If you have ever found yourself wondering which colours work best with your features, you’ll want to become familiar with contrast makeup — the trend that’s been taking over everyone’s FYP lately. When it comes to makeup, contrast is one of the most powerful techniques. This concept goes beyond simply picking colors that solely complement each other; instead, it’s about creating a balance between your natural features and the makeup you wear, ultimately achieving a look that enhances your natural beauty.
Wondering where this trend came from? It was pioneered by Aliénor, a freelance beauty content creator who has changed the way we think about makeup. A perfect place to start is by exploring the science behind this beauty technique, unlocking how it can transform your makeup game. Katie Decimelli, a certified makeup artist and Stage Experience and Services Lead at Sephora, has shared with me her expert insights into this exciting new approach.
Low Contrast
As a low-contrast individual, your skin tone, hair color, and eye color are closely aligned in brightness and depth, creating a look that flows smoothly without any sharp distinctions. With fair skin, light hair and soft eyes, or a medium complexion with medium brown hair and matching eyes, you likely fall into the low-contrast category. Margot Robbie perfectly embodies this low-contrast elegance. Her light blonde hair, soft blue eyes, and fair skin create a delicate balance in tone and intensity, giving her a look that’s naturally graceful and unified. “Those with low-contrast, makeup can be soft and understated” says Katie; this gentle balance will keep your makeup looking seamless.
Best Makeup Practices for Low Contrast
For low-contrast beauties, like Margot’s, makeup should stay within a subtle, natural range. For this level, Katie advises to “think soft pinks, peaches, and taupe”, as monochromatic and muted tones enhance your complexion without overwhelming it. On the lips, nude, rosy, or muted shades work beautifully, especially in sheer finishes, adding just enough color to bring out your natural beauty without drawing too much attention to any single feature.
Key Tip: For low-contrast features, less is more. Katie advises that “the goal is to create a soft, balanced, and effortless look”, one that enhances your natural beauty without overwhelming it.
Medium Contrast
In the middle of the spectrum, we have medium contrast beauties; this is when there’s a moderate difference between your natural features — for instance, medium-toned skin paired with dark brown eyes and hair. Zendaya is a beautiful example of medium contrast, with her warm brown skin, deep brown eyes, and rich dark hair. This balance creates a look that’s neither too bold nor too subtle, giving her the versatility to explore a wide range of makeup options.
Best Makeup Practices for Medium Contrast
For medium-contrast beauties like Zendaya, a bit more definition can be applied around the eyes without it looking harsh. “To achieve this look, adding a little more bronzer and contour will add more definition”, Katie explains. Shades in brown or bronze are ideal, as they create a smoldering, softly defined effect that will complement your eye color. For the lips, mid-tone shades work best, “not too dark, not too light” she says. Earthy reds, warm mauves, and soft berry tones add the perfect amount of color to medium-contrast skin tones, balancing the look with a hint of drama.
Key Tip: Embrace makeup looks that have a touch of sophistication without overpowering your features. Experiment with color, as “a darker eyeliner or a slightly bolder eye can still give you a balanced finish” says Katie.
High Contrast
High contrast is characterized by a striking difference between the light and dark elements of your features. Anne Hathaway is a perfect example of this contrast type, with her pale skin and dark brown hair. Her strong differences in tone and intensity create a dramatic, eye-catching look. For high-contrast individuals, bold makeup choices can beautifully enhance this natural distinction.
Best Makeup Practices for High Contrast
High-contrast beauties can confidently carry dramatic eye makeup. “Your brows can be a main focus – tinted brow gel or lamination can help them stand out” says Katie. Deep black eyeliner shadows, such as emerald or navy, work wonderfully for adding intensity and highlighting eye color. Dark, defined lashes are essential, as they bring out the eyes and complement the high-contrast look. For the lips, “high-intensity colors like dark reds, burgundy, and plum shades are ideal”, Katie explains, as they evidently provide the perfect touch of drama. Anne Hathaway’s classic red lip, for example, enhances her high-contrast coloring, adding glamour without overwhelming her features.
Key Tip: Embrace the drama! High contrast pairs nicely with bolder, richer shades and high-intensity colors that create a polished, striking effect.
Finding your contrast level isn’t just about your natural coloring; it’s about identifying what tones and intensity create the most balanced, flattering effect on you. Play with makeup shades that align with your contrast level, and remember that subtle tweaks can make a big difference. Katie encourages experimenting with color, noting that everyone’s skin has unique undertones. To find your contrast level, start by observing the natural differences between your features, notably, your hair, eyes and skin tone. Once you identify your contrast type, you can better understand which shades of colours will naturally complement your features, making your makeup look effortlessly cohesive. With a bit of practice and a touch of technique, you can create a makeup look that feels as authentic as it is unforgettable.
Author: Krizia Panetta
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As a writer and editor, with a Master’s in English, I strive to create content that is as captivating as it is polished. I specialize in covering a wide array of topics, some being lifestyle, culture and beauty. With a great passion for literature and a keen eye for detail, I strive to bring insight and depth to each piece I write