The Most Wearable Autumn/Winter 2023 Make-Up Trends

The end of summer is near, and we’re ready for a make-up reset. So, in search of inspiration, the Beauty Daily team scanned the autumn/winter 2023 runways. As one would expect with runway beauty, there were tons of experimental, avant-garde trends to choose from. 

But we know that bleached brows and maximalist facial embellishments aren’t the easiest looks to wear on a regular day. Fortunately, a number of timeless make-up trends also made appearances across shows. So, we’ve picked out our top five most wearable make-up trends for autumn and winter this year.

’60s influences

1960s nostalgia has been a huge theme in beauty this year. And it looks like the trend will be going strong in the colder months too. The ’60s cut crease was readapted on the runways in new, bold ways.  

The beauty look at Giorgio Armani was the purest reflection of the ’60s liner look but without the dramatic lashes. At Paul & Joe and Roksanda, a graphic line along the lower eyelid mirrored the one in the crease. And at Molly Goddard, make-up artist Thom Walker created a simple liner look, but the wings were flat and extended outwards instead of lifting – very much like the ’60s flick. 

How to wear it

The easiest way to incorporate this trend into your everyday make-up routine? Opt for a flatter, straighter wing rather than a lifted curvy one. 

Instead of drawing a triangular shape to create your cat flick, pull the wing in a straight line from the corners of your eyes. If you’re feeling creative, add a simple liner stroke along the eye sockets.

Try: The Graphik Ink Eyeliner, £22, has a fine felt tip that makes drawing graphic shapes much easier. Plus, it’s hyper-pigmented, so you get an intense, jet-black liner look.

Classic red lips (and nothing else)

A red lip truly never goes out of style and this season, try pairing it with minimalistic, barely-there make-up. Choose a red you love – it could be a bright crimson, a deep oxblood shade or anything in between. 

Take inspiration from the beauty looks at Erdem, Khaite and Sacai. At ArdAzAei, make-up artist Diane Kendal complemented the glossy dark red lip with luminous skin and light definition around the eyes.

How to wear it

For a minimal look, define the brows, curl the lashes and apply a hint of mascara just close to the roots of the lashes. Dot a light highlighting cream on the high points of the cheeks, skim a thin layer of bronzer along the periphery of the face, and lightly brush on the nose. Then, paint on your scarlet lip. 

Try: The Lipliner Pencil in 06 Red, £19, works as the perfect base for most red lipsticks. Using a lip liner first will help define the shape of the lip and also make the colour last longer. 

Dark smoke

Black, sooty eyes are a big trend this season – variations of it appeared across different shows. At Halpern Studio and Jason Wu, they were applied in a winged shape and paired with a lighter tone in the inner corners. At Bora Aksu, AADNEVIK and Saint Laurent, the pure black pigment was saturated around the eyes in a rounder shape. 

How to wear it

The main ingredient for this look is a dark black pigment, and a creamy eyeliner pencil is perfect for the job.

Begin by lining the waterline and colouring along the roots of the lashes. Then, lightly line the upper and lower lash lines and blend away the edges using a blending brush. Press an ebony powder eyeshadow on top to set the colour. Finish the look with loads of mascara. Keep the skin fresh and apply nude or neutral lipstick or gloss.

Try: The Crayon Khôl in 01 Carbon Black, £19.50, is the perfect tool to create a smokey eye. It even comes with a brush on one end that will help blend the kohl along the lower lash line. Make sure you sharpen the pencil before use for more precision and smooth, creamy colour.

No make-up make-up

Designers love a natural look, and we spotted many minimalist, ‘no-make-up’ make-up looks across shows. We loved the beauty looks at Ports 1961, Balmain, Giada, Miu Miu and Tory Burch. Luminous, hyper-real skin was the star of the make-up, complemented with subtle contouring and a clear balm or gloss on the lips.

How to wear it

Begin with a thorough skincare routine. You want to ensure you’re cleansed and glowing with hydration before touching any make-up. Then apply your favourite light foundation and use concealer to cover anything the foundation couldn’t.

Define the brows and curl the lashes. Use some cream blush to add a gentle flush on the apples of the cheeks. Finish off with a dab of tinted lip balm.

For a detailed step-by-step on how to achieve the ultimate ‘no make-up make-up look, read: Natural Make-up: How to Get It Right. 

Try: When you’re finished with your make-up, spray some Fix’ Make-Up, £24, all over. It will add a layer of glow and soften any areas where foundation or concealer was beginning to crease or dry up. As a bonus, it will also help your look last all day long. 

50 shades of blue

Blue was all over the runways in the autumn-winter 2023 shows. From bright turquoise eyelashes at Supriya Lele to pale periwinkle lids at Christian Siriano. The pastel blue trend could also be another nod to ’60s-inspired make-up.  

You could incorporate blue in your make-up in many ways – a flick of liner, a navy smokey eye or even a pop of colour in the inner corners. 

How to wear it

Blue eyeshadow may not be within your comfort zone, but applying a soft wash of it across the eyelids can be the easiest way to elevate your evening look. Next, choose something shimmery and apply a thin, sheer layer if you’re sceptical. Finally, complete the look with loads of mascara and a neutral lip. 

Try: The Ombre 4-Colour Eyeshadow Palette in Midnight Gradation, £36, has some pretty shades to choose from. However, if you want a bolder look, the brighter blues in the Natasha Denona Mini Tropic Palette 4G, £22, are also stunning.   

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