Fall 2026 makeup trends: Lips steal the spotlight
Fall 2026 beauty trends are making us want to reach for our richest, most indulgent shades! After a summer of fresh, natural makeup, it’s time to make way for looks with a little more presence and personality. This fall, lips are stealing the spotlight, and lip combos are the perfect way to create a defined, customized look. Whether you prefer barely-there makeup or like to make a bolder statement, there’s a combination for you!
Shades and finishes to try today
Rich, deep shades are making a major comeback this fall, including brown-toned burgundy, terracotta, cherry-cola brown, wine red and black cherry. Shades that fall somewhere between nude and chocolate brown are especially popular, offering a fresh, modern take on ’90s-inspired makeup.
You don’t need to overhaul your entire makeup bag to embrace the trend! Start with a shade that complements your skin tone and that you’ll actually want to wear regularly. Most importantly? Choose a colour that makes you feel good.
When it comes to finishes, glosses and balms remain favourites thanks to their comfortable, easy-to-wear feel. Matte and velvety finishes are also making a comeback, along with ultra-shiny finishes such as vinyl. In other words, there’s something for every style!
If you’re using a highly pigmented product, such as a matte lipstick, try gently blending it with your finger or a brush after applying it. This creates a slightly blurred, less defined effect that feels right on trend.
How do you choose the right finish?
It all comes down to personal preference! Start by choosing a texture you enjoy wearing on your lips, whether that’s creamy, lightweight, matte or glossy. You’ll also want to think about how often you’re willing to touch it up. Creamier, more fluid products, such as glosses, tend to move around more and usually require more frequent reapplication.
Planning to eat, or simply want your makeup to last longer? Choose a long-wear product such as a lip stain or matte lipstick.
How to wear the lip combo trend
The lip combo is everywhere on social media, and it’s easy to see why. The idea is simple: pair a lip liner with the lip product of your choice, such as a lipstick, balm or stain, then finish with a little extra shine using a gloss or lip oil.
And because the possibilities are almost endless, it’s easy to create several different combinations using products you already have on hand.
Want to create the look of fuller, more defined lips? Discover our tips for enhancing and defining your lips.
Choosing the right lip combo for your style
There really are no rules when it comes to lip combos. You can pair similar shades or experiment with colours you might never have thought to wear together. The most important thing is to play around and have fun with it!
For a natural, understated look
choose a lip liner slightly darker than your natural lip colour. Follow with a tinted balm or gloss in a similar shade for just the right amount of colour and shine.
Products recommandation
For an easy everyday look
Choose a brown liner slightly deeper than your skin tone to define the lips. Follow with a nude or brown lipstick, then add a touch of gloss for a shinier finish if you prefer.
Products recommandation
For a chic evening look
Go for richer shades. Start by defining your lips with a burgundy, plum or brown liner. Follow with a wine-red, terracotta, or black-cherry lipstick, then add a touch of gloss for an even more luminous finish.
Products recommandation
Our tips for wearing the trend this fall
This fall, your lip look doesn’t need to be perfectly defined! Softly blurred lips are particularly on trend. Quickly trace your lip line with a pencil, apply your lipstick, then gently soften the edges with your finger or a brush. The result is more natural and effortlessly polished.
To keep the focus on your lips, pair your lip combo with fresh, natural-looking skin and fairly minimal eye makeup.
Prefer a bolder look? Add a softly smudged eyeliner for a hint of grunge. You can also try metallic eyeshadow or pastel shades if you want to play with a little more colour.
Before applying your makeup, remember to prep your lips, too. Gentle exfoliation followed by plenty of hydration can make all the difference, especially when you’re wearing matte lipstick. Your lips will feel smoother, and your makeup will apply more evenly.
Finally, as with any beauty trend, make the lip combo your own by adapting it to your style and the occasion. A few well-chosen products can take you from natural and understated to rich and dramatic. So, what will your fall lip combo be?