So I already gave you the nail polish trends for this season – now it’s time to show you how to get the makeup looks that are sure to be a hit this fall.We’ll be seeing a lot of spring’s trends linger, like grays and light purples/blues, but we’ll also see some other trends emerging. Some are quite extreme – like cat and raccoon eyes and vampy lips – while others are easy and natural – like the almost-nude look.

The hot colors for the fall? Bronzes and golds, earthy tones and purples will be on eyes, cheeks and lips all season long.

Vamp It Up

I must say, this is my least favorite look this season and something I personally feel should be left to the runways or costumes, but if you really feel you can pull off a black lip, both YSL and Lancóme are coming out with highly anticipated limited edition black glosses. If you’re on a restricted budget and really wanna go for this look, Manic Panic has a black matte lipstick you can wear with a clear gloss over it for just $8.95 or you can go with a more street-friendly version and do a deep purple rather than a black; MAC Mattene Lipstick in Night Violet is $14.50.

Baring It All

The nude look is set to be huge this fall; with barely there blush, eye shadow, and lipstick, you accentuate your natural beauty and are left with a neutral palette that goes well with all the fashion trends of fall. A couple tips: wear a shimmery powder (mineral powder works great for this) to highlight your skin and give it a natural-looking glow, and add some oomph in your lashes by curling them before applying the natural mascara.

Meow

Cat eyes are uber-popular this season and are a fun way to bring out your inner tigress. (Editor’s Note: Rarrrr.) To get the look, use liquid liner and with a very steady hand to draw an almond shape around your whole eye, starting from the inner corners and moving to the outer corners, then build upon that until you reach your desired line thickness. To get the best-looking effect, don’t forget to line your inner rims.

Earth Day

Earthy reds and purples are out and about, tying into the autumn look and also bouncing off of the purple trend we’re seeing run rampant in fashion. Doing a soft look on the eye with these colors will add a subtle, yet dramatic flare.

Mellow Yellow

If you’re still yearning for the warmth and boldness of summer, you can tap into it by using yellow eye shadow. The effect will be eye-popping and make you stand out. You can find several yellow shadow options at M.A.C., or for a more frugal option, Cover Girl’s got a couple of different yellow shades for under $10.

Smokin’ Hot

As is usually the case, the smoky/raccoon eye is back for fall and you have a few options. You can go with the traditional dark colors (grays, charcoals, blacks), or smoke it out with the new purples and bronzes that are sweeping the nation.

Make Me Blush

Women oftentimes overlook blush during this season, but you better not this year. Warm, rosy cheeks are a great way to add a little oomph to the more natural palate of the season. Cream blushes and blush sticks are a great and easy way to achieve a nice rosy glow. Avon’s Be Blushed Cheek Color is only $5.99.

Golden Girl

Not only are we seeing gold on nails this season – gold eyes and cheeks are also extremely popular. Gold eyeshadows can be used as an accent, an overall look or mixed with other looks from this season (purple anyone?) for a more dramatic effect. Gold cheeks look lovely and luminescent and require just a little bit of gold dusted above the cheekbones. Chanel’s fall collection is all about the gold and is stunning, but if you’re low on the cash flow like most students, M.A.C. has a few gold options as well.

Neutral eyeshadow colors and understated mascara have no place in my makeup bag. Bring on the black liner, charcoal shadow, and three different types of mascara—there’s nothing I love more than a smoky eye.

The smoky eye look also happens to be one of the most daunting to pull off. One wrong flick of the wrist and you can look like you gave yourself a black eye.

So, before you wield your mascara brush, read my guide for your sultriest eye makeup look yet.

1. Start by making sure your skin is clean and oil-free. Sop of any extra shine and oil, especially around the eyes, with Sephora’s Matte Blotting Film.

2. Swipe some concealer on your eyelids to start with a smooth base. I’m already obsessed with anti-aging products at the ripe old age of 21, so I’m partial to Revlon’s Age-Defying Concealer with Botafirm.

3. Dot a black or charcoal eye pencil along the lash line of your top eyelid and make a smooth line along just half of your lower eye lid, starting from the middle, dragging it to the outer corner of your eye. Stay away from liquid liner or retractable eye pencil for this; it makes the line too harsh and severe. I’ve been a eyeliner junkie for years and I’ve still yet to find anything that works as well as the ultra-cheap Wet n Wild pencil in charcoal.

4. Time to smudge! Lightly dip an eyeshadow brush or Q-tip in brown, gray or black eyeshadow and smudge along your upper and lower lashlines, blending to create a soft-focus line. Don’t wet the brush or Q-tip or you’ll end up with morning-after makeup streaks that look street-corner, not sexy.

5. Next, dust the same eyeshadow you smudged along your lash lines on your eyelids. Easy does it—it’s a lot easier to add more shadow than it is to wash it all off and start over! Top it off with a neutral, light shadow along your browbone.

6. Finally grab your favorite mascara, and don’t hold back. Hold the mascara brush at the very base of your upper lashes and wiggle it for a few seconds before sweeping up. Just one or two coats will do for your bottom lashes but go ahead and go crazy with your top lashes. I usually mix and match two different mascaras, like Lancome High Definition in black and Blinc’s Kiss Me in dark blue.

You’re all set. With a bold look like this, don’t be shy—bat your eyes at that hottie you keep seeing on the subway.