By India Espy-Jones ·Updated February 6, 2026 /> Getting your Trinity Audio player ready…
It’s the coldest season of the year, but winter makeup couldn’t be warmer. In other words, we’re predicting the toffee makeup trend will take over the red carpet in 2026. After all, the end of 2026 saw everyone from Paloma Elsesser and Zoe Kravitz, to Laura Harrier and Sabrina Elba rocking the toasty look. That’s because “toffee makeup sits between natural makeup and glam makeup,” says Kelly Zhang, celebrity makeup artist and founder of Kelly Zhang Makeup. With warm tones predicted to dominate the new year, toffee makeup “feels elevated but still everyday.”
Ahead, Zhang breaks down how Black women can achieve the toffee makeup look—and best products to do it with.
Zoe Kravitz at the Fifth Annual Academy Museum Gala held at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on October 18, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images) What is toffee makeup?
“Toffee makeup is a warm, glowing makeup look inspired by caramel, honey, and golden brown tones—the kind of colors that make skin look naturally sun-kissed and healthy,” Zhang tells ESSENCE.
Author: Akili King
Read the original article on Essence.