10 Must-Have Makeup Products for Fall: 2017 Beauty Edition
From brow chalk to caramel lip balm, these innovative fall beauty launches will transform your look for the season.

As the leaves change and wardrobes turn cozy, the world of beauty transforms just as dramatically. Each fall, beauty brands unveil a fresh lineup of products crafted to meet the season’s trends—from nourishing formulas for post-summer skin to rich, warm hues that match autumn’s palette. For Fall 2017, innovation is the name of the game, with multitasking products, inventive textures, and irresistible scents blending practicality and playfulness. Here, we break down the top 10 must-have makeup and beauty launches of the season, featuring expert tips, ingredient highlights, and easy styling inspiration.
Why Update Your Makeup for Fall?
Much like transitioning your wardrobe, shifting to fall makeup means adapting to cooler weather and experimenting with seasonal colors. With drier air, skin and hair need added hydration, while lips and eyes crave bolder, deeper tones. These product innovations help you get the most out of your fall beauty routine:
- Extended-lasting wear to withstand unpredictable weather.
- Nourishing ingredients to combat dryness and protect from the elements.
- On-trend shades inspired by fall fashion and natural scenery.
1. Brow Drama Shaping Chalk Powder: Elevate Your Brows
Brand: Maybelline New York
Why it’s trending: Ditching the traditional pressed brow powder, this loose chalk powder comes with a clever applicator wand. Fill in and define brows with the broad side, then perfect the tail and edges with the pointed tip. Ideal for crafting soft, full or sharply defined brows, this tool is user-friendly—even for beginners—and can dramatically frame your fall makeup looks.
- Tip: Use light, upward flicks for a natural arch or outline the edges for a bolder look.
- Key benefit: All-day wear and transfer-resistance, even through sweater weather.
- Best for: Anyone seeking an effortless brow transformation without the stiffness of gels.
2. Smith & Cult Nail Lacquer in ‘Tang Bang’: The Ultimate Autumn Polish
Brand: Smith & Cult
Shade: Tang Bang
Inspired by everyone’s favorite seasonal latte, this nail color boasts a pumpkin-spice hue that’s rich, warm, and unexpectedly flattering for all skin tones. The polish’s creamy finish gives nails a look that’s chic and trendy, yet wearable from the office to holiday gatherings.
- Trend Alert: Pair with cozy knitwear and gold rings for a full autumn aesthetic.
- Formula: 8-free (free from common toxic chemicals) for a safer mani.
- Pro Tip: Layer two coats and seal with a high-gloss top coat for extra brilliance.
3. Urban Decay Troublemaker Mascara: Big Lashes, Bold Impact
Brand: Urban Decay
Known for their edgy formulas, Urban Decay’s Troublemaker Mascara takes volume to new heights, reportedly increasing fullness up to 13.7 times. The curling brush separates and volumizes each lash, creating a dramatic, wide-eyed effect that lasts through brisk winds and teary football games alike.
- Why it stands out: Innovative brush design grips even tiny lashes for maximum impact.
- Key benefit: Smudge-resistant and long-wearing—ideal for unpredictable fall weather.
- How to use: Wiggle brush at the roots then sweep upward for curled, fanned-out lashes.
4. Fresh Sugar Lip Caramel Hydrating Balm: Sweet Lip Indulgence
Brand: Fresh
Lips often get neglected as temperatures drop. Enter this decadent balm: a blend of sugar, apricot kernel, black currant, and grape seed oils, plus vitamin E to repair and soothe. The texture melts upon contact, locking in moisture for hours while imparting a subtle caramel scent and shine—or, as some claim, the softest lips of your life.
- Key Ingredients: Natural sugars (to prevent moisture loss), nourishing plant oils, vitamin E (for antioxidant protection).
- Perfect for: On-the-go hydration or a glossy finish atop your favorite fall matte lipstick.
- Insider tip: Blend with a lip liner for a natural, plumped-up finish.
5. M.A.C Rollerwheel Liquid Liner: The Eyeliner Revolution
Brand: M.A.C.
Traditional liquid eyeliners can be tricky. The Rollerwheel turns the process upside-down with its rolling wheel tip, which gently glides across lash lines delivering the exact amount of pigment. Its smoothing action eliminates gaps and skips, giving you precise graphic lines or classic flicks in a fraction of the time.
- Why you’ll love it: No more shaky lines or uneven wings—just professional-grade smoothness.
- Application tip: Start at the inner eye and roll outwards for impromptu cat eye looks.
- Pro hack: Layer over eyeshadow to intensify color payoff and increase longevity.
6. Derma E 3-in-1 Hair Protection Serum: Post-Summer TLC
Brand: Derma E
After a summer filled with salt and sun, hair craves hydration and repair. This blend of coconut, argan kernel, and rosehip seed oils, plus vitamins E and B5, works as a leave-in serum to replenish moisture, restore shine, and protect against future breakage. Ideal for all hair types, especially if your ends are dry or your color looks faded.
- Best for: Reviving dry, brittle hair and minimizing frizz.
- Usage: Smooth a few drops through damp or dry hair before styling.
- Bonus: Free from parabens and cruelty-free, making it a sustainable pick for fall restorative care.
7. Pocket-Sized Eyeshadow Palettes: Power in Your Purse
Fall’s minimalism meets maximal payoff with compact palettes loaded with versatile shades. These tiny sets let you layer shimmer, sculpt contour, or draw precise lines with deep hues. Create everything from daytime luminosity to bold evening statements, all in a package barely larger than a credit card.
- Palette Perk: The inclusion of both highlighter shades and deep liners means one palette does it all.
- Tip: Layer shimmer on lids for a festive touch or use deep shades as powder liner for subtle smokiness.
- Good for: Travelers and beauty lovers who need quick transitions from day-to-night glam.
8. The Season’s Top Trends: From Runway to Real Life
Fall 2017’s makeup trends go beyond the basics. Here’s what’s hot:
- Eyes Take Center Stage: Bold black mascara, graphic liners, and bright color blocking around the eyelids are everywhere.
- Glossy Lids: Taupe and cream with a dewy finish channeling runway vibes.
- Brow Focus: Full, textured brows set the frame for every look.
- Peachy Cheeks and Lips: Subtle washes of coral and peach stay popular through autumn.
- Polished Skin: Luminous but perfected—think light-reflective rather than matte or oily.
9. Beauty Routine Upgrades: Swapping Summer for Fall
The transition to fall isn’t just about color. It’s about caring for your skin and hair against colder, drier air. This means:
- Switching to hydrating skincare and moisture-locking balms.
- Adding vitamin-rich serums to repair sun exposure damage.
- Opting for cream or liquid formulas over powders for a dewy finish.
A few product swaps can make a major impact in how your makeup wears and how your skin feels all season.
10. Mixing & Matching for Personal Style
Each of these fall launches is designed for flexibility, mixing innovative formulas with rich, wearable shades. Try pairing bold eyes with a subtle hydrated lip, or classic pumpkin polish with neutral eyes for an understated yet current look. Don’t be afraid to layer or combine textures—creamy, glossy, and powder finishes can coexist in a modern routine.
Product Comparison Table
Product | Main Benefit | Best For | Key Ingredient |
---|---|---|---|
Brow Drama Shaping Chalk Powder | Easy, defined brows | Natural or bold brows | Brow powder |
Smith & Cult ‘Tang Bang’ Nail Lacquer | Autumn-inspired color | Trendy manicures | 8-free formula |
Urban Decay Troublemaker Mascara | High volume lashes | Eye definition | Polymer blend |
Fresh Sugar Lip Caramel Balm | Intense hydration | Chapped/dry lips | Sugar, oils, vitamin E |
M.A.C. Rollerwheel Liner | Precise eyeliner | Graphic eye looks | Liquid liner |
Derma E 3-in-1 Hair Serum | Hair protection and repair | Dry, damaged hair | Oils, vitamins E & B5 |
Expert Tips for Fall Beauty Success
- Layer skincare to lock in moisture before applying makeup for longer-lasting wear.
- Experiment with warm, earthy tones inspired by fall foliage and seasonal drinks.
- Don’t neglect brows—define and fill them for a balanced face.
- Keep a hydrating balm handy to touch up lips throughout the day to avoid flaking.
- Embrace multi-use palettes and sticks for speedy routines and easy on-the-go touchups.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When should I change my makeup products for fall?
Transition at the end of summer, when the weather becomes cooler and your skin starts feeling drier. This is the perfect time to swap lighter shades and formulas for richer, more nourishing alternatives.
Are fall beauty products suitable for sensitive skin?
Yes, most new launches focus on hydrating, non-irritating formulas. Always check product labels for fragrance, common allergens, or harsh ingredients if you have sensitivities.
What are the must-have colors for fall 2017?
Look for warm oranges (like pumpkin spice), taupe and cream shadows, deep black liners, and peach tones for lips and cheeks. These colors echo the warmth of autumn and flatter most skin tones.
How do I repair summer-damaged hair before winter?
Apply a nourishing serum like Derma E’s 3-in-1 Hair Protection Serum, focusing on ends and damaged areas. Regular use of products rich in oils and vitamins will repair and protect your hair through the colder months.
Can I mix and match new fall products with my favorites?
Absolutely! Fall launches are designed to be flexible—combine your favorites for a personalized look that suits your unique style, whether you go bold or prefer understated glam.
Conclusion: Fall 2017—A Beauty Season to Remember
From the innovative brow chalk powder to the luscious caramel lip balm and high-performance hair serums, Fall 2017’s beauty lineup offers something fresh for everyone. Embrace new textures, experiment with vibrant fall hues, and prioritize nourishing formulas for radiant skin and hair all season. Revamp your beauty routine with these top picks and discover why autumn may just be the most exciting time for makeup lovers yet.
References
- https://poshinprogress.com/2017/09/15/fall-2017-makeup-trends/
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/g9990987/new-fall-2017-makeup-products/
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/beauty-hair/g9271382/autumn-winter-2017-hair-makeup-trends/
- https://www.scribd.com/document/357931602/Cosmopolitan-USA-October-2017
- https://www.scribd.com/document/428076087/Cosmopolitan-September-2017
- https://hiddencrownhair.com/blogs/news/hidden-crown-hair-in-cosmopolitan-may-2017
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B1OdME18OlA
- https://blog.onepitch.co/coffee-with-a-journalist-beth-gillette-cosmopolitan
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