The Pantone Color of the Year 2025 Is Here, and It’s Pure Mocha Mousse Perfection
The experts in beauty. The authority in color. Inspired by a shared belief in the power of color to spark creativity and self-expression, IPSY and Pantone are proud to present the Pantone Color of the Year 2025, PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse—the shade your beauty routine has been craving all along. This evocative soft brown manages to be both grounding and indulgent, blending the best of nature’s elegance with a hint of everyday luxury. In other words, it’s the color version of a perfectly brewed espresso: rich, comforting, and just fancy enough to make you feel a little elevated. “PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse is a rich brown whose sensorial warmth appeals to our desire for comfort,” Laurie Pressman, Vice President of the Pantone Color Institute, tells IPSY. “Sophisticated and lush, yet at the same time an unpretentious classic, PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse extends our perception of the browns from being humble and grounded to embrace aspiration and luxe. Infused with subtle elegance and earthy refinements, PANTONE 12-1230 Mocha Mousse presents a discrete and tasteful touch of glamour.”
Ready to dive into the world of Mocha Mousse, a color that’s about to take over your makeup bag, your Pinterest boards, and TikTok FYP? Let’s break down what makes the Pantone Color of the Year 2025 so irresistible.
Meet the Expert
Laurie Pressman is the Vice President of the Pantone Color Institute where she manages a global consortium of color and trend experts, presents on color psychology and color and trend to design audiences worldwide, and works directly with leading brands on their brand visual identity and product color selections.
What Makes PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse Perfect for Beauty in 2025?
In an era where our routines are increasingly intertwined with nature and wellness, this shade offers a sense of grounded luxury. The cultural significance here runs deep. As we yearn for deeper connections and sensory pleasures, Mocha Mousse aligns with our cravings for authenticity and comfort. It’s not just a color; it’s a state of mind. “As people continue to seek harmony and balance, there is a shift to focus on curating moments or experiences that help boost their sense of personal comfort and wellness. As a result, there has been an increased trend to elevate the everyday and take joy in the moment. From sweet treats to nature walks we are reaching further into our desire for comfort, and the indulgence of simple pleasures that we can also gift and share with others,” says Pressman.
But don’t worry, this isn’t all serious and solemn—Mocha Mousse is just as ready for a glamorous night out as it is for a cozy self-care ritual. “Imbued with authenticity, PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse finds harmony and balance between the demands of modernity and the timeless beauty of artful creation,” adds Pressman.
When it comes to our makeup aesthetic, neutrals never go out of style, and Mocha Mousse is here to extend that reign with some serious staying power. Pantone’s pick for the Pantone Color of the Year 2025 is all about balance. It’s warm but not too intense, rich but never overbearing—basically, it’s the shade that would nail the big presentation at work and still charm everyone at happy hour. As we head into 2025, beauty trends are leaning into this idea of thoughtful indulgence: feeling pampered and polished without the fuss.
From Subtle to Statement: How to Master Mocha Mousse Makeup
Subtle Contrasts
“Sophisticated brown hues coalesce with nuanced contrasts of blue and gray for a classic and compatible statement. A shimmering Buffed Beige adds an elegant touch,” says Pantone in a press release of the Subtle Contrast color palette. Our model Ashley Wang leaned into the monochromatic approach to a Mocha Mousse makeup look with a pearly soft-brown eye, blurred hot cocoa lips, and a matching Mocha Mousse mani.
Deliciousness
When it comes to pairing Mocha Mousse with existing colors in your makeup stash, Pantone suggests rosy pinks, fruity peaches, and rich wine shades. “Tastefully tempting Mocha Mousse combines with other delicious hues in a delectable palette inspired by mouth-watering confections,” says Pantone in a press release about the Deliciousness color palette. Complete your Mocha Mousse makeup with a dusting of rosy or peach blush, or opt for a statement wash of merlot red over your lips (seen on Wang above).
Must-Have Mocha Mousse Beauty Products
Ready to stock your beauty stash with this luscious shade? Here are our top picks:
1. Mocha Mousse-Inspired Bundle
Inspired by Mocha Mousse, this IPSY Shop exclusive bundle will help you elevate your everyday. E.L.F. SKIN Bronzing Drops will give your skin a rich warm glow, while BELLÁPIERRE COSMETICS Nude Eye and Face Book and LAVAA BEAUTY No Chill Mascara in Brown will drench your eyes in Mocha Mousse-inspired shades. Top of your look with the complementary BUXOM COSMETICS Plump Shot™ Collagen-Infused Lip Serum in Plush Peach and a spritz of LAURA MERCIER Translucent Pure Setting Spray to lock it all in place, then pop it all in the IPSY Slithering Stasher until next time.
2. IPSY x Pantone Collection (Dropping in April)
In partnership with Pantone, we developed a limited-edition collection of PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse must-haves, including a makeup bag crafted from soft, vegan Mocha Mousse leather, a 5-piece makeup brush collection, and a 3-piece makeup sponge set. The IPSY x Pantone collection will be available exclusively in the IPSY Shop and TikTok Shop in April, so sign up here to get notified as soon as the IPSY x Pantone Mocha Mousse Collection drops, then snag your favorite piece (or all three!) before they sell out.
Final Thoughts on Mocha Mousse
PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse is more than just a trending shade; it’s a reflection of where we’re headed in beauty and beyond. As we continue to embrace colors that make us feel connected and comforted, expect to see this shade influence everything from minimalist makeup looks to maximalist glam. Plus, keep an eye out for complementary hues like soft peach or gleaming gold, perfect for adding a touch of contrast. So, whether you’re cozying up at home or stepping out in style, Mocha Mousse is here to keep you looking effortlessly luxe—and maybe a little delicious. Because if you don’t indulge yourself, who will?