As the climate cools and the October chill settles in, we tend to turn to the films that bring us comfort. Whether that looks like an atmospheric period drama or vampire chick flick, there are plenty of options to sink your teeth into this autumn.
Around this time of year, our social media feeds are saturated with covetable ‘fall’ outfits inspired by the silver screen: The chunky knits in When Harry Met Sally; Cher’s plaid ensembles in Clueless; the buttoned-up uniforms of the Dead Poets Society. Yet, seldom are we offered an insight into the most covetable beauty concoctions inspired by the cosy season.
That’s where we step in. Thankfully, directors often enlist the help of stellar hair and makeup teams to enable their visions to come to life. The first that springs to mind is Tim Burton, whose signature aesthetic is defined by whimsical, doll-like characters with porcelain complexions, sharp cheekbones and wide-eyed expressions.
Stars including Helena Bonham Carter and Johnny Depp have long assisted the creative in conjuring his movie magic, with films such as Sleepy Hollow and Beetlejuice becoming steadfast Halloween favourites. Throughout his career, Burton has worked closely with Oscar-winning makeup artist Ve Neill, who provided the iconic makeup looks for films including Edward Scissorhands and Ed Wood starring Jack Nicholson.
Fellow Hollywood heavyweights including David Fincher, David Lynch and Guillermo del Toro also embrace moodier aesthetics and cool beauty palettes; translating a feeling of wintertime eeriness that’s ideal for indulging in when the weather outside is less than appealing.
The turning of the clocks needn’t necessarily be a bad thing. Despite the inevitable British drizzle, autumn is the perfect time to zhuzh our makeup bags, and thankfully, there are several scene-stealing heroines to help us do so.
From Morticia Addam’s distinctive red lip to Alice Cullen’s spiked pixie cut, discover the best autumnal beauty looks from cinema below.
Autumnal films to take beauty inspo from:
Death Becomes Her (1992)
Starring Hollywood icons Meryl Streep and Goldie Hawn, Death Becomes Her is our first port of call for moody after-hours glam. Crafted by late makeup artist Dick Smith, Meryl's palette remains a favourite, marked by a golden complexion, generously blushed cheeks, a glossy candy pink lip and softly glimmering violet eyeshadow finished with blended black eyeliner.
The Addams Family (1991)
One of the most famous beauty look to grace our screens, Morticia Addams' corpse-like pallor and striking red lip is revived every Halloween without fail. To achieve the brilliantly gothic look, crafted by Fern Buchner, we'd suggest an ultra-pale foundation, dramatic smoky grey and black eyeshadow, sharp arched eyebrows, and a crimson lick of matte rouge.
Edward Scissorhands (1990)
Portrayed by the ethereal Winona Ryder, Edward Scissorhands heroine Kim is presented as the angelic anthesis to Johnny Depp's gothic humanoid, Edward. With a natural yet radiantly peachy beauty blend by Ve Neill and vibrant blonde 80s bangs, the character's look is one for the books.
Twilight (2008)
The Twilight series may focus on Bella and Edward's turbulent love story, but our attention has always been held by Alice. The Cullen sister never fails to turn out a notable beauty look (courtesy of Jeanne Van Phue) - her choppy pixie cut, sharply-defined features and ivory complexion reminiscent of a 90s beauty campaign.
The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013)
A stunning example of makeup team Ve Neill, Nikoletta Skarlatos, Bradley Look, and Zoe Hay's mastery, Katniss' look in The Hunger Games: Catching Fire is one to remember. The character's facial features are enhanced by a flawless pale complexion, deep contouring and a heavy, Cleopatra-inspired eyeliner look.
Good Will Hunting (1997)
Seeking a more subtle effect? We love Minnie Driver's uber-natural, full faced look in Good Will Hunting, the 1997 Oscar-winning drama starring Matt Damon and Robin Williams. Perfected by Leslie Ann Sebert and her makeup department, the full faced, barely-there palette is ideal for everyday wear this autumn.
Little Women (2019)
Whether you consider her the misunderstood sibling or the true villain of Louisa May Alcott’s beloved novel, Amy March serves up some of the best beauty inspiration in Greta Gerwig’s Little Women. It certainly helps that the ever-radiant Florence Pugh brings her to life on screen, with a peachy complexion and softly defined brows helping to convey the character’s inner turmoil.
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007)
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street offers up all the aesthetic hallmarks of a Tim Burton production. Gaunt-looking characters bathed in cool, blue light, hauntingly wide-eyed (and often eyebrowless) expressions, and platinum blonde tresses that cascade in a ghostly manner. Demonstrated here by Jayne Wisener's Johanna, the character's innocent, bright beauty look is perfect for ethereal blondes.
The Fearless Vampire Killers (1967)
A beauty muse in her own right, Sharon Tate captivated audiences with her performance in The Fearless Vampire Killers. Directed by her husband-to-be Roman Polanski, the 1967 flick showcased the actress with a Jessica Rabbit-esque makeup look, complete with a thick flutter of mascara, silver-grey eyeshadow and soft, flowing 1960s waves in a dramatic auburn tone.
Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children (2016)
It's simply really - if we see Asa Butterfield, we click. Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, yet another Tim Burton production, offers ample beauty inspo courtesy of the large cast. From Eva Green's inky flapper-girl updo and eyeliner to Ella Purnell's youthful complexion and blonde locks, there are several key points of reference to consider when revamping your makeup bag this autumn.
