Classics are classic for a reason, and the ‘latte makeup’ trend is a renaissance of a timeless beauty look that looks incredible on just about anyone, at any time of the year. Though the trend rose to popularity on TikTok this past summer, its key components have long been embraced by professional makeup artists — and the proof is in the pudding. Tanielle Jai, the Australian makeup artist responsible for creating the look that kicked off the latte makeup craze, actually did so in 2018.
And we’re convinced that fall is the absolute perfect time to build some of the trend’s techniques and styles into your daily repertoire. “We already tend to wear browns and other warmer colors in the fall, which pair beautifully with latte makeup,” shares celebrity makeup artist Emily Gray. “I start wearing darker lip colors in the fall — like reds, purples, browns — which go along great with the trend’s soft brown colors,” she explains.
So as you swap out your iced coffee for a warm, creamy latte, dive into what professional makeup artists and beauty influencers think about the trend and the tools and techniques they turn to when working on their celebrity clients.
What is latte makeup?
“Think about that perfectly brewed, hot latte with a mosaic of brown and nude tones,” shares Tisha Thompson, makeup artist & founder of LYS Beauty. “Latte makeup is that for your complexion,” she explains. “Using a mixture of glowy, nude-to-you tones, this trend focuses on creating depth and dimension on the face with shades of browns and nudes for a wearable, everyday look.”
Pat McGrath Labs makeup artist Kisha Augustine describes ‘latte makeup’? as an “exploration of redefining the application of neutral shades.” You can experiment with a variety of monochromatic browns and beiges without the fear of using colors that may not complement each other. “ Its simplicity and versatility of subtle, diffused colors makes it perfect for every skin tone,” she explains.
The trend’s universality is a big component to its staying power. “It’s popular because it’s inclusive,” shares celebrity makeup artist Kasha Lassien, who loves the trend’s ease and minimalist leaning. “Everyone can wear it, anyone can achieve it,” she explains, and the cute, recognizable name “draws people in.”
How to achieve the latte makeup look
“When you hear the phrase ‘less is more’ it really encapsulates the vibe of latte makeup,” shares Thompson. “Pull out your favorite neutral eyeshadow palettes, skin-tone concealers and bronzers to keep dimension on the face without overwhelming with color,” she shares. As for tips for achieving the trend no matter your skin tone or shade? It’s all about selecting products that work with your individual undertone.
“Even though we’re used to seeing more warm colors on the eyes, cheeks, and lips for latte makeup, you can adapt the trend for cooler skin tones by choosing cooler shades of brown,” explains Gray. Lassien agrees, sharing that “finding the right tones and depths of browns is key.” For Jamie Greenberg, celebrity makeup artist and founder of Jamie Makeup, the versatility of latte makeup is one of the best parts of the trend. “With a few tweaks, it can work for anyone,” she explains. “It’s all about finding those products that complement you the best.”
Latte makeup base products
When it comes to the base of any latte makeup look, the level of coverage is really up to you. Some of our experts opt for a skin tint to achieve a dewy, your-skin-but-better look, while others prefer something more medium to full-coverage — perfect for creating that flawless canvas. Whichever route you take, make sure you’re working with products that are hydrating and easy to blend.
Concealer
This product “ has my heart,” shares influencer Evelyn Gonzalez. “It flawlessly conceals imperfections while maintaining a natural look.”
“A buildable, full-coverage concealer is great for concealing blemishes or redness in the skin to create a clean canvas,” shares Thompson, who recommends this option from LYS Beauty.
Thompson loves this full-coverage concealer, which she uses “to spot conceal the entire face.”
Tinted moisturizer
“Since latte makeup gives that no-effort yet flawless look, you can also use a lightweight skin tint for all over coverage,” explains Thompson. She describes this as “lightweight and packed with peptides and ceramides for added skincare benefits.”
“This is the perfect base for latte makeup,” shares Gray. “The undertones and coverage are perfect, and it gives the best hydrated glow.”
“I'm currently obsessed with this,” shares Gonzalez. “Not only does it offer SPF 50 protection, but it also provides lightweight coverage, which is perfect for achieving the latte makeup vibe,” she explains, “though you can build it up for those moments when you crave a bit more coverage.”
Foundation
This is “the perfect creamy foundation” if you’re in search of a base product that will give you “gorgeous, flawless skin,” shares professional makeup artist and Armani Beauty Collective member Melanie Inglessis.
This serum-packed foundation is like the Goldilocks of coverage — enough to cover up imperfections while still lightweight enough for that barely-there makeup look. “Apply using a flat, synthetic brush or clean fingers,” shares Lassien. “Use two pea size amounts, applying from the center out in an even layer across the face.”
Greenberg calls this foundation her must-have for latte makeup. “It gives the skin a smooth finish and is perfect for so many skin types.”
Latte makeup face products
“Bronzer is a must for the latte makeup look,” shares Gray. “Even if you’re extremely fair, there’s a perfect shade for you,” she explains, adding that you’ll want to “Place the bronzer anywhere the sun would naturally hit you.” This includes your nose, top of your forehead, cheekbones, a little on the chin and even in the crease of your eye to bring the monochromatic look together. And don’t forget about a complementary blush and some highlighter, which will bring dimension back into your face. Something that “can be a challenge when going tonal,” explains Augustine.
Contour
“A good cream bronzer is a no-brainer for achieving the latte makeup look,” shares Thompson. “This buildable bronzer can bring depth and dimension to the face without harsh lines or accentuating texture.” Greenberg agrees, adding that it warms the complexion perfectly to “create the best latte look.”
This makeup bag staple is available in a full collection of bronze shades for every skin tone, and perfect for adding “warmth and depth to the skin while building a gorgeous monochromatic look,” shares Augustine.?
“This cool-toned cream contour stick helps to add in the perfect amount of depth and definition,” explains Lassien. “Apply along the contours of the face and blend it out using a synthetic hair angled brush or a sponge.” Gonzalez agrees, adding that it’s perfect for “sculpting the face and imparting that warm, latte-like glow.”
Blush
A bronzy blush is the perfect way to add some color back into your cheeks without detracting from the monochrome latte look. This option from Milani is a gorgeous and affordable option.
This blush is “buildable, luminous, and I can’t stop using it,” shares Gray. Both she and Inglessis recommend the shade “In Love,” which Gray describes as “the perfect peachy, nude brown shade for latte makeup.”
This multi-use product is lightweight, buildable and most importantly, blendable,” shares Lassien. “Apply directly onto skin depositing a small amount of color and use clean fingertips for blending through the apples of the cheeks into the cheekbone and your bronzer.
Highlighter
"This is the ideal highlighter palette,” shares Inglessis. “It includes four colors that would pair perfectly with a summer or fall Latte look.”
Augustine describes this duo as one of her “go-to products for adding that extra radiance and sheen” back into the skin.?
Lassien reaches for this palette when she wants to add a natural, healthy glow to skin. “Apply using a fan or small fluffy brush to the high points of your face in a sweeping motion,” she explains.
Latte makeup eyes
Latte makeup eye looks are all about embracing shades of brown to achieve a chic, monochromatic effect. “Choose the color palette you want to play in,” explains Lassien — whether that’s a cool taupe or a warm pumpkin-spice inspired orange-brown. “Apply a matte brown from that color family in the crease of the eye or all over the lid using a small, natural hair, fluffy eye brush,” she shares. From there, you can elevate it by adding a shimmer shade to your inner corners or the center of your lid, or even smoke it out with a corresponding liner.
Eyeshadow
“This is a great palette option for all skin tones as it has both warm and cool matte shadows and two cream shadows,” shares Gray. “The shadows blend effortlessly, and the formula is great,” she explains. Since the shadows are on the softer side, you’ll just want to be delicate with the palette and powders themselves to avoid any breaking.
Lassien calls this coffee-inspired eyeshadow palette “the perfect mix of nudes and browns, mattes and shimmers” — and we couldn’t agree more.
A gorgeous option for latte makeup or just building out your makeup arsenal, this comprehensive matte palette is inspired by the range of our skin tones. Inglessis recommends this versatile option particularly if you’re looking for warmer browns and earth-tone colors.
“These can be used on their own, on top or underneath other textures,” explains Inglessis. Simply apply it all over the eyelid, and you’re good to go.
Greenberg describes this product as one of her go-tos. “It is extremely versatile being a dual-ended brush and shadow,” she explains, “and it won't budge throughout the day.”
“This shade is a game-changer for achieving that rich and smokey brown eye characteristic of latte makeup,” shares Gonzalez, who loves the depth and dimension it adds.
Eyeliner
Greenberg recommends this eyeliner in the shade Secret Spot, citing the product’s high pigment and velvet finish as something she “can’t live without” for the latte makeup look.
Augustine shares that these eye pencils are the perfect way to amp up your latte makeup eye look. “Apply by lining the upper lash line or in the waterline for a more precise look,” she explains.
“This versatile matte pencil can be used on eyes and lips,” shares Lassien. “Its rich color payoff, blendability and staying power makes it a kit favorite amongst pros and newcomers alike.”
Latte makeup lips
When it comes to latte makeup lips, it’s all about embracing nude and brown shades for that finishing touch to your tonal look. Gray recommends starting with a lip liner in a color just a bit darker than the lipstick you’re choosing, and slightly over-lining your lips. Then blend out that line with either your finger or a brush, and apply your lipstick to the center of your lips — that’s all! And while totally optional, topping your application off with a gloss or lip oil is the perfect way to add that extra bit of oomph and dimension.
Lip liner
This liner went viral for a reason, shares Lassien, who loves its waterproof formula, color payoff and?smooth texture. “Sharpen the pencil before use and apply directly onto lips,” she explains, “following your lips' natural curves and lines.”
“I always recommend keeping a go-to brown lip liner on hand, especially for those with deeper skin tones, to make any lipstick shade work for you,” explains Thompson. This is one of her staples, which she recommends pairing with a matte lipstick or a clear gloss.
Gray calls these lip liners the “absolute best” on the market when it comes to brown and nude shades. “They glide on, last all day, are easily blended and I cannot say enough about the colors — perfect for latte makeup," she shares.
Lip stick and gloss
Inglessis calls this luxe and silky-smooth lipstick “beautiful and long-lasting.” Plus, the precision applicator makes it easy to apply and reapply on the go.?
If you’re looking for a lipstick that will help your lips appear fuller and more luscious, Greenberg recommends this option in the shade Award Winning Nude. Its “unique stiletto shape” is designed for effortless yet precise application.?
Gray recommends this lipstick, which is available in a range of shades designed to work with different skin tones. Some of her favorites include Nude Kate, Super Fabulous and So 90s, all of which “have a beautiful brown color to them.”
“This innovative lip powder melts into the skin creating long lasting color with a matte finish,” shares Lassien. “And more importantly, it’s super comfortable.” Simply swipe on using the product’s built-in wand, and let the formula do its job.
“This gloss is the ultimate finishing touch to your latte makeup look without being too sticky,” shares Lassien. “It glides on and hugs the lip, adding the perfect glow to your pout.”
“When you're in the mood for some glossy elegance, this is an excellent choice,” shares Gonzalez. “It not only adds a hint of color but also provides that luscious, hydrating shine that complements the latte makeup style beautifully.”
