Contrast makeup theory is the latest hot topic on social media. Although makeup artists have been practising similar principles for a long time, this approach is quite unique as it enables people to obtain a different look by blending makeup tones to their natural contrast. If you are not quite sure yet or are planning to step up your beauty regimen, then the following information.
What Is Contrast Makeup Theory?
Contrast makeup theory physiologically resembles identifying the best colours among your assortment. It’s about comprehending how your natural features, such as skin tone, hair, eye colour, and eyebrows, cooperate to generate contrast. Thus, you can use makeup to match and mix with that equilibrium.
“Specific parameters the tone of our skin, eyes, hair, and eyebrows, if we want to simplify to evaluate the level of contrast and thus to work with the colors that are best for us,” says Aliénor, а French makeup artist who is recognized for her social media work, A. She critically theorized the theory on social media.
Aliénor has divided her contrast theories into high, medium, and low categories. She has even created a TikTok filter that users can use to determine their contrast level. Another way to do this is to change your photo into a grayscale to compare the differences among your features. The higher the elevation in the tonal range, the higher your contrast level.
Once you determine your contrast level, you can choose complementary makeup colours. People with a high contrast of colour usually tend toward bold and dark shades. People with a medium contrast look the best in vibrant mid-tones. Low-contrast individuals thrive with softer, more neutral hues.
High Contrast Makeup
High contrast is a phenomenon accentuated by striking differences such as very dark and very fair or dark hair and light skin. Anne Hathaway, Lily Collins, and Ana de Armas are three celebrities who make being a classic example of a high-contrast person look easy.
Use make-up for high contrast to make a statement. Playing with dark hair will be a great start. Dark lipsticks, like smoky eyes or burgundy, can balance it. It is better to tone down the highlights in your hair when you’d like to cast the dark roots into the shadow of your choice by applying a darker colour of lip gloss or lipstick in burgundy. Deep shadows and dark or ‘bright’ highlights are emphasized to achieve a high-contrast look.
Medium Contrast Makeup
Medium contrast means that the difference between the tones is slight. The skin is in between the two extreme tones that people can have, but it still has some differences. These popular personalities have medium contrast, including Zendaya, Emma Watson, Kendall Jenner, Beyoncé, Halle Berry, and Naomi Campbell.
Medium-contrast individuals experimenting with rich tones have many colours to choose from. The key to pulling this look off is the face glow. Only small modifications are enough. Depending on the part of the face you want to highlight, it can be better to do a bold lip and soft eyes or the opposite, as they would contribute to the well-balanced look.
Avoid using the extremes of dark and light. Always look for the right shades of brown or green to match your skin colour and make your features pop out.
Low Contrast Makeup
Low contrast types show more of a uniformly-looking appearance, and the other features that may differ between their hair, eyes, eyebrows, and skin tone are so subtle that they seem to be almost the same. Starlets like Gigi Hadid, Taylor Swift, Viola Davis, Anok Yai, and Amanda Seyfried are some of the celebrities who remind you of low-contrast individuals as they keep their own features.
To achieve low contrast, you should always remember that the tones must be soft and neutral. Aliénor claims that a look with sharp contrasts is not ideal, as it would be better to create a more subtle and glowing look using highlighter and soft tones. Nude lipsticks, soft blushes, and neutral eyeshadows are the best for this combination. You aim to add shape and not upset the easy-to-be-reached equilibrium of your natural contrast.
Why Contrast Makeup Theory Works
The contrast makeup theory believes that makeup should be harmonious with natural features. Through contrast level identification, you can be sure if your makeup enhances or distracts from your beauty without your control.
It is practical and customizable, allowing you to create your one and only image easily. Whether your interest lies in a slightly argumentative style or you lean more towards softness, this theory is the guideline for looking awesome and unique.
How to Get Started
- Determine Your Contrast Level: Desaturate a photo of yourself and compare the differences in features, or use Aliénor’s TikTok filter to find out.
- Choose Colors That Complement Your Level: Stick to the shades that work best for your personal contrast go bold for high, stay vibrant for medium, and go easy for low.
- Experiment and Adjust: Makeup is an art, so do not limit yourself to only a few colours. Let yourself be free to explore and choose what suits you best.
Not only will you improve what you already have, but you will also come to a deeper understanding of the colours and shades that arrange themselves to bring up your glow. If makeup and Beauty are your biggest interests or you are a perfectionist about makeup, then the connection with this theory is the entry to simplicity and making your own beauty appearance. If you want to learn more about Mary Katrantzou Revisits Iconic Prints with a Fresh Perspective, Read on.
Ava Thompson is a fashion stylist and trend forecaster, bringing you the latest in fashion tips, outfit inspirations, and style guides to elevate your wardrobe.
