TikTok’s latest theory on how you should be doing your make-up is a game changer for your routine.
Making waves across the platform, the theory suggests that you should be doing your make-up depending on the contrast of your features.
Finding out if you are high, medium or low-contrast gives you a number of suggestions on what type of make-up looks best.
@alieenor My favourite glow up tip is playing with contrast to get more confidence ✨ #contrastlevel #mediumcontrast #highcontrast #emmawatson
The trend came about due to a user called @Alieenor on TikTok- who created a filter which helps you figure out your contrast level based on your skin tone, hair, and eyes.
For example, if you’re blonde with fair skin, you’re considered low contrast, if you are pale with dark features you are high contrast.
You don’t need to buy a bunch of new products to play around with this as Ailénor’s tips focus on enhancing your natural beauty—like trying a bold red lip to balance your look.
We’ve listed the different contrasts, what they are and how to do your make-up accordingly. Take a look:
@alieenor Is contrast makeup the new strawberry makeup trend ? #contrastmakeup #contrastlevels #contrastfilter #lowcontrast #mediumcontrast #highcontrast #coloranalysis #frenchmakeup @Alieenor 🧡
Low Contrast
If you’re considered “low contrast,” it means there’s little difference in the colour between your hair, eyes, and skin – creating a soft, ethereal look.
Ailénor recommended the no-makeup makeup trend for this contrast level, giving Elle Fanning’s light glam at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival as an example.
She noted that while low-contrast individuals can wear bold makeup, it often looks more natural when kept subtle.
Each contrast level follows this less-is-more approach for a more harmonious effect.
@alieenor Réponse à @Kelly the ultimate glow up tip is choosing makeup as a way to show yourself, rather than seeing thz malzup first, and the face second. #contrast #contrastlevels #lowcontrastmakeup #lowcontrast #colorseasonanalysis #softfeatures #nomakeupmakeup #ellefanning
Ailénor emphasised that the goal is to enhance your natural beauty rather than overpower it.
For those with low contrast, using lighter shades for blush and lip colour can help achieve that effortless vibe.
Ultimately, the key is to find a balance that complements your features without overwhelming them, allowing your unique beauty to shine through.
@siananscrivner CONTRAST LEVEL MAKEUP! 🌟#makeup #highcontrast #contrastmakeup #lowcontrastmakeup #makeuptips #makeuptutorial #makeupforbeginners
Medium Contrast
With medium contrast, there’s a clear difference between your face and hair, which may require a bit of added intensity for a more natural look, according to Ailénor.
She recommended using lipstick in the right intensity—like pink or rosy shades—to balance the contrast without going overboard.
Ailénor, who identified as being medium contrast herself, noted that nude lipsticks made her feel washed out.
To tie the look together, she suggested applying a matching blush shade lightly on the cheeks.
@alieenor Réponse à @user9861374213438 hope this helps ! Here is an example of a medium contrast makeup look @Embryolisse France @Diorbeauty @Sephora Collection @martinecosmetics @maccosmetics @Hourglass Cosmetics @Typology Paris #mediumcontrast #contrastfilter #mediumcontrastmakeup @Alieenor 🧡 @Alieenor 🧡
For inspiration, she shared a photo of Zendaya at this year’s Academy Awards.
The actress showcased an ultra-glowy base with subtle bronzy eyeshadow and a rosy pink lip.
Ailénor further recommended that if you have particularly dark eyes, adding some intensity to your eye makeup can help soften the contrast with your skin tone, and a subtle smoky eye is a fantastic choice.
@nicole_lane11111 Makeup for medium contrast features 🫶🏼🤍🎀 @Huda Beauty grip primer @REFY eyebrow pencil & brow sculpt Huda beauty easy blur foundation in shade custard 220N @VIEVE eye wand in shade Hazelnut @Hourglass Cosmetics concealer in shade Cedar @bobbibrownuk vitamin enriched pressed powder in shade Yellow refybeauty cream bronzer in shade Sand @Armani beauty luminous silk bronzing powder in shade 100 @Kosas blush is life in shade euphoria @maccosmetics mascara in shade chestnut @YSL Beauty crush liner in shade 2 refybeauty blur liner in shade umber yslbeauty loveshine candy glaze 02 @Too Faced setting spray #mediumcontrastmakeup #mediumcontrast #grwm #makeup #creatorsearchinsights
High Contrast
A high contrast face, according to Ailénor, features a significant difference in colour between facial features, such as very light skin paired with very dark hair.
This contrast can draw attention to the face but might come across as harsh.
To soften this effect, Ailénor suggested adjusting your makeup to soften the contrast.
She recommended bold looks like smoky eyes and dark red lipstick, as well as the Italian siren trend, which emphasises intensity.
@alieenor Réponse à @Ashleyvdk The best way you can feel like yourself when wearing makeup is understanding your contrast level #contrastlevel #highcontrast #annehathaway #maralafontan #inestazi #monicabellucci #highcontrastmakeup #darkhair #contrast #colorseasonanalysis @Mara Lafontan @INES TAZI
However, she also noted that you can achieve a softer effect by opting for medium-intensity red lips and cheek colours or a more subdued smoky eye.
Ailénor highlighted Emily Ratajkowski’s signature smoky glam as an example of how to embrace high contrast while still keeping it balanced.
Ultimately, the key is to add intensity in a way that complements your features without overwhelming them.
@maggieanne.n Im not convinced 😶 #highcontrastmakeup
