How To Refresh Your Makeup Look For Fall, According To Margot Robbie’s Makeup Artist

“I love using tools like cryo sticks or gua sha to wake up the skin and get the blood flowing,” says Dubroff. “Ice is the one thing that almost everyone has access to, so it’s easy. If I’m doing work in hotels, I ask for an ice bucket to be sent to the room where we’re doing makeup and hair. And, personally, if I need my face to look ‘snatched’ right away, I have metal-based facial tools that go in a cup of ice – or that live in the freezer at home – that are ready to go.” Even simpler, Dubroff advocates using two metal spoons after leaving them on ice for a few minutes. Simply smooth the backs of the spoons over skin in an upwards and outwards motion. “It’s amazing what metal and ice can do to instantly make skin look firmer, brighter and more alive.”

“For the red carpet, I really take time with hydration too, layering light serums and a rich balm to create that cushiony base. At home, taking a few extra minutes to massage your skincare in with your hands can make a big difference, too. It’s not just about product; it’s how you apply it.”

…but, for fall, I like to take that glow and give it a little more structure,” says Dubroff. “Think less summer dew, more polished radiance.” To get the look, you can carry on using summer’s go-to skin tints. The key, according to Dubroff, is in combining them with a mix of textures. “I still love lightweight formulas, but I might layer in a bit more cream contour or softly set areas with a velvety powder just to anchor the look for cooler weather. It’s about balance; skin that looks alive, but with a bit more refinement.” How you apply your tint or foundation also makes a difference to the finish: “Use a brush to get a more velvety effect, being sure to thoroughly blend the color,” says Dubroff. “Sponges are equally great for taking away shine in areas where you don’t want it, such as on your T-zone. Simply press away the shine with a sponge, instead of packing on the powder, to keep skin looking fresh and natural.”

“I love that eyeshadow is having a moment again,” says Dubroff. “My tip is to pick only one feature to play with: if you’re going bold on the lid, keep the rest soft and clean. For brighter colors, I love using them as a sheer wash, like watercolors, so they feel light and wearable. And if you’re new to eyeshadow, creamy textures are your friend. They’re easier to blend and less intimidating.”

While anything-goes eyeliner is the new season’s edict – from a tightly lined waterline to simple inner and outer corner details and the classic lived-in glam-grunge smokey eye – Dubroff suggests taking your eyeliner application back to basics for ease. “I tell my clients to focus on the type of liner they’re comfortable with, and to get really good at it so they can just whip it out when needed. Why not bump up the thing that works for you and that you’re good at already?” If you do want to lean into the season’s liner trends, consider the more nuanced iterations. “A soft, smudged waterline feels cooler than a heavy, graphic line,” says Dubroff. “A wing that just lifts the outer corner adds shape without being too retro. It’s all in the subtleties of application.”

“Spend less time on brows next season,” says Dubroff. “We’ve all gotten tired of spending so much time on making our brows look perfect. I don’t want my brows or my client’s brows to look sparse, but I don’t want to spend all the time in the world on them either.” The solution? “Work with what you’ve got,” stresses Dubroff. “For fall, I’m keeping brows natural but groomed, brushing them up, filling in only where needed, and using a clear or tinted gel to hold them in place. It’s more about texture and flow than sharp lines or over-sculpting.”

Blush is an easy way to build natural-looking warmth on the skin, whatever the season. “Skin tone and mood both play a role when it comes to choosing the right color,” says Dubroff. “Brighter shades like coral or poppy-pink can be amazing for waking up tired skin; but deeper, rosier tones can feel cozy and right for fall. Play around and trust your eye.” When it comes to placement, a center-of-the-cheek application feels fresh again for fall and emulates the afterglow of a brisk autumnal walk. “I love a flush on the apples of the cheeks,” says Dubroff. “I’ll often extend the blush slightly upward toward the temples to lift the face.”

Rich, moody pouts in deep cherry, berry and chocolate-brown shades – as seen on the fall 2025 runways – were a welcome return to glamour. But, without a makeup pro to paint color on with precision, a perfectly lined lip can be tricky to master – so lean into a more ‘kissable’ finish. “With bold lips, I always start by making sure the lips are really hydrated and smooth – that is key,” says Dubroff. “I also like to soften the edges just a little so that the color feels less stiff and more modern. Especially when it comes to red lips; I love skipping lip liner and patting the color in with fingers for even more of a lived-in look. This is not about perfection.” For nudes, Dubroff suggests focusing on texture. “Maybe a satin finish or a glossy balm in a taupe or rosy shade. It’s less about finding the perfect nude and more about what makes your whole face feel pulled-together.”