How to create a monochromatic makeup look with neutral tones
A monochromatic makeup look—where a single colour and its variations take center stage—is both flattering and on-trend. It creates a harmonious effect that feels modern, sophisticated, and effortlessly natural. All you need is the right shade to highlight your features. And voilà! If you’re unsure where to start, get inspired by Pantone’s 2025 Colour of the Year, Mocha Mousse: a rich, warm brown that calls to mind cocoa, chocolate, and café au lait. Ready to dive into the monochrome neutral trend? Let’s go!
The monochrome look: A versatile everyday go-to
Though it’s definitely having a moment, Mocha Mousse-inspired monochromatic makeup is surprisingly easy to achieve. It works just as well for casual days as it does for chic evenings. The shade blends comfort and elegance, and flatters every skin tone.
To nail the look, reach for creamy formulas that deliver a natural, radiant finish, and build colour intensity as needed. Choose your hero shade based on your preferences and skin tone, then use its variations to create a cohesive look across your entire face. Think caramel, milk chocolate, espresso, or golden beige. These are perfect takes on the Mocha Mousse aesthetic.
Start with a flawless, well-prepped base
Great makeup always starts with well-hydrated, primed skin. Begin with a primer to boost longevity, followed by a satin or radiant-finish foundation to maintain a natural skin-like glow. You can also opt for a simple sunscreen or tinted SPF. Then, conceal dark circles and blemishes with a creamy concealer, and set everything in place with a touch of loose powder.
Sculpt the face using neutral tones
To bring warmth and depth to your complexion, start by applying bronzing powder (or even better, a creamy or stick contour), one shade deeper than your natural skin tone. Choose warm brown tones ranging from café au lait to espresso, depending on your undertone.
Next, apply a creamy blush in hues like rosy brown, terracotta, or cappuccino. This adds a flush of colour while staying within your neutral palette to keep the monochrome harmony. For the perfect finishing touch, add a touch of highlighter on your cheekbones: go for champagne if your skin is cool-toned, or peach-gold if you lean warm.
Soft smoky eyes for an irresistible gaze
For the eyes, you can keep it simple with a sweep of bronzer in the crease or go for something more detailed. A palette of beige, caramel, and brown shadows is your best friend for a natural, monochromatic eye look. Choose up to three shades, blend them seamlessly, and use a transition shade in the crease. Define the lash line and brighten the inner corners for a soft smoky effect that opens up the eyes.
For an evening look, try a creamy, satin or metallic shadow. You could even try a glossy eyelid. Finish with a chocolate brown eyeliner and brown mascara for a soft, sultry finish.
A defined, neutral, and glossy lip
Choose a nude shade that complements your skin tone and ties the look together. Not sure which to go for? Use your blush as a guide and pick a slightly deeper shade to stay in the same colour family.
Start by lining your lips with a creamy pencil, then apply a lipstick or tinted balm in the same tone. You could also go for a matte liquid lipstick for extra staying power. To seal the look with a trendy touch, add a layer of clear or mocha-coloured gloss.
Your ultra-harmonious monochromatic makeup look will bring out your natural beauty and turn heads while you’re at it! For an extra polished, timeless effect, pair it with a manicure in the same shade. Refined, simple, and seriously stylish.