Winter brings its fair share of cold weather, but this year’s top beauty trend is all about keeping things warm and inviting. Toffee makeup is officially the must-try look for 2026. This aesthetic has already taken over the red carpet, with stars like Zoe Kravitz and Sabrina Elba leading the way. Celebrity makeup artist Kelly Zhang describes the trend as the perfect middle ground between natural and full-glam styles. It provides an elevated finish that remains wearable enough for every day.
The toffee look relies on a palette of honey, caramel, and golden brown tones. These shades are specifically chosen to make the skin look naturally healthy and sun-kissed. Unlike the heavy contours of the past, this style focuses on soft, blended textures that melt into the complexion. It is an effortless glow that enhances features without looking harsh or overly dramatic.
Achieving the Toffee Glow on Deeper Skin Tones
Black women can especially benefit from this trend because it highlights natural warm undertones. To pull this off, Zhang recommends swapping out gray-toned contours for amber or golden bronzers. These warmer options prevent the skin from looking ashy or flat in the harsh winter light. For the eyes, rich copper and warm gold eyeshadows provide a soft, “lit-from-within” effect.
Cheek and highlight choices are equally important for mastering this radiant look. Instead of cool pinks, try using terracotta, deep caramel, or warm berry blushes. When it comes to highlighting, steer clear of silver or pearlescent shades. Instead, reach for bronze or gold highlighters to maintain that signature toffee warmth. The goal is for every product to blend seamlessly into the skin for a “barely there” but polished finish.
Top Products for Your Winter Makeup Routine
Finding the right products is the secret to making this trend last all day. Cream and liquid formulas are highly recommended because they stay fresh and hydrated during the dry winter months. The Danessa Myricks Yummy Skin Blurring Balm in “Spiced Latte” is a favorite for creating a smooth, warm base. For the eyes, long-lasting liquid tints like Armani Beauty’s Eye Tint in “Wood” offer a rich brown hue that won’t crease.
A perfect toffee lip completes the ensemble. Look for creamy liners in shades like “Cinnamon Sugar” to define the mouth with a soft, matte finish. You can top this with a caramel-colored gloss for extra dimension and shine. Other notable mentions include the Dior Backstage Glow Maximizer in “Sunlit Amber Glow,” which adds a refined radiance to the high points of the face.
Why Toffee Makeup is 2026’s Top Trend
This trend is part of a larger shift toward “skinimalism” and healthy-looking beauty. After years of matte foundations and heavy powders, 2026 is moving toward weightless, satin finishes. Toffee makeup fits this shift perfectly by prioritizing hydration and a “second-skin” appearance. It allows the wearer’s natural texture to shine through while providing just enough coverage to look luxurious.
As we move deeper into the award season, expect to see even more of these toasty tones on the red carpet. The popularity of the look on social media platforms like TikTok also shows its broad appeal across all ages. By choosing colors that celebrate their melanin, Black women are proving that toffee makeup is the ultimate winter essential. It is a warm, sophisticated look that truly lets your inner glow take center stage.
