In The Chair: How To Nail Toasted Makeup
Your step-by-step guide to creating the perfect toasted makeup look.
Welcome to In The Chair, our new beauty series where we share step-by-step guides on how to create some of today’s most in-demand makeup looks. In each episode, we’ll break down steps into easy-to-follow advice, helping you master everything from contour to smokey eyes.
Next up in the series: how to nail toasted, bronzed makeup, with step-by-step instructions you can recreate with confidence.
When it comes to the toasted, bronzed makeup look, it’s all about soft warmth and a natural glow. The trick is choosing the right tone - shades with red or plum undertones that feel flattering and easy to wear. Whether your skin is fair, medium, or darker, the aim is to create a gentle, sun-kissed flush. The beauty of this look lies in its versatility: you can keep it light and natural for daytime warmth, or layer slightly for a richer, night out look. With the right tones and a few simple steps, the toasted, bronzed makeup look is high impact, low effort, and naturally glowing.
Follow along as we take you through the step-by-step guide, sharing expert tips and techniques from makeup artist Diana Macoveiu that make all the difference...
Written By: Giuliana Biondi - Published: 12.03.26
Step 1: Focus on tone selection
For a toasted, bronzed glam look, choosing the right tone is key. Because the look is trend-based, the shade you select is what makes your makeup stand out.
Step 2: Choose your shade if you’re fair to medium
If you have a fair to medium skin tone, look for a shade with a warm brown base and a soft pink influence. Think of a colour similar to a plum crumble - warm, slightly rosy and softly rich.
Step 3: Go deeper for medium to darker skin tones
For medium to darker skin tones, opt for a more intense shade within the same colour family. Plum, berry or raspberry shades work beautifully.
Step 4: Focus on red and brown undertones
The toasted aesthetic sits within a palette of red and brown autumnal tones. These shades should feel warm and rich, often with a subtle blue base layered with red rather than yellow or golden tones.
Step 5: Stick to cream formulas
Cream products are key to this look, particularly when it comes to blush. They blend seamlessly into the skin and create that natural, lit-from-within flush.
Step 6: Use the right brush
A fluffy but dense brush works best. It helps keep the colour concentrated where you want it while allowing you to blend and diffuse the edges naturally.
Step 7: Focus on the apple of the cheeks
Apply your chosen toasted shade to the apple of the cheeks, keeping the pigment in the centre. Gently blend outward so the colour diffuses into the rest of your complexion.
Step 8: Add warmth across the face
Lightly tap a little blush across the bridge of your nose for a soft, sun-kissed effect. Freckles can also be added for an extra natural and playful touch.
Step 9: Create a monochromatic finish
Pick an eyeshadow and lipstick with the same shade and apply on your eyelids and lips. This will instantly create a soft, seamless finish and tie your whole look together.
Step 10: Keep the rest minimal
Finish with a little mascara for subtle definition. Highlighter isn’t necessary, though a small amount of extra definition can be added if desired. The result is a soft, toasted glow that’s easy, high impact and low effort.
