Warm Autumn: Lipstick

Warm Autumn lipsticks are rich and muted with a medium depth to balance their moderate contrast level.

In this article, we’ve used a variety of red, pink, orange, purple and brown lipsticks to demonstrate which colours we’d advise for Warm Autumn as well as those you should avoid. Affiliate links have been used to provide additional visual examples.  These products have been swatched on clients to ensure accuracy - online images may vary. As with the lipstick chart, you are encouraged to sample these products on your wrist prior to making any purchases.

Please note, this advice is generic for all Warm Autumn individuals and recommendations will vary based on your unique colouring. Some trial and error may be required in order to find the best shade for yourself. For personalised advice, we suggest purchasing a Colour Analysis package with the makeup option.

Warm Autumn lipsticks are taken from the reds, oranges and pinks on the colour chart.

This subtype belongs to a season influenced by dark value so colours are both softer and deeper than those we see in Warm Spring.

Those who lean closer to Dark Autumn will have a higher contrast level and will need deeper colours to maintain balance. However, those flowing towards Soft Autumn will need the lighter variations as their contrast level will be slightly lower.

Red Lipstick

Red can be tricky for Warm Autumn individuals as they need to ensure the colour is warm as well as soft. Those tinged with orange create balance, especially if they are dusty or muted. 

In example one, we see a wine red similar to Max Factor Velvet Mattes Lipsticks in 35 Love. This creates a monochromatic effect with Saffy’s auburn hair, which lights her up as it balances her contrast level. 

The brick red in example two has a similar effect. However, this colour is a little deeper and would work well for a Warm Autumn individual who leans towards Dark Autumn. You could try Oulac Matte Liquid in M21 Wild Kiss. Saffy’s eyes sparkle paired with this colour. 

Those leaning towards Soft Autumn would handle the pinky red in example three as it is lighter and well as more neutral. A good option would be Maybelline New York Lip Colour in 35 Cheeky. Saffy would need to wear warm metals, neutrals and accents in order to maintain balance here. It would be ideal as an everyday product as it is more natural. However, a warmer variation would always be a better option for her unique colouring. 

The reds that Warm Autumn individuals need to avoid include the blue red seen in example five. This is a cool colour which would be recommended to Winter individuals. It blanches Saffy’s face and we see the colour before we see her, which indicates an imbalance of colour. Similarly, the coral red in example four clashes with her soft chroma. It is warm enough for her but she needs a rich earthiness rather than vibrancy. This would be better suited to a Spring individual. 

When we look at the burgundy in example six, we can see how draining this colour is on Saffy. It has the required softness but is too dark, cool and overpowering for her. A Dark Winter would wear this colour better. 

Pink Lipstick

Pink lipsticks can be too cool for warm seasons but Warm Autumn individuals can opt for yellow-based, dusty variations in order to maintain balance. 

Example one shows a peach blossom colour similar to BF Beauty Forever Semi Matte Lipstick in 588 Nude Heart. This colour makes Saffy’s eyes sparkle as it has the necessary warmth to balance her appearance. It also visibly lightens her whole face. This would be a good everyday lipstick for her as it looks effortlessly natural. 

Rose pinks are also a good option as they contain a hint of warming yellow. This can be seen in example two where Saffy’s features are more defined. It is deeper than the previous variation but is still suitable for everyday. You could try Elizabeth Arden Beautiful Color Moisturizing Lipstick in Rose Petal.

Typically, purple lipsticks are not recommended to Warm Autumn individuals due to their cooler leanings. However, mauve pink variations such as the one seen in example three work well as they both warm and soften the colour. We see Saffy before we see this colour, which indicates a colour balance. A good option would be Elizabeth Arden Lip Color in Dreamy Mauve.

Warm Autumn individuals need to avoid cool and bright pinks such as those recommended for Winter subtypes. The hot pink in example four is far too bright and overpowering. It is also blue-based so blanches Saffy’s appearance. Similarly, the candy pink in example five and the pastel pink in example six are too cool and light. These look jarring against her rich earthiness. They would be better suited to Light Summer individuals. 

orange Lipstick

Orange lipsticks are recommended to both Autumn and Spring seasons. However, the difference is that Autumn individuals need to opt for muted variations whereas Spring can tolerate more vibrancy. 

In example one, Saffy wears a burnt orange lip product. This is effective due to its warmth and softness. Note how it brings out the golden glow in her cheeks. You could try NYX Professional Makeup Soft Matte Lip Cream in 32 Rome.

The brown orange in example three has a similar effect and can be likened to 3INA The Lipstick in 273 Warm Brown.

Both of these examples work for Saffy because she flows towards Dark Autumn. Those leaning towards Soft Autumn would work better in the muted coral in example two. This colour isn’t terrible on Saffy but she could use more depth to balance her moderate contrast. A product such as Rimmel London Lasting Mega Matte Liquid Lipstick in 600 Coral Sass is a good choice. 

As mentioned before, vibrant oranges don’t work for Autumn individuals. This is shown in the bright orange in example four and the tangerine orange in example six. Both of these colours are too bright for Saffy and drain her appearance as they are overpowering. They would be suitable for a Bright Spring or Warm Spring individual. 

The light peach shown in example five meets Saffy’s warm hue but opposes her dark influence. It looks like she isn’t wearing anything on her lips and she needs some colour to create interest. 

Other Lipsticks

Warm Autumn individuals can wear both purple and brown or nude lipsticks. However, mainstream colours are not advised and it can be difficult to find a product with the correct warmth and softness. 

As briefly discussed in the pink lipstick analysis, mauve colours such as Barry M Cosmetics Matte Lip Paint in Obsessed may be suitable for Warm Autumn individuals leaning towards Soft Autumn. 

However, the electric violet shown in example one and the bright purple in example three are too cool and bright for Saffy. These colours blanch her appearance and make her look pale. The dark plum in example two is far too cool and dark, which overpowers her and strips her of her golden glow. These products would be better suited to Winter individuals. 

Brown, nude and neutral lipsticks are well tolerated by Autumn individuals. Again, it’s a case of finding a product which is not too cool, too dark or both. 

Where the cool brown shown in example four is draining as it is too deep, the caramel colour in example five is underwhelming. Both of these colours drain her image in different ways. 

Finally, the nude pink in example six is lost on Saffy due to its light value. She needs some colour to create contrast.

Lipstick Finishes

Due to Warm Autumn's secondary characteristic being soft chroma, these individuals need soft finishes such as matte, powder and velvet to echo their natural colouring. Anything with a shimmer or shine is unsuitable as it looks jarring and unnatural.

They cannot handle satin or cream products even if balanced with matte eye and complexion products. Care should be taken to nourish the lips prior to makeup application. You could incorporate lip scrubs and masks into your evening skincare routine in order to prep a smooth base.

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Warm Autumn - Lipstick Chart [Digital Download]

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