Why Deeper Reds Resonate This Season
Brown has long been the undisputed champion of autumn makeup, mirroring the shades of fallen leaves and warm spices. However, this year is seeing a shift towards deeper, more luxurious hues. Wine, burgundy, and berry tones offer a sophisticated alternative
that brings a modern and sometimes dramatic flair to classic looks. These shades carry the same autumnal warmth but with an added layer of depth and vibrancy. From a subtle, wine-stained lip to a bold, burgundy smoky eye, the palette is surprisingly versatile, allowing for both soft, romantic looks and powerful, vampy statements. The trend is less about a single colour and more about a family of rich, complex shades including plum, oxblood, and black cherry.
For the Eyes: A Modern Smoky Look
Replacing your go-to brown eyeshadow with burgundy can instantly elevate your look. The key is to avoid a heavy, one-dimensional application. Start by prepping the eyelid with a primer to ensure the colour stays true and doesn't crease. For a wearable daytime look, sweep a lighter matte berry or mauve shade across the lid, blending it out at the edges. To build intensity for the evening, add a deeper wine or plum shadow to the outer corner of the eye in a sideways 'V' shape, blending it into the crease. A touch of shimmer on the centre of the lid can add a festive pop. To keep the look modern and avoid looking tired, pair it with a clean lash line, defined brows, and plenty of black mascara. For a softer effect, you can even use a burgundy or deep brown eyeliner instead of a harsh black.
For the Lips: From Sheer Stain to Bold Matte
A burgundy lip is an autumn classic for a reason, exuding confidence and sophistication. The modern way to wear it involves playing with textures and finishes. For a subtle, 'just-bitten' appearance, tap a creamy lipstick onto your lips with your finger, blurring the edges slightly. Tinted balms and sheer glosses in a jam or wine shade offer a comfortable, hydrating option for everyday wear. For a more dramatic, high-impact look, a matte liquid lipstick in a deep oxblood or berry shade provides intense pigment that lasts. Makeup artists are even creating complex "recipes" by layering different products, using a deeper liner in mahogany or plum to define the lip and a slightly lighter berry shade in the centre to create dimension.
For the Cheeks: A Natural, Wine-Flushed Glow
While a bold burgundy blush might seem intimidating, the right shade and application can create a beautiful, natural-looking flush. This look is part of a larger trend moving away from bright pinks toward more muted, sculpting tones like cool berries and rosy browns. Cream and liquid blushes work particularly well, as they melt into the skin for a seamless finish. Choose a shade with a plum or wine undertone that complements your skin. Apply a small amount to the apples of your cheeks and blend it upwards towards your temples for a soft, lifted effect. The trick is to start with a light hand and build the colour gradually. You can even use the lipstick from your lips as a cheek tint for a perfectly coordinated monochromatic look.
Adapting for Indian Skin Tones
Wine and burgundy shades are exceptionally flattering on Indian skin tones. The warmth and depth in these colours beautifully complement the golden, olive, and deeper undertones common in Indian complexions. Deeper skin tones can embrace rich, vampy shades like cranberry and wine with confidence, as these colours provide a stunning contrast. Those with medium or olive complexions will find that berry shades with a hint of plum or cool mauve brighten the skin. When paired with traditional festive wear, a gold and burgundy eye look is a classic combination that feels both glamorous and modern. The key is to ensure the rest of the base makeup is flawless to let the rich colours truly stand out.
