Fall Beauty

The Best Fall Makeup Looks of 2023

It's pumpkin-spice season—and not just at Starbucks.

September 5, 2023

Like it or not, it’s pumpkin-spice season—and not just at Starbucks. According to makeup artists, this year’s top fall makeup looks are also embracing moody autumnal aesthetics like pumpkin and cinnamon spice…with a hint of goth grunge à la The Craft.

“This fall it’s all about warm, inviting looks reminiscent of a pumpkin-spice latte,” Mat Wulff, professional makeup artist and Ulta Beauty Pro team member, tells Glamour. But that's not all that's predicted to trend this season: “Nineties makeup trends are experiencing a significant resurgence,” Wulff continues. “Brown tones complement a wide range of skin tones and offer a simple method to enhance your daily makeup.”

Does that mean the latte makeup look is no longer? Definitely not. Instead, it's evolving into what celebrity makeup artist J Guerra refers to as “golden hour” glam. “September is truly the ‘golden hour’ of summer, so I think we’ll still see some of those elements and shades as we sunset into fall,” he says, also pointing to goth glam as a the opposing trend to watch this season.

“Goth grunge makeup this fall is a mix of the classic ’90s look infused with modern techniques, placements, products, and finishes,” Guerra says. “As always, the key to goth glam is less about strict adherence to the makeup trend rules and more about the attitude of the style, embracing its edginess.”

Whether you're gleefully sipping your PSL or refuse to engage with Halloween till October, keep scrolling for the top trending fall makeup looks for 2023.

All products featured on Glamour are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.

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1/11
Pumpkin-Spice Makeup
Wulff predicts warm makeup that's “reminiscent of a pumpkin-spice latte” as a trend to watch for the season. “Using your bronzer as eye shadow is a clever way to bring warmth and depth to your eyes, while matching the tone on your cheeks for a cohesive look,” he says. ”Apply a highlighter over the bronzer base on the eyes and cheeks to add a subtle shimmer and glow. Complete the look with a brown lip liner paired with a clear gloss on the lips to get that natural, autumn hue.” Wulff's favorite pumpkin-spice makeup products? Estée Lauder Bronze Goddess Powder Bronzer, Natasha Denona Tan Bronze & Glow, and Mac Lip Pencil in colors Cork, Chestnut, and Oak.
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2/11
Golden-Hour Glam
“This summer has been a wash for many of us,” says Guerra. “I think we all want to hold on to whatever’s left of summer and carry some of those trends into early fall. September is truly the ‘golden hour' of summer, so I think we’ll still see some of those elements and shades as we sunset into fall.” Think beautifully bronzed and blushed skin meets no makeup makeup, as seen on Gigi Hadid here.
Some of Guerra's favorite products for creating the look include Chantecaille Sheer Glow Bronze Face Tint, Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Bronzing Cream, and Chanel Baume Essentiel Multi-Use Glow Stick.

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3/11
Soft Grunge
The 2023 take on goth grunge glam is “less about strict adherence to the makeup trend rules and more about the attitude of the style, embracing its edginess,” says Wulff. “Imperfection is the name of the game: Think soft, smudged eyeliner—particularly in rich blacks, deep browns, and even dark greens or blues. It gives the eyes a lived-in, sort of mysterious look.”
DIY with Ults Beauty Collection Gel Eyeliner Pencil and Nudestix Magnetic Luminous Eye Color.
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4/11
Dewy Skin
“Dewy, glowing skin is a timeless trend that has recently continued to reemerge season after season following a strong focus on skin care,” Guerra says. “For fall 2023, the glow isn’t going anywhere! Dewy, glowing skin transcends seasons. It's a reflection of health, youth, and vibrance, and I believe it will always find its place.”
In short, this season, less is more. “Instead of layering multiple products, the emphasis is on using fewer, but effective, multitasking items,” Guerra continues. “Think tinted moisturizers that can be mixed with your foundation or skin care.” Some of our favorites include Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint and Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Natural Skin Perfector.
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5/11
Strategic Highlighter
Guerra notes that strategic highlighting is also a major focus of the healthy skin trend. “We're moving away from the blinding, metallic highlights to a more sophisticated sheen,” he says. “It's more about placing creamy highlighting products on the high points of the face where light would naturally hit—the bridge of the nose, cheekbones, and the Cupid's bow—and letting the light do all the work.” One low-key highlighter we love? Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Positive Light Liquid Luminizer Highlight.

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6/11
Cream Blush
Another way to achieve dewy skin? Swap out your powder products for cream blush. “Creams melt down seamlessly into the skin, leaving a more natural, dewy finish compared to their powder counterparts,” says Guerra. “The effect is glazed skin that looks refined and healthy.” For some Glamour-approved cream blush options, try Patrick Ta Major Headlines Double-Take Crème & Powder Blush Duo andTower 28 Beauty's BeachPlease Lip + Cheek Cream Blush.
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7/11
Cool Shimmer
“Embracing the ’90s vibe, the trend of light grunge makeup is also making a return,” says Wulff. “Utilizing cooler tones for both the eyes and lips captures the essence of this era. Enhance the style by applying colorless shimmer to the eyelids, lending a glossy touch. This look offers the flexibility of keeping it understated or experimenting to have a bit more fun. I created my version of this trend recently on a model for a show.” Get the look with Urban Decay Cosmetics’ 24/7 Moondust Eyeshadow in Cosmic.
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8/11
Cinnamon Spice
Another continuation of the ’90s makeup trend? Cinnamon-spice makeup. “Brown tones complement a wide range of skin tones and offer a simple method to enhance your daily makeup,” says Wulff. “Additionally, the monochromatic look is universally appealing and adds a finishing touch to your entire ensemble.” Create your own fall-friendly monochromatic makeup moment with Juvia's Place The Chocolates Eyeshadow Palette and Patrick Ta Major Dimension Eyeshadow Palette.

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9/11
Dark Lips
Dark lips are back, according to Guerra, which is no surprise considering the ’90s grunge influence. “Lips go moody with shades of deep burgundy, rich plum, or even blackened berry,” he says. “The edges can be a tad blurred for a less polished, more grunge feel, or they can be defined and precise to modernize the look with contemporary touches.” Channel your inner The Craft energy with MAC Lipstick Matte in Antique Velvet or Smoked Purple.
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10/11
Earth Tones
Eye shadow color palettes are also going to start leaning toward muted and earthy tones, adds Guerra. “Think muddy browns, deep mossy greens, and cloudy grays,” he says. “The application is more diffused, like it's been slightly worn in.” Some fan favorite earth-tone palettes include ColourPop's Sage the Day Pressed Powder Palette and Beauty Bakerie’s Coffee & Cocoa Bronzer Palette.
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11/11
Natural Finish
Finally, one of the biggest fall makeup trends of the season is embracing your natural skin and finish. “While the complexion might be matte or glowing, skin imperfections like freckles aren't necessarily concealed to perfection in this trend,” says Guerra. “Real skin is showcased and embraced in these trends.” One way to nail the au naturel look, aside from going bare-faced, is to opt for lighter, more skin-health-friendly foundations like YSL's Nu Bare Look Tint.