How To Tap Into TikTok's Latte Makeup Trend

What Is Latte Makeup?

“The latte makeup trend is an effortless take on the classic summer bronze look,” explains Space NK’s social media manager, April Clayton. In terms of the look, think bronzed, caffeinated glow. “It’s all about those super wearable nude and brown shades,” says April. We’re talking rich espresso and cocoa tones accented with warm amber and caramel shades.

“It’s having a moment right now thanks to TikTok creator Rachel Rigler who described the look as ‘warm and bronzy, milky and effortless’ in her latte makeup tutorial last month,” April explains. Since then, the trend has spiralled with celebrities like Hailey Bieber and A-list makeup artists including Mary Phillips.

Why are people going wild for the latte makeup trend on social media? “It’s the most flattering makeup as it lets your natural features shine through as there is no ‘main feature’ of makeup,” says Buster.

How To Create The Latte Makeup Look

There is a lot of content around this trend, so we’ve pulled the best bits to create the ultimate latte makeup routine. First things first though, when it comes to finding the right latte makeup tones for you, “Make sure the brown shade you use is in your undertone,” says Buster. “For example, don’t use an orange-brown if you’re pale with a blue undertone as it will look too shocking against your complexion. Likewise, if you have a warm undertone avoid grey-ashy browns as they’ll wash you out.”

Step 1: Base

In her latte makeup routine, makeup artist and brand founder Jamie Genevieve preps her skin with a hydrating essence before using VIEVE's radiance-boosting primer and NARS Radiant Longwear Foundation to achieve a fresh, dewy glow. Jamie applies VIEVE Modern Radiance Concealer under her eyes, around her nose and on her chin.

Step 2: Bronze

Apply a cream bronzer along your cheekbones and down the sides of your nose for a subtly sculpted look. Follow with highlighter across your cheeks and forehead for a healthy, dewy finish. Blending is essential: “There’s no harsh lines with this look or a strong contour, it’s an all-over bronzed glow-y look,” Jamie explains. Use a brush or a sponge depending on what you feel most comfortable with.

Step 3: Eyes

When it comes to your eyes, start with a caramel-y tone and take it across your eyelid, blending it upwards and outwards with a brush for a diffused look. Adding more of a brown shade just below your eye socket and blending up and out will give you that Hailey Bieber finish. If it starts to look too much at any point, Jamie recommends using your foundation brush to blend it out.

Line your lower lash line with the brown shade to give your eyes definition. For a soft-glam take on the latte makeup look, you can a soft shimmer to the middle of your eyelid, but make sure its shimmery rather than glittery. Finish with your favourite mascara and don’t forget to brush up your brows.

Step 4: Lips

Outline your lips with a slightly darker lip liner before applying your nude lipstick. A slick of gloss will complete your look.

Best Latte Makeup Products

The best latte makeup products are cream based as they give you that seamless blend with a gorgeous dewy glow. Here are our favourites…

Best Latte Makeup Base

Kevyn Aucoin Stripped Nude Skin Tint, £36 is one of our favourite light bases for summer. The sheer coverage evens out skin tone and leaves you with a healthy-looking glow. If you want a bit more coverage from your base, look to Hourglass Veil Hydrating Skin Tint, £49 or Ilia Beauty Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 30, £48 which come in a wide range of shades too.

Best Cream Bronzer For Latte Makeup

Having watched Jamie Genevieve’s latte makeup tutorial and tried this cream bronzer for ourselves, VIEVE Modern Radiance Cream Bronzer, £31 is a must in our opinion. The creamy texture makes it easy to blend, but it doesn’t feel heavy on your skin.

Best Latte Makeup Eyeshadows

It’s like Selena Gomez made Rare Beauty All of the Above Weightless Eyeshadow Stick, £21 with the latte makeup trend in mind. Our favourite shades include Growth and Adventure. Hourglass Voyeur Eyeshadow Stick, £34 in Solstice is also a very good shade for this look.

Best Latte Makeup Lipstick

If you’re looking for a nude lipstick that will suit your skin tone, we recommend exploring Anastasia Beverly Hills Lipstick, £22. From Hush Pink to Sunbaked, there is something for everyone and this formula doesn’t dry out your lips.

The Latte Makeup Essential

As we’ve mentioned, blending is key and the Beautyblender The Original Beauty Blender, £17 makes this effortless.