The Espresso Makeup Trend Is One We’re Buzzed to Get Behind

Behind the Espresso Makeup Trend

While we played around with light browns and creamy accents to achieve the latte makeup trend, espresso makeup showcases richer shades of brown. You can use these hues to nail a bold eye look, a statement lip or an all-around bronzed glow.

Espresso makeup is all about embracing the strong and robust tones of our favorite coffee beverage. This trendy hue is versatile enough to suit any skin tone or occasion, making it a must-have for any beauty enthusiast seeking to add an edgy, yet sophisticated touch to their makeup looks.

You might have noticed celebs like Hailey Bieber, Kaia Gerber, and Kendall Jenner in all their model glory are taking a softer approach to makeup and opting for brown eyeliners and even brown mascara. Casual smoky eyes graced the runways at NYFW and rich brown lips are more than just a ‘90s trend that’s come back around.

Espresso hues can also be incorporated into contouring and bronzing, playing up your best features and adding radiance to your complexion.

How to Get the Espresso Makeup Look

Creating a stunning espresso makeup look is all about embracing the rich and intense tones of the strong coffee beverage we love so much. Follow these step-by-step instructions to achieve a flawless espresso-inspired makeup look:

Step 1: Prep With Skincare

Start by prepping your skin with a clean and moisturized base. We like to cleanse with a gel based cleanser like the YOUTH TO THE PEOPLE Superfood Cleanser. Then, choose a moisturizer based on your desired skin finish. You can’t go wrong with the BELIF The True Cream - Aqua Bomb for a hydrated and dewy finish. Then, apply a makeup primer to smooth pores and ensure your makeup stays put throughout the day. Allow the primer to settle for a few minutes before adding your concealer and foundation.

Step 2: Create Your Flawless Base

Using a foundation that matches your skin tone, apply an even layer all over your face, blending it seamlessly into your neck. Conceal any blemishes or dark circles with a creamy concealer, and set your base with a translucent powder.

Step 3: Choose a Espresso-Inspired Eye Look

Begin by priming your eyelids to create a smooth base for eyeshadow application. Plus, the primer will prevent fallout if you plan on using a shimmery eyeshadow.

Then, take a warm espresso eyeshadow shade and apply it to your crease using a fluffy blending brush. Don’t know where to start? Lucky for us beauty lovers there is literally an eyeshadow palette dedicated to the coffee. Pick up the UNFILTERED BEAUTY CO Wake Up Call Eyeshadow Palette in Morning Brew for some staple brown hues. These shades are buildable yet have strong pigment, and it's the perfect palette for makeup beginners who want just a couple shades to play around with.

Blend the shade back and forth to create a seamless transition. Next, apply a slightly deeper espresso shade to the outer corner of your eyelid and blend it into the crease for added depth.

For a more dramatic look, you can apply a dark brown or black espresso shade to the outer ‘V’ of your eyes and blend it well. Finish by applying a shimmery espresso shade to the center of your lid, blending it into the other shades for a radiant effect. Don't forget to apply mascara or false lashes for added flair and fun.

Step 4: Define Your Brows

Using a brow pencil or powder in a shade slightly lighter than your natural hair color, define and fill in your brows. Comb through them with a spoolie brush to blend the product and create a natural, volumized look.

Step 5: Warm Up Your Skin Tone for Depth

To add warmth and dimension to your complexion, use a matte bronzer in an espresso colored shade. Apply it to the hollows of your cheeks, your temples, and along your jawline to contour your face. Blend well for a seamless finish.

Step 6: Add a Pop or Tint of Color

To enhance your features, apply a warm blush in a shade that complements the espresso tones. Smile and apply the blush to the apples of your cheeks, blending it back towards your hairline for a natural flush.

Step 7: Find the Perfect Lipstick and Lip Liner

For a bold espresso makeup look, opt for a rich espresso-colored lipstick or lip gloss. Apply it evenly to your lips using a lip brush or directly from the tube, depending on the desired intensity. If you’re not so sure about a rich brown lipstick, opt for something that feels a bit more terracotta to balance things out. We’re obsessed with the HAUS LABORATORIES Le Riot Lip Gloss in Attitude.

Step 8: Make Your Look Smudge-Free

To complete your espresso makeup look, set your face with a setting spray to ensure your makeup stays in place throughout the day. Optionally, add a subtle highlighter to the high points of your face, such as your cheekbones and the bridge of your nose, for a radiant glow. You can even choose one that has a bronzy glow to it, like this one from MOTD COSMETICS.

And there you have it—a stunning espresso-inspired makeup look that is sure to turn heads. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don't be afraid to experiment and adapt these steps to suit your unique style and features. Embrace the boldness and richness of espresso and let your makeup do the talking.

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