Your contrast level determines what makeup looks work for your features.
For years beauty insiders have talked about how knowing your skin tone can help you determine what makeup will enhance your natural features. The latest beauty trend takes it one step further. Women are now embracing the high contrast makeup theory. That’s where you tinker with your makeup to balance out the difference between your hair, skin, and eye color.
Studio 5 Style & Beauty Contributor Megan Moore says once you know your contrast, you’ll see yourself and your makeup in a whole new light.
Contrast in Makeup
Contrast in makeup is different from skin tone. While skin tone refers to the color of your skin, Megan explained that, “Contrast is how different two colors are next to each other.”
You can see this concept visualized through black and white photos, where the difference in light and dark shades is more pronounced. “If it’s really dark, it’s going to look black in a black and white photo,” Megan said. “If it’s kind of medium dark, it’s going to look gray in a black and white photo.” When looking at contrast in makeup, you look at how these colors play next to each other and put on your makeup accordingly.
The Contrast Filter
A popular TikTok filter is helping women determine their contrast levels. It uses AI to analyze your features and categorize your contrast level as light, medium, or high. “You figure out if you’re a light, medium, or dark skin tone, most women know where they fall. Then within that, you’ve got a light, a medium, and a high contrast,” Megan explained.
Applying the Contrast Theory
Once you know your contrast level, you can apply your makeup accordingly. For example, if you have a medium contrast, your makeup should also have a medium contrast against your skin. Megan noted, “If I do something too light or too dark, that’s when it starts to look foreign.”
Examples of Contrast Levels
Light Contrast
People with light contrast, like those with fair skin and hair, look best with minimalistic makeup. Their makeup should blend seamlessly with their skin tone. Megan pointed out, “It just doesn’t stand out from their skin that much. Their lips kind of blend into the skin tone, not a lot of blush.”
Going bold in color with a light contrast may feel a little off. “If you’re a very fair skinned person and then you put a big, bright red lip on and you’re like, ‘that does not look like me,’ there’s a reason,” Megan said.
Medium Contrast
Those with medium contrast can incorporate more color into their makeup without it looking too harsh. Megan explained, “You can add a little bit more lip, a little bit more cheek, but we’re not looking for full saturation here.”
You also don’t want to go too pale. “If it’s not enough saturation, you’ll feel washed out,” Megan emphasized.
High Contrast
High contrast individuals, typically with darker hair and brows, can pull off bolder makeup looks. They can wear brighter colors without it looking overwhelming. Megan said, “Their coloring and their contrast can hold it, and it doesn’t look too much on them.”
Find more advice from Megan at thebeautysnoop.com or on her Instagram, @beautysnoop.
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