Fall 2026 is set to revamp traditional makeup with a modern twist. This season, the color palette is shifting from the usual warm browns and golds to cooler shades, such as silver and light gray. Celebrity makeup artist Caroline Hernandez describes this shift, highlighting the rise of cool taupes, slate, and deep cool plums, particularly for deeper skin tones. Pastel shades, including powdery blues and lilacs, are also making an appearance, with Hernandez recommending their application along the lash line for added impact.
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While 1990s makeup styles are resurging, the approach is more innovative than nostalgic. Hernandez outlines a relaxed take on the smoky eye, steering away from liquid eyeliners in favor of kohl pencils to create softer, blended looks. She suggests a technique of blending one eye before the liner dries, favoring the Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Smoke for its quality and ease of use.
Skincare is taking precedence this fall, reflecting a skin-first makeup philosophy. Fall 2026 emphasizes an inner glow rather than relying on highlighters or dense foundations. A satin finish is trending, moving away from both overly dewy and matte looks, reviving the 'cloud skin' trend that emerged in fall 2023. Hernandez notes that the focus is on enhancing natural skin quality while managing shine.
For lips, berry shades are the standout choice, bringing a vibrant contrast to the cooler eyes and cheeks. Hernandez mentions that berry and oxblood stained lips are particularly popular, recommending MAC Cosmetics' Powder Kiss Cheek and Lip Mousse in Date Night. The preferred lip finish this season is a blurred, cloudy look with a hint of luminosity, achievable with R.E.M's Blurred Butter Lip Balm.