostly covered. But if you're not feeling too experimental, you can also opt for a soft glam look that makes your complexion look more warm and neutral. As you prepare to give your makeup bag a seasonal refresh, read ahead to check out a few pro-approved makeup trends you'll definitely want to cozy up with this fall.

Fall 2020 Makeup Trend: Soft Glam

The summertime is the perfect time for experimentation, which is why big, bold, and colorful makeup looks tend to rule these months, from colored mascara to avant-garde eyeshadow. But with so many of us opting out of wearing makeup these last few months, the softer, slightly more natural approach is gaining a ton of traction.

"'Soft girl' makeup brings us back to the sole purpose of cosmetic application, in my humble opinion, to look like you – but better," Jane Iredale makeup artist Ami Mallon told POPSUGAR. "To enhance the skin, eyes, lips, brows in a way that is elegant, unassuming, and romantic."
According to Mallon, the look can be narrowed down to three commonalities: bright eyes ("a wash of shimmer on the lid, a long-wear liquid liner, and lashes for days," she said), a hint of color on the cheeks, and a splash of color on the lips.

"Whether this be shimmery or matte, the idea here is barely-there color providing a slight enhancement of the natural lip shape and color," Mallon said. "Achieve this by first lining with an understated nude lip pencil, topped with a sheer gloss."

Fall 2020 Makeup Trend: Soft Glam

Fall 2020 Makeup Trend: Statement Liner

Now that mask mandates are in effect in most places, there's no better time to bring some attention to your eyes with graphic eyeliner. The makeup trend was seen on several celebrities during red carpet season last fall, and we can only imagine the new life it'll get in the months to come.

Fall 2020 Makeup Trend: Statement Liner

Fall 2020 Makeup Trend: Golden Eyes

For the non-graphic-liner-obsessed, golden eyeshadow is another way to bring a bit of edge to your eye makeup.

"This look is all about texture," Mallon said. "Pairing a cream or liquid-based eyeshadow under a metallic powder for a lived-in gleaming eye-makeup look that screams opulence."

Fall 2020 Makeup Trend: Golden Eyes

Fall 2020 Makeup Trend: Bold Lips

Wearing face masks doesn't mean that you have to abandon lipstick all together. Despite what you may think, statement lip colors will still be a thing — what other way can you get ready for a Zoom call in a pinch? — and there's no better time to find out which of your formulas are actually smudge- and transfer-proof than now.