Recently I wrote about what you actually need for pre-fall if you want to add something new, and I mentioned that one of the easiest ways to give your look a seasonal update is your lip color. As the mornings become a little cooler over the next two months and we start swapping linen dresses for lightweight knits and denim, our makeup naturally begins to shift too. While bright corals and glossy pinks will always have their place, pre-fall is the perfect time for warm nudes, soft berries, cinnamon browns, brick reds, and muted plums.
This year’s lip trends are also leaning toward comfortable, skincare-infused formulas with blurred satin finishes rather than heavy matte lips, making them perfect for everyday wear. Whether you’re heading back to the office next month, planning weekend brunches, or simply looking for an easy way to transition your beauty routine from summer to fall, these lipsticks are worth adding to your makeup bag.
1. MAC MACximal Silky Matte Lipstick – Velvet Teddy
If there were ever a quintessential pre-fall nude, it’s Velvet Teddy. This shade has long been a cult favorite but the updated MACximal formula is creamier and more comfortable than the original while still delivering the iconic soft matte finish. This warm beige-brown pairs beautifully with camel sweaters, crisp white shirts, and your favorite pair of loafers.
2. Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick – Pillow Talk Medium
The original Pillow Talk remains a bestseller, but Pillow Talk Medium feels especially perfect for pre-fall. It adds a touch more warmth and depth while remaining incredibly wearable. The matte formula never feels dry and gives lips a softly blurred appearance.
3. Clinique Almost Lipstick – Black Honey
No lipstick list would be complete without Black Honey. The iconic sheer berry adapts beautifully to nearly every skin tone, making it one of the easiest transition shades from summer into autumn. Decades after its debut, it continues to be one of the beauty industry’s bestsellers.
4. Dior Rouge Dior – 720 Icone
Muted rose meets soft terracotta in this elegant satin lipstick. It’s sophisticated without feeling too dark, making it ideal for those first weeks of fall when temperatures haven’t quite caught up with your wardrobe.
5. NARS Explicit Lipstick – Liaison
One of NARS’ newer lipstick formulas, Explicit combines rich pigment with a luxurious satin finish. Liaison is a gorgeous cinnamon rose that feels incredibly modern for pre-fall.
6. Chanel Rouge Coco Baume Satin – Natural Charm
If you love effortless French beauty, this is the lipstick for you. Rouge Coco Baume offers the comfort of a balm with the polish of a lipstick, making it perfect for those who prefer subtle color.
7. Gucci Rouge à Lèvres Voile – Mildred Rosewood
I love collecting Gucci’s lipsticks because they are as beautiful to display as they are to wear. Mildred Rosewood is a muted rosy brown that feels timeless, elegant, and perfect for transitional dressing.
8. Westman Atelier Hydrabalm Tinted Lipstick – Bob
Luxury beauty lovers have been gravitating toward skincare-infused lipstick formulas, and Westman Atelier’s Hydrabalm is one of the standouts. Bob gives lips a healthy wash of rosy brown color while keeping them hydrated throughout the day.
9. Merit Signature Lip – Tiger
Merit’s minimalist aesthetic has made the brand a favorite among beauty editors, and it’s one of my favorites as well. Tiger is a warm terracotta brown that instantly makes any outfit feel more expensive. The lightweight satin formula is incredibly comfortable for all-day wear.
10. YSL Loveshine Lipstick – Nude Lavallière
If glossy lips are more your style, YSL’s Loveshine collection offers the perfect balance of shine and color. Nude Lavallière is a warm rosy nude that complements nearly every fall outfit while giving lips a fresh, healthy glow.
One swipe of a rich berry, warm nude, or terracotta shade instantly makes even a simple white tee and jeans feel ready for a new season. What shades are you loving for pre-fall? Let us know in the comments.
Xo, Courtney
The Real Chic Life 
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