Coffee lovers everywhere will rejoice at the fact that now your daily fix doesn’t have to stop at your barista. Your morning breakfast essential is now taking over makeup bags in the form of universally flattering neutral hues. Think rich browns, creamy beiges and warm-toned shades that will look effortlessly polished and sophisticated on everyone, all year round.
As someone who adores natural makeup and also has a pretty severe caffeine-addiction, this is one trend I couldn’t say no to trying. After a full week of wearing only coffee-coloured makeup, here’s how I recommend you wear it and the products I think are perfect for the job.
#1 Coffee for Cheeks
A swipe of contour, bronzer or blush is the easiest way to incorporate natural shades into your everyday makeup. It adds a touch of warmth, dimension and health, which can instantly transform a tired and sallow complexion in a matter of seconds. I particularly love the GUERLAIN Sun Trio Bronzing Contouring Palette in Natural because it has three contrasting shades that work together to give a swirl of tanned warmth to the face, each shade can be used separately to contour, bronze and highlight. It’s the equivalent to a shot of espresso for your skin.
Another way to add a touch of ‘cafe au lait’ to your complexion is with a warm, brown-toned blusher. bareMinerals Gen Nude Powder Blush in Beige For Days is the rose-brown for light to medium toned skin or darker skin tones, But First, Coffee is more of a rich mocha brown shade. Both provide the skin with a long-wearing pop of colour that will outlast your coffee fix. As a bonus, each blush also includes a blurring mineral complex that will create a soft-focus effect and keep you looking awake all day.
#2 Coffee For Eyes
They say, coffee is the best way to wake you up and start your day, and this goes for your eyes too. Tired peepers can be transformed in just a few easy steps. What you’re looking for, for this trend is one that will incorporate a mixture of matte, satin and metallic textures in neutral shades. I love the bareMinerals Gen Nude Eyeshadow Palette in Latte as it nails this brief perfectly. For this look, I started with the lightest colour, Destiny as a base (a light beige with a hint of shimmer), then worked a little of the warm light brown colour, Solstice into my crease. Finally, to add a bit more depth and dimension, I blended the darker brown, Spirit into the outer corner of the eye and under my lower lash line.
Those who love to add a touch of eyeliner to their makeup look, don’t worry, I have you covered. Using a brown shade smudged into the lashes or on the waterline looks far less harsh and more flattering than using black. The GIVENCHY Magic Khol Eye Liner in Coffee works wonderfully with this makeup look, plus I couldn’t possibly leave it out with such a fitting name.
To complete your brown eyeshadow look, finish with a slick of mascara, but steer away from your usual black mascara. We’re after a softer look here and trust me, a brown mascara will really enhance your eyes and still give noticeable definition. YSL Vinyl Couture Mascara in I’m the Illusion provides just the right amount of volume and curl for an understated eye look.
#3 Coffee for Lips
Looking for a lipstick to match your daily vice? The lips are where you can have some fun with the coffee-toned makeup trend. With so many nude shades on offer, in an array of creamy latte and brown-toned hues, this is where this modern makeup craze can slip into everyone’s daily makeup routine. I’ve selected a few different options that can be mixed and matched to create different textures according to what sort of finish you prefer.
Starting with a liner trace your lip line to give dimension and make them appear fuller; I love the Yves Saint Laurent Dessin des Levres The Lip Styler in 20 Brun Sahara. It’s a fairly dark brown-pink shade and has a creamy consistency that’s easy to work with and offers great staying power.
If you prefer a matte nude lip, the Urban Decay Vice Comfort Matte Lipstick in Stark Naked is a great choice when paired with a slightly darker neutral-toned liner. It gives the illusion of a bigger pout but with a natural lipstick look.
The Finished Look: Full-Face Neutral Makeup
I like to pop a little gloss on top to give the illusion of plump lips. The Clarins Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector in 06 Rosewood Shimmer is an excellent choice for this, plus the browny-nude lip gloss also looks great worn alone if you’re in a hurry.
What do you think of the finished look, would you wear these colours? Tweet us @escentual with #TrendAndTested and your selfies/verdict.
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