Monochromatic make-up is the seriously simple beauty trend we’re seeing everywhere at the moment

monochromatic makeup

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Monochromatic make-up is the seriously simple beauty trend we’re seeing everywhere at the moment

By Chloe Burcham

13 months ago

All products on this page have been selected by the editorial team, however Stylist may make commission on some products purchased through affiliate links in this article

4 min read

From inspiration pictures to multi-use products, here’s how to make the monochromatic make-up trend work for you…


When it comes to beauty trends, none are more wearable than monochromatic make-up. While thousands of videos are currently flooding TikTok with the trend, it’s not actually a new discovery – with monochromatic make-up looks being favoured by make-up artists for decades. 

“Monochromatic make-up has always been super wearable,” explains Chanel make-up artist Ninni Nummela. “The idea is that you centre the make-up around one shade or colour family. With just one product, you can effortlessly create a minimal, chic look.”

How to choose the right monochromatic make-up shades for your skin tone

“I love bronze and tan shades in various textures blended on the lids, swept across the cheekbones, and worn as a gloss on the lips,” explains Nummela. 

“For darker skin tones, opt for rich chocolates and deep bronze tones, while soft taupes and tans complement fair and medium skin tones.” 

“If you have green, blue, or hazel eyes, consider warmer shades of brown or copper to make your eye colour pop, thanks to their red undertones. A product I enjoy using a lot when creating a monochromatic look is Chanel Baume Essentiel in Golden Light. Because of the warm tone and the glossy finish, it beautifully accentuates eyes, cheekbones and lips.”

Monochromatic make-up inspiration:

Looking for monochromatic make-up inspiration? You’ve come to the right place. From colourful corals to smoky bronze shades – there are a myriad of ways you can wear the trend. Opt for a subtle wash of colour across the eyes, cheeks and lips for everyday wearability or build up the colour for a stand-out summer look…

Peachy tones

Smoky hues 

Blushing beauty

Beautiful bronze

Creamy caramel 

Soft & smoky

Soft brown

Deep cherry

Soft peach

The best monochromatic make-up products:

One of the best things about the monochromatic make-up look is that you don’t need to fork out a fortune on new beauty products. Either pair any existing similar shades together or use a multi-use lip, cheek and eye stick for a pulled-together, low-maintenance look. 

If you do fancy treating yourself to some new beauty buys, we’ve created an edit of our favourite monochromatic make-up products to help you re-create summer’s hottest beauty trend at home…

N°1 de Chanel Lip & Cheek Balms

N°1 de Chanel Lip & Cheek Balm

 “N°1 de Chanel Lip & Cheek Balms (especially my favourite shade – Vital Beige), are perfect for this trend. Simply apply it to the lips, cheeks, and gently dab onto the lids,” suggests Nummela.

Shop N°1 de Chanel Lip & Cheek Balm, £40

buy now

mornochromatic makeup

Laura Mercier Japan in Bloom Eyeshadow Palette

Inspired by the Japanese cherry blossom trees, this gorgeous palette packed full of rosy hues is perfect for creating monochromatic make-up looks in a whole host of pretty blush shades. Pair with a soft pink lipstick and rose-coloured blush and you’re good to go. 

Shop Laura Mercier Japan in Bloom Eyeshadow Palette at Lookfantastic, £25

buy now

monochromatic-makeup

RMS Beauty Lip2Cheek

Enriched with hydrating shea butter, conditioning cocoa seed butter and antioxidant-rich buriti oil, not only does this pretty little pot give colour to your lips and cheeks, but it imparts a healthy-looking sheen to the skin that lasts all day long. 

Shop RMS Beauty Lip2Cheek at Cult Beauty, £35

buy now

Flush Balm Rouge - Product

Merit Beauty Flush Balm

These cult cream blushers are perfect for creating a monochromatic make-up look. Available in nine creamy hues, swipe over cheeks, lips and lids for a pulled-together and polished look. 

Shop Merit Beauty Flush Balm, £32

buy now

monochromatic-makeup

Nudestix Nudies All Over Face Dewy Blush Colour

Designed to be used on the cheeks, eyes and lips, these creamy colour sticks give a dewy, fresh-faced glow that can be built up for long-lasting finish. 

Shop Nudestix Nudies All Over Face Dewy Blush Colour at Lookfantastic, £30

buy now

monochromatic-makeup

Anastasia Beverly Hills Stick Blush

Available in five flattering shades – from tangy nectarine to cool latte – these buildable blusher sticks are great for creating all over make-up looks, or pairing with your favourite lip and eye look for a monochromatic feel. 

Shop Anastasia Beverly Hills Stick Blush at Lookfantastic, £30

buy now

monochromatic-makeup

Nars The Multiple

An oldie but a goodie – Nars The Multiple was created for monochromatic make-up. Use on the eyes, lips and cheeks for a wash of colour and instant glow. 

Shop Nars The Multiple, £33

buy now

monochromatic-makeup

Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Lip & Cheek Glow

Perfect for easy, low-maintenance make-up – these lip and cheek tints are ideal for pulling together a chic and simple beauty look. 

Shop Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Lip & Cheek Glow at Space NK, £30

buy now

monochromatic-makeup

Ilia Beauty Multi-Stick

Available in 12 shades, these creamy lip and cheek tints provide a burst of colour while nourishing your skin, thanks to a rich blend of natural extracts, including castor seed oil, beeswax and shea butter.

Shop Ilia Beauty Multi-Stick at Space NK, £36

buy now

mornochromatic makeup

Rodial I Woke up Like This Palette

This six-shade make-up palette includes a bronzer, blusher and highlighter which can be effortlessly mixed and matched to create a custom colour on the cheeks and lids. Pair with your favourite lipstick and you’re done!

Shop Rodial I Woke up Like This Palette at Lookfantastic, £45

buy now

Images: Stylist Loves, courtesy of brands

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