Contrast Makeup Theory

Understanding the TikTok trend

Contrast makeup theory is one of the latest trends taking off on TikTok, encouraging people to lean into their natural contrast levels to enhance their appearance. It’s rooted in the idea that understanding the intensity of your natural features—like the brightness of your eyes, the contrast between your hair and skin tone, and the depth of your eyebrows—can guide how you apply makeup for a flattering and harmonious effect.

How to Identify Your Contrast Level

Think of contrast as how much light and dark naturally coexist in your features. For instance:

High contrast: Dark hair with light skin or bright eyes (e.g., black hair with blue eyes).

Low contrast: Lighter hair and softer, more similar tones between hair, eyes, and skin (e.g., blonde hair with fair skin and light eyes).

Knowing this helps you decide how bold or subtle your makeup should be. For those with high contrast, dramatic eyeliner or bold lip colors often look cohesive, while individuals with low contrast may suit softer shades that won’t overpower their features.

How to Use Contrast Makeup in Your Routine

High Contrast: If you have distinct features, you can emphasize them further with high-impact makeup like deep eyeliners, bold lips, or stark contouring.

Low Contrast: Go for more blended, natural looks. Think soft washes of color on the eyelids, subtle blush, and lip tints that complement rather than dominate.

Unlike more rigid beauty rules, this theory helps people enhance their natural appearance rather than conforming to a one-size-fits-all approach.

If you want to try this trend, the key is experimentation—start by assessing your natural contrast and play around with products to see what makes your features pop without overwhelming your overall look.