Everything You Need to Know to Pull Off Fall’s Dark Makeup Trend

Get the Look With:

From OPI’s Scandal-inspired Washington D.C. collection comes this deep brown shade called Shh…It’s Top Secret ($10). Apply two coats and then finish with a super shiny topcoat to nail the look.

We’re also loving Dolce & Gabbana’s Wild About Fall collection, which features this chocolatey Ebano Nail Lacquer ($27.50) that’s inspired by the Sicilian coast and oozes sophistication.

Fierce Plum Lips 

Another huge look for fall is a dark, vampy lip, and the pros say texture plays a big role in pulling it off. Celebrity makeup artist Kristee Liu says to exfoliate and moisturize your lips before applying a bold color. “Nothing ruins this look more than dry lips! Use a lip primer (only on the outer edges), and then dust a bit of powder on top to set it before applying lip liner. Smile while you do it so your lips stretch and the primer fills in any lines. Apply lip liner and then lipstick using a brush. Then dab a flat-edged brush into concealer and trace around your lip line to perfect the edges. Top it off with a bit of powder to hold it in place.” 

Get the Look With:

Matte lips are all the rage, and Huda Beauty Liquid Matte Lipstick in Material Girl ($20) delivers the look without the tight, dry feeling that some matte formulas are notorious for. 

Dark, Dramatic Eyes

Extra-long, jet-black faux lashes paired with smudged eyeliner are essential to nailing this look. “Use a combination of eye pencils and eye paints to create more of the ‘undone’ effect that’s really in right now,” says celebrity makeup artist Mary Wiles. “I find that a super dark eye looks best when complemented with low-key makeup on the rest of the face. A hint of color on the cheeks (pink for pale skin and peach for warmer tones) and a nude lip are a good choice.”

Get the Look With:

Coat your lashes in Maybelline New York Volum’ Express The Colossal Spider Effect Mascara ($8) in Glam Black for amplified length, definition and color that mimics the look of faux lashes. 

To add even more glam factor, use a jet-black, budge-proof liner like Benefit Cosmetics BADgal Waterproof Eyeliner ($20) and smudge it out a bit with the sponge tip.

Monochromatic Makeup

Coordinate your eye shadow and lipstick to complement each other while not being too matchy-matchy. According to celebrity makeup artist Amy Strozzi, a monochromatic look is all about staying within a specific color family rather than using the same shade throughout. “The darkest shade of berry looks amazing with the lightest pinky-red shade within the same spectrum. And, an easy way to take the look from day to night is to add a deeper shade from the same palette to your eye.”

Get the Look With:

Use your fingers to apply a couple light layers of Shiseido Shimmering Cream Eye Color in Sunshower ($25) on your lids for a high-impact look that stays put from dusk to dawn. Pair your eye makeup with a lip color from the same color family but a few shades deeper.

Flawless Skin

When wearing dark hues on your eyes or lips, having clear, smooth skin is key. “Your skin should provide a beautiful backdrop to the drama of your other features,” says celebrity makeup artist Jane Cohen. “One of the best ways to hide skin imperfections is to use primer. If you’re covering blemishes, a nongreasy base is crucial, so skip moisturizer and go straight for the primer.”

Another thing to note: With vampy colors, skin can be worn either matte or dewy. “I go down the middle. I love skin to look velvety, but not too matte, with a highlight at the top of the cheekbones for a bit of glow,” says Cohen.

Get the Look With:

Infused with crushed pearl to give your skin a radiant, but not shimmery glow, Edward Bess Black Sea Precious Pearl Perfector ($78) softens the look of fine lines and discoloration for a smooth surface. 

Another option? FLOWER Beauty’s E.E. Erase Everything Ultimate Foundation ($13)—it also comes in tinted versions—which has a creamy, balm-like texture that gives skin a silky look and feel and creates the perfect canvas for makeup.