MOCHA MOUSSE IS PANTONE’S COLOUR OF THE YEAR
Pantone’s colour of the year has been announced, and beauty enthusiasts around the world couldn’t be more pleased.
2025 is the year of … drum roll please... mocha mousse!
With ‘chocolate nails’ searches increasing by 160% this past month, and ‘brown lips’ seeing a 280% increase this week, it’s clear we’re all craving a little mocha mousse in our beauty routine. But how do we fill ourselves up with this hero hue? Feeding into our ongoing gourmand obsession, this year’s shade is all about those comforting treats we like to indulge every now and again. With that in mind, we’ve rounded up the best mocha mousse make up looks to add into your beauty repertoire for the upcoming year and beyond.
WHAT IS MOCHA MOUSSE
Described by the Pantone Colour Institute as “a mellow brown that conjures feelings of comfort and warmth”, mocha mousse is an earthy shade that balances the vibrancy of deep chocolate with the softness of warm taupe. Creating a cosy yet refined atmosphere, it exudes a sense of tranquillity and desire for harmony. The best bit? Suiting all ages and faces, mocha mousse can be paired with pretty much anything – from contrasting colours to tonal shades and everything in between.
HOW TO WEAR MOCHA MOUSSE
Taking over more than just your home and wardrobe, mocha mousse has earned pride of place in our cosmetic cases. Bringing a sense of sophistication and elegance to your routine, it’s an easy and expressive way to stay on trend…
Not sure where to start? Don’t fret, keep scrolling to discover the best ways to recreate 2025’s mocha mousse make up.
MOCHA COMPLEXION
As mocha mousse has a rich, warm tone, it complements all skin tones ranging from fair to deep. Start with a fresh, clean base before using a medium to full-coverage foundation that matches your skin tone to create a smooth canvas. For extra radiance, apply a light layer of highlighter on the highest points of your face (we’re talking cheekbones, nose bridge and cupid's bow).
MOCHA CHEEKS
For a natural, sun-kissed flush, use a warm, earthy bronzer that complements the mocha mousse theme. Lightly contour your face, focusing on the hollows of your cheeks, temples and jawline. To finish off use a peachy or rosy blush to balance the deeper tones of your mocha mousse bronzer and contour.
MOCHA EYES
Bringing depth and warmth to your peepers, mocha mouse eye make up can be as subtle or sultry as you please. For your lids, use a mocha mousse eyeshadow as a base shade or as your transition colour when emulating a smoky eye look. Apply it across your eyelids, then blend it into the creases for a naturally defined shape. For added dimension, use a deeper brown or burgundy shade in the outer corners of the eyes. Moving onto your eyeliner. We suggest applying a brown or dark chocolate shade to your upper lash line with a damp brush. This will not only achieve a matte texture but offer a subtler shine off – perfect for an everyday look. Finally, complete your mocha mousse look with a brown mascara. This will open your eyes, keeping the focus on the rich, warm tones of your chosen shade.
MOCHA LIPS
Pay homage to the trend within seconds with a swipe of your new go-to lipstick. For a discreet nod to Pantone’s colour of the year use a nude brown or caramel gloss. Or if you’re wanting to amp up the drama, apply a rich mocha lipstick with a matte finish. This creates a monochromatic look that makes a bold yet understated statement.
MOCHA NAILS
Pinterest boards at the ready… Yes, mocha manis are a thing! From a monochrome base colour and ombre textures to French tips and metallic accents, there’s a mocha mousse nail design to suite every mood and occasion.
But why stop there? Take Pantone’s colour of the year one step further and experiment with mocha mousse hair, fragrances and whatever else you fancy… The possibilities really are endless!
Cult Beauty’s Senior SEO Copywriter, Trifonia started out in the industry when bold brows were just becoming a ‘thing’, and shares a passion for all things fashion and beauty. Currently embracing her curly girl journey (after endless years of straightening her strands), she is finally reverting to her natural ways! When Triffy isn’t busy testing out the latest curl-saving solutions, you’ll find her binging the latest reality TV show or on a long walk listening to her ever-evolving country music playlist.