As the days get shorter and the leaves start turning, it’s the perfect moment to refresh your beauty routine. You don’t need a radical overhaul—sometimes, small tweaks can feel just as satisfying as a full seasonal makeover. Think richer textures, subtle shimmer, and a few luxe scents that make your mornings feel a little brighter. Here’s how to elevate your look this autumn without overcomplicating things.
Gild Your Lids with Warm Browns
Brown eyeshadow isn’t new—but the formulas this season make it feel fresh.
Shades from caramel to truffle, pecan to maple, are all fair game, especially if they have a subtle shimmer that catches the light.
My current favourites include Hildun x Hannah Martin Soul Shimmer Shadow in Champagne Truffle or Sugared Almond (£17, hildunbeauty.co.uk), which are crease-resistant and easy to blend with your finger.
For something a bit more cream-based, Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Shadow Sticks (£29.50, bobbibrown.co.uk) now come in Peach Flame and Downtown Brown, while Sephora Colorful Eyeshadow in Tiramisu (£7.99, sephora.co.uk) gives a glistening, refined finish rather than heavy glitter.
A swipe of one of these and your eyes instantly look more polished.
Dessert-Inspired Fragrances to Cozy Up With
Autumn is all about comfort, and fragrances are no exception.
Think creamy, gourmand-inspired scents—pistachio, praline, vanilla—that are indulgent without being overpowering.
These “modern gourmands” feel both nostalgic and surprisingly sexy, perfect for a chunky knit sweater moment.
Some standout picks include H&M Posh Pistachio (£9.99, hm.com), Le Monde Gourmand Pumpkin Crème (£24, lookfantastic.com), and Rare Beauty Rare Eau de Parfum (£71, sephora.co.uk). My top pick?
Tocca Laila (£85, johnlewis.com), launching September 15, blending vanilla, jasmine, lily of the valley, and bergamot in a stunning bottle.
Nails: Short, Square, and Moody
Long coffin nails and pastels are out—autumn calls for richer, moodier tones and practical shapes.
Daisy Kalnina of The GelBottle recommends deep berry reds, terracotta, and moss greens, paired with softly squared short nails.
The result: timeless, low-maintenance elegance.
Try The GelBottle Heist Collection in Rouge, Getaway, and Classified (£15.95, thegelbottle.com), Mavala Nail Color in 240 Jasper (£9.99, Amazon), or Barry M Gelly Hi Shine Nail Paint in Espresso (£4.49, boots.com).
Your hands feel polished without the fuss.
Swap Black for Brown Mascara
Brown mascara might sound tame, but it’s a surprisingly chic upgrade.
It softens the eyes, opens them up, and works beautifully for mature skin.
My personal black-mascara loyalty was challenged by Hourglass Unlocked Instant Extensions Mascara in Espresso (£32, spacenk.com), which gives rich, dark-chocolate lashes without the harshness of black.
Other great options include Refy Lash Sculpt in Brown (£20, refybeauty.com), Max Factor 2000 Calorie Long Lash Era Mascara in Black/Brown (£10.99, Boots), and for a budget-friendly intro, PS… Pro Extreme Lash Mascara (£3.50, Primark).
It’s an easy swap with a surprisingly big impact.
Cream Blusher: A Youthful Glow
Powder blush is being quietly replaced by creamy, bouncy formulas that give a natural, radiant flush.
They’re universally flattering and feel effortlessly modern.
Glossier, the pioneer behind Cloud Paint, now offers Plush Blush (£26, glossier.com), which has a soft matte finish and a blurring effect perfect for older skin.
Other standout options include Summer Fridays Blush Butter Balm (£27, cultbeauty.co.uk) and MCoBeauty Soft Matte Blush Wand in Cosmopolitan Blush (£12, superdrug.com), delivering color that’s vibrant but still wearable.
A little swipe is all it takes to brighten your whole face.
The Takeaway
This autumn, focus on small but satisfying updates: shimmer on your lids, richer nail shades, a switch to brown mascara, creamy blush, and a comforting fragrance.
These subtle tweaks create a polished, “with-it” look that feels effortless, cozy, and fresh—perfect for embracing the season without stress.