Fall 2025 Makeup Trends: Bold, Refined, and Full of Contrast
As summer fades into crisp autumn days, it’s time to refresh your beauty routine with the season’s biggest makeup trends. Fall 2025 is all about balance—matte meets glow, bold meets soft, and classic looks get a modern twist.
“Makeup right now is about restraint with impact,” says Gilbert Soliz, MAC Cosmetics global senior artist. “Skin is polished yet alive, lips are bold but wearable, and eyes shimmer with controlled radiance.”
Makeup artist Lauren D’Amelio Ventre agrees: “This season embraces contrast—bold meets refined, matte plays with glow, and color is having its comeback moment. We’re moving away from barely-there looks and leaning into artistry that feels expressive and empowering.”
From jewel-toned lips to metallic lids, this season is a playground for creativity. Below, discover the expert-approved fall makeup trends of 2025 to inspire your looks.
Velvet Canvas
Matte makeup is making its return—but softer, more breathable, and skin-friendly. Forget the heavy powders of the mid-2010s. Instead, think smooth, velvety finishes with a natural radiance.
“Skin is shifting toward velvety-soft matte finishes that look airbrushed but never flat,” says Soliz. The secret lies in skin prep: start with a hydrating serum, then press setting powder into the T-zone with a puff, leaving cheekbones luminous for balance.
Modern Frost
Frosted shadows are back, but this time with a sleek upgrade. Sheer washes of icy pink, silver, or taupe paired with a bold liner bring early 2000s shimmer into 2025.
For lips, layer lipstick with gloss for a pearlescent finish that feels futuristic and chic—not dated.
Lustrous Lids
Eye makeup is turning up the shine. “Think wet-look sparkles, pearlized pigments, and satin finishes that shift in the light,” says Soliz.
For minimalists, subtle touches work beautifully too—like a hint of shimmer in the inner corner or a glossy veil over a monochrome lid.
Graphic Romance
Eyeliner takes on a dreamy, expressive edge this fall. Winged, floating, or negative-space liners appear softer thanks to diffused edges.
“Pair bold shapes with blurred textures for an editorial feel,” suggests Soliz. An eyeshadow stick blended outward makes achieving the look easier than traditional winged liner.
Toasty Tones
Autumn’s color palette is warming up with earthy shades of terra-cotta, brick red, and smoked cranberry. These tones flatter every complexion while adding cozy depth.
“Pair with a smudged brown liner and layers of mascara for a soft yet striking effect,” recommends D’Amelio Ventre.
Structured Lip
The ’90s lip revival is in full swing. Sharp liners, velvety lipsticks, and softly blurred edges define the season’s structured lip look.
Try shades like rosewood, chocolate, or dusty mauves for an elevated throwback with modern polish.
Grunge-Glam
Fall’s boldest trend brings smoky, smudged liner back into the spotlight. Think liner hugging the waterline, feathered lashes, and brushed-up brows for a sultry, undone effect.
“It’s a nod to the ’90s but modernized,” says D’Amelio Ventre. The look is edgy yet wearable—perfect for a night out.
The Takeaway
Fall 2025 makeup is all about contrasts—matte yet radiant, structured yet soft, nostalgic yet fresh. Whether you’re leaning into frosted lids, grunge-glam liner, or toasty warm tones, this season invites you to experiment and express yourself with artistry.