Collage: Jemeria Davison; Source images: Courtesy of Allure editors and brands Save Story Save this story Save Story Save this story Let’s get one thing out of the way: You do not need to retire your pink gloss for the year just because the calendar says it’s fall. Makeup has no season—if bright coral is part of your year-round signature lip combo and it makes you happy in November, please proceed. That said, there’s something about the first crisp day of the year that makes our editors instinctively reach for the moodier shades that have been hiding at the bottom of our makeup bags for months on end.
And this season, lips are getting plenty of attention. The buzziest fall 2026 makeup trends include everything from berry tints to bold lipstick worn against an otherwise minimal face—proof that a great lip can be the whole look. Makeup artists are seeing these darker colors but with a softer take this season. “Wine, blackberry, burgundy, rosewood, brown-red, and deeper browns are all there, but the application feels softer,” says Christian Briceno , a New York City-based makeup artist. “Instead of automatically making those colors completely opaque, I’m seeing more stains , blurred edges , satin finishes, and transparent layers where some of the natural lip can still come through.”
What are the best lip colors for fall? What are some trending lip combos? How do I pick a lip combo? Meet the experts How we test and review products Our staff and testers Of course, half the fun is figuring out what to pair together. A brown liner can add dimension to a berry stain, a pink liner can completely change the look of a nude lip gloss, and the list goes on. “One of the strongest combinations is a softly diffused brown or rosewood liner with a sheer tinted balm,” says Tim Quinn , a Palm Beach, Florida-based makeup artist. “I am also seeing monochromatic rosewood, deep berry or oxblood tapped onto the lips with a finger, and velvet color finished with just a touch of gloss in the center.” The bottom line: It’s all about creating a look that you love, no matter the season. Ahead, Allure editors share the lip combinations we’ll be wearing on repeat this fall—consider them inspiration, not rules.
Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Chanel
“It's well-known by now that I can't live without my Eadem Le Chouchou lip balms. These Best of Beauty-winning formulas strike the perfect balance between lip care and lip color, providing both softening and exfoliating benefits and a punch of color. Bissap Glaze, a warm berry, has always been my go-to but I really like Fig Sauce, a cool mauve, for a more low-key look, and I'm eyeing Boba Bounce, a richer brown, to experiment with. (I'm not well versed in brown lippies, but I'll try anything once!)” The Chanel lip liner is newer to my rotation but I love how creamy and buildable it is, depending on how much pressure I apply. It also comes in the perfect berry to complement Bissap Glaze, while also adding some dimension to my lips.” — Sarah Han , commerce editor
Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the Chanel Lip Liner in Berry + Eadem Le Chouchou in Bissap Glaze Combo
Han before applying the Chanel Lip Liner in Berry + Eadem Le Chouchou in Bissap Glaze Combo
Han after applying the Chanel Lip Liner in Berry + Eadem Le Chouchou in Bissap Glaze Combo
Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Victoria Beckham
“There are few things I love in this world more than a really great lip combo. Yes, tha…