Fall is just around the corner, and if summer was about color, fall is all about TEXTURE. And I’m not just talking about those lovely pieces of cloth hanging in your wardrobe closet. Mixing textures can bring out the beauty and personality of an outfit, a living space, and yes, even that mean mug of yours.

Matte, metallic, frost, satin, gloss…the list goes on and on! There are endless ways to combine colors, textures, and finishes together, which is what makes beauty so fun and artistic. But at the same time, it’s easy to go overboard, so striking a balance is so key. If you’re like me and tend to keep it pretty natural when it comes to color, texture is a great tool to play with.

These are just a few of the multi-textured looks I’m loving for the cooler season ahead…

LUMINOUS SKIN + MATTE BROWN SMOKY EYE + SHEER SHIMMERY PINK LIP: This is a gorgeous look for everyday. The skin and lips impart a subtle shimmer while the eyes hold down the look with a strong but natural smoky eye. Try MAC Mineralize Foundation, NARS Eyeshadow in Bengali, and Bobbi Brown Creamy Lip Color in Washed Seashell.

DEWY SKIN + CLEAR GLOSSY LID + REDDISH BROWN MATTE LIP: The glowy skin and transparent lid balances out the deep lip in an unexpectedly fresh way. Try Hourglass Illusion Hyaluronic Skin Tint, MAC Mixing Medium Shine or your everyday Vaseline on your lids for that mirror-like sheen, and Kat Von D Studded Kiss Lipstick in Cathedral with Make Up For Ever Aqua Lip Waterproof Lipliner in Chocolate Brown.

MATTE SKIN + CREAMY BLACK EYE + NUDE SATIN LIP: The eyes are definitely the main focus here! The translucent, light-reflecting finish keeps the dramatic black just subtle enough on the eye. But it’s important to keep the rest of your canvas simple and subdued or you’ll look more streetwalker than sexy siren. Try Kat Von D Tattoo Matte Foundation with Make Up For Ever HD Microfinish Powder, Dior Fusion Mono LongWear Mirror Shine Eyeshadow in Nocturne, and Smashbox Be Legendary Cream Lipstick in Honey.

BRONZED MATTE SKIN + NATURAL EYE + METALLIC PLUM BEIGE LIP: I think a metallic lip is super playful and spunky when it’s done right. MAC Fluid is infused with violet shimmer that is a little ‘90s glam in the best way. Apply a matte bronzer like Too Faced Matte Bronzer to keep it looking fresh and young. Finish off your look with a few good coats of mascara for a look that’s both nostalgic and new.

SATIN SKIN + MATTE VIOLET EYE / BLACK LIQUID LINER + NATURAL SHEENY LIP: When I do experiment with an intense pop of color, I like how a matte finish keeps it looking modern and elegant. I love gem tones for fall, and deep violet has a great romantic feel to it. A little goes a long way, so I just make sure to keep it clean and simple on all other fronts. The key here is to go with a natural makeup finish. Try Clinique Even Better Makeup Foundation, NARS Eyeshadow in Daphne with NARS Eyeliner Stylo in Carpates, and La Mer’s uber luxurious colorless lip balm.

The possibilities are truly endless! I encourage you all to try some new textures and see for yourself how it adds a whole new level of depth and dimension to your face.

Story by Marisa Kronenberg.