Soft Autumn: Lipstick

Soft Autumn lipsticks are dusty and warm with a moderate depth to balance their natural 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 Soft 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 Soft 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.

Soft 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 deeper than those we see in Soft Summer.

Those who lean closer to Warm Autumn will have a slightly higher contrast level and will need deeper colours to maintain balance. However, those flowing towards Soft Summer will need the neutral coloured products rather than those which are yellow-based.

Red Lipstick

Soft Autumn individuals look best in dusty, warm reds that harmonise with their muted and delicate colouring.

The orange red in the first example is a warm variation that visibly lightens Amber’s appearance without reflecting any colour onto her face. A good option would be L’Oreal Paris Color Rich Magnetic Stones Lipstick in 358 Lava. 

This is not dissimilar to the pinky red in example three. However, this variation in lighter and more neutral making it better suited to a Soft Autumn individual who leans towards Summer. Amber’s eyes are brightened by this colour as it neutralises their grey colouring. You could try L’Oreal Paris Color Riche Matte Addiction Lipstick in in 241 Pink-A-Porter to achieve this look. 

Example two shows a much deeper and muted variation, similar to Summit.G Intense Matte Lipstick in Clandestine. This colour would work well for a Soft Autumn flowing further into the season. It is a little rich for Amber’s neutral colouring but still balances her soft chroma. 

Certain reds should be avoided by Soft Autumns, such as the blue red in example four. We see the colour before we see her, which suggests a colour imbalance. It is too bright and cool for her. 

The classic red in example five has a similar effect. It has the depth required for Autumn but is still too intense for her muted chroma.  

We see a coral red in example six, which works with her warmth but is quite vibrant. She needs dustier colours for balance and this variation would work better for a Spring individual. 

Pink Lipstick

Pink lipsticks are often too cool for warm seasons. Soft Autumn individuals must be careful to select yellow-based products in order to maintain balance. 

Example one shows a pale rose colour, which has a hint of softening grey giving it a dusty effect. This looks natural on Amber as it also has some yellow to warm it. You could try Max Factor Velvet Mattes Lipstick in 5 Nude.

The second example shows a warmer, less dusty rose. Note the visible difference between the two variations. Here, her eyes sparkle more than the previous example. This is due to the absence of softening grey. However, it still works well for Amber as it matches her warmth. A good option would be Laura Geller New York Modern Classic Matte Lipstick in Pink Passion.

Now, if you look to example three, you can see a yellow pink, which is leans closer to orange. This would be suitable for a Warm Autumn if it was slightly deeper. This colour lights up Amber’s appearance due to its warmth. Barry M Colour Changing Lip Paint in shade Angelic Pink has a similar colour.

Soft Summer individuals need to avoid bright, cool and light lipsticks such as those recommended to Bright Winter as well as Light Summer. 

The hot pink in example four is too bright and cool for Amber. We see the colour before we see her, indicating an imbalance of colour. It also blanches her as it is too intense. The candy pink in example five has a similar impact as it is too light and cool. This would be better suited to a Light Summer individual. 

Example six shows a flesh pink, which is completely lost on Amber. This isn’t a case of “my lips but better” - it just blends into her appearance and looks drab. She needs some depth to balance her contrast. 

orange Lipstick

As a warm season, orange lipsticks are a good choice for all Autumn subtypes. However, this subtype needs to be cautious of depth, which Warm Autumn and Dark Autumn can handle better due to higher levels of contrast. 

In example one, we see a burnt orange. This variation is quite rich but also muted so works well for Amber. Note how this colour lightens her image. A good option would be Maybelline Superstay Matte Ink Longlasting Liquid in Orange Nude.

The muted coral colour in example two really makes Amber’s eyes pop. It is slightly lighter than the previous variation so balances her contrast. You could try L'Oréal Paris Rouge Signature Matte Liquid Lipstick in 112 I Achieve.

You could also try a dirty peach like Oulac Soft Matte Lipstick for Women in Nude Peach, as shown in example three. This is borderline pink but is ultimately Amber’s “my lips but better!” colour. It looks incredibly natural on her as we see her before we see the lipstick. 

Oranges that Soft Autumn needs to avoid are those seen further into the season. The orange brown in example six would be better suited to Dark Autumn as it is too dark for her - it blanches her image and makes her look pale. 

Similarly, the hot coral in example four and bright orange in example five are too bright for her delicate image. These colours also make her look pale as they are too intense. They would work better for a Spring subtype.

Other Lipsticks

If these individuals lean towards Soft Summer, they may be able to handle a dusty mauve. 

However, brighter variations such as that seen in examples one and three are not suitable. These colours look unnatural on Amber as they too intense. Similarly, the dark plum in example two is too deep for her contrast level. This colour is also quite cool and would work better for a Dark Winter. 

Dusty pink nudes may also work for those leaning towards Soft Summer. We would advise against brown colours though. 

The dark brown in example four is better suited to a Dark Autumn as its depth is jarring on Amber’s delicate appearance. Likewise, the warm brown in example six would work better on a Warm Autumn as it doesn’t match Amber’s neutral hue. It casts orange on her face. She could balance this with cooler eye makeup and jewellery but, on its own, it won’t work. 

In example five, we see a greyish nude. We would expect this to work given its soft chroma. However, it leans cool and blanches Amber. It just does not look natural. 

Lipstick Finishes

Due to Soft Autumn's muted chroma, they 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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Soft Autumn - Lipstick Chart [Digital Download]

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