The Beauty Scoop: 5 Fall Trends to Try

This summer was all about brightly colored lips (hello, fuchsia), but this fall we’re going back to basics and welcoming the classic matte red. Its velvety finish and long-lasting wear is everything our plaid-loving hearts desire. And don’t be fooled into thinking a matte red lip is to be saved for nighttime adventures—we’re fans of rocking this look just about anywhere. Here’s why: Much like wearing your go-to LBD or favorite hip-hugging jeans, red lips give a woman confidence and power when walking into a room. You’ll just have to try it to see what we mean.

Try the trend: Exfoliate your lips using a gentle scrub and follow up with a hydrating balm, which will help the lipstick go on more smoothly. Tip: If you don’t have lipstick primer, you can use foundation instead. Swipe one layer across your lips and seal it with a lip liner that closely matches your lipstick color.

Spoiler: Smoky eyes will never go out of style. However, when we think “smoky eye,” we immediately picture a perfectly blended canvas of dark-colored shadows. Since we love this trend so much, we’re simply going to lighten it up with neutral colors this fall. Remember that neutral shadows differ depending on your eye color. Someone with brown eyes might choose light champagne, whereas a green-eyed beauty could make her eyes pop with a soft blush.

Try the trend: Choose three of your favorite neutrals: one lighter, one darker and one shimmery. Use the light shade to fill your entire lid and create a neutral base, and then apply the shimmery shade to highlight your brow bone. Add the darker shade to your outer lid and lightly sweep it across the crease. The key is to blend out any harsh edges. Finish with a swipe of mascara.

Instead of packing on layers of foundation to achieve an even, “natural” skin tone, reach for ingestible beauty products in the form of tablets, powders or capsules. We’re talking collagen, antioxidants and hyaluronic acid that will work from the inside to give your skin a natural glow on the outside. Of course, ingestible beauty products might not fully clear your skin, but with the help of a light tinted moisturizer, you’ll be looking like a more radiant version of yourself.

Try the trend: First, figure out what you’re looking to achieve with your skin. If it’s reducing fine lines and wrinkles, opt for collagen-based products. If you’re lacking in moisture, hyaluronic acid is the way to go.

Following summer, your hair can use some serious loving. Between the UV rays and salt water, it’s no surprise your hair is lacking in hydration. Repair your tresses with masks, oils and leave-in treatments that will give you a burst of moisture and shine. What are you waiting for? Apply a treatment, throw on your favorite TV show and let it work its magic.

Try the trend: Assess the level of hair damage you’re trying to repair and go from there. If your locks require serious hydration, a restoring mask treatment will deeply condition your hair back to health. If your ends are a bit dry or lacking shine, a simple oil will do just fine.

This trend is not new, but this fall we’re leaning even further into the notion by combining our favorite K-beauty and J-beauty methods to help us achieve maximum results. Not sure what the difference is? Vicky Tsai, founder of Japanese beauty brand Tatcha, says, “I’ve often found that a culture’s approach to skin-care and beauty mirrors its food. Japanese skin-care is like sushi—very few ingredients, crafted by expert hands in a simple arrangement. The ingredients they use also rarely change. Korean food is bold and flavorful and fun, just like K-beauty.”

Try the trend: When it comes to K-beauty, it’s all about the sheet mask (you know this, we know this). But this season we’re loving the combination of a jade roller or gua sha tool—used to massage your face to increase blood flow—with a winning J-beauty essence or hydrating oil. Apply the essence or oil and then get rollin’. You’ll see de-puffing results in mere minutes.