It’s all in the details.
With countless TikTok videos touting the benefits of contrast makeup, it’s safe to assume this viral trend will last longer than most. The principle of contrast makeup is to use light and dark tones to accentuate your features – based on your skin, hair and eyes – but we wanted to go a little deeper. We spoke to a professional makeup artist to find out everything you need to know about contrast makeup. Read our in-depth analysis and take notes!
What Exactly is Contrast Makeup?
When looking into contrast makeup theory, you should first consider your hair color, eye color and skin tone. “Contrast makeup theory is a technique that focuses on the similarity or difference in color intensity or ‘contrast’ of skin tone, hair color and eye color,” says Byrne. “By looking at all three colors together, you can identify your color palette and choose makeup that harmonizes with your natural features.”
The key factor in understanding contrast makeup is intensity. “Contrast makeup is about looking at makeup in terms of intensity, not just color value,” says Byrne. “For example, when we talk about red lips, we often think of a bold, opaque, bright red that offers high intensity and contrast. However, a lower-contrast version might be to apply some of the same lip color and tone it down with lip balm, so you get the joy of the color with much less intensity and therefore lower contrast.”
Low-Contrast Makeup
What exactly is low-contrast makeup? “If your facial features are a similar shade, such as light blonde hair, pale skin and blue eyes, or dark hair, dark skin tone and brown eyes, then you have low contrast because your natural shades are all very similar,” says Byrne.
The key to low-contrast makeup is to avoid harsh lines or dramatic color transitions. “I would start by choosing a subtle eyeshadow or applying a gray or warm-brown liner,” says Byrne. “Then I would even out the skin tone with a concealer or tinted moisturizer that matches your skin tone. Use a soft bronzer that’s no more than one shade off the skin to gently highlight cheekbones, jawline, brows and forehead. For blush, a color that matches your natural blush is a good choice, as is a sheer or buildable lip color or lip gloss to finish it off. It’s important that everything is well blended, the colors are in the same color family and the textures are soft.
Medium-Contrast Makeup
With medium contrast, the intensity is higher than with low contrast. “Medium-contrast makeup is about finding a balance between subtlety and definition,” says Byrne. “For example, if you have black hair, caramel-colored skin and dark brown eyes, you want to define them without overdoing it.
The key to choosing makeup colors when recreating medium-contrast makeup is to find shades that are neither too light nor too dark. “I love colors like ochre, chocolate, soft metallics and even khaki to accentuate the eye area in medium contrast makeup,” says Byrne. “Avoid makeup or concealer with a very strong contrast to your skin tone. Bronzer can be a few shades deeper than your natural skin tone, and you can find blush colors that add an eye-catching pop of color. The same goes for lips: Medium-intensity colors and textures can be more eye-catching than low-contrast ones, but you can still avoid super-pale nudes or dark, vampy shades.”
If you’re unsure where to start with high-contrast shades, Byrne recommends playing with different textures to see which works best: “I like bold colors with sheer textures for medium contrast; they add dimension with a hint of color. Play with textures and use a mixture
High-Contrast Makeup
High-contrast makeup brings out the drama more than low or medium contrast makeup. “If you have noticeable differences between your hair, skin tone and eye color, high contrast is an opportunity to use bold colors and dramatic textures,” says Byrne.
Feel free to experiment with bolder, pigmented eyeshadows and eyeliners for a smokey eye look; Byrne is a fan of smudged eyeliner: “Liner can be smudged for a smokey eye look or graphically drawn into a cat eye for high-contrast makeup. The more mascara, the better.” High contrast also allows for better skin definition. “Use bronzer for good definition and bold pops of color on the cheeks,” says Byrne. “For lips, shades of red, berry, plum and pink are good and balanced. The most important thing is to embrace contrasts and don’t be afraid of graphic patterns. If you’re not in the mood for bold colors, you can play with a mix of matte, shimmer and metallic lacquers to create more contrast and dimension with less color.”
The Takeaway
Everyone can benefit from high-contrast makeup. The key is to figure out what contrast type you are and match your choice of colors and makeup products to it. Whether you’re a low, medium or high contrast person, this trend will benefit you the most once you find your color palette. Are you ready to try contrast makeup?
