What Is the Viral 'Latte Makeup' Trend?—and How to Get the Look

One quick scroll through social media or a look at any Hollywood red carpet and it’s clear to see that there’s a new makeup look reigning supreme. Latte makeup has been everywhere this season—and for good reason. It’s one of those rare, makeup “unicorns”—gorgeous and super impactful, yet incredibly easy to create and versatile enough to work on pretty much anyone and everyone. So we tapped experts to explain exactly what latte makeup is, plus share their best tips, trips, and product picks for scoring this trendy look.

What is Latte Makeup?

“​​Latte makeup is all about giving skin a beautiful, bronzed appearance, similar to the warm, delicious color of a latte,” explains celebrity makeup artist Rebecca Restrepo. Rather than using one singular color, it’s about combining a mix of brown hues, along with tan and golden shades to bring warmth and dimension to the skin, she adds. And while it is a great option year-round, it’s especially suitable now. “Bronzed, beautiful skin is always in style, but especially in the summer when everyone wants to look like they have a gorgeous, post-vacation, summer glow,” Restrepo says. The other benefit? Browns really do work with any kind of outfit or fashion look, making this a great choice for both day-to-day or special occasions, points out celebrity makeup artist Tobi Henney. The look is also universally-flattering; because browns can be cool or warm and come in different depths, there is a brown tone that everyone can use to achieve the latte makeup look, she adds. To that point…

Does Latte Makeup Work for All Skin Tones?

In a word, yes—all you have to do is switch up the exact shades and undertones of the products you’re choosing.  A good rule of thumb when choosing eye and cheek products (more on the specifics in a moment) is to opt for ones that are two to three shades darker than your skin tone, Henney advises. More specifically, lighter skin tones should look for beige, tan, and light caramel shades; medium skin tones can go for darker caramel, medium brown, and olive tones; those with complexions can pick dark brown and rich caramel shades, Restrepo suggests.  

How to Create a Latte Makeup Look

Latte makeup is more about the colors you’re using on your cheeks, lips, and eyes, notes Henney, so don’t get super hung up on foundation; you can easily use whatever your regular go-to is. That being said, if you don’t love the feel of a heavier foundation on your skin (especially during the summer), Restrepo says opting for more lightweight skin tints is a good move. They offer enough coverage to even out your skin tone and blend away imperfections, while still allowing for your natural skin to come through, she explains. Her pick: Hi Beautiful You Be You Skin Perfecting Tint ($48; hibeautifulyou.com). “Next, apply bronzer to all the areas where the sun would naturally hit your face and chest: your cheeks, bridge of the nose, forehead, and decolletage,” she adds. One to try: Benefit Cosmetics Hoola Bronzer ($35; sephora.com), which is a top pick of Henney’s, who lauds it for the matte finish and variety of shades it comes in. Layer blush on top of that, applying it on the apples of your cheeks. Avoid the traditional pink tones you might otherwise gravitate towards, and pick a color that is more nude, with brown, olive, tan, or yellow undertones, Restrepo advises. We like: MAC Powder Blush in Gingerly ($29; ulta.com) and L’Oréal Paris True Match Super Blendable Blush in Subtle Sable ($12; ulta.com).

As far as your eyes go, you have options. If you’re a product minimalist, Henney says you can use that same bronzer all over your lid, focusing on working it in toward the crease to create dimension and define the shape of the eye. For a bit more glam, experiment with a mix of brown and nude hues to create a smokey eye; pick ones with a matte finish, then add a lighter, nude shimmery color in the inner corners and under the brow bone for extra pop, suggests Restrepo. The NYX Cosmetics Ultimate Shadow Palette in Warm Neutrals ($20; nyxcosmetics.com) has plenty of options.

Your lip color should be fairy nude, too. “Latte makeup is all about neutral brown tones so a nude lip will work best with this monochromatic makeup look,” explains Henney. She likes: Chanel Rouge Coco Flash Hydrating Vibrant Shine Lip Colour in Destination ($45; chanel.com). One final step? Swipe a clear gloss, like Wet n Wild MegaSlicks Lip Gloss in Crystal Clear ($2.59; target.com) on top. The glossy finish will make your lips stand out and really helps pull the entire look together, says Restrepo.