We’ve noticed cool cappuccino shades are trending in beauty – here’s what you need to know about latte make-up …
Main featured image via Chanel Beauty.
Apparently “latte make-up” is a thing this summer. It’s really a play on bronzing, in a way, but the term is rather attractive, playing into our addiction to caffeine. I think it’s also part of this whole “stealth wealth” look in fashion, where quiet luxury means a wardrobe of beige, caramel and mocha tones, from Shiv in Succession to that new character in the visually arresting (if nothing else) Sex and the City reboot.
We tend to resist the whole “brown in the new black” thing when it comes to clothes – brown just has too many memories of bad cords in the eighties. But that’s just us. Hailey Bieber is on Instagram doing “latte make-up, but make it head to toe”, wearing shades of brown in clothes as well as make-up. The whole coffee mood even extends to hair colour. And browner lip colours are big again – I’m noticing the teens are sporting ’90s-style MAC nude-browns, such as Velvet Teddy. Which is all very Linda Evangelista.
WHAT IS LATTE MAKE-UP
It’s not just a trend for TikTokkers. Beauty-wise, it’s really a way of doing a sunkissed look, with beachy skin and tonal make-up. Using natural, bronzey tones to suit and sculpt your skintone and look healthier is nothing new, but the name does capture it nicely; calling it “latte” makes us want to dig out eye palettes that focus on soft creamy browns and chocolates (eg Lacuna at Aldi has a Perfect Nude quad that does the job). And the avoidance of bright colour and cheery corals means that in a way, this is the alternative to Barbiecore. Which is somewhat of a relief, since every single brand has turned fuchsia pink because of the movie. Even Barry’s Tea!
Autumnal weather, too, is making us consider the idea of toning warm and neutral shades, such as washes of caramel, experimenting with brown mascara and eyeliner for a change, and pairing it with nude lip colour.
Anna Payne, Chanel Make-up Artist, says: “Latte make-up is an effortless summer look that’s easy to create. To achieve beautiful dewy skin, it works best if you concentrate on skincare and keep the foundation light. Chanel Water-Fresh Tint is the perfect product as it hydrates the skin whilst evening out the skin’s tone. Latte make-up focuses on bronzers with yellow and olive undertones, avoiding orange tones. The Chanel Bronzing Cream is perfect for this look and can also be used on the eyes.”
HOW TO GET THE LATTE LOOK
Skin
For a low-key bronzed and healthy look, try liquid bronzers, or a few tan drops, in conjunction with a glow stick such as Chanel Baume Essentiel (which comes in various shades, from transparent to bronze. €42 at Arnotts.). I also love the luxe Westman Atelier Glow Drops in bronze or rose, which have a very light texture; €62 at Brown Thomas.
Mid-range, my first choice is Jones Road Miracle Balm in bronze; these come in a large pot (decant into something small to take with you when travelling), and in various shades, from clear to rose-pink. Ever since I first tried this at the Liberty counter, I have rarely gone a day without wearing it. You will get compliments on your skin, no question. I keep going on about it, but it’s just really, really good. €36 at www.jonesroad.com.
More affordable still is Sculpted by Aimee’s HydraTint, a moisturising tinted serum with SPF20. It’s a 30ml so handy for taking with you when you travel. My teen daughter, sceptical of most things she tried, instantly loved this and is using it regularly – it’s a great alternative to foundation, giving Flawless Filter-esque glow without any work or effort. €25, at www.boots.ie.
LATTE BEAUTY NAILS
Even if you’re not into cappuccino or espresso shades for eyes, the nail shades of the season, going into autumn, may convince you to adopt a coffee habit. The classic Chanel Particuliere, and new Legende, take us from latte to mocha in a convincingly elegant manner. Nail supremo Harriet Westmoreland put us on to Legende at the press event, and we were instantly sold. €32, at counters nationwide.
Lips
For lip colours, try Tilbury Matte Revolution in Catwalking (€34), or Airbrush Flawless Lip Blur in Nude Blur (€34, at Arnotts), and MAC’s Powder Kiss Liquid Lipcolour in Over the Taupe (€22.10 at www.theloop.ie). And Morphe Duxbury Lip Liner & Glaze Duo, €18, at Brown Thomas.
Eyes and Lashes
Victoria Beckham’s Satin Kajal Liner in Cocoa glides on like silk (€30, www.victoriabeckhambeauty.com). Sculpted by Aimee brown mascara is currently €16 at The Loop in Dublin airport, if you’re passing through …