Although I would enjoy living in a fantasy world filled with white denim, summer 2025 has officially started winding down. With the leaves changing color and our jeans turning back to blue, this autumn seems set to be somewhat darker and more turbulent than before—and no, I'm not referring to the weather.
In terms of this season's beauty trends, bold, disheveled, punk-inspired glamour looks set to dominate. Apologies to those who favor the minimalist style—now is the moment to move away from that look and begin exploring more imaginative options for your cosmetics collection. Renowned makeup artists Vincent Oquendo and Christian Briceno highlighted the value of trying new things, using unconventional shades, and playing with different placements of makeup, encouraging everyone to break free from traditional ideas.
While basic beauty styles will never go out of style, boldness, colorfulness, and emotion are dominating this season, steering us away from understated aesthetics towards more dramatic and imaginative expressions. Below, discover the key makeup trends anticipated for the upcoming autumn season, as highlighted by fashion show runways, celebrated makeup professionals, and ELLE editorial staff.
Blush Play
A great blush might just be one of the simplest methods to enhance your overall makeup appearance. Whether you prefer an elaborate look or stick with a clean, minimal style, having the perfect blush and applying it wisely will significantly impact the result. "Blush is definitely here to stay," Oquendo says humorously, highlighting the growing trend of blending multiple layers and using pinkish hues. Briceno also mentions, "This autumn, blush serves two purposes — adding vibrancy and defining contours," encouraging everyone to consider how positioning it higher up can subtly define the face without relying on thick foundation. "It's gentle, trendy, and completely transforms the face without people even realizing it."
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Metallic Grunge
I want to refer to this upcoming style as "Ke$ha core." Both Oquendo and Briceno were impressed by the punk-rock glamour dominating the catwalks—picture smudged eye liner, blurred mouth colors, and disheveled metallic shades spread over eyes and lips. "Grunge is making a comeback, but she has polished herself," notes Briceno. "It's dark yet sophisticated—similar to '90s makeup, but refined with elegance."
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Barely-There Complexion
During the fall of 2025, we're allowing our skin to feel natural. "Thick foundation isn't the trend anymore," notes Briceno. Rather, a light-colored balm combined with some targeted coverage is sufficient. "On the catwalk, individuals will embrace flaws, visible under-eye shadows, along with bold eye makeup looks," adds Oquendo.
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Blowing Smoke
The smokey eye, similar to blurred eyeliner, remains popular. This season, however, professionals are choosing pale gray, nearly silvery shades for a gentle and mystical effect. "This year's smokey eye focuses on softness and cool colors," explains Briceno. "It's not about strong contrasts or bold shapes, but rather a misty layer of color." The outcome is a softer appearance that provides dimension without dominating the whole face.
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Vampy Lips
It's not only our eyes that are becoming more intense. "Dark lips will be prevalent this season," notes Briceno. Prepare for rich shades such as espresso, red wine, and black cherries—offering a smooth or silky texture, ensuring they have a supple rather than dull appearance. "There's an enduring elegance to a bold lip, yet this interpretation brings freshness once more," Briceno remarks, offering mature sophistication in the most appealing manner.
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Ultra-Thin Eyebrows
The version of myself with heavy eyebrows experienced discomfort just from writing that headline. However, unfortunately, the slim eyebrows popular in the early 2000s are returning to fashion. "I've noticed individuals lightening their brows and sketching those '20s-style brows or '90s-style brows," explains Oquendo. "I believe we'll start noticing them on runways, and they will become part of mainstream culture." Fortunately, in 2025, there's no longer a necessity to excessively pluck your hairs until nothing remains. Rather, opt for a very gentle eyebrow gel combined with a highly accurate pencil.
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