9 Makeup Tips To Transition From Hot Girl Summer To Feminine Girl Fall

As we bid the warm, carefree days of summer farewell, a vivid tapestry of fall hues greets us from around the corner, presenting the perfect opportunity to revamp our beauty routines and shift from vibrant, beachy looks to more sultry, refined, and polished fall styles.

From rich burgundy blushes to cool-toned eyeshadows and soft matte foundations, this fall’s makeup is all about looking classy, chic, and elegant.

So, whether you’re eager to experiment with new and exciting trends or are just looking for inspiration for a signature fall look, let’s dive into how you can effortlessly transition from hot girl summer to feminine girl fall, one product swap at a time.

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Swap Bright Pinks and Oranges for Moody Hues

Summer’s it shades like hot pink, coral, or sunset orange are gradually giving way to moody hues as the colder months set in. Deep, dark berry shades like burgundy, plum, and wine are becoming increasingly popular in both fashion and beauty, so make sure to add these hues to your beauty regimen to stay on trend this coming season.

Be it through a grungy eye makeup look or a bold lip, these moody hues will add the perfect mystical fall vibe​ while ensuring you look chic and sophisticated.

Burgundy Mascara for Bold Lashes

While on the topic of moody hues, an unconventional but stunning shade is fast replacing a beloved classic with a touch of drama and mystery, making it perfect for the fall season. Whether you pair it with a neutral eyeshadow or go all out with a smokey eye, burgundy mascara is an absolute must for this fall, as it’s the perfect way to add an edgy twist to any look and instantly elevate your makeup game by accentuating your eye color.

A current cult favorite seems to be the Benefit Cosmetics BADgal BANG! Volumizing Mascara in Wild Plum, which promises intense volume and separation while delivering a bold pop of color to your lashes, but more affordable options, such as the L’Oréal Voluminous Mascara in Deep Burgundy, are also readily available at the drugstore.

Defined Eyebrows for a Polished Look

As the season shifts, so does the brow game, moving from summer’s imperfect, fluffy brow vibe to fall’s more defined, polished, bold look. This fall, aim for clean, sculpted arches that give your face a lifted and refined look. To achieve this, fill in sparse areas with a brow pencil for precision and use a tinted brow gel to hold everything in place while adding a natural fullness.

For the ultimate defined brows, try the Glossier Boy Brow Arch 2-in-1 Eyebrow Pencil to fill and shape, and then finish with the Kosas Air Brow Tinted Eyebrow Gel for rich definition and a polished hold.

Add a Touch of Coolness with a Seasonal Classic Smokey Eye

It’s time to replace the summer shimmer with cool, smokey eyes in sophisticated hues, such as taupe, soft greys, dusty mauves, and muted lavenders. These tones show that a fall eye look doesn’t always have to be warm and orangey and bring an understated elegance to your eyes, achieving a sleek, modern look that’s perfect for the coming season.

Try the Makeup By Mario Master Mattes Eyeshadow Palette: The Neutrals for a variety of matte, cool-toned options.

Brown Eyeliner and Glossy Lip Combo

A brown eyeliner and glossy lip combo is the ultimate subtle yet sophisticated look for fall. Brown eyeliner gives a softer, more natural alternative to black, making it perfect for defining the eyes without looking too harsh or out of place. Paired with a glossy lip in neutral or warm shades, this combo creates an effortlessly polished, feminine look that’s ideal for both day and night and will make the cold air of fall feel a little warmer.

To recreate this vibe, try Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Demolition and Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb in Hot Chocolit for the perfect pairing of soft definition and juicy lips​.

Minimize the Glow with a Matte Base

Summer may be all about dewy, sun-kissed skin, but we can all agree that fall’s vibe calls for a matte finish. Think cloud skin, a clear complexion, and a velvety natural finish that enhances your skin without feeling heavy or cakey.

For this particular look, try the new Huda Beauty Easy Blur Natural Airbrush Foundation, which provides lightweight coverage that evens out your skin tone while leaving a polished, long-lasting finish.

Lay Off the Bronzer and Grab the Contour

As we transition from the bronzed glow of summer, it’s time to let the bronzer take a backseat and welcome contour into the spotlight. For this fall transition, lean into cooler, sculpted looks rather than the warm, sun-kissed skin we crave in the hotter months, and allow contour powders or creams to define and shape your face and add dimension.

The Patrick Ta Major Sculpt Crème Contour & Powder Bronzer Duo blends beautifully and provides variety for when you feel like wearing a more natural, creamy contour or its sharper and more obvious powder counterpart.

Boyfriend Blush but Make it Burgundy

Boyfriend blush refers to the flushed look we ladies get when we see our boyfriends. However, this fall, we are giving a moody twist to the classic flushed look by swapping soft pinks for, you guessed it, deep, rich burgundy tones. This adds a sultry, autumnal vibe while still maintaining that effortlessly diffused “just-blushed” effect. And with Hailey Bieber releasing her Pocket Flush in the shade Sleepy Girl just in time for fall, it seems like this is the right time to experiment with a new makeup trend.

Bare Face with a Bold Red Lip

The “bare face, red lip” look has been making the rounds on TikTok since late August, so it’s only fair to assume it’s going to be the it fall makeup trend that even those who are skeptical about wearing a bold red lip will be willing to try.

The look is pretty self-explanatory and consists of going bare-faced, zero eye makeup, and adding bold red lipstick to accentuate the look. It’s simple yet striking and perfect for those lazy fall days when you want to make a statement without putting in too much effort.

To nail this trend, try wearing Charlotte Tilbury’s Matte Revolution Hydrating Lipstick in Cinematic Red, a long-lasting, food-proof lipstick that will elevate your look on any occasion.

While fall can be easier to transition to for some, others may need a little bit of time to get used to the changes in the air. Experimenting with makeup will help make this transition a little more interesting and give you the opportunity to discover new and daring hues that look fantastic on you. So, from a cool smokey eye to a passionate red lip, don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and embrace the beauty of fall, one bold hue at a time.