„Those lips so full of lush and love… and talking of so much life.“- butterflies rising; Fall Lips
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Autumn always brings with it such a special mood: the air becomes clearer, the leaves glow in shades of orange and red, and somehow you immediately feel the urge to update your beauty look to the season. While in summer everything can be light and glossy, in autumn the big question arises: lipstick or gloss? This is where the game of perfect fall lips begins.
And believe me, I know the struggle. Lipstick or lip gloss? Matte or juicy? Long-lasting or shiny? I’ve tried so many new products in the last few weeks—from Charlotte Tilbury to KIKO Milano, Kylie Cosmetics to Dior Beauty—and it almost feels like autumn is the season to reinvent your lips.
The eternal question:
lipstick or lip gloss?
I’ll be honest: I’m Team Lipstick. Why? Because it simply lasts longer. When I know I’m on the go all day—meetings, coffee with friends, maybe dinner in the evening—a good lipstick is my savior. Once applied, it stays (at least for the most part) where it belongs.
But (!) – and here’s the thing: At events, or when I just want to make my lips look extra juicy, I still reach for lip gloss. This glossy finish makes my lips so incredibly vibrant that it’s almost an accessory in itself.
Of course, the whole thing has its pitfalls. I don’t know about you, but in Vienna, it always seems to be windy. And there’s nothing worse than your hair getting stuck in lip gloss. It’s horrible. That’s why my trick is: only wear lip gloss when your hair is tied back. A messy bun, an elegant ponytail, or a tight chignon – and suddenly everything fits together.
Fall Lips with Charlotte Tilbury:
The Queen of Lipsticks
If there’s one brand that saves me every fall, it’s Charlotte Tilbury. Their lipsticks are simply next level. The textures are creamy but not too heavy, and the colors are perfect for the season.
For fall lips, I especially like shades that lean toward brown or berry. A deep burgundy, a warm nude with a hint of cinnamon, or this iconic „Pillow Talk“—it always works. Plus, it stays put: a glass of wine, a dinner, and the lipstick still looks freshly applied.
Charlotte Tilbury manages to make lipsticks not just makeup, but almost a statement. For me, they’re the foundation of every fall beauty routine.
KIKO Milano:
Viral glosses for autumn
And now comes the gloss section. If there’s one brand that’s captivating everyone right now, it’s KIKO Milano. Their lip glosses are everywhere on TikTok, Instagram, and the like—and rightly so.
The glosses are not only super shiny, but also surprisingly comfortable to wear. Many glosses are sticky, and that’s exactly what no one wants. But KIKO manages to strike a balance between a glossy finish and comfort.
When I think of fall lips, I immediately picture those warm, caramel tones that pair perfectly with an oversized sweater and a pumpkin spice latte. A bit of a 2000s vibe, a bit of a clean-girl aesthetic—exactly what you want right now.
Kylie Cosmetics:
Drama, Baby
And then there’s Kylie Cosmetics. The brand that really made the lip cult a thing of the past few years. I still remember how the lip kits sold out within minutes. Today, Kylie has a huge portfolio, but lip products remain her signature.
I especially love her intense colors in autumn. If you want fall lips that instantly turn heads, then Kylie is your brand. A dark plum, a rich red, or an almost black shade—Kylie knows how to add drama to your lips. Add to that the extremely good pigmentation, which really only requires one application for full coverage. Combined with a matching lip liner, the look is super precise and lasts amazingly long—perfect for an evening when you don’t feel like constantly touching up your makeup.
Dior Beauty:
Elegance meets autumn vibes
And when we talk about elegance, Dior Beauty can’t be left out. Dior’s lip products have a timeless quality—a perfect blend of luxury and everyday practicality.
I find the Dior Addict Lip Glow range particularly exciting for fall lips. It strikes a balance between care, color, and a light shine—perfect for days when you don’t want to look too „done,“ but still want that touch of Parisian chic. Dior Rouge lipsticks make a bigger statement: rich colors, an elegant finish, and an unmistakable feeling of „I really dressed up for myself today.“ Complementing these are the Dior Addict Lip Maximizer glosses, which not only provide gloss but also a light plumping effect. This makes lips appear instantly fuller and simultaneously cared for—a dream if you want to combine an elegant look with modern fall lips.
My personal rhythm
Maybe you know this too: In everyday life, things often depend on my mood. Some days I just want to keep things simple – I reach for a nude lipstick that easily goes with everything. Other days I need that extra something. That’s where gloss comes in.
My pattern is actually pretty clear:
• Lipstick for everyday wear and for days when I don’t feel like touching up.
• Gloss for evenings, events, or when my hair is already up.
It sounds simple, but it makes a huge difference. Especially when you consider how much the mood of your lips determines the entire look. With the right fall lips, you simply feel instantly „dressed.“
If you have been following / reading me since early days, you certainly knooww that lips are an important topic for me…
Practical tips for your fall lips
1. Layering is king: You don’t have to choose between lipstick and gloss. Try applying lipstick first and then a touch of gloss to the center of your lips. This way, you’ll get lasting wear while still achieving that juicy effect.
2. Prep your lips: Autumn means dry air, heated air, and often chapped lips. A scrub and balm are a must before you start on your fall lips.
3. Match shades: In summer, we love pink and coral. In autumn, it can be darker, warmer, and earthier. Bordeaux, mauve, brown, and nude with a twist are the ultimate fall lip colors.
4. Don’t forget lip liner: Especially with darker shades, a good lip liner makes all the difference. It prevents feathering and gives the lips shape.
My summary
Whether Charlotte Tilbury, KIKO Milano, Kylie Cosmetics, or Dior Beauty—fall 2025 brings us so many opportunities to redecorate our lips. Deciding between lipstick and lip gloss will probably always be a bit of a struggle, but ultimately, it’s not about choosing sides.
The perfect fall lips emerge precisely when you feel comfortable—whether matte, glossy, nude, or bold. And perhaps that’s precisely the magic of fall: that we can choose anew every day.
So, grab your favorite lipstick or gloss, tie your hair back (or bravely battle the wind in Vienna), and let your fall lips do the talking.
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