Cooler weather couldn't come sooner, and with it autumn hues to match. But instead of swiping on (or slipping into) some oh-so-predictable foliage-themed finds, expand those seasonal horizons and reach for something unexpected. Your trusty Beauty Editor is back with a thorough review of some on-trend beauty buys, testing the waters (and some fresh fall shades) so you can reap the most out of your next fall haul, minus time-wasting trial and error.
The palette? Spicy metallics, wispy wines and autumn aquas.
Eyes
Product: NYC City Proof 24 HR Waterproof Eye Shadow
When I heard I was testing fall products, my mouth watered for well-known fall favorites (like that darling emerald above—to die for). So when my mailbox unveiled a seemingly summery blue, I was... pleasantly surprised! When a chill rolls around, we typically reach for something dusky and warm. But there's tons to be said for deep jewel tones, and I was all for test driving the alluring aqua East River Romance, vibrant violet Central Park Tulips and shimmery white Rockefeller Center Snowflakes shades of the collection.
Product-wise, these clever sticks earn brownie points for usability—the crayon-like design makes application a breeze even in a pinch, and the controllable shape lends itself to bold liner looks as well. Just be gentle, as the creamy shadow cracks easily. I found it took quite a few strokes for the shadow to resemble the shade of the casing, and the chalky formula clumped a bit much for my liking. But at such an affordable and accessible price ($2.99, CVS), an extra minute of blending may be well worth it. And while 24 hours may be an advertising stretch, this shadow (used to nail my first-ever reverse cat-eye) did last me through a long Friday night with minimal fade, which, tbh, is all a girl can ask for.
Color-wise, the swipes won't exactly mimic the advertised color. All in all, each shade was more sheer and shimmery than expected, which isn't a negative, but just something to be wary of. And for added vibrancy, try using the chalky Rockefeller Center Snowflakes as a base shadow before coating on your color.
So did the purple, blue and white really live up to fall expectations? I'd suggest these shades as transitional grabs. In deeper, more saturated tones, these babies could make it through winter. But as is, their cooler hues will work well wheeling you through the last of this season's Indian Summers.
Lips
Product: Rimmel London Keep Calm Lip Balm
My pout had the pleasure of puckering up for shades Rose Blush and Berry Blush—both of which were thoroughly impressive. These balms packed a serious punch, introducing instant moisture and plump to some pretty chapped lips (dry air, meet your match). The formula glided on easy-breezy, and the color lasted around an hour (and let's be real, through a few kisses) before reapplying. Upon application, my lips felt dreamily smooth and fully quenched. Bonus? Both flavors colors had a fruity taste and smell to match their flirty tints.
Rose Blush gave my lips a punchy, pink-orange tint that could easily be used year-round, offering a pleasant take on more drastic tangerine hues. Berry Blush epitomized true fall color, with hints of raspberry, pomegranate and wine (colors, not flavors, but I'll admit, it did taste sweet!) that perfectly capture a winter-berry aura without being overbearing. So if you're not one for more moody hues of raisin and plum, try this balm on for size—the fuchsia flare will become a go-to favorite. Grab one (or both) for a perfect autumn pout, and some fun packaging ($2.50, Walmart).
Nails
Product: Sally Hansen Miracle Gel
Let's get one thing out in the open. I'm already addicted to these polishes, to the point where I've retired the rest of my polish drawer in favor of this magical formula (yes, magic).
For those unfamiliar, two coats of Miracle Gel Color ($9.99, CVS) and one coat of Miracle Gel Top Coat ($9.99, CVS) are all it takes to secure a salon-like gel finish, UV-free. And while the price may be off-putting, the benefits are well worth it. The polish engineers at Sally Hansen promise a last time of up to two weeks, and they mean it—my toes have been chip-free for almost three! The two-step kit boasts unbeatable shine that just doesn't dull, and unlike with other polishes that basically never dry, the process is relatively quick and totally pain-free. All in all, the only person these manicure mavens will disappoint is your go-to manicurist—nail salons, meet your biggest rival.
My nails had a lovely date with shades Terra-Coppa and Up the Ante—two posh autumn shades you'll be dangerously attached to all fall long. Up the Ante offered a creamy finish I have yet to find in any other polish, and you won't find this color anywhere else. The silky purple shade presented a blend of orchard and wine hues, sporting tones simultaneously rich and soft. So if you're looking for a go-to shade to cozy-on-up with, this polish will reign as an autumn regular.
Full disclosure: Terra Coppa is the only glitter polish I've ever liked. Glitter formulas tend to miss the mark, requiring what feels like endless coats to achieve solid, consistent coverage. But this metallic show-stopper slided on effortlessly saturated—your nails really will resemble the bottle. With flickers of copper, gold and rust (resembling gorgeous foliage and sparkling cider), this polish pampers. If only I could've swiped this on for high school Homecoming—alas, I'll settle for shimmering throughout the seasonal festivities to come.
The takeaway from my fall color beauty haul? Opt for a beauty bag stocked with a blend of classic cool-weather color favorites and up-and-coming autumn trends. I'm thoroughly impressed with the eye-catching (and affordable!) products this season has to offer. Time to flaunt it, fall-loving ladies.
