SheFinds emphasizes that this review is not monetized, compensated, or sponsored in any way. This evaluation of the product is strictly based on the expertise of a beauty industry expert.
As autumn approaches, a rich, vampy cranberry red is set to dominate our lips, cheeks, eyes, and nails. This striking hue, endorsed by professional makeup artists and beauty experts, is forecasted to be omnipresent in the upcoming season. Social media is already buzzing with the “cranberry girl fall” and “cranberry girl makeup” trends, thanks to viral TikTok videos.
Intrigued by this color (think recent looks from Chappell Roan, Sabrina Carpenter and Anya Taylor-Joy), I decided to experiment with it myself, while also embracing the trend of multipurpose beauty products—a lesson my mom taught me: if it’s safe for your lips, it’s safe for your cheeks and eyes too! Recent months have seen the rise of “latte makeup” and “tomato girl makeup,” setting the stage for “cranberry girl fall,” which promises a cooler, spookier, and more gothic vibe.
For my trial, I opted for Mineral Fusion’s top-selling $18.99 vivid, smudge-free lipstick in “tempting deep red.” I applied it not only as a bold lip product, but also as a matching rosy blush and eyeshadow, nailing two BeautyTok trends in one go.
@keli.holston Cranberry lip for fall/winter #cranberrylip #redholidaylips #cranberryjuice #fallredlip ♬ original sound – <3
First Off, What Is ‘Cranberry Girl Fall Makeup?’
In a conversation with Allure, makeup artist Violette Serrat discussed the anticipated trends for the fall season, exploring the appeal of cranberry, vampy, grungy, and deep red lipsticks. “The moody, transitional energy of fall is perfect for a deep cranberry hue,” she shared.
According to the outlet, these crimson shades, when infused with deep black or brown undertones, can be tailored to suit a myriad of styles. For a coquettish look, as demonstrated by Sabrina Carpenter at Vogue World, you can pair the color with blush and fluttery false lashes. Alternatively, for a more opulent and glamorous appearance, layer on the shine and complement it with smoldering, smoky eyes, akin to the models at Alice and Olivia’s recent fall 2024 show.
Testing Out The Trendy Look—All With The Same Lipstick
I chose to resemble more of the former. First, I started by applying eyeliner, mascara, and a touch of concealer. Next, I used the Mineral Fusion lipstick as blush, blending it with a beauty blender to achieve a rosy, flushed appearance. To complete the look, I applied a bit more of the same lipstick to my eyelids, creating an eyeshadow that perfectly complemented my blush.
After checking in with celebrity makeup artist Margina Dennis, to expertly apply my blush, I employed a clever technique: placing two fingers on my face, starting from my nose and extending outward, to determine the perfect starting point. As she told SheFinds: "Apply on the cheekbone to give the illusion of lifting the face, blending up and back towards the ears."
Next, I used my favorite $4.00 Catrice Cosmetics Plumping Lip Liner in the shade "100 Go All Out" before applying the Mineral Fusion lipstick as it was originally intended. I didn't make my pout look too sharp, however.
As pro makeup artist Siddhartha Simone recently told Allure regarding the trend: “I also think [the shade] is prettiest when the edges are slightly blurred, even over the Cupid's bow and into the corners of your mouth. When you leave the edges soft, the color looks more three-dimensional because it shows a different hue where it's more transparent.”
@stefaniewollek This shade of blush by @makeupbymario has become my entite personality Also no mascara era? #makeup #fallmakeup #basemakeuproutine @elfcosmetics @Rare Beauty @loréal paris usa @NYX Professional Makeup @Maybelline NY ♬ motive x promiscuous girl - :)
The Bottom Line
Should you find yourself endlessly scrolling through BeautyTok, you'll likely encounter a video showcasing autumn's beauty trends. One standout trend for the season is 'cranberry girl makeup.'
The choice of red hues is entirely yours, but to help you select the perfect fall lip color that complements your skin tone, professional makeup artist Mandie Brice shared her expert advice with SheFinds readers.
@keli.holston Cranberry lip for fall/winter #cranberrylip #redholidaylips #cranberryjuice #fallredlip ♬ original sound - <3
"I think the best choice for lip color is sticking with your undertone," she explained. If you're a "warm," she says to choose a warm-toned lip color. If you're "cool" or "neutral," her advice is to pick one of those respectively.
"You can find your undertone easily by looking at the veins on the inside of your forearm," she noted. If they are blueish, Brice notes that you have a cooler undertone, and if they are greenish, you can go for a warmer color.
@claudianeacsumakeup Glazed Cranberry Lips on @Ana Elena #falllooks #fallmakeup #falllipcombo #falllipstick #glazedlips #glossylips #glossyredlips #redlips #winelips ♬ Emotions - Brenda Lee
Additionally, another thing to keep in mind, Brice said, is that "if silver jewelry looks better on you, you’re more suited to cooler tones, but if gold is better, you have a warm undertone." There’s also the possibility that you’re neutral, which is if gold and silver are equally flattering.
"Sometimes, lip colors will have a "W," "C," or "N" in their color name, but usually not," she pointed out, and "identifying undertones is something that gets better with practice."
