Rich Flavors.

Byline: Victoria Kirby PHOTOGRAPHED BY MICHAEL THOMPSON

The newest makeup shades are bold (red blush), luscious (caramel gloss)--and, at times, even bizarre (mauve everywhere).

Vanilla and cranberry, caramel mixed with greens--no, these aren't the ingredients for a Top Chef "quick fire" challenge. They're just a few of the colors born of this fall's delicious makeup palette, which is as rich and unexpected as the Chef winner's lamb with pistachios. While some of the shades are familiar autumn favorites--smoky eye shadow, crimson lipstick--all are worn with a new approach. Shadows are packed with shimmer; bold lipsticks are paired with potent shadow and blush. Even mauve--a shade once mocked by makeup artists--suddenly looks stylish. "There's a wide range of options this fall, because you don't have to follow the usual rules," says makeup artist Stephane Marais. "These colors are all so alive."

Fresh Picks

Each of these shades looks striking alone, or they can be worn together. While freestyle mixing and matching may sound like a potential mess, Marais says the colors are pretty goofproof. "You can play around and try unusual combinations, because none of these colors have a hard finish."

Carnation Lips

Caramel Gloss