October is my absolute favourite month of the calendar year. It’s a time to order pumpkin spice everything (pumpkin spice hair included), re-watch Gilmore Girls for the 50th time and snuggle up in your cosy jumpers and blankets. Autumn beauty is also my favourite—from autumn nail colours to autumn hair trends and, yes, even October make-up looks, this season is simply elite.
Make-up-wise, I love looking to Instagram for the ultimate make-up inspiration. This year, I’ve found the most stunning looks, some with a subtle nod to Halloween (perfect if you want to dress up but not go too wild with costume make-up), and I figured they’re so great that it would be wrong of me not to share. So, here you have it—the ultimate make-up inspiration for October.
1. Purple haze
Burgundy is the colour I always think about when I consider autumnal make-up, but gorgeous purple hues are just as stunning. Layer the lids with liner and the lashes with a standout mascara.
2. Super-smokey eyes
A smokey eye is perfect for nights out and special occasions, and works amazingly for Halloween too if you want to steer clear of overt costume make-up but still bring dramatic, spooky vibes. Pick up a palette and volumising mascara for best results.
Charlotte Tilbury Luxury Palette in Rock Chick
Sculpted By Aimee Lash Lift
3. Autumnal glow
You know that hint of colour you get on the cheeks after going for a brisk October walk? Recreate it with a sheer peach glow and softly pencilled-in brows.
Rhode Pocket Blush in Freckle
4. A subtle stain
October is the month I finally pull out my burgundy lip stain; as well as being beautifully autumnal, it gives that subtle nod to Halloween. My favourite is Fenty’s, which looks best paired with glowing skin.
Fenty Poutsicle Hydrating Lip Stain in Berry Banger
Vieve Skin Nova Complexion Balm
5. Scorpio-inspired makeup
Double up on eyes and lips with a dramatic eyeshadow look and dark glossy lips. To get the look, apply your wine-hued lipstick before reaching for a glossy lip formula in a similar shade.
Westman Atelier Lip Suede Matte Lipstick in Lou Lou
Haus Labs PhD Hybrid Lip Glaze Plumping Lip Gloss in Fig
6. Tonal hues
Prefer to keep it simple? October is all about natural, tonal make-up, too. Simply apply a little cheek tint onto the apples for a subtle flush, and line the eyes and lips with a pinky-brown pencil.
Make Up For Ever Artist Colour Pencil in Anywhere Caffeine
Milk Makeup Cooling Water Jelly Tint in Spritz
7. Rose gold
Rose gold will forever be relevant, especially around this time of year. A shimmery liquid eye shadow looks gorgeous when paired with a matching lipstick.
Violette Fr Yeux Paint in Cuivre de l’Aube
L’Oréal Paris Color Riche Satin Lipstick in 505
7. Graphic liner
A bold red lipstick really complements a graphic eye look, so bring out the liquid liner this October and get creative. Opt for a liquid lipstick to ensure longevity even when eating and drinking all your pumpkin spiced goods.
L’Oréal Paris Infallible Matte Resistance Lipstick in Sun Bathing
Nyx Professional Makeup Epic Ink Liner
9. Cosmic love
Whether you’re off to a party or want to get creative for Halloween, this glittery eye look is absolutely unforgettable. Invest in some gems to scatter across the brow bone, too (and be sure to save them to reuse).
Half Magic Glitterpill Eye Paint & Liner in Microcosm
