The New Autumn Lipstick Trends Bringing Us Serious Joy

While the weather we've been enjoying lately may fool you into thinking otherwise, autumn is well and truly on its way, and it's only a matter of time before the inevitable cold snap creeps upon us. But while you might not be ready to part with your chunky-strap sandals and lightweight shackets just yet, there is one way you can begin to start ushering your look into the new season, without having to embark on a wardrobe overhaul—and that's with a new lip look.

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(Image credit: @lenafari)

While masks are very much a part of our daily routines right now, nothing feels more autumnal (at least, as far as beauty is concerned) as a statement lip. After months of wearing little more than SPF-enriched balms, embracing rich, standout lipstick trends is one of the joys of the darker months, and we've found the perfect catwalk-inspired looks to start you off with.

From deep berry tones to the new way to apply your lip tints, keep scrolling to discover the top autumn lipstick trends 2020 has to offer and then shop the products you re-create the gorgeous runway looks.

1. BITTEN

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(Image credit: Ports 1961)

Style Notes: "Bitten lips" is a beauty look that’s been steadily gaining momentum over the last couple of seasons, with Victoria Beckham even going as far as to create a Bitten Lip Tint as part of her makeup collection. The idea behind the trend is to make your lips look bitten or freshly kissed by blotting a sheer stain in the middle of your lips and fading it out towards the edges. Designed to look effortless and subtly sexy, it was spotted on the autumn/winter 2020 runways at 16Arlington, Fendi and Ports 1961. 

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2. FIERY

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(Image credit: Brock Collection)

Style Notes: Undeniably classic, red lipstick is another timeless trend that's made a comeback this year, and it's timing couldn't be more perfect. While we still find ourselves jumping onto last-minute Zoom calls and making fleeting appearances in public places, nothing can make you feel as put-together and fanciful as a red lip. Both moisturised and matte formulas were spotted at the likes of Marc Jacobs, Jil Sander and Brock Collection, to name but a few. 

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3. VINYL

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(Image credit: DROMe)

Style Notes: While gloss has been part of the beauty agenda for years by way of eyes and cheeks, it's been a long time since it glazed our lips. That's set to change, however, for autumn/winter 2020. High-shine formulas were applied to lips at Lanvin, Chanel, and DROMe, either on bare skin or atop of lipstick for added dimension. 

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4. VAMPY

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(Image credit: Anna Sui)

Style Notes: What pink blush is to spring is what dark, berry-toned lips are to autumn—essential. Dark lipstick was evident on countless autumn/winter 2020 runways, with the likes of Rodarte, Chocheng and Anna Sui using it to finish off their brooding, smoked-out makeup looks. We, however, think dark lips always look particularly striking (and a smudge more "wearable") set against dewy skin and flushed cheeks, finished with a feather-light coating of mascara. 

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Up next, the autumn/winter 2020 trends you absolutely need to know about

Maxine Eggenberger
Deputy Editor

Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over twelve years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories, and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, works closely with influencer talent on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media. Previously, Maxine appeared on TV in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o. 


Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship, she was offered a position on the Look magazine fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. She went on to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others. Maxine works remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh.