As the leaves begin to change and the air grows crisper, the world of fashion and beauty ushers in a new season full of fresh inspiration and creativity. Fall 2024 is no exception, bringing with it a captivating array of makeup trends that have transitioned from the high-energy runways to real-life applications. This season, makeup enthusiasts are encouraged to experiment with bold colors, innovative techniques, and a blend of nostalgic and futuristic elements that promise to make a statement. Whether you’re looking to update your daily routine or try something completely new, the Fall 2024 makeup trends are designed to empower and inspire. Here’s a closer look at the must-try trends that are redefining beauty this season.
Bold and Bright: The Return of Vivid Colors
One of the most striking trends to emerge from the Fall 2024 runways is the resurgence of bold, vivid colors. After several seasons of subdued, neutral tones dominating the beauty scene, this season is all about embracing color in its most vibrant forms. From electric blues and neon greens to fiery oranges and deep purples, eyeshadows are taking on a life of their own, turning the eyelids into a canvas for artistic expression.
This trend isn’t just about color for the sake of color; it’s about making a statement and breaking away from the monotony of everyday makeup. Designers like Versace and Balmain showcased models with eye-catching eyeshadow looks that played with contrasting hues, while brands like Dior experimented with monochromatic color blocking. These runway looks are surprisingly wearable in real life, especially when paired with more neutral elements to balance the overall effect. To incorporate this trend into your routine, try a pop of bright eyeliner or a wash of bold shadow across the lids, keeping the rest of your makeup minimal to let the eyes take center stage.
The Modern Gothic: Dark, Dramatic Lips
Fall has always been synonymous with darker, moodier color palettes, and this year, the gothic-inspired lip trend takes that to a new level. Deep, vampy shades like blackberry, plum, and even black were prominent on the runways, offering a modern twist on classic fall makeup. But unlike the stark matte finishes of the past, Fall 2024’s dark lips are all about texture and dimension. Think rich, glossy finishes, metallic sheens, and even ombre effects that add depth and intrigue to the lips.
Designers such as Alexander McQueen and Saint Laurent led the charge with this trend, pairing dark lips with minimal eye makeup to create a striking contrast. For those looking to translate this runway look into real life, the key is to focus on precision and balance. A sharp lip liner can help define the edges, while a touch of gloss in the center of the lips can add a modern twist to the traditional gothic look. To keep the look sophisticated rather than costume-like, consider pairing your dark lip with soft, glowing skin and a hint of blush.
Skinimalism: The Art of Barely-There Makeup
While bold colors and dramatic lips are making waves this season, the trend towards minimalism in makeup continues to hold strong. However, Fall 2024’s take on minimalism is all about enhancing the skin’s natural beauty with the least amount of product possible—a trend that has been dubbed “skinimalism.” This approach celebrates real, healthy skin and focuses on achieving a radiant, dewy complexion without layers of foundation or heavy contouring.
On the runways, brands like Michael Kors and Chloé embraced this trend by showcasing models with barely-there makeup that highlighted their natural skin texture and features. The look is achieved by using lightweight, breathable products that offer just enough coverage to even out the skin tone while allowing the skin’s natural luminosity to shine through. Tinted moisturizers, BB creams, and sheer foundations are the go-to products for this trend, often paired with subtle touches of highlighter to enhance the high points of the face.
Incorporating skinimalism into your routine means focusing on skincare as much as makeup. A well-moisturized, healthy complexion is the foundation of this look, so investing in a good skincare regimen is essential. From there, it’s all about using products sparingly and strategically to create a fresh, natural glow that feels effortless yet polished.
Graphic Eyeliner: Lines That Define
If there’s one trend that encapsulates the creative spirit of Fall 2024, it’s the resurgence of graphic eyeliner. This trend is all about redefining the boundaries of traditional eyeliner looks by playing with shapes, angles, and even colors. From bold, exaggerated wings to intricate geometric patterns, graphic eyeliner allows for a level of artistic expression that goes beyond the everyday cat-eye.
Designers like Fendi and Off-White showcased daring eyeliner looks that challenged conventional beauty norms. These ranged from floating eyeliner above the crease to negative space designs that left parts of the eyelid bare. The beauty of this trend is its versatility—whether you prefer something subtle or bold, there’s a graphic eyeliner look that can suit your style.
To bring this trend into your real-life routine, start by experimenting with different shapes and placements. A colored liner can add a playful twist to a more traditional design, or you can try layering multiple lines for a more complex effect. For beginners, using a gel or pen liner can offer more control, making it easier to achieve clean, sharp lines.
The Retro Revival: Nostalgic Beauty
Nostalgia continues to influence fashion and beauty, and Fall 2024 is no exception. This season, makeup artists have drawn inspiration from past decades, particularly the 60s and 90s, to create looks that feel both familiar and fresh. The retro revival trend sees the return of iconic beauty elements, such as thick, dramatic lashes reminiscent of Twiggy, and the grunge-inspired smoky eyes of the 90s.
At shows like Prada and Marc Jacobs, models sported heavily mascaraed lashes, often paired with soft, neutral shadows to keep the focus on the eyes. This trend is all about embracing the playful and experimental spirit of the past while updating it with modern techniques and finishes. For example, pairing retro lashes with a dewy, glowing complexion adds a contemporary twist that makes the look feel current.
If you’re interested in trying this trend, focus on one or two key retro elements rather than going full vintage. A set of false lashes can instantly channel the 60s vibe, while a smudged, smoky eye paired with nude lips can bring back the 90s grunge aesthetic. The key to making this trend work for modern-day wear is balance—mixing the old with the new to create a look that’s both nostalgic and contemporary.
The New Neutrals: Sophisticated Earth Tones
Neutral shades are a perennial favorite for fall, but Fall 2024 is reimagining neutrals in a more sophisticated, earthy palette. This season’s neutrals are inspired by the natural world, with shades of terracotta, rust, olive, and deep taupe taking center stage. These colors offer a rich, warm alternative to the cooler tones of previous seasons, making them perfect for creating a cozy, autumnal vibe.
At shows like Bottega Veneta and Max Mara, makeup artists used these earthy tones to create soft, diffused looks that enhanced the models’ natural beauty. The versatility of these shades makes them ideal for both subtle daytime looks and more dramatic evening makeup. A wash of rust or terracotta across the lids, paired with a soft brown liner, can create a sophisticated, understated look that feels both modern and timeless.
To incorporate this trend into your routine, consider experimenting with different shades and textures. Matte shadows offer a classic, polished finish, while a hint of shimmer can add dimension and interest. Pair these earthy tones with a neutral lip and a touch of bronzer to complete the look, creating a harmonious, nature-inspired palette that’s perfect for the season.
