Why coffee-inspired makeup is the dark, smoky obsession you’ll never quit

Consider this your morning pick-me-up, but make it glam. Just like your coffee order can say a lot about your personality, your choice between latte, mocha, or espresso might say something about your mood. Think of a palette that’s got milky neutrals, buttery caramels, rich chestnuts, and spiced toffee. Ideal for the winter months, it’s time to meet the perfectly brewed makeup look that’s as classic as it gets. 

The key here is balance: soft, fluffy brows, naturally-curled lashes, and a hint of shimmer on the lids to mimic the froth of your coffee. From the soft glam of café au lait to a moodier cappuccino, let’s get sippin’. 

Latte makeup

Think of this like the ultimate comfort zone: warm and toasty. So it’s all dewy-soft, milky browns, and glazed perfection with creamy, caramel tones and glossy lips, like golden hour just lit you up.

Espresso eyes

Want to add a little edge to your look? Lean into the espresso eyes trend that plays with gradients of mocha and mahogany for a rich, velvety look. A soft look with a satin finish is the aim.

Café au lait lips 

Inspired by a milky coffee, this look sits between beige and pink, and looks immensely tempting. Keep it soft and wearable: just a diffused cocoa or warm nude lip-liner, topped off with tones of caramel, taupe, and light beige.

Mocha makeup

This one’s a decadent statement, but still wearable from brunch to bar. Playing with shades of chocolate, caramel and rose-tinted browns, it’s comforting, rich, and a little indulgent, just like your favourite cuppa.

What you’ll need to recreate the look

Where latte makeup leans into milky beige and sunlit caramel, espresso makeup goes deeper, like trading your almond milk flat white for a pure shot of caffeine. It’s not about harsh contouring or overlined lips; it’s about warmth and depth, with a creamy finish.

Eyeshadow palette: One with warm shades of brown and bronze shimmers for that little oomph.

Eyeliner: Pick a flattering tone of chocolate brown, and smudge it just a bit for that caffeinated energy.

Contour stick: Cool or warm, depending on your mood, this nifty little step is all about blending and building.

Lipstick or lip gloss: Think tempting shades like warm cocoa, amber nude, sunlit caramel, spiced chai.

Highlighter: You’ll want one that’s in a shade of soft champagne for a subtle hint of shine.

How to brew the perfect espresso look

Start with a creamy base. You want skin that looks real and radiant, so reach for hydrating, dewy formulas. Next, build your bronze: use cream bronzers or contours in chocolate or cinnamon shades to sculpt your face with soft dimensions. Then, your eyes. Smoke it out: Use brown eyeliner, and smudge it with a fluffy brush. For lips to sip, finish with a gloss in warm brown, burnt caramel, or even clear for that glazed finish.

Pro tip: Go monochrome. Pick a single tone family (toast, cinnamon, or cocoa) and use it across eyes, cheeks, and lips for a cohesive look.

The best part about this look? It’s literally a vibe. Whether you’re more “cold brew confidence” or “affogato allure,” “a shot of drama” or just a little “afternoon pick-me-up”, you can nail the coffee look, one perfectly blended mocha stroke at a time. 

All images: Getty Images 

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