Do you ever have those days where you feel like your makeup just isn’t “makeup-ing”?
You have done everything according to the tutorials you watch while using the products recommended by your favourite influencers. However, something still doesn’t look quite right.
Well, according to French makeup artist and Tiktoker @Alieenor, it may be because you aren’t doing your makeup according to your contrast levels.
We know you may be rolling your eyes wondering: what on earth are my contrast levels? However, this doesn’t seem like your typical TikTok fad. There are actually some super interesting points within this theory that might give you the answers to your makeup struggles.
@alieenor Is contrast makeup the new strawberry makeup trend ? #contrastmakeup #contrastlevels #contrastfilter #lowcontrast #mediumcontrast #highcontrast #coloranalysis #frenchmakeup @Alieenor 🧡 ♬ son original – Alieenor 🧡
Let’s break it down. It may take a second to wrap your head around this (it took me a minute!). The contrast levels of your face refer to the amount of contrast between the values of your skin tone, your hair and your eyes.
To help you figure out your contrast levels there is a filter on TikTok to help you do just that which was made by Aliee Nor herself. But generally, if you have fair skin, light eyes and light hair you would have low contrast. On the other hand, if you have light eyes and dark hair you would typically have higher contrast.
There are a few resources online such as contrast level charts to also help you figure this out!
If you discover you have a low-contrast face, here is how to do makeup accordingly. Low-contrast makeup tends to be very soft and neutral. There are no harsh lines or particular elements of the look that stick out. Therefore no feature has particular attention being brought to it.
@alishasapproach tiktok filters are truly lifesavers 😭 ib: @Alieenor 🧡 #contrastfilter #highcontrastmakeup #mediumcontrastmakeup ♬ original sound – Alisha
On the other hand, high-contrast makeup tends to be bolder. Sharp lines are prevalent therefore certain features will stand out. For example a bold lip or a sharp winged liner. With this type of look, you can play with more extravagant styles and colours.
Medium-contrast looks should work well on people who have a small difference between their skin, eyes and hair. Therefore if your eyes are your stand-out feature, it’s good to focus the intensity of the look around the eye area and keep the rest of the look on the softer side.
Think of it as a way of figuring out how to use definition and softness to elevate your particular features and create a makeup look tailored to you, rather than following a makeup tutorial by someone with completely different features.
Contrast makeup will help to harmonise your features and create a look that suits your face. It will bring focus to areas that need it and create extra dimension. Hopefully following these steps will elevate your makeup look. However, it’s important to remember that there are no specific rules to makeup and be sure to do whatever makes you feel most beautiful and confident!
Words by Ava Grace