beauty
When you step outside and feel that cool nip in the air, you know the weather is easing into autumn. It’s subtle, but enough to remind you that summer’s heavy heat is finally letting go. Mornings turn cooler, evenings breezier and wardrobes shift: shawls over outfits, long sleeves back in rotation, chai cravings rising.
For beauty lovers, the season also calls for a switch. As the weather changes, so do skin needs and makeup moods. Light summer bases make way for richer, creamier formulas, while bold lips and warmer tones step forward.
This week, You! shares how to transition your beauty routine for autumn - from skincare shifts to makeup looks…
Skincare switch-up
Your skin feels autumn before anything else. As humidity fades, so does that constant shine on your forehead, replaced by a sudden tightness or flakiness. The transition can be tricky, too light a routine leaves you dry, too heavy clogs you up.
The trend now is layering lightweight hydration. Instead of slapping on one heavy cream, autumn skincare is all about building up nourishment gradually. A gentle creamy cleanser replaces foamy washes, followed by hydrating serums with hyaluronic acid and then a moisturiser that actually seals the deal. It’s less about oil control and more about barrier repair, giving your skin that comfort it craves as temperatures dip.
Lip care, too, becomes a non-negotiable. Bold lipsticks are practically made for autumn, but they’re useless on cracked lips. That’s why lip masks and balms are having their moment. A swipe before bed makes a world of difference when you’re pulling out that burgundy lipstick in the morning.
And let’s say this loud: sunscreen does not retire in autumn. The softer sunlight might trick you, but UV rays still do their work year-round. The season might change, but sun protection doesn’t.
The return of the glow
After months of mattifying powders and blotting papers, autumn makeup trends toward creamy, radiant finishes. The dew is back, but not the greasy, can’t-control-it summer dew. This is a more intentional glow, created with cream foundations, hydrating primers and just the right touch of highlighter.
Powder, once your summer lifeline, becomes a background player. Instead of pressing it all over, the trick is to use it sparingly on the T-zone while letting the rest of your face stay soft and luminous. It’s less ‘sweat-proof’ and more ‘skin, but cosier.’
The blush shift is another giveaway that autumn has arrived. The cotton-candy pinks of spring are tucked away, replaced by deeper peaches, warm corals and terracotta tones. The ‘I just came in from the cold’ flush is the season’s ultimate beauty vibe.
Eyes on autumn
Eye makeup becomes richer and moodier in autumn. Where summer was all about bare lids or shimmery pastels, autumn’s palette leans into warmth. Think bronzy washes of colour, rust-toned shadows and soft brown smokey eyes that feel sultry but not overdone.
Brown eyeliner is a standout this season. Softer than black but equally defining, it frames the eyes in a way that feels effortless. Paired with fluttery lashes and a smudge of shimmer in the inner corners, it gives you that wide-awake, cosy look perfect for late-night chai plans.
And while bold glitter has its moment during shaadi season, autumn is more about subtle shimmer, that golden glint that catches the light without screaming party.
The lipstick renaissance
Autumn is lipstick season. While summer’s humidity makes even the boldest shades feel heavy, autumn practically begs for richer tones. Rust, brick, burgundy, plum and deep reds suddenly feel like second skin. Matte formulas dominate, but the trend this year leans toward velvety mattes instead of ultra-drying ones.
The global trend of ‘brown lips’ has found its footing here too. From mocha nudes to chocolaty browns, these shades complement desi skin tones beautifully. They pair perfectly with warm-toned outfits, whether it’s a maroon kurta for work or a velvet shawl for an evening out.
Looks that define the season
Autumn beauty is all about leaning into the mood of the season. There’s the cosy daytime flush: a dewy base, cream blush in burnt coral, minimal eye makeup and a muted pink lip. Perfect for casual office days or a quick coffee run.
Then comes the shawl-ready glam; a bronzed base, warm brown eyes with shimmer on the lids and a bold rust lipstick. It pairs effortlessly with embroidered shawls and layered winter accessories, striking the right balance between festive and every day.
And finally, the autumn bold; sharp liner, fluttery lashes and a deep plum lip that does all the talking. This look feels made for dinner parties or evenings that spill into late-night drives.