Latte makeup's twin sister, espresso makeup, has been gaining popularity ever since Danielle Marcan's viral TikTok video on how to do the look. So, what is espresso makeup? Much like what it sounds, it blends shades of brown and black to create a delicious look that looks and feels like a strong, invigorating shot of coffee. They say caffeine has dopamine-releasing properties; we can't vouch for that, but the Espresso makeup look is sure to give you all the good feels. Double-shot, please.
Thanks for reading about our favorite finds from across the internet! FYI: We participate in affiliate programs and may get a share of the revenue from your purchase.A Power Primer That Grips the MakeUp
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Any makeup look should start with the skin and with hydrating it well. This is especially true in winter when just a morning moisturizer is not enough to give the skin all the nourishment it needs. This Elf power grip primer hydrates, smooths, and grips the makeup. It has a translucent finish and is non-comedogenic, so there is no acne or clogged pores.
See it on AmazonA Skin Tint for a Sheer and Matte Finish
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Another option is to use a skin tint—a primer—with a bit of color, as Danielle does in the video. The goal is for the skin to look matte and sheer. Enriched with squalane, vitamin E, safflower, and avocado oils, which lock in hydration, this moisturizer offers sheer to light coverage with golden, neutral undertones - exactly the ones we're after. Put this on generously, knowing that it's good for you.
See it on AmazonThe Foundation for More Medium Coverage
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If you want better coverage, the Maybelline oil-free foundation still offers that natural matte look while allowing more build-up. Its oil-free formula makes it great for oily or acne-prone skin. It's available in 40 shades, so you're sure to find the tone to best suit your skin.
See it on AmazonThank Me Later Eye Primer to Make the Eyeshadow and Pencil Stick
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An eyeshadow primer will help your eyeshadow and pencil stick for longer and prevent creasing. Simply apply a pea-sized amount with your ring finger to your eyelid and wait for a couple of seconds for it to dry before proceeding with the rest of the eye makeup.
See it on AmazonEstee Lauder's Double Wear Foundation for, Well, a Double Wear
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Another really good foundation is the Estee Lauder double wear one. It has a matte finish and is famous for its long wear. Controls oil while also being oil-free.
See it on AmazonA Set of Sponges in Different Shapes and Sizes to Help You Blend Like a Pro
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For the perfect espresso look, the skin needs to be even. This is best achieved with a sponge to help blend the concealer in all the right places, like under the eyes and around the T-zone. If you don't own one, this seven-piece set of pink sponges in a variety of shapes and sizes will help you blend like a makeup pro.
See it on AmazonA Concealer to Brighten the Skin Under the Eyes
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Concealer seems to make the most difference when it comes to makeup—and yes, even with this espresso look. The bright, even skin tone under the eyes helps to give the brown eyeshadow even more of a powerful and dramatic effect. This Maybelline concealer erases the look of dark circles, blemishes, and redness and gives a fresh, youthful look.
See it on AmazonToo Faced's Born This Way Concealer
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This Too Faced Born This Way natural-looking concealer is multi-use, so you can apply it on the entire face instead of using a foundation. It could also be used for contouring; see below for more on that.
See it on AmazonContouring is Easy With This Contour Stick
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Contouring and bronzing are very important for the espresso look. This Sheglam contour stick makes contouring easy, even if you've never watched a tutorial on it. Simply apply vertical stripes under the hollows of your cheekbones, on the sides of your nose, and on the sides of your forehead and jawline. Blend in with a sponge or the contour applicator. Available in many shades.
See it on AmazonA Contouring Kit for Darker Skin
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This creamy contouring kit will help you do it all—contour, sculpt, and illuminate—all from a single palette. It is suitable for darker skin and has a creamy formula that won't dry you out.
See it on AmazonA Contour 'Wonder Stick' With a Highlighter
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This is a contour 'wonder stick' with a highlighter on one side as well. After you've applied the contour, apply the highlighter to the highest points of the face. It's super creamy and blendable.
See it on AmazonIf You Prefer a Bronzer, Go With This TikTok-Viral One
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If you prefer a bronzer over a contouring stick, you can go with this TikTok viral long-wear bronzer by L'Oreal. It is lightweight and buildable with a matte finish. It promises a weightless feel for up to 24 hours. Apply to cheekbones, brow bones, bridge of the nose, and chin.
See it on AmazonA Bronzer to Add a Hint of Cocoa to Your Espresso (Look)
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Another bronzer that will add a note of cocoa to your espresso (look) is this Too Faced chocolate one. It's long-lasting, cruelty-free, and smells like chocolate!
See it on AmazonA Creamy Blush for Some Natural Radiance
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If the skin lacks natural radiance (it can often look quite pale at this time of year), use this blush to give a touch of color to the cheeks. Its creamy formula makes it even more blendable and natural-looking.
See it on AmazonA Powder Blush to Still Get Subtle Winter-Kissed Color
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If you'd rather use a powder blush than a stick, this shade in' Candy Clouds' will still give your cheeks a subtle, winter-kissed color while allowing for more buildup control.
See it on AmazonA Highlight Wand for Dewy Skin
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Danielle Marcan doesn't use a highlighter, but for all the highlighter fans who want that luminous and dewy skin glow, the espresso look can absolutely work with it, too. That's especially true with this highlight wand in champagne, which is buildable and blendable and allows you to add just a touch.
See it on AmazonThis Highlighting Palette Is So Vibrant
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If you'd rather apply it with a brush, this highlighter palette is Amazon's choice and is available in five different shades. Choose "Sun Glow" if you'd like to stick to the darker tones or pearl if you want an icy winter spin on the look.
See it on AmazonA Setting Powder To Finish Off Your Look
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To complete the matte finish, dust some setting powder over the face. This Amazon choice by Covergirl is a good option. It's lightweight and with 100% natural-origin pigments. It also includes a soft, vegan applicator. Danielle Marcan advises not to apply too much powder so you can still see the natural radiance of the face.
See it on AmazonSay Bye Bye to Pores With This Setting Powder by It Cosmetics
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Another good setting powder is this Bye Bye Pores one by It Cosmetics. With hydrolyzed collagen that supports elasticity, antioxidants to defend against radical damage, and silk that smooths and softens the skin.
See it on AmazonThis Brown Pencil Glides Right On
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Now we turn on the coffee machine and let it warm. We take the brown pencil. This one by Urban Decay glides on easily and is smudge-proof, transfer-proof, and waterproof. We apply it to half of the lid and then blend it on the rest of the lid with a brush. It should be applied to the lower lid as well.
See it on AmazonAn Eyeshadow Brush to Blend With
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If you don't have a suitable eyeshadow brush to blend with, this set of brushes will ensure you have all the ones you could ever need for the most sophisticated eye makeup. It includes an eyeshadow brush, eyeliner, eye pencil, and blending brush.
See it on AmazonA Cocoa Eyeshadow Stick for Chocolate Notes
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A cocoa shade eyeshadow to apply on the rest of your upper eyelid. This waterproof eyeshadow stick with cocoa shimmer will give this espresso look just the right notes of chocolate (and some sprinkles on top). You can go as bold or understated as you like.
See it on AmazonA Brown Pencil in a Different Shade
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Since the brown pencil is one of the most important parts of this look, here's another one that offers a slightly different brown shade. It boasts a rich, hyper-pigmented color. It's Amazon's choice for a reason.
See it on AmazonAn Eyeshadow Palette to Make Your Espresso (Look) as Strong as You Like
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This eyeshadow palette offers all the different shades of brown, so you can make your espresso (look) as strong as you like. They are creamy, rich, and blendable. Just the way you like your coffee.
See it on AmazonA Black Pencil to Contour the Eye
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The next step is to contour the eye with a black pencil. Apply over the lid and flick it slightly and in your waterline, too. This retractable liner looks super soft and easy to use. It boasts a super long wear.
See it on AmazonOr Do Things Your Way With an Ink Liner
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Alternatively, you can use a black ink liner for the upper lid. This one is waterproof and has a matte black finish, giving it a more feline look.
See it on AmazonA 2-in-1 Gel Eyeliner Set in Black and Brown
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If you'd rather use a gel eyeliner, this 2-in-1 set offers one in black and brown so you can choose how dark to go. It also includes two makeup brushes. Some find applying eyeliner with a brush slightly easier, especially the less dexterous among us.
See it on AmazonA Bold Mascara in a Chocolate Color
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The espresso look is best achieved with a bold mascara. This Too Faced mascara offers volume and length. It's available in a chocolate shade if you want to stay even more true to the espresso colors.
See it on AmazonGet Doll-Like Lashes With This Lengthening Mascara
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Another mascara that gives the eyes the doll-like look is this Cabaret lash-lengthening one. It allows you to easily build up for as dramatic a look as you want.
See it on AmazonFake Eyelashes for Extra Glam
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If you are more of a fake eyelash fan or just want all the extra glam, you can still recreate the espresso look with some fake ones. These ones by KISS give amazing volume and length and, featuring the latest tapered end technology, look quite natural. They are easy to apply and contact lens-friendly. They are reusable up to ten times.
See it on AmazonA Lip Pencil in the 'Espresso' Shade
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Now, for the lips. Danielle uses a brown lip pencil. This one by Nyx in color, 'espresso,' seems to hit just the right shade (and name). It glides easily and resists bleeding.
See it on AmazonGo More Dark Pink With This Lip Crayon
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Or if you want a bit more color on the lips, you can also go slightly more pink with a dark pink lip crayon. This one has a long-lasting twelve-hour wear, is waterproof, and doesn't budge.
See it on AmazonA Lip Pencil in Nude Also Works
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A nude lip pencil combined with lip gloss gives the ultimate pout. Charlotte Tilbury's Pillow Talk is one of the most sought-after shades for a reason. This pencil is travel size, so it is perfect to take with you and reapply as needed.
See it on AmazonOr Use a Brown Brow Pencil for the Lips
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In her TikTok video, Danielle actually uses her brow pencil for the lips. If you want to copy the trick, this one is a pale brown shade and a good go. You can also use it for the brows (obviously).
See it on AmazonThis Brow Glue Gel to Help Them Stay in Place
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While on the topic of brows, this brow glue gel will help unruly brows stay in place, which tend to be all brows in winter (thanks, hats, and hoodies).
See it on AmazonOr This Wow Brow Gel That Also Gives Volume
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This wow brow gel will lock them in place while also giving extra volume. You can apply straight on the brow or go with a brow pencil to add color first.
See it on AmazonA Fairest Nude Color LipStick
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As for the lipstick, if you want to stay true to the espresso look to the very final step, go with a nude color like this fair nude one by L'Oreal Paris. It gives a creamy finish and hydrates the lips.
See it on AmazonThe Lipstick With a Matte Finish
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If you would rather go with more matte lips but still hit the right tones, then this lipstick in natural color is the one for you. It will also help to accentuate the eyes.
See it on AmazonStill Nude but With a Lip Gloss
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Lip gloss is also an option, and you can still go nude with this butter gloss in the shade 'Madeleine.' Buttery, soft, and smooth, this gloss is non-sticky and delivers sheer to medium coverage.
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Once you've nailed the espresso look, finish off with a setting spray to make sure it stays in place to collect all the compliments. The spray is lightweight, extends makeup for up to 16 hours, and controls shine.
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