'Latte make-up' is the social media beauty trend that's surprisingly sophisticated
From the 'clean girl' aesthetic – marked by barely-there make-up and slicked back hair – to 'Barbiecore' looks which sees a myriad of pink lipsticks and perfect, tumbling waves inspired by the new live action film, there's no denying that social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram are a major driver for modern day beauty trends.
One trend that's currently dominating the internet is 'latte make-up', which proves that inspiration can really come from anywhere – including the drink most of us rely on to get through the day. And why not? The various shades of milky coffee make for a wearable colour palette of warm browns and soft caramels that are equal parts sultry and sophisticated, with a hint of '90s supermodel thrown in.
Even 'It' girl Hailey Bieber is embracing the trend. The 26-year-old founder of Rhode Skincare recently posted her own take on latte make-up using the multipurpose products she keeps in her beauty bag.
What is latte make-up?
'Latte make-up', which currently has 93.1 million views on TikTok and counting, embraces a range of coffee and caramel coloured hues across the eyes on a base of bronzey, sunkissed skin.
It's not a new phenomenon, as those who wore make-up through the late 2010s will likely remember beauty's obsession with the Tarte Tartelette Toasted Eye Palette and MAC's Saddle eyeshadow, with its warm tones. The key difference? Instead of saving these sunset tones for the autumn, we're leaning into the colourway for balmy summer evenings as it wears seamlessly against a tan.
Now, for a fresh, grown-up feel, the rest of the complexion is simplified, with buffed out eyeliner and subtle lashes. Enough to define the features without looking overdone.
Who is latte make-up for?
In short, everyone. The trend is surprisingly inclusive, as it doesn't rely on one having perfectly clear skin nor does it require much technical know-how (no need for extra steady hands here).
It works beautifully across all skin tones too, as brown is a versatile shade that's available in various undertones from burnt sienna to richer espresso hues. For her expert take on the look, make-up artist Adeola Boyega uses Glossier Solar Paint on both cheeks and eyelids before applying the deeper shades within the Fenty Beauty Sun Stalker Face & Eye Highlighter and Bronzer Palette to intensify the eyes.
How to create the latte make-up look?
Bieber's own tutorial sees her using the underpainting technique of carving out her facial structure with a cream bronzer, and blending in concealer underneath her cheekbones, on the inner corners of the eyes and along the temples to sculpt. She then proceeds to cocktail her Rhode Peptide Glazing Fluid with the Hourglass Veil Hydrating Skin Tint for a sheer, luminous base.
She topped up her bronzer on the apples of the cheeks and across the nose before using an umber toned eyeshadow across the lids. With her Make Up For Ever HD Skin All In One Palette, Bieber applied a contour shade along the eye socket with a medium-sized brush. "It's a very multipurpose, multi-use product that lasts a really long time," says Bieber of the handy palette, a mainstay in her beauty bag. She then layered the Tom Ford Shade and Illuminate Contour Duo on the apples of the cheeks with RMS ReDimension Hydra Powder Blush, which has a refined gleam to the finish.
To complete the eyes, Bieber went in with her go-to Hourglass Unlocked Instant Extensions Mascara, a tubing formula that instantly lifts and fans out the lashes, and a slick of brow gel. Bieber is a longtime fan of Make Up For Ever Lip Liner in Anywhere Caffeine, the perfect muted shade for this tonal look. It's currently out of stock on Sephora, but Endless Cacao is a similar alternative.
In her 'Inside my beauty bag' video with Harper's Bazaar, it's clear that Bieber makes her products work hard, so its no surprise that for this look, the contour shade from the Tom Ford duo doubles as a balmy lip colour while her Peptide Lip Treatment performs as a lip gloss and an extra touch of gleam on the cheekbones.
All-in-all it's an easy way to amp up your everyday make-up for after hours and we'll be bringing this caffeine hit into our routines this summer.
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