What Is 'Contrast' Makeup and Should You Try It?
Elevate your makeup skills by understanding your contrast, a new game-changing technique courtesy of TikTok.
With makeup trends constantly coming and going, it can feel almost impossible to master the techniques required by each makeup look, leaving you dissatisfied with the results. While technical skill is a always important in achieving the look, a new TikTok trend says understanding your contrast level can change how you approach trends and learn to personalize them to fit your needs. But what exactly is a contrast level and how can it elevate your look?
Contrast level refers to the value difference between your skin tone, hair color, and eye color. Keeping these differences in mind guides your makeup choices to either enhance or keep your features balanced. Understanding your contrast level isn't something necessarily new, according to makeup artist Aliénor (@Alieenor). She says learning the ins and outs of your contrast will help you understand what your makeup will look like. Aliénor created the TikTok filter you've most likely seen on your For You page, which allows you to see a side-by-side comparison of your face with the different contrast levels: low, medium, or high.
Low contrast focuses on subtle, natural tones. This emphasizes the low contrast between your hair and skin tone, so you want to avoid harsh makeup and lean into the soft makeup looks that will blend your features seamlessly. For example, if you have a fair skin tone with blonde hair and blue eyes, then lighter tones will suit you better.
For people with medium contrast, blush is your new best friend. If you have darker skin and medium brown hair, medium contrast emphasizes balancing those differences to create a coordinated look. Striking blushes like pink or peachy tones will help add warmth and dimension while enhancing the vibrancy of your features.
High contrast fits someone with darker hair and a light to medium skin tone. For example, if you have black hair with green eyes, your features have a sharp contrast, so bold makeup choices will create a distinctive look. You'll want to intensify those features with black eyeliner and bright lip colors.
This TikTok tip surpasses any makeup trend because it creates a different understanding of how you approach makeup. Understanding your contrast means understanding yourself and taking the time to analyze your beautiful, unique features to gain confidence with your appearance.
Armani Beauty's Luminous Silk Cheek Tint in Rosy Peach is the perfect peachy pink for people with a medium contrast level. This blush helps balance your features and create a harmonious makeup look. It's a liquid formula that leaves your skin hydrated and with a radiant finish.
Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Cheek Tint, $39, Sephora.
Make Up For Ever's Artist Color Pencil Longwear Eyeliner will effortlessly help create that striking look for people with high contrast. This creamy, matte pencil glides on seamlessly to enhance your eye features and result in a bold eye look.
Make Up For Ever Artist Color Pencil Longwear Eyeliner, $24, Sephora.
Makeup By Mario's Master Mattes Eyeshadow Palette: The Neutrals is a must-have for all of the low-contrast girlies. This neutral-toned eye palette consists of 12 creamy, buildable shades that will help create a soft look to enhance your natural tones.
Makeup By Mario Master Mattes Eyeshadow Palette: The Neutrals, $50, Sephora.
Prada Beauty's Monochrome Soft Matte Refillable Lipstick in shade R128 Granato is a beautiful soft red shade if you want to achieve an intense high contrast makeup look. It's a buildable, matte lipstick that's lightweight and lasts up to six hours.
Prada Beauty Monochrome Soft Matte Refillable Lipstick, $50, Sephora.
Patrick Ta's iconic Major Sculpt Crème Contour and Powder Bronzer Duo is the ideal bronzing base for medium contrast looks. It adds dimension for a sculpted look and blends seamlessly so you have definition to your face, but it doesn't distract from the products meant to enhance your features.
Patrick Ta Major Sculpt Crème Contour & Powder Bronzer Duo, $40, Sephora.
