If autumn was all about toasted makeup, then winter is all about toffee. This caramelized hue has been appearing on everyone from Zoë Kravitz and Laura Harrier to Emily Ratajkowski and Hailey Bieber.

When so many stars choose the same beauty look for the red carpet, it’s impossible to ignore. The usual red lipstick, rosy blush, and shimmer? Not this season. Instead, everyone seems to be wearing softer shades of brown.

What is toffee makeup?

Toffee makeup instantly brings to mind the beauty looks of the 1990s, the golden era for brown makeup. Back then, iconic artists like Bobbi Brown and Kevyn Aucoin sculpted faces with hazelnut, beige, and cinnamon shades, aiming for a glamorous, ultra-defined effect.

The current version of toffee makeup, however, feels thoroughly modern thanks to updated products and shades. Now, the goal is to look as natural as possible using watercolor-effect textures that blend easily and have a fresh, translucent finish. The viral toffee makeup we’re seeing online is warmer, with natural undertones that look gorgeous on eyes, cheeks, and lips.

How to do toffee makeup right

Because it’s so elegant and versatile, toffee makeup pairs well with almost everything, making it an excellent option for the holidays. To get it right, start with a base that looks natural and bright—avoid a too-matte finish or cool tones. Opt instead for warm liquid and cream textures, which melt more easily into the skin.

To contour features, try underpainting, the technique made famous by Jennifer Lopez, Hailey Bieber, and Kendall Jenner’s makeup artist Mary Philips. It involves starting with contour on prepped skin and then applying foundation over top for a sculpted yet transparent look.

Next, blend your chosen toffee shade onto both cheeks and eyes with a beauty blender for a blurred, monochromatic effect. If you have very pale lips, define the line with a pencil, then finish with a gloss in a matching hue for a toffee candy finish that’s sweet yet subdued. Complete the look with mascara to make your eyes pop.

Product Picks:
– Underpainting Face Palette in Deep, $64, M.PH BEAUTY
– Kylie Cosmetics Skin Tint Blurring Elixir, $34
– Merit Bronze Balm Sheer Bronzer, $30
– Chanel Les 4 Ombres in Clair Obscur, $72
– Sacheu Stay N’ Peel-Off Lip Stain in Muah-Ve, $14, AMAZON
– Yves Saint Laurent Candy Glaze Lip Gloss Stick in Scenic Brown, $43, NORDSTROM

Have a beauty or wellness trend you’re curious about? We want to know! Send Vogue’s senior beauty & wellness editor an email at beauty@vogue.com.

Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of helpful FAQs about the Toffee makeup trend for winter 2026

FAQs About the Toffee Makeup Trend

Beginner Definition Questions

1 What exactly is Toffee makeup
Its a warm cozy makeup trend inspired by the colors of toffee candy Think creamy caramels rich brown sugars and glossy finishesall with a hint of golden shimmer Its about looking sweet warm and effortlessly chic

2 Is this just another brown makeup look
Not exactly While it uses brown tones Toffee is specifically about warmth shine and dimensionlike melted candy It avoids flat matte browns in favor of creamy glossy and shimmering textures that make your skin look litfromwithin

3 What skin tones does Toffee makeup work best on
Its incredibly versatile The key is choosing your shade of toffee Fairer skin can use lighter caramel and honey tones medium skin can embrace true caramel and bronze and deeper skin can rock rich coffee mahogany and molten gold shades

Benefits Why Its Popular

4 Whats the main appeal of this trend
Its the perfect winter trend because it brings warmth and a healthy glow during cold grey months Its universally flattering feels luxurious and is surprisingly easy to wear from day to night

5 Is Toffee makeup considered a natural look
It can be A light wash of toffeecolored shadow and glossy lips is a gorgeous your face but better look You can also build it up for a more dramatic smoky or glamorous effect

Application Product Questions

6 What are the essential products to try this trend
Youll want a creamy eyeshadow or stick in caramelbronze a lip gloss or lipstick in a toffee or brown sugar shade and a warmtoned blush or bronzer A gold or champagne highlighter is the perfect finishing touch

7 How do I apply Toffee eyeshadow without looking muddy
Start with a primer Apply your toffee shade with a fluffy brush and blend well Keep the rest of your face fresh and brighta good concealer under the eyes is key Adding a touch