These 5 Unexpected Lip Colors Are Dominating Fall Trends

Adjusting your makeup routine per the season is pretty much a non-negotiable. In the past, that meant swapping out popsicle colors and bright glosses for moody shades and matte formulas come fall. To be fair, many of the styles hinge on the runway trends seen during fashion week. Generally, deep colors that border on gothic chic instantly feel like autumn. However, this season, unexpected lip colors are shaking things up with trendy finishes and hues unique to the season. “Right now, beauty is leaning into looks that feel emotional and multidimensional,” says Kelly Zhang, celebrity makeup artist and founder of Kelly Zhang Makeup.

Instead of relying on neutral earth tones, daring options, like copper and blackberry, are emerging as the season’s top colors. Even better? Wearing them is easier than you may think. The key, as Tayaba Jafri, global beauty director at Laura Mercier, explains, is to let the lips bring the drama. “The rest of the face should be kept clean—think groomed brows, hint of mascara and maybe a neutral shadow,” she says. Diving into a new lip color is never easy. To help guide you, we asked three experts for their advice on approaching color this season and their top picks for day and evening wear.

Featured Experts

• Kelly Zhang is a celebrity makeup artist and the founder of Kelly Zhang Makeup
• Tayaba Jafri is the global beauty director at Laura Mercier
• Vittorio Masecchia is a celebrity makeup artist

Unexpected lip colors to try this fall

1 / 5

Terracotta

If you’re afraid of an orange-toned lipstick, you’re not alone. Despite being the unspoken color of fall, it’s not exactly the ideal lip shade. But terracotta, a blend of warm brick and clay pot hues, is. “The power of this shade lies in its ability to be versatile. Depending on the undertones, terracotta can be cozy or brazen and bold,” says celebrity makeup artist Vittorio Masecchia. Earthy colors are the essence of fall, and as Jafri explains, are also very wearable for daily and special occasions.

Two to try: MAC Powder Kiss Lipstick in Devoted to Chili($27), NARS Powermatte Lipstick in No Angel ($36)

• BUY MAC – $27
• BUY NARS – $36

2 / 5

Blackberry Plum

“Berry hues echo the deeper colors of autumn fashion while brightening the face as the weather turns cooler,” says Zhang. However, blackberry plum is unique. It merges warmth with drama to deliver a rich look without appearing too heavy or overly dramatic. “Think moody but luxe, as seen on the runways of Gucci and Dries,” says Jafri.

Two to try: Laura Mercier Caviar Smoothing Matte Lipstick in Plum Plisse ($45), Hourglass Phantom Volumizing Glossy Lip Balm in Deep Berry ($38)

• BUY LAURA MERCIER – $45
• BUY HOURGLASS – $38

3 / 5

Black Cherry

Cherries have more than proven their worth in the beauty community. This season, they’re flipping the script on the classic red lip and embracing the dark side. Wearing this shade is all about confidence and mastering the application. “Hydration is key to ensuring the color looks smooth and rich,” says Zhang. A lip brush will ensure the product is applied neatly. However, if  you’re opting for a more lived-in look, Masecchia suggests slightly diffusing the edges. “This gives it an organically blended appearance rather than pasted on,” he says.

Two to try: Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in Festival Magic ($35), Kelly Zhang Signature Lipstick in Reese ($25)

• BUY CHARLOTTE TILBURY – $35
• BUY KELLY ZHANG – $25

4 / 5

Dusty Rose

While nude lips are always en vogue, sporting a muted rose shade feels more modern. According to Jafri, the look was adopted by Khaite and Prada for their fall/winter shows thanks to its romantic and neutral appeal. Plus, it doesn’t take much to pull off. “This shade is meant to be very and effortless to blend with natural makeup, such as a lightly flushed cheek and soft, shimmery eye,” she says.

Two to try: Merit Signature Lip in Baby ($26), Black Moon Cosmetics Liquid Lipstick in Haunting ($18)

• BUY MERIT BEAUTY – $26
• BUY BLACK MOON – $18

5 / 5

Copper

Ready to skip the matte lip and go for something more daring? Enter copper with penny-quality shine. “Metallic and chrome finishes are exciting and a fresh way to shake things up. Whether worn alone or layered in the center of the lip for a burst of shimmer, they instantly take the look from classic to editorial,” says Masecchia.

Two to try: Lancôme L’Absolu Rouge Cream Lipstick in Si Seulement
($35), Danessa Myricks Multi-Use Eye Liquid Pigment in Spark ($22)

• BUY LANCÔME – $35
• BUY DANESSA MYRICKS – $22