Move over cool tones, this season, it’s all about warmth. The “toasty” makeup trend, a look defined by golden, bronzed, and cinnamon hues, is taking over social media and red carpets alike.
But for Black women, the trend isn’t just about following what’s popular, it’s about celebrating the rich undertones of melanin and redefining what glow means on deeper skin tones.
At its core, “toasty” makeup is a radiant, sun-kissed look that enhances warmth rather than masking it. Think bronzed lids, honeyed skin, and a seamless blend of gold, amber, and cocoa shades. It’s the kind of makeup that looks effortless, as if you’ve just stepped off the beach with a natural, lit-from-within glow. For Black women, it’s a stunning way to embrace skin tones that already carry natural warmth and luminosity.
The base: Warmth starts with skin
The key to mastering the toasty look begins with glowing, hydrated skin. Start with a luminous primer or hydrating base to create that fresh, dewy canvas. Instead of a matte foundation, opt for formulas that enhance your natural radiance, tinted moisturizers, skin tints, or satin-finish foundations work beautifully. Set lightly with a warm-toned powder that adds glow without dulling the skin’s natural shine.
Eyes and cheeks: Bronze and blush harmony
To bring dimension, use warm metallic eyeshadows, bronze, copper, and deep gold shades flatter all undertones of melanin. Blend softly into the crease for a diffused, radiant effect. On the cheeks, trade in cool pinks for terracotta, amber, or burnt orange blushes. These hues mimic the natural flush of sun-kissed skin while keeping the look cohesive.
Lips and finishing touches
For lips, rich nudes, caramel browns, and glossy cinnamon tones tie the look together. A touch of clear or golden gloss adds that signature “toasty” shine. Finish with a warm highlighter along the cheekbones, nose bridge, and temples, less sparkle, more subtle glow.
The beauty of the “toasty” trend lies in its inclusivity. On deeper skin tones, the golden warmth doesn’t just pop, it thrives. Black women are reclaiming bronzed beauty on their own terms, proving that warmth is not a seasonal trend but an all-year radiance.
