Contrast Makeup Is All Over TikTok Right Now

With brow and blush blindness rising up as two of the biggest beauty trends of 2024, we can’t help but wonder: what else are we doing wrong? One makeup artist might have the answer. Tackling makeup routines with contrast theory, this TikTok trend is making waves on the app right now.

What Is Contrast Makeup?

‘Contrast levels refer to the value difference between skin tone, hair colour and eye colour,’ explains Franchesca Villar, beauty expert at Cosmetify. ‘The aim of TikTok’s contrast makeup theory, therefore, is to either guide your makeup to enhance these features, or keep them balanced.’

Coined by French TikTok creator and makeup artist, Ailénor, the trend focuses on how makeup can be used to enhance and complement natural features. By harmonising your makeup with the natural contrast levels of your face – whether it’s low, medium or high – the goal is to achieve a complimentary, balanced look.

@alieenor Is contrast makeup the new strawberry makeup trend ? #contrastmakeup #contrastlevels #contrastfilter #lowcontrast #mediumcontrast #highcontrast #coloranalysis #frenchmakeup @Alieenor 🧡 ♬ son original – Alieenor 🧡

‘Contrast is not a new trend – it’s not even a trend, really,’ says the makeup artist in one of her TikTok videos. ‘Actually, it’s like a fact. Contrast is all around us. It’s in the photographs we take, the shows we watch, the movies we watch, it’s in nature. Everywhere.

‘It’s how we see things, balanced in some way,’ she continues. ‘The eye is attracted to the lighter spots over darker spots – especially if you have a high contrast. If everything is in the same grey scale, then the eye is like looking at everything at the same time. So it’s just a fact about how we look at things.’

So, what does that mean for your makeup routine? ‘You don’t have to adapt your makeup to your contrast, but I think it’s an important factor to know about yourself,’ says Ailénor. ‘So that when you do your makeup, you know what it is going to look like and why.’

‘Understanding your contrast is a powerful tool,’ adds Rachael Divers, Resident Makeup Artist at Face the Future. ‘Once you know whether you’re low, medium, or high contrast, you can adjust your makeup to enhance your natural beauty, creating either a soft, ethereal look or something more bold and dramatic.’

How To Find Out Your Contrast Level

Before tapping into the theory, you first need to know where you sit on the contrast scale. Aside from giving advice, Ailénor has used her platform to create a filter that can help you quickly determine whether you are a low, medium or high contrast. ‘Each contrast level shows a side-by-side comparison of where shadows, brightness, and colour differentiate on the face,’ notes Franchesca.

@alishasapproach tiktok filters are truly lifesavers 😭 ib: @Alieenor 🧡 #contrastfilter #highcontrastmakeup #mediumcontrastmakeup ♬ original sound – Alisha

Once you’ve found your contrast, you can then move onto finding the right makeup look.

How To: Low Contrast Makeup

‘If you are considered low contrast, the difference in value between your hair, eyes and skin is very low,’ explains Franchesca. ‘This essentially means the contrast between your skin tone, hair colour, and eye colour is not very extreme. For example, if you’re blonde with fair skin and light eyes, you would be considered low contrast.’

‘Low-contrast individuals often have a more ethereal, flowing appearance,’ Rachael adds. ‘The £no-makeup makeup” look works especially well here. A nude lip, subtle blush, and a touch of highlighter can enhance the natural softness without overwhelming the features.’

@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 ♬ son original – Alieenor 🧡

How To: Medium Contrast Makeup

Those in the middle will have medium-toned hair and slightly darker features. This means they can crank up the intensity a little more, but will still need to find balance.

‘Those with a medium contrast can play with a bit of intensity everywhere,’ explains Rachael. ‘Smoky eyes, a darker lip colour and defined brows. Adding a touch of blush can unify the look beautifully.’

@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 🧡 ♬ son original – Alieenor 🧡

How To: High Contrast Makeup

‘A high contrast face is when you have a very high difference of value between the features of your face, such as light skin and very dark hair,’ says Franchesca. ‘This can draw attention to the face and be a bit harsh, but you can change your makeup accordingly to soften the contrast.’

Both Franchesca and Rachael recommends going for a statement makeup look. ‘With high contrast, you want to lean into the boldness,’ emphasises Rachael. ‘Think smoky eyes and dark lips. A red lip or a deep berry shade can create balance, adding intensity to the face in all the right places.’

‘Ideally, you want to add some intensity into your makeup routine to compliment the contrast,’ confirms Franchesca. ‘To make it slightly softer and more wearable, you can apply a medium-intensity red lip and cheek, paired with a subtle smokey eye.’

@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 ♬ son original – Alieenor 🧡

Featured image: SS25 Copenhagen Fashion Week, Rotate Backstage (c) Tonya Matyu