When the “latte” makeup trend hit social media, everyone sought products that would give them that bronze glow. These soft and milky textured makeup choices were all the rage…until “espresso” makeup took the scene by surprise. Now, makeup enthusiasts are craving rich brown hues and smokey neutral eyes. But what else does “espresso” makeup entail? Check out the details below.
What Is Espresso Makeup?
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When you look at an espresso mug, what do you see? Bronzy brown and neutral tones. To get the espresso makeup look, keep all bronzers, eyeliners, and lip liners in this deep, chocolatey color palette.
Many social media accounts like to zone in on eye makeup as the focal point (for example, blending a deep brown with a smokey black eyeshadow and finishing with thin liner and bold mascara). No shimmer is necessary; instead, focus on an overall matte look. And remember: It’s not meant to be perfect and polished. It’s intended to beautifully enhance your natural features.
How to Achieve the Espresso Makeup Look
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How do you get the espresso makeup look? Follow these steps
Prep the Skin
Start with a clean face. Apply a moisturizer as your first base, then a makeup primer to smooth out your pores. This will also ensure your makeup stays on throughout the day.
Our Picks:
Clinique Moisture Surge 100H Auto-Replenishing Hydrator ($29, shop here)
The Ordinary High-Adherence Silicone Primer ($6.70, shop here)
Create a Base You’ll Love
Use a foundation that matches your skin tone. Apply an even layer and blend it seamlessly into your skin and neck so there’s no foundation “cutoff” line. If you’re unsure how to pick the perfect foundation match, view this link. Once the foundation sets in, cover blemishes and dark circles with concealer and set your base with translucent powder.
Our Picks:
ILIA True Skin Serum Foundation ($54, shop here)
Saie Hydrabeam Brightening + Hydrating Creamy Under-Eye Concealer ($26, shop here)
Espresso-Themed Eye Makeup
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Always prime your eyelids before applying eyeshadow to avoid fallout. Then, take your brown-hued palette and locate a warm espresso shade. Apply this to your crease using a fluffy brush, and blend. Then, move to a deeper espresso shade for the outer corner of your eyelid; blend inward toward the crease for added depth. If you want to emphasize the eyes even more, apply a dark brown shade to the outer “V” of your eyes and blend. Finish by applying mascara or false lashes for added flair.
Our Picks:
Unfiltered Beauty Co Morning Brew Eyeshadow Palette ($14, shop here)
Makeup by Mario Master Mattes Eyeshadow Palette ($50, shop here)
Work on Them Brows
Take a brow pencil or brow powder and fill in areas that are missing hairs. Comb through with a spoolie brush to blend thoroughly, giving your eyebrows a more natural and enhanced look.
Our Pick: Anastasia Beverly Hills Perfect Brow Pencil ($23, shop here)
It’s Time for Bronzer
Adding warmth and dimension to your facial features is easy with a matte bronzer. Pick one in an espresso shade, and apply it to the hollows of your cheeks, on your temples, and along your jawline to make these areas more pronounced. Blend well.
Our Picks:
Milk Makeup Matte Cream Bronzer Stick ($24, shop here)
Physicians Formula Murumuru Butter Bronzer ($15.99, shop here)
Add a Hint of Pink
Add a dab of pink blush to the apples of your cheeks to complement those espresso tones. The natural flush will be mesmerizing.
Our Pick: Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush ($23, shop here)
Focus on the Lips
Rich espresso-colored lipstick or gloss will complete your look. Just be sure to apply it evenly to the upper and lower lips. If you’d like to enhance, highlight, and outline the outer edges, purchase a lip liner one shade darker for the full effect.
Our Pick: Victoria Beckham Beauty Posh Gloss in Top Down ($28, shop here)