Black will always have a place in our beauty routine, but this fall, we’re reaching for something a little softer. Chocolate, espresso, cocoa and deep coffee tones are giving our everyday makeup the definition we love from black, but with a warmer, softer finish that feels perfect for fall. The best part? You don’t have to completely change your makeup routine. Simply swap a few of your everyday black staples for brown.
Here’s how we’re wearing it.
1. Black Eyeliner → Chocolate Brown
If there’s one swap to try first, make it your eyeliner. Chocolate brown still gives the eyes definition, but the finished look feels softer and less harsh than traditional black. Keep the line thin for everyday makeup or smoke it along the lash line with a small brush for an effortless fall eye.
We’re wearing: chocolate, espresso and deep cocoa.
2. Black Mascara → Brown Mascara
Brown mascara is one of those subtle changes you might not notice immediately, but it can completely soften a makeup look. Instead of creating a strong contrast around the eyes, brown mascara gives lashes definition while keeping everything warm and natural. Pair it with brown liner and suddenly your everyday eye makeup feels completely different.
We’re wearing: deep brown and brown black.
3. Black Smoky Eyes → Espresso Eyes
The smoky eye isn’t going anywhere. We’re just warming it up. Instead of charcoal and jet black shadow, we’re reaching for espresso, chocolate, taupe and coffee tones. Blend the deepest brown close to the lashes and soften it outward with taupe or caramel for a smoky eye that feels rich without becoming too heavy.
We’re wearing: espresso, mocha, cocoa and taupe.
4. Black Nails → Chocolate Nails
If black nails are your fall staple, chocolate brown might be the easiest seasonal update. Deep espresso can look almost black in certain lighting, while warmer chocolate shades give the manicure a softer, richer finish.
We also love brown French tips, tortoiseshell accents and milky nails with chocolate detailing if you want something more minimal.
We’re wearing: dark chocolate, espresso, mocha and coffee.
5. Black Accessories → Tortoiseshell & Chocolate
The brown beauty trend doesn’t have to stop with makeup. We’re swapping some of our black hair accessories for tortoiseshell claw clips, chocolate headbands, brown satin scrunchies and warm neutral beauty accessories. It’s a tiny detail, but it pulls the entire fall beauty look together.
We’re wearing: tortoiseshell, chocolate, caramel and espresso.
The Brown Beauty Edit
The easiest way to try the brown beauty trend this fall is to start with one product you already wear in black. Swap your liner for chocolate. Try brown mascara. Trade a charcoal smoky eye for espresso. Or give your usual black manicure a rich chocolate update.Brown gives us everything we love about black, just a little softer, warmer and perfectly suited for fall.