Purple Reign

One of the surest, easiest ways to feel fall-ready is to switch up one's beauty routine. But while I'm ready to embrace fall dressing (oxblood! cashmere! ankle boots!), I'm not prepared to wear dark, matte lip colours just yet. That's why I'm turning to purple lip glosses in the interim.

From lavender to lilac, from wine to mauve, purple glosses boast the sheerness and sheen of your favourite summer glosses. They'll look great with a tan while also paying homage to fall's darker, moodier shades. What's more, they're a refreshing change of pace from the oranges, fuchsias, and corals that seem to be so dominant this season.

I used to think that a good purple was hard to find, but now they seem to be popping up at every price point. Here's a round-up of five purple-y glosses that have landed on my desk recently.

AERIN lip gloss in 'Evening Light' ($34) is a deep brown with hints of smoke and wine. Intimidatingly dark in the tube, it goes on semi-sheer and works with your own lips' colour to create an evening-appropriate neutral. Available now at Holt Renfrew counters.

Almay color + care liquid lip balm in 'Lilac Love' ($8.99 at London Drugs) delivers impressive moisture and colour in one swipe, and smells good enough to eat to boot.

Dior Addict gloss in 'Ensorcelante' ($31) is positively bewitching in person: a deep, glossy plum that begs to be worn with flawless skin and groomed brows. This limited edition shade is more pigmented than other Dior Addict glosses I've tried, almost like a liquid lipstick.

And speaking of limited editions, better get your hands on Lise Watier Gloss Bollywood ($22)—a part of the India Gold spring/summer 2013 collection—while supplies last. I like how the gold-embellished packaging complements the gold shimmer-infused lilac perfectly. The texture is thick but not sticky, and the formula is pigmented enough to show up as a true lilac even on naturally rosy lips.

Revlon Super Lustrous Lip Gloss in 'Berry Allure' ($9.99 at London Drugs) delivers semi-sheer colour and the best shine of the bunch. The colour, which is a purple-heavy magenta, looks like the ideal balance of cool and warm to flatter a wide variety of skin tones.