Canadian beauty expert dishes on the top fall makeup trends
'As the seasons shift, so does our makeup,' says Montreal-based makeup artist Vanessa Ortiz.
Article content
Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page.
Fall fashion is tapping into classic collegiate prep and a hint of cowgirl chic. But makeup? That’s all about the ’90s.
“The rich, warm allure of soft grunge is stealing the spotlight,” says Vanessa Ortiz, the new national makeup artist for Clarins Canada. “Think: rich brown smudged liners, velvety skin and a warmth that feels equal parts sultry and effortless.”
We caught up with the Montreal-based makeup pro to learn more:
Q: How, if at all, should we be shifting our makeup products or application during the shift fromsummer to fall/winter?
A: As the seasons shift, so does our makeup. Summer’s dewy light textures and sunlit bronzers give way to richer textures and moodier tones. In the summer months, skin prep melts seamlessly into makeup, creating a unified lightweight glow. As the weather cools, layering becomes key: micro-layers over the right base such as our SOS primers. This allows for richer, fuller makeup looks without ever feeling heavy or cakey.
Q: Are there any new makeup looks that are trending for fall?
A: This fall, makeup is all about intentional imperfection. Skin glows with soft satin finishes, blush doubles as contour to sculpt and warm the face, and eyes are defined by smudged liners that feel lived-in yet elevated. Lips take on vampy shades — deep wines, espresso and black cherry — applied with blurred edges for a modern, undone polish.
Q: We’ve seen groomed brows and glossy lips trending in recent seasons, what’s the MVP feature to lean into this fall?
A: Brows are all about effortless texture and natural fullness this season, with feathery shapes that frame the face without looking overdone. For lips, the effect is romantic yet modern, like a natural flush of colour that lingers after a glass of red wine. Lip stains are the hero product, layered and tapped on with the fingertips to create a diffused finish. Clarins Water Lip Stains in shades 09 Deep Red Water or 04 Violet will help you achieve this look.
Q: What’s the one product you think we should all be adding to our makeup bags this season?
A: I tried to narrow it down to just one must-have, but it’s impossible. For the ultimate 2025 fall look, you absolutely need a rich brown pencil that smudges effortlessly yet stays put all day, like Clarins Waterproof Pencil in 02 Chestnut.
To complete the vibe, pair it with one of our Water Lip Stains. I’m currently obsessed with No. 13 Nude Water. And for a glossy finishing touch, the Lip Comfort Oil is a timeless classic to keep in your bag for everyday touch-ups.
Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion. Please keep comments relevant and respectful. Comments may take up to an hour to appear on the site. You will receive an email if there is a reply to your comment, an update to a thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information.