With endless shades, formulas, and trends, finding the right makeup look that complements your features can feel overwhelming. A popular TikTok trend, “contrast makeup theory,” aims to simplify this.
Read on to see how it can help you select makeup shades that truly suit you.
The Lowdown on Contrast Makeup Theory
Source: @stxph.h/TikTok (left to right: low, medium, & high contrast)
Contrast makeup theory is all about highlighting your natural beauty by recognising the differences in your appearance, particularly your skin tone, hair, eyebrows, and eye colour.
Created by French makeup artist Aliénor, this trend encourages you to craft makeup routines based on how much difference in contrast there is between these features.
The theory categorises your features into three contrast levels: high, medium, and low. Each level reflects the difference in brightness between your natural features. Here’s a simple rundown of each category:
@alieenor My favourite glow up tip is playing with contrast to get more confidence ✨ #contrastlevel #mediumcontrast #highcontrast #emmawatson
- High contrast: People with dramatic differences in their features, like dark hair with fair skin or bright eyes with deep skin tones, fall into this category.
- Medium contrast: This is a noticeable contrast but not overly sharp—think medium skin tones with dark eyes and hair or fair skin with medium brown hair.
- Low contrast: People with subtle, blended features, such as light hair, fair skin, and soft-coloured eyes, are typically low contrast.
For instance, someone with very light skin and dark hair has high contrast, while another with similar light features may have low contrast.
By identifying your contrast level, you can choose makeup shades that complement your unique look, making your features pop and creating a harmonious overall appearance.
Related read: How To Tell If You Have A High Or Low “Visual Weight” – This Could Change Your Makeup Game
How Do I Determine My Contrast?
Source: @stylingbypriest/TikTok
The contrast makeup theory has sparked a popular filter on TikTok that allows you to find out your contrast level. Many users are jumping on the bandwagon, using the TikTok filter to see how their unique features come together.
If you’re curious and want to try it out, here’s how:
- Search for the filter: Look for the “Contrast Theory” filter, which uses your selfie to help identify your contrast type.
- Use natural lighting: Stand in natural light for the best results, as artificial lighting can affect the filter’s accuracy.
- Interpret the results: The filter should give you a rough idea of your contrast type.
Keep in mind, though, that it’s a general tool. For people with medium or deeper skin tones, the filter can sometimes misinterpret undertones, and those with blended or unique features might not get a clear-cut answer.
@stylingbypriest I love how straightforward this filter is for finding your contrast! Just remember there are other factors that determine your season! #colorseason #stylingbypriest @✨🪞Priest🪞✨
Creator @stylingbypriest tried the contrast makeup trend filter on TikTok and shared that if you want to understand your colouring, you’ll need to consider a few details, including undertone, contrast, depth, and your saturation, which refers to intensity.
Do Your Makeup According to Your Contrast Level
Everyone has their own unique colours, so these examples are merely suggestions. Once you choose your level of contrast, you’ll be able to find the style that fits you perfectly.
Low Contrast Makeup
Source: @keniglo/TikTok
Low contrast makeup theory refers to a subtle difference in value between your hair, eyes, and skin tone. When these features are similar in tone, your overall look would be soft and ethereal rather than bold and striking.
For those with low contrast, the “no-makeup” makeup look would be ideal for creating a fresh, natural look that enhances their delicate features without overwhelming them.
@keniglo Low contrast makeup inspo for medium skintone, yang paling sering aku pakai untuk daily makeupku #lowcontrastmakeup #contrastlevel #makeuptutorial #makeup #beautytok
DV Makeup Tip: Use minimal makeup techniques to enhance the beauty of your low-contrast features. A light touch with makeup—such as a swipe of mascara, barely-there blush, and a touch of lip gloss creates a fresh, simple look. This keeps everything balanced and in harmony with your natural tones.
Medium Contrast Makeup
Source: @evalarosaxo/TikTok
On the other hand, medium contrast slightly differs from low contrast, showcasing a noticeable yet balanced difference in value between your hair, eyes, and skin tone.
When these features have some variation in tone, the overall look strikes a balance between softness and boldness, allowing for more versatility in makeup choices.
For those with medium contrast, combining subtle and defined makeup elements works wonders, creating a polished appearance without overwhelming them.
@evalarosaxo which contrast you need next?ib: @Alieenor 🧡 PRODUCTS: • @Florasis Shop concealer palette • @Yepoda multi balm peach • @ILIA Beauty lip balm in memoir • @Charlotte Tilbury hollywood blush & glow palette • @PLOUISE blend away palette 2022 • @essence cosmetics gimme glow highlighter in 10 • @L’Oréal Paris lash paradise mascara in marron intense • iliabeauty lip oil in petals #contrastlevel #mediumcontrast #contrastmakeup #makeuphacks #makeuphackstutorial #makeup #makeuptutorial
DV Makeup Tip: Adding a touch of eyeliner can provide definition, while a natural blush adds a healthy glow. Don’t forget a pop of colour on your lips to complete the look! This way, you can enjoy a polished appearance that feels effortless.
High Contrast Makeup
Source: @minaamouse16/TikTok
High contrast makeup theory emphasises a big difference compared to low and medium contrast makeup theory. When your features stand out from one another, the overall effect is bold and eye-catching, which opens up a world of dramatic makeup options.
For those with high contrast, embracing a more daring makeup style can really enhance their features and create a striking appearance.
@minaamouse016 Where are all my high contrast baddies? Ib: MUA @Alieenor 🧡 #makeuptutorial @IT Cosmetics @Armani beauty @Charlotte Tilbury @Patrick Ta Beauty @Kylie Cosmetics @r.e.m. beauty
DV Makeup Tip: Go for bold makeup to show off your high-contrast features. A defined winged eyeliner, vibrant blush, and a statement lip colour can create a dramatic look.
Featured image credits: @minaamouse16, @evalarosaxo, and @keniglo
