Toasted makeup delivers cozy winter warmth using warm brown tones and strategic blush placement, creating a fireplace-inspired glow that's perfect for colder months.
As a professional makeup enthusiast, I'm absolutely loving how the toasted makeup trend is heating up our winter beauty routines! Whoever said sun-kissed makeup belongs to summer was seriously missing out—this toasted look is giving us all the cozy vibes we need during these colder months.
The main difference between summer glow and toasted makeup? It's all about the source of that beautiful rosy hue. Instead of going for a warm, glowy look inspired by the sun, toasted makeup aims to replicate that gorgeous flush you get from sitting by a crackling fire pit. It's that natural, warm glow that makes you look like you've been enjoying hot cocoa by the fireplace—and honestly, it's giving me major cozy cottagecore energy!
What Exactly is Toasted Makeup?
Celebrity makeup artist Emily Gray Higgins breaks it down perfectly: "Toasted makeup is defined by warm, brown tones on the cheeks and carried throughout the eyes and lips." If you can picture that rosy flush that warms your cheeks after sipping mulled wine for a little too long by the fire—that's the exact vibe we're going for here.
I see this trend as almost an extension of the sunburn makeup look, only it has more of that fall/winter mood. The most noticeable aspect? The blush placement across the face, including the nose bridge. Many people are even incorporating faux freckles into this look for that extra natural touch!
Why Toasted Makeup is Having Such a Moment
Let's be real—this trend is seriously wearable and appeals to everyone. Plus, chances are you already have most of the products needed in your makeup bag, making it totally accessible. The change of seasons is definitely playing a role in why toasted makeup is trending right now. We're leaving those summer, bronzy looks behind and embracing more fall and winter appropriate makeup.
It also feels very Hailey Bieber-approved—her brand Rhode actually has a blush named "Toasted Teddy" which is perfect for achieving this look. And since we all went crazy for her faux sunburn look not too long ago, it makes total sense that toasted makeup would get that "It Girl" seal of approval too.
How to Achieve the Perfect Toasted Look
| Step | Product Recommendation | Application Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Blush | Rhode Pocket Blush in "Tan Line" or "Toasted Teddy" | Apply across nose bridge and cheek apples |
| Eyes | Skin-tone shadows | Keep light and soft, monochrome with blush |
| Lips | Brown liner + gloss | Overdraw slightly, blend with finger |
Blush is Queen 👑
When it comes to toasted makeup, blush is arguably the most important element. It's all about "the tones of the blush and the placement of the blush." To achieve that fire-warmed face effect, I love using cream blushes—they give that perfect natural melt-into-your-skin finish.
For application, I like to take cream blush and place it across the nose and apples of the cheeks. For deeper skin tones, Half Magic Cheek Fluff in Magic Brownie works beautifully. The key is blending well with a dense brush or Beautyblender sponge to avoid any harsh lines—remember, toasted makeup should mimic your face being warmed naturally!
Eye Makeup That Complements ✨
"For the eyes, keep them light, soft, and open," as Gray recommends. I suggest choosing shadow shades that aren't too far off from your natural skin tone. You could also go the monochrome route and dab any leftover blush onto your lids to really tie the whole look together. It's all about creating that cohesive, warm-toned harmony across your face.
The Perfect Toasted Lips 💋
For lips, toasted makeup calls for a blended-out brown liner. Victoria Beckham Definer No.2 works beautifully for light to medium skin tones, while MAC Lip Liner in Chestnut is perfect for deeper complexions. The technique involves slightly overlining the top and bottom lip and connecting to the corners of the mouth to create dimension and the illusion of a fuller pout.
After blending the liner with your finger or a small brush, finish with a brown gloss or lipstick. Fenty's Hot Chocolit Gloss Bomb or Charlotte Tilbury's Very Victoria Lipstick are my personal favorites—they give that perfect toasted finish!
Why I'm Obsessed with This Trend
There's no denying that the vibe of toasted makeup feels incredibly cozy and chic. Just thinking about it, I can imagine myself enjoying an aprés ski moment—even though I've never actually been skiing! But rocking the toasted makeup look makes me feel like I'm wrapped in a cozy blanket by the fire, and honestly, that's the energy we all need right now.
This trend is seriously fire (pun intended) and I can't wait to see how everyone makes it their own this season! What do you think—are you going to try the toasted makeup look? Let me know in the comments! 👇🔥