Best Fall Lipstick Colors 2025: Complete Guide for Every Skin Tone
Fall isn't just for oversized sweaters and pumpkin patches, it is also LIPSTICK SEASON! The second the temperature drops, I'm retiring my summer gloss-only era and pulling out all the cozy, moody, "main character in a coffee shop" shades.
Now, I'll keep it 100: I don't have the biggest lips in the world, so for me, I like my lip looks to stand out. The right liner + lipstick + gloss combo can transform your whole vibe and honestly? The perfect fall shade makes you look like you have figured out your entire life figured out, even if your inbox notifications say otherwise. I have a ton of lipsticks (yes, my credit card is tired), so I'm breaking down the *must-have fall lipstick colors for 2025 in my own personal opinion.
The Science Behind Fall Lip Colors (And Why They Hit Different)
Fall shades work because they mirror the season's natural palette, so think burnt leaves, cozy sweaters, and that perfect golden hour lighting. Warmer undertones complement everyone, while deeper pigments photograph beautifully (hello, Instagram-worthy looks for any occasion!)
Natural Nudes & Browns
Fall nudes aren't your basic summer pinks. We're talking creamy nudes, rich caramels, honey browns, and latte vibes that make everyone look expensive. These are basically fall in a lip combo; warm, cozy, and universal!
The Must-Have Lipsticks:
-Fenty Beauty- Unveil: Perfect for that "your lips but better" moment. This nude brown hits different on melanin-rich skin.
-Maybelline Super Stay Vinyl – Punchy: The staying power is unmatched, and this peachy-brown makes your teeth look whiter. Plus it's under $15.
-Juvia's Place Nile: This warm caramel shade literally looks good on everyone. The formula is buttery smooth and doesn't dry your lips.
-MAC Velvet Teddy: The OG nude brown that started it all. Matte finish that's not drying, and the color payoff is chef's kiss.
-MAC Iconic Photo: Perfect for that Instagram-ready pout. This brown-nude photographs beautifully in any lighting.
Level Up Your Liner Game:
-MAC Chestnut - The perfect warm brown that pairs with literally everything
- MAC Soar - Slightly pinker brown that's foolproof for beginners
- Fenty Satin Panty - Rihanna knows what she's doing with this rich brown
- Juvia's Place Long Wear Liner- Signature - Affordable liner that doesn't budge
-NYX Espresso - Deep brown that creates the perfect ombre effect
- Huda Beauty Lip Stain Warm Brown - Double duty as stain and liner that will not move.
Gloss That Gives Life:
- Juvia's Place Butterscotch- Golden brown gloss that makes your lips look fuller
-Juvia's Place Sis!- The perfect nude gloss for everyday wear
- Fenty Gloss Bomb Stix Hot Chocolate - Portable perfection with the perfect brown tint
-MAC Oh Baby- The classic shimmer gloss with subtle shine that works over any nude lip
- Lancôme Almond Drip - Luxe formula that feels like silk
- Fenty Cookie Jar - Sweet brown gloss that smells as good as it looks
Berry & Plum Power
Nothing screams fall sophistication like a perfect berry. Deep raspberry, juicy plum, or moody purples, these make you look like you definitely have your life together and probably own high end jewelry. Wear these with a slicked bun and gold hoops, and you're automatically the main character.
The Berry Best Lipsticks:
NYX Shine Loud Liquid Lip - In Charge: This liquid lipstick doesn't play around. The color is rich, the staying power is real, and it's drugstore friendly.
MAC- Dance With Me: A berry red that transitions perfectly from day meetings to dinner dates. The Amplified formula gives you full coverage without the dryness.
Sephora Collection- Watch Me:This plum shade is underrated but overdelivers. Perfect for when you want to make a statement without saying a word.
Berry Good Liners:
- Saie Twist: Clean beauty that actually works, with the perfect berry tone
- MAC Nightmoth: The iconic liner that every makeup artist swears by
- Fenty Bored Heaux: This name alone makes it worth buying (and the color is perfection)
- NYX Bloom: Budget-friendly liner that rivals high-end formulas
Gloss Goals:
- Fenty Fuchsia Flex - Bold berry gloss that makes a statement
- Juvia's Place She's Royal - Regal purple gloss that lives up to its name
- MAC Love Child- The perfect berry gloss for a subtle pop of color
- Fenty Fruit Snackz - Fun berry gloss that tastes as good as it looks
Rusty Reds & Terracotta Dreams
From cinnamon to brick red and back to burnt orange, these scream “fall, but make it spicy!" Perfect for those who want to look effortlessly cool without trying too hard. These shades makes you look like you own a leather jacket collection and definitely know good wine.
MAC-Chili:The cult classic for a reason. This red-orange has been making people look amazing for decades.
Merit- Vermilion: Clean beauty meets high performance. This terracotta red is perfect for the "no-makeup makeup" girl who still wants impact.
Ilia- Earthen: sustainable beauty that doesn't compromise on color. This earthy red-brown is fall in a tube.
Makeup Forever Burning Love: professional-grade formula with intense pigmentation. This burnt red photographs beautifully.
Liners That Won't Quit:
- Makeup by Mario Burnt Sienna: Mario knows color, and this rusty brown liner is proof
- NARS Morocco - Deep terracotta liner that adds instant warmth
Gloss Game Strong:
-Morphe Unbreakable Brick:This brick red gloss gives major editorial vibes
-Haus Labs- Persimmon: Lady Gaga's brand knows drama, and this orange-red delivers
- NYX Big Spender: Budget-friendly gloss with luxury vibes and amazing shimmer
-Juvia's Place Oasis: Warm terracotta gloss that makes you look sun-kissed
The Application Masterclass (Because Technique Is Everything)
Step 1: Prep Like a Pro
- Exfoliate: Lush has amazing lip scrubs
- Hydrate: Let lip balm absorb for 5-10 minutes
- Prime: Blot excess, apply concealer around lip line for crisp edges
Step 2: Line and Define
-Start from the center: Work outward for symmetry
-Blend inward: Avoid harsh lines by softly blending liner toward center
- Overdraw strategically: Focus on cupid's bow and corners (not the entire lip)
Step 3: Perfect Your Base
-Apply lipstick with a brush: More precision, better coverage
-Blot and layer: First layer + tissue + second layer = longevity
Step 4: Finish Strong
-Gloss placement matters: Center of lips only for dimension
-Clean up: Concealer brush around edges for that editorial finish
Budget Breakdown: Drugstore vs. High-End
Total Look for $25:
- Liner: NYX Professional Lip Liner ($6)
- Lipstick: Maybelline SuperStay ($13)
-Gloss: NYX Butter Loss ($6)
Splurge-Worthy Investment:
- Liner: Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat ($26)
- Lipstick: Pat McGrath MatteTrance ($39)
- Gloss: Glossier Lip Glaze ($22)
Real talk: Some drugstore formulas perform just as well as luxury. It's all about finding what works for YOUR lips.
Fall-to-Winter Transition Tips
October-November:
Focus on warmer berries and rusty reds since they complement fall fashion and cozy lighting.
December-January:
Transition to deeper berries and classic reds for holiday parties, then back to nudes for fresh-start January vibes.
Pro Tip:
These shades work year-round, just adjust your application. Lighter hand in spring/summer, full coverage in fall/winter.
The Real Tea: What Actually Matters
After years of testing formulas, here's what I've learned:
-Prep is non-negotiable: Skip it and even $50 lipstick looks patchy
- Liner extends wear time: Not just for Instagram, it actually works
- Less is more with gloss: A tiny dab goes further than you think
Whether you're team nude, berry obsessed, or red lipstick for life, these fall shades are your cheat code to looking effortlessly put-together. Master one combo, then experiment from there.
Bottom line: The right lip color makes everything else optional. Master these formulas, own your look, and watch how differently people respond to your main character energy. Now go forth and paint those lips… your fall glow-up starts here!
*All products mentioned can be found on my ShopMy and are available at Sephora, Ulta or brand websites.
Disclaimer: I’m not a licensed professional, just your beauty bestie sharing what I genuinely love and use. This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you make a purchase. These links help keep the blog going and support future content. Please consult a licensed expert for any skincare or health concerns