{"id":1530123,"date":"2026-01-14T11:15:00","date_gmt":"2026-01-14T08:15:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1530123"},"modified":"2026-01-14T11:15:00","modified_gmt":"2026-01-14T08:15:00","slug":"the-contrast-makeup-theory-brings-color-analysis-to-your-glam-routine","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1530123","title":{"rendered":"The &#8220;Contrast Makeup Theory&#8221; Brings Color Analysis to Your Glam Routine"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><main id=\"main_1-0\" class=\"comp main layout-body--continuous-scroll mntl-block\" data-tracking-container=\"true\"><\/p>\n<article id=\"beauty-article--sc_1-0\" class=\"comp beauty-article--sc beauty-article mntl-article mntl-article--three-column sc-ad-container\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<div class=\"loc article-header\">\n<div id=\"article-header_1-0\" class=\"comp article-header mntl-block article-top\">\n<h1 id=\"article-heading_1-0\" class=\"comp article-heading mntl-text-block\">The &#8220;Contrast Makeup Theory&#8221; Brings Color Analysis to Your Glam Routine<\/h1>\n<p id=\"article-subheading_1-0\" class=\"comp article-subheading mntl-text-block\">It might change the way you do your makeup. <\/p>\n<div id=\"article-meta_1-0\" class=\"comp article-meta mntl-article-meta mntl-block\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<div id=\"bylines_1-0\" class=\"comp bylines beauty-bylines mntl-bylines\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<div id=\"mntl-bylines__group_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-bylines__group mntl-block mntl-bylines__group--author\">\n<div id=\"mntl-bylines__item_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-bylines__item mntl-attribution__item mntl-attribution__item--has-date\"><span class=\"mntl-attribution__item-descriptor\">By<\/span><\/p>\n<div data-tooltip=\"Kaitlin is a Los Angeles-based writer who covers celebrity style, beauty, current trends, and more. She graduated from UC Berkeley in 2023 and her work has appeared in Marie Claire, Editorialist, Bustle, Well+Good, and Fashionista.\" data-inline-tooltip=\"true\"> Kaitlin Clapinski<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-author-tooltip_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-author-tooltip mntl-tooltip mntl-group\">\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__top \">\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__image-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" alt=\"Kaitlin Clapinski\" class=\"lazyload mntl-author-tooltip__image mntl-image universal-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/kaitlinclapinski-15a6b229d90f4493ae2422619bb18ac4-1.webp\" title=\"kaitlinclapinski-15a6b229d90f4493ae2422619bb18ac4-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/kaitlinclapinski-15a6b229d90f4493ae2422619bb18ac4-1.webp\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" class=\"img--noscript mntl-author-tooltip__image mntl-image universal-image__image\" alt=\"Kaitlin Clapinski\" title=\"kaitlinclapinski-15a6b229d90f4493ae2422619bb18ac4-1\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-author-tooltip__name_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-author-tooltip__name mntl-attribution__item \">\nKaitlin Clapinski\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-author-tooltip__social-nav_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-author-tooltip__social-nav beauty-social-nav mntl-social-nav social-nav--tooltip\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<ul class=\"social-nav__list\">\n<li class=\"social-nav__item social-nav__item--instagram\"><\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__bio\">\nKaitlin is a Los Angeles-based writer who covers celebrity style, beauty, current trends, and more. She graduated from UC Berkeley in 2023 and her work has appeared in Marie Claire, Editorialist, Bustle, Well+Good, and Fashionista.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__bottom\">\nByrdie&#8217;s Editorial Guidelines\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mntl-attribution__item-date\">Published on January 14, 2026 06:15AM<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"loc article-left-rail\">\n<div id=\"beauty-sticky-toc_1-0\" class=\"comp beauty-sticky-toc mntl-block js-sticky-container sticky-toc__wrapper\">\n<div id=\"sticky-toc_1-0\" class=\"comp sticky-toc mntl-universal-sticky-toc mntl-sticky-toc mntl-block sticky-toc-widget\" data-desktop-bp=\"70em\">\n<div id=\"toc-wrapper_1-0\" class=\"comp toc-wrapper mntl-toc mntl-block\" data-chop-mobile=\"false\" data-offset=\"60\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<div id=\"mntl-toc__inner_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__inner mntl-block\">\n<div id=\"mntl-toc__heading_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__heading mntl-block js-toc-toggle\"><span id=\"mntl-toc__heading-text_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__heading-text mntl-text-block\">In This Article<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-toc-toggle_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc-toggle mntl-block\">\n<div id=\"mntl-toc-toggle__btn_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc-toggle__btn mntl-text-block js-mntl-toc-toggle text-label-300\" data-click-tracked=\"true\" data-collapsed-text=\"View All\" data-expanded-text=\"View Less\">View All<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-toc__mobile-toggle_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__mobile-toggle mntl-block js-sticky-toggle\"><span id=\"mntl-toc__heading-text_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__heading-text mntl-text-block\">In This Article<\/span><\/div>\n<ul id=\"mntl-toc__list_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list mntl-toc__list-heading expert-content text-utility-300\">\n<li id=\"mntl-toc__list-item_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list-item mntl-block\">\n<div id=\"mntl-toc__list-item-heading_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list-item-heading mntl-block\"><span class=\"link__wrapper\">What Is Contrast Makeup Theory?<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"mntl-toc__list-item_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list-item mntl-block\">\n<div id=\"mntl-toc__list-item-heading_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list-item-heading mntl-block\"><span class=\"link__wrapper\">Low Contrast Makeup<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"mntl-toc__list-item_3-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list-item mntl-block\">\n<div id=\"mntl-toc__list-item-heading_3-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list-item-heading mntl-block\"><span class=\"link__wrapper\">High Contrast Makeup<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"mntl-toc__list-item_4-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list-item mntl-block\">\n<div id=\"mntl-toc__list-item-heading_4-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list-item-heading mntl-block\"><span class=\"link__wrapper\">Medium Contrast Makeup<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"loc article-content\">\n<div id=\"article__broad-video-jw_1-0\" class=\"comp article__broad-video-jw mntl-jwplayer-broad mntl-block is-hidden\" data-pixel-depth=\"100\">\n<div id=\"mntl-jwplayer-broad__title_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-jwplayer-broad__title mntl-block\"><button id=\"mntl-jwplayer-broad__title-icon--close_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-jwplayer-broad__title-icon--close mntl-block text-label-100\" data-click-tracked=\"false\"><span id=\"mntl-text-block_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-text-block\">Close<\/span><\/button><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-block_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-block article__body right-rail\">\n<figure id=\"mntl-universal-primary-image_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-universal-primary-image primary-image\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<div class=\"primary-image__media\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/contrastmakeup-59cae2cfbba1449e873fca19305ec745-3.webp\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1500\" alt=\"Emily Ratajkowski wearing dramatic makeup and diamonds\" class=\" primary-image__image mntl-primary-image--blurry\" title=\"contrastmakeup-59cae2cfbba1449e873fca19305ec745-3\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/contrastmakeup-59cae2cfbba1449e873fca19305ec745-3.webp\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1500\" class=\"loaded primary-img--noscript primary-image__image mntl-primary-image--blurry\" alt=\"Emily Ratajkowski wearing dramatic makeup and diamonds\" title=\"contrastmakeup-59cae2cfbba1449e873fca19305ec745-3\"><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption id=\"primary-image__figcap_1-0\" class=\"comp primary-image__figcap mntl-figure-caption figure-article-caption\"><span class=\"figure-article-caption-owner\"><\/p>\n<p>@emrata\/Instagram<\/p>\n<p><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-page_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-page mntl-block\" data-sc-sticky-offset=\"125\" data-sc-ad-label-height=\"16\" data-sc-ad-track-spacing=\"100\" data-sc-min-track-height=\"250\" data-sc-max-track-height=\"600\" data-sc-breakpoint=\"50em\" data-sc-load-immediate=\"5\" data-sc-content-positions=\"[1, 1250, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1]\" data-bind-scroll-on-start=\"true\">\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-callout--finalverdict beauty-sc-block-callout mntl-sc-block-callout mntl-block theme-finalverdict\" data-tracking-id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-heading_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-heading mntl-text-block\">Key Takeaways<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-body_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-body mntl-text-block\">\n<ul>\n<li>The viral &#8220;contrast makeup theory&#8221; maps out how to enhance your natural features using a customizable contrast filter .<\/li>\n<li>Its creator, makeup artist Ali\u00e9nor, explains how it works.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> There&#8217;s a lot of gray area when it comes to how you&#8217;re &#8220;supposed&#8221; to do your makeup. Sure, there&#8217;s plenty of lore around face shape and eye color, but the only real rule is that makeup is individual (and entirely up to your personal preference).\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_4-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> That being said, there are certainly a few guidelines to experiment with if you have no idea where to begin. Take the &#8220;high-contrast makeup theory,&#8221; for example. This makeup trend maps out how to enhance your natural features using a customizable contrast filter to create a soft, glowy glam. And, it&#8217;s not as confusing as it seems! Once you learn your contrast, it&#8217;s all about tinkering with your makeup to balance the difference between your hair, skin, and eye color.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_6-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> It&#8217;s certainly not an end-all-be-all guide, but it&#8217;s worth looking into if you&#8217;re feeling like switching things up. Ahead, everything we know about the trend.\n<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_8-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> What Is The Contrast Makeup Trend? <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_9-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Contrast has to do with differentiating light. For example, a high-contrast image will have bright highlights and dark shadows. It&#8217;s a common tool used in photography, but French makeup artist Ali\u00e9nor (@alieenor) changed the game when she introduced her contrast makeup theory on social media. &#8220;It&#8217;s the difference in value between your face, eyes, eyebrows, and hair,&#8221; she explains in a video. You find that contrast level, and then craft your makeup routine around it.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_11-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> The creator shared a black-and-white filter for users to experiment with finding their contrast level based on three skin tones and three levels of contrast. Each contrast level shows a side-by-side comparison of where shadows, brightness, and color differentiate on the face. (So, if you were blonde and had fair skin and light eyes, you&#8217;d be considered low contrast.)\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_13-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> According to Ail\u00e9nor, the contrast guide can apply across all skin tones. When using Beyonc\u00e9 as an example in a video, she says: &#8220;The difference between the hair and her skin isn&#8217;t very intense, so she&#8217;s low contrast.&#8221; On the other hand, someone like Zo\u00eb Kravitz has a high contrast because her &#8220;eyes, eyebrows, and hair are very much darker than skin tone.&#8221;\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_15-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-embed mntl-sc-block-embed\"><\/div>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_17-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> The trend encourages testing the filter and trying out the makeup artist&#8217;s tips on how to balance contrast using different techniques (like wearing a red lip, for example). The best part? It doesn&#8217;t necessarily require purchasing new products\u2014a rarity when it comes to social media beauty trends.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_19-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Ail\u00e9nor reiterates that the trend is meant to make you feel more confident in how makeup can enhance your features, and creators on the app are falling in love with how slightly changing your routine can alter your end results entirely. Remember: This is a starting point if you&#8217;re bored in your routine or brand new to makeup\u2014it&#8217;s not a steadfast rule to live and die by.\n<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_21-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> Low Contrast Makeup <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_22-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> If you are considered &#8220;low contrast,&#8221; that means &#8220;the difference of value is very low between the hair the eyes and the skin. (Essentially, the contrast between the skin tone and other features of the face, such as hair and eye color, is not very extreme.) &#8220;Everything is in the same greyscale,&#8221; Ali\u00e9nor explains in her video. &#8220;So it&#8217;s very soft and ethereal, and not very strong.&#8221;\n<\/p>\n<figure id=\"mntl-sc-block_24-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-image mntl-sc-block-image figure-portrait figure-low-res\">\n<div class=\"figure-media\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"979\" alt=\"Model Anok Yai showing off a low-contrast makeup look.\" class=\"lazyload mntl-image mntl-image universal-image__image\" id=\"mntl-sc-block-image_1-0\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/anok-cd09d748ffb2460ab5948c15a67f6893.webp\" title=\"anok-cd09d748ffb2460ab5948c15a67f6893\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/anok-cd09d748ffb2460ab5948c15a67f6893.webp\" width=\"700\" height=\"979\" class=\"img--noscript mntl-image mntl-image universal-image__image\" alt=\"Model Anok Yai showing off a low-contrast makeup look.\" title=\"anok-cd09d748ffb2460ab5948c15a67f6893\"><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption id=\"mntl-figure-caption_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-figure-caption text-utility-100 figure-article-caption\"><span class=\"figure-article-caption-owner\"><\/p>\n<p>@anokyai\/Instagram<\/p>\n<p><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_25-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Aileenor recommends the no-makeup makeup trend for those with low contrast and points out Elle Fanning as an example.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_27-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> &#8220;It doesn&#8217;t mean you can&#8217;t wear a lot of makeup,&#8221; she says &#8220;It just means that it&#8217;s going to have another effect.&#8221; In short, Aileenor is suggesting that subtle makeup appears more natural-looking on low-contrast faces.\n<\/p>\n<figure id=\"mntl-sc-block_29-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-image mntl-sc-block-image figure-portrait figure-high-res\">\n<div class=\"figure-media\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"964\" height=\"1350\" alt=\"Elle Fanning shows off her low-contrast makeup look.\" class=\"lazyload mntl-image mntl-image universal-image__image\" id=\"mntl-sc-block-image_2-0\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/elle-ad1410ed55c64c41bc1c5c39a1e7b4ed.webp\" title=\"elle-ad1410ed55c64c41bc1c5c39a1e7b4ed\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/elle-ad1410ed55c64c41bc1c5c39a1e7b4ed.webp\" width=\"964\" height=\"1350\" class=\"img--noscript mntl-image mntl-image universal-image__image\" alt=\"Elle Fanning shows off her low-contrast makeup look.\" title=\"elle-ad1410ed55c64c41bc1c5c39a1e7b4ed\"><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption id=\"mntl-figure-caption_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-figure-caption text-utility-100 figure-article-caption\"><span class=\"figure-article-caption-owner\"><\/p>\n<p>@erinayanianmonroe\/instagram<\/p>\n<p><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_30-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> TikTok creator @rachellldaguanno made a video of herself trying the trend, which included light makeup with very little contour or blush and just a swipe of mascara and lip gloss. Since the contrast between her hair, skin, and eyes is low (they&#8217;re all a similar tone) she opted for a pared-back approach to keep her contrast low.\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_32-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-embed mntl-sc-block-embed\"><\/div>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_34-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> High Contrast Makeup <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_35-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> A high contrast face, as Ail\u00e9nor explains it, is when the features of your face have different values. Think about very light skin and very dark hair. &#8220;What it does is draw attention to the face and it can be a bit harsh. You can change your makeup accordingly to soften the contrast,&#8221; she says.\n<\/p>\n<figure id=\"mntl-sc-block_37-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-image mntl-sc-block-image figure-portrait figure-high-res\">\n<div class=\"figure-media\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1029\" height=\"1440\" alt=\"Zoe Kravitz exhibiting high-contrast makeup.\" class=\"lazyload mntl-image mntl-image universal-image__image\" id=\"mntl-sc-block-image_3-0\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/zoe-3d17bce410ee4c4a8369e71e17156fb6.webp\" title=\"zoe-3d17bce410ee4c4a8369e71e17156fb6\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/zoe-3d17bce410ee4c4a8369e71e17156fb6.webp\" width=\"1029\" height=\"1440\" class=\"img--noscript mntl-image mntl-image universal-image__image\" alt=\"Zoe Kravitz exhibiting high-contrast makeup.\" title=\"zoe-3d17bce410ee4c4a8369e71e17156fb6\"><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption id=\"mntl-figure-caption_3-0\" class=\"comp mntl-figure-caption text-utility-100 figure-article-caption\"><span class=\"figure-article-caption-owner\"><\/p>\n<p>@ninapark\/instagram<\/p>\n<p><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_38-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Smoky eyes, dark and intense red lipstick, and the Italian siren trend are all looks that the makeup artist recommends for someone with high contrast. &#8220;Basically, you want to add back intensity,&#8221; she notes. &#8220;But you can also do this in a softer way, like using a medium-intensity red lip and cheek&#8221; or by applying a &#8220;softer&#8221; smoky eye. Emily Ratajkowski&#8217;s signature smoky glam is a great example.\n<\/p>\n<figure id=\"mntl-sc-block_40-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-image mntl-sc-block-image figure-portrait figure-high-res\">\n<div class=\"figure-media\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1028\" height=\"1439\" alt=\"Lana Condor shows off high-contrast makeup.\" class=\"lazyload mntl-image mntl-image universal-image__image\" id=\"mntl-sc-block-image_4-0\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/lana-aedb072e45234278b579964f45f1f8f4.webp\" title=\"lana-aedb072e45234278b579964f45f1f8f4\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/lana-aedb072e45234278b579964f45f1f8f4.webp\" width=\"1028\" height=\"1439\" class=\"img--noscript mntl-image mntl-image universal-image__image\" alt=\"Lana Condor shows off high-contrast makeup.\" title=\"lana-aedb072e45234278b579964f45f1f8f4\"><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption id=\"mntl-figure-caption_4-0\" class=\"comp mntl-figure-caption text-utility-100 figure-article-caption\"><span class=\"figure-article-caption-owner\"><\/p>\n<p>@lanacondor\/Instagram<\/p>\n<p><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_41-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> Medium Contrast Makeup <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_42-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> &#8220;When you have a medium contrast it means you have a bit of difference between the face and the hair. Sometimes you have to add a bit of intensity to make it look more natural,&#8221; says Ail\u00e9nor.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_44-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> A fail-safe way to balance contrast for those in the medium category is a &#8220;very good lipstick in the right intensity,&#8221; she says, pointing out pink and rosy shades. &#8220;It doesn&#8217;t have to be very saturated, but a bit more intense.&#8221;\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_46-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Ali\u00e9nor considers herself in this contrast, noting that nude lipsticks made her feel like a &#8220;ghost.&#8221; To complement the lightly colored lip, she recommends adding a similar blush shade lightly across the cheeks.\n<\/p>\n<figure id=\"mntl-sc-block_48-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-image mntl-sc-block-image figure-portrait figure-high-res\">\n<div class=\"figure-media\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2561\" height=\"3585\" alt=\"Zendaya at the Academy Awards.\" class=\"lazyload mntl-image mntl-image universal-image__image\" id=\"mntl-sc-block-image_5-0\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/zendaya-5c65a3df27c644f08c5699a331593590.webp\" title=\"zendaya-5c65a3df27c644f08c5699a331593590\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/zendaya-5c65a3df27c644f08c5699a331593590.webp\" width=\"2561\" height=\"3585\" class=\"img--noscript mntl-image mntl-image universal-image__image\" alt=\"Zendaya at the Academy Awards.\" title=\"zendaya-5c65a3df27c644f08c5699a331593590\"><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption id=\"mntl-figure-caption_5-0\" class=\"comp mntl-figure-caption text-utility-100 figure-article-caption\"><span class=\"figure-article-caption-owner\"><\/p>\n<p>Getty Images<\/p>\n<p><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_49-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> She uses a photo of Zendaya as an example in her collage of medium contrast inspiration. For the specific occasion, the actress opted for an ultra-glowy base with a subtle bronzy eyeshadow and a rosy pink lip. &#8220;If you have particularly dark eyes, you can add some more intensity on the eyes so the contrast between your eyes and skin tone is lessened,&#8221; she says. &#8220;A subtle smoky eye is also a great option.&#8221;\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_51-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-embed mntl-sc-block-embed\"><\/div>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_53-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Creator @tahiyabby tried the trend using a flush of pink blush and bronzer around the eyes and cheeks complete with a subtle brown winged eyeliner for a medium contrast makeup look. In another video, Tahiya adds that she might &#8220;never go back&#8221; after trying the trend. &#8220;This is such a flattering look on my features,&#8221; she says &#8220;This might actually be going into the rotation.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"loc article-post-content\">\n<div id=\"beauty-breadcrumbs--chips_1-0\" class=\"comp beauty-breadcrumbs--chips mntl-universal-breadcrumbs--chips mntl-block\">\n<div id=\"mntl-breadcrumbs__read-more_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-breadcrumbs__read-more mntl-text-block text-title-100\">Read more:<\/div>\n<ul id=\"mntl-universal-breadcrumbs_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-universal-breadcrumbs mntl-block text-label-300 breadcrumbs\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<li id=\"mntl-breadcrumbs__item_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-breadcrumbs__item mntl-block\"><span class=\"link__wrapper\">Makeup<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div id=\"recirc_1-0\" class=\"comp recirc mntl-block\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<h2 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src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/byr-color-correctors-for-dark-circles-tout-recirc-b7ff6f304d004feaa5f6d28457d99739-3.webp\" title=\"byr-color-correctors-for-dark-circles-tout-recirc-b7ff6f304d004feaa5f6d28457d99739-3\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/byr-color-correctors-for-dark-circles-tout-recirc-b7ff6f304d004feaa5f6d28457d99739-3.webp\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" class=\"img--noscript card__img universal-image__image\" alt=\"Person Before and After Application Of Bobbi Brown Color Correct Under Eye Color Correct Corrector\" title=\"byr-color-correctors-for-dark-circles-tout-recirc-b7ff6f304d004feaa5f6d28457d99739-3\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card__content \"><span class=\"card__title\"><span class=\"card__title-text \">The 8 Best Color Correctors for Dark Circles, Loved By Testers and Approved By Experts<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"card-list__item_11-0\" class=\"comp card-list__item mntl-block \">\n<div class=\"loc card__top\">\n<div class=\"card__media mntl-image card__media universal-image__container\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" alt=\"Person testing lip plumpers\" class=\"lazyload card__img universal-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/byr-maybelline-lifter-plump-lip-plumper-ashley-rebecca-1-before-after-e601f3ca8d614f50895cd108a91ab3b4-3.webp\" title=\"byr-maybelline-lifter-plump-lip-plumper-ashley-rebecca-1-before-after-e601f3ca8d614f50895cd108a91ab3b4-3\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/byr-maybelline-lifter-plump-lip-plumper-ashley-rebecca-1-before-after-e601f3ca8d614f50895cd108a91ab3b4-3.webp\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" class=\"img--noscript card__img universal-image__image\" alt=\"Person testing lip plumpers\" title=\"byr-maybelline-lifter-plump-lip-plumper-ashley-rebecca-1-before-after-e601f3ca8d614f50895cd108a91ab3b4-3\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card__content \"><span class=\"card__title\"><span class=\"card__title-text \">The 11 Best Lip Plumpers, Tested and Reviewed by a Pro Makeup Artist<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"card-list__item_12-0\" class=\"comp card-list__item mntl-block \">\n<div class=\"loc card__top\">\n<div class=\"card__media mntl-image card__media universal-image__container\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" alt=\"Closeup of shiny lips\" class=\"lazyload card__img universal-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/plump-lips-2-96639c8a8e5145d48f026e4cbda44f2c-3.webp\" title=\"plump-lips-2-96639c8a8e5145d48f026e4cbda44f2c-3\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/plump-lips-2-96639c8a8e5145d48f026e4cbda44f2c-3.webp\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" class=\"img--noscript card__img universal-image__image\" alt=\"Closeup of shiny lips\" title=\"plump-lips-2-96639c8a8e5145d48f026e4cbda44f2c-3\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card__content \"><span class=\"card__title\"><span class=\"card__title-text \">Lip Plumping 101: What Actually Works for Thinning Lips, According to Derms<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"card-list__item_13-0\" class=\"comp card-list__item mntl-block \">\n<div class=\"loc card__top\">\n<div class=\"card__media mntl-image card__media universal-image__container\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" alt=\"Two people with a varying skin types testing concealers for every skin type and concern\" class=\"lazyload card__img universal-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/byr-concealers-tout-recirc-ed86570164fe4fac925cdf6cb062a0b1-6.webp\" title=\"byr-concealers-tout-recirc-ed86570164fe4fac925cdf6cb062a0b1-6\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/byr-concealers-tout-recirc-ed86570164fe4fac925cdf6cb062a0b1-6.webp\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" class=\"img--noscript card__img universal-image__image\" alt=\"Two people with a varying skin types testing concealers for every skin type and concern\" title=\"byr-concealers-tout-recirc-ed86570164fe4fac925cdf6cb062a0b1-6\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card__content \"><span class=\"card__title\"><span class=\"card__title-text \">The 17 Best Concealers for Every Skin Type and Concern, Tested by Our Editors<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"card-list__item_14-0\" class=\"comp card-list__item mntl-block \">\n<div class=\"loc card__top\">\n<div class=\"card__media mntl-image card__media universal-image__container\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" alt=\"A model applying cosmetic products shown in two sidebyside closeup views\" class=\"lazyload card__img universal-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/meritbyr_leadrecirc-7ae4e4431ba84d0a9473c8577f3b8a22-3.webp\" title=\"meritbyr_leadrecirc-7ae4e4431ba84d0a9473c8577f3b8a22-3\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/meritbyr_leadrecirc-7ae4e4431ba84d0a9473c8577f3b8a22-3.webp\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" class=\"img--noscript card__img universal-image__image\" alt=\"A model applying cosmetic products shown in two sidebyside closeup views\" title=\"meritbyr_leadrecirc-7ae4e4431ba84d0a9473c8577f3b8a22-3\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card__content \"><span class=\"card__title\"><span class=\"card__title-text \">I&#8217;m a Makeup Artist\u2014Here&#8217;s My Honest Take on Merit Beauty<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"card-list__item_15-0\" class=\"comp card-list__item mntl-block \">\n<div class=\"loc card__top\">\n<div class=\"card__media mntl-image card__media universal-image__container\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" alt=\"Best Waterline Eyeliners\" class=\"lazyload card__img universal-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/byr-best-waterline-eyeliners-tout-recirc-c26d38af09b043eaa9a8d634c9a5ebc0.webp\" title=\"byr-best-waterline-eyeliners-tout-recirc-c26d38af09b043eaa9a8d634c9a5ebc0\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/byr-best-waterline-eyeliners-tout-recirc-c26d38af09b043eaa9a8d634c9a5ebc0.webp\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" class=\"img--noscript card__img universal-image__image\" alt=\"Best Waterline Eyeliners\" title=\"byr-best-waterline-eyeliners-tout-recirc-c26d38af09b043eaa9a8d634c9a5ebc0\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card__content \"><span class=\"card__title\"><span class=\"card__title-text \">We Tested the 11 Best Waterline Eyeliners\u2014Here Are Our Favorites<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"card-list__item_16-0\" class=\"comp card-list__item mntl-block \">\n<div class=\"loc card__top\">\n<div class=\"card__media mntl-image card__media universal-image__container\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" alt=\"Closeup of two views demonstrating eyeliner application on an eye one side applying purple eyeliner and the other with a completed makeup look\" class=\"lazyload card__img universal-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/byr-best-eyeliner-pencils-tout-3-recirc-704b79943581414fac391923daa1cbe0-4.webp\" title=\"byr-best-eyeliner-pencils-tout-3-recirc-704b79943581414fac391923daa1cbe0-4\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/byr-best-eyeliner-pencils-tout-3-recirc-704b79943581414fac391923daa1cbe0-4.webp\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" class=\"img--noscript card__img universal-image__image\" alt=\"Closeup of two views demonstrating eyeliner application on an eye one side applying purple eyeliner and the other with a completed makeup look\" title=\"byr-best-eyeliner-pencils-tout-3-recirc-704b79943581414fac391923daa1cbe0-4\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card__content \"><span class=\"card__title\"><span class=\"card__title-text \">The 11 Best Eyeliner Pencils I\u2019ve Tried for Bold Looks That Last (and I\u2019ve Tried Over 50)<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/main><\/p>\n<article id=\"beauty-article--sc_1-0\" class=\"comp beauty-article--sc beauty-article mntl-article mntl-article--three-column sc-ad-container\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<div class=\"loc article-header\">\n<div id=\"article-header_1-0\" class=\"comp article-header mntl-block article-top\">\n<h1 id=\"article-heading_1-0\" class=\"comp article-heading mntl-text-block\">The &#8220;Contrast Makeup Theory&#8221; Brings Color Analysis to Your Glam Routine<\/h1>\n<p id=\"article-subheading_1-0\" class=\"comp article-subheading mntl-text-block\">It might change the way you do your makeup. <\/p>\n<div id=\"article-meta_1-0\" class=\"comp article-meta mntl-article-meta mntl-block\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<div id=\"bylines_1-0\" class=\"comp bylines beauty-bylines mntl-bylines\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<div id=\"mntl-bylines__group_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-bylines__group mntl-block mntl-bylines__group--author\">\n<div id=\"mntl-bylines__item_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-bylines__item mntl-attribution__item mntl-attribution__item--has-date\"><span class=\"mntl-attribution__item-descriptor\">By<\/span><\/p>\n<div data-tooltip=\"Kaitlin is a Los Angeles-based writer who covers celebrity style, beauty, current trends, and more. She graduated from UC Berkeley in 2023 and her work has appeared in Marie Claire, Editorialist, Bustle, Well+Good, and Fashionista.\" data-inline-tooltip=\"true\"> Kaitlin Clapinski<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-author-tooltip_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-author-tooltip mntl-tooltip mntl-group\">\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__top \">\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__image-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" alt=\"Kaitlin Clapinski\" class=\"lazyload mntl-author-tooltip__image mntl-image universal-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/kaitlinclapinski-15a6b229d90f4493ae2422619bb18ac4-1.webp\" title=\"kaitlinclapinski-15a6b229d90f4493ae2422619bb18ac4-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/kaitlinclapinski-15a6b229d90f4493ae2422619bb18ac4-1.webp\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" class=\"img--noscript mntl-author-tooltip__image mntl-image universal-image__image\" alt=\"Kaitlin Clapinski\" title=\"kaitlinclapinski-15a6b229d90f4493ae2422619bb18ac4-1\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-author-tooltip__name_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-author-tooltip__name mntl-attribution__item \">\nKaitlin Clapinski\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-author-tooltip__social-nav_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-author-tooltip__social-nav beauty-social-nav mntl-social-nav social-nav--tooltip\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<ul class=\"social-nav__list\">\n<li class=\"social-nav__item social-nav__item--instagram\"><\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__bio\">\nKaitlin is a Los Angeles-based writer who covers celebrity style, beauty, current trends, and more. She graduated from UC Berkeley in 2023 and her work has appeared in Marie Claire, Editorialist, Bustle, Well+Good, and Fashionista.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__bottom\">\nByrdie&#8217;s Editorial Guidelines\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mntl-attribution__item-date\">Published on January 14, 2026 06:15AM<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"loc article-left-rail\">\n<div id=\"beauty-sticky-toc_1-0\" class=\"comp beauty-sticky-toc mntl-block js-sticky-container sticky-toc__wrapper\">\n<div id=\"sticky-toc_1-0\" class=\"comp sticky-toc mntl-universal-sticky-toc mntl-sticky-toc mntl-block sticky-toc-widget\" data-desktop-bp=\"70em\">\n<div id=\"toc-wrapper_1-0\" class=\"comp toc-wrapper mntl-toc mntl-block\" data-chop-mobile=\"false\" data-offset=\"60\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<div id=\"mntl-toc__inner_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__inner mntl-block\">\n<div id=\"mntl-toc__heading_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__heading mntl-block js-toc-toggle\"><span id=\"mntl-toc__heading-text_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__heading-text mntl-text-block\">In This Article<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-toc-toggle_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc-toggle mntl-block\">\n<div id=\"mntl-toc-toggle__btn_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc-toggle__btn mntl-text-block js-mntl-toc-toggle text-label-300\" data-click-tracked=\"true\" data-collapsed-text=\"View All\" data-expanded-text=\"View Less\">View All<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-toc__mobile-toggle_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__mobile-toggle mntl-block js-sticky-toggle\"><span id=\"mntl-toc__heading-text_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__heading-text mntl-text-block\">In This Article<\/span><\/div>\n<ul id=\"mntl-toc__list_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list mntl-toc__list-heading expert-content text-utility-300\">\n<li id=\"mntl-toc__list-item_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list-item mntl-block\">\n<div id=\"mntl-toc__list-item-heading_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list-item-heading mntl-block\"><span class=\"link__wrapper\">What Is Contrast Makeup Theory?<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"mntl-toc__list-item_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list-item mntl-block\">\n<div id=\"mntl-toc__list-item-heading_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list-item-heading mntl-block\"><span class=\"link__wrapper\">Low Contrast Makeup<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"mntl-toc__list-item_3-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list-item mntl-block\">\n<div id=\"mntl-toc__list-item-heading_3-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list-item-heading mntl-block\"><span class=\"link__wrapper\">High Contrast Makeup<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"mntl-toc__list-item_4-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list-item mntl-block\">\n<div id=\"mntl-toc__list-item-heading_4-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list-item-heading mntl-block\"><span class=\"link__wrapper\">Medium Contrast Makeup<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"loc article-content\">\n<div id=\"article__broad-video-jw_1-0\" class=\"comp article__broad-video-jw mntl-jwplayer-broad mntl-block is-hidden\" data-pixel-depth=\"100\">\n<div id=\"mntl-jwplayer-broad__title_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-jwplayer-broad__title mntl-block\"><button id=\"mntl-jwplayer-broad__title-icon--close_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-jwplayer-broad__title-icon--close mntl-block text-label-100\" data-click-tracked=\"false\"><span id=\"mntl-text-block_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-text-block\">Close<\/span><\/button><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-block_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-block article__body right-rail\">\n<figure id=\"mntl-universal-primary-image_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-universal-primary-image primary-image\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<div class=\"primary-image__media\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/contrastmakeup-59cae2cfbba1449e873fca19305ec745-3.webp\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1500\" alt=\"Emily Ratajkowski wearing dramatic makeup and diamonds\" class=\" primary-image__image mntl-primary-image--blurry\" title=\"contrastmakeup-59cae2cfbba1449e873fca19305ec745-3\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/contrastmakeup-59cae2cfbba1449e873fca19305ec745-3.webp\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1500\" class=\"loaded primary-img--noscript primary-image__image mntl-primary-image--blurry\" alt=\"Emily Ratajkowski wearing dramatic makeup and diamonds\" title=\"contrastmakeup-59cae2cfbba1449e873fca19305ec745-3\"><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption id=\"primary-image__figcap_1-0\" class=\"comp primary-image__figcap mntl-figure-caption figure-article-caption\"><span class=\"figure-article-caption-owner\"><\/p>\n<p>@emrata\/Instagram<\/p>\n<p><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-page_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-page mntl-block\" data-sc-sticky-offset=\"125\" data-sc-ad-label-height=\"16\" data-sc-ad-track-spacing=\"100\" data-sc-min-track-height=\"250\" data-sc-max-track-height=\"600\" data-sc-breakpoint=\"50em\" data-sc-load-immediate=\"5\" data-sc-content-positions=\"[1, 1250, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1]\" data-bind-scroll-on-start=\"true\">\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-callout--finalverdict beauty-sc-block-callout mntl-sc-block-callout mntl-block theme-finalverdict\" data-tracking-id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-heading_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-heading mntl-text-block\">Key Takeaways<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-body_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-body mntl-text-block\">\n<ul>\n<li>The viral &#8220;contrast makeup theory&#8221; maps out how to enhance your natural features using a customizable contrast filter .<\/li>\n<li>Its creator, makeup artist Ali\u00e9nor, explains how it works.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> There&#8217;s a lot of gray area when it comes to how you&#8217;re &#8220;supposed&#8221; to do your makeup. Sure, there&#8217;s plenty of lore around face shape and eye color, but the only real rule is that makeup is individual (and entirely up to your personal preference).\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_4-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> That being said, there are certainly a few guidelines to experiment with if you have no idea where to begin. Take the &#8220;high-contrast makeup theory,&#8221; for example. This makeup trend maps out how to enhance your natural features using a customizable contrast filter to create a soft, glowy glam. And, it&#8217;s not as confusing as it seems! Once you learn your contrast, it&#8217;s all about tinkering with your makeup to balance the difference between your hair, skin, and eye color.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_6-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> It&#8217;s certainly not an end-all-be-all guide, but it&#8217;s worth looking into if you&#8217;re feeling like switching things up. Ahead, everything we know about the trend.\n<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_8-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> What Is The Contrast Makeup Trend? <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_9-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Contrast has to do with differentiating light. For example, a high-contrast image will have bright highlights and dark shadows. It&#8217;s a common tool used in photography, but French makeup artist Ali\u00e9nor (@alieenor) changed the game when she introduced her contrast makeup theory on social media. &#8220;It&#8217;s the difference in value between your face, eyes, eyebrows, and hair,&#8221; she explains in a video. You find that contrast level, and then craft your makeup routine around it.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_11-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> The creator shared a black-and-white filter for users to experiment with finding their contrast level based on three skin tones and three levels of contrast. Each contrast level shows a side-by-side comparison of where shadows, brightness, and color differentiate on the face. (So, if you were blonde and had fair skin and light eyes, you&#8217;d be considered low contrast.)\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_13-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> According to Ail\u00e9nor, the contrast guide can apply across all skin tones. When using Beyonc\u00e9 as an example in a video, she says: &#8220;The difference between the hair and her skin isn&#8217;t very intense, so she&#8217;s low contrast.&#8221; On the other hand, someone like Zo\u00eb Kravitz has a high contrast because her &#8220;eyes, eyebrows, and hair are very much darker than skin tone.&#8221;\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_15-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-embed mntl-sc-block-embed\"><\/div>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_17-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> The trend encourages testing the filter and trying out the makeup artist&#8217;s tips on how to balance contrast using different techniques (like wearing a red lip, for example). The best part? It doesn&#8217;t necessarily require purchasing new products\u2014a rarity when it comes to social media beauty trends.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_19-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Ail\u00e9nor reiterates that the trend is meant to make you feel more confident in how makeup can enhance your features, and creators on the app are falling in love with how slightly changing your routine can alter your end results entirely. Remember: This is a starting point if you&#8217;re bored in your routine or brand new to makeup\u2014it&#8217;s not a steadfast rule to live and die by.\n<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_21-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> Low Contrast Makeup <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_22-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> If you are considered &#8220;low contrast,&#8221; that means &#8220;the difference of value is very low between the hair the eyes and the skin. (Essentially, the contrast between the skin tone and other features of the face, such as hair and eye color, is not very extreme.) &#8220;Everything is in the same greyscale,&#8221; Ali\u00e9nor explains in her video. &#8220;So it&#8217;s very soft and ethereal, and not very strong.&#8221;\n<\/p>\n<figure id=\"mntl-sc-block_24-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-image mntl-sc-block-image figure-portrait figure-low-res\">\n<div class=\"figure-media\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"979\" alt=\"Model Anok Yai showing off a low-contrast makeup look.\" class=\"lazyload mntl-image mntl-image universal-image__image\" id=\"mntl-sc-block-image_1-0\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/anok-cd09d748ffb2460ab5948c15a67f6893.webp\" title=\"anok-cd09d748ffb2460ab5948c15a67f6893\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/anok-cd09d748ffb2460ab5948c15a67f6893.webp\" width=\"700\" height=\"979\" class=\"img--noscript mntl-image mntl-image universal-image__image\" alt=\"Model Anok Yai showing off a low-contrast makeup look.\" title=\"anok-cd09d748ffb2460ab5948c15a67f6893\"><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption id=\"mntl-figure-caption_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-figure-caption text-utility-100 figure-article-caption\"><span class=\"figure-article-caption-owner\"><\/p>\n<p>@anokyai\/Instagram<\/p>\n<p><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_25-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Aileenor recommends the no-makeup makeup trend for those with low contrast and points out Elle Fanning as an example.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_27-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> &#8220;It doesn&#8217;t mean you can&#8217;t wear a lot of makeup,&#8221; she says &#8220;It just means that it&#8217;s going to have another effect.&#8221; In short, Aileenor is suggesting that subtle makeup appears more natural-looking on low-contrast faces.\n<\/p>\n<figure id=\"mntl-sc-block_29-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-image mntl-sc-block-image figure-portrait figure-high-res\">\n<div class=\"figure-media\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"964\" height=\"1350\" alt=\"Elle Fanning shows off her low-contrast makeup look.\" class=\"lazyload mntl-image mntl-image universal-image__image\" id=\"mntl-sc-block-image_2-0\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/elle-ad1410ed55c64c41bc1c5c39a1e7b4ed.webp\" title=\"elle-ad1410ed55c64c41bc1c5c39a1e7b4ed\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/elle-ad1410ed55c64c41bc1c5c39a1e7b4ed.webp\" width=\"964\" height=\"1350\" class=\"img--noscript mntl-image mntl-image universal-image__image\" alt=\"Elle Fanning shows off her low-contrast makeup look.\" title=\"elle-ad1410ed55c64c41bc1c5c39a1e7b4ed\"><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption id=\"mntl-figure-caption_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-figure-caption text-utility-100 figure-article-caption\"><span class=\"figure-article-caption-owner\"><\/p>\n<p>@erinayanianmonroe\/instagram<\/p>\n<p><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_30-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> TikTok creator @rachellldaguanno made a video of herself trying the trend, which included light makeup with very little contour or blush and just a swipe of mascara and lip gloss. Since the contrast between her hair, skin, and eyes is low (they&#8217;re all a similar tone) she opted for a pared-back approach to keep her contrast low.\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_32-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-embed mntl-sc-block-embed\"><\/div>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_34-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> High Contrast Makeup <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_35-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> A high contrast face, as Ail\u00e9nor explains it, is when the features of your face have different values. Think about very light skin and very dark hair. &#8220;What it does is draw attention to the face and it can be a bit harsh. You can change your makeup accordingly to soften the contrast,&#8221; she says.\n<\/p>\n<figure id=\"mntl-sc-block_37-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-image mntl-sc-block-image figure-portrait figure-high-res\">\n<div class=\"figure-media\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1029\" height=\"1440\" alt=\"Zoe Kravitz exhibiting high-contrast makeup.\" class=\"lazyload mntl-image mntl-image universal-image__image\" id=\"mntl-sc-block-image_3-0\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/zoe-3d17bce410ee4c4a8369e71e17156fb6.webp\" title=\"zoe-3d17bce410ee4c4a8369e71e17156fb6\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/zoe-3d17bce410ee4c4a8369e71e17156fb6.webp\" width=\"1029\" height=\"1440\" class=\"img--noscript mntl-image mntl-image universal-image__image\" alt=\"Zoe Kravitz exhibiting high-contrast makeup.\" title=\"zoe-3d17bce410ee4c4a8369e71e17156fb6\"><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption id=\"mntl-figure-caption_3-0\" class=\"comp mntl-figure-caption text-utility-100 figure-article-caption\"><span class=\"figure-article-caption-owner\"><\/p>\n<p>@ninapark\/instagram<\/p>\n<p><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_38-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Smoky eyes, dark and intense red lipstick, and the Italian siren trend are all looks that the makeup artist recommends for someone with high contrast. &#8220;Basically, you want to add back intensity,&#8221; she notes. &#8220;But you can also do this in a softer way, like using a medium-intensity red lip and cheek&#8221; or by applying a &#8220;softer&#8221; smoky eye. Emily Ratajkowski&#8217;s signature smoky glam is a great example.\n<\/p>\n<figure id=\"mntl-sc-block_40-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-image mntl-sc-block-image figure-portrait figure-high-res\">\n<div class=\"figure-media\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1028\" height=\"1439\" alt=\"Lana Condor shows off high-contrast makeup.\" class=\"lazyload mntl-image mntl-image universal-image__image\" id=\"mntl-sc-block-image_4-0\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/lana-aedb072e45234278b579964f45f1f8f4.webp\" title=\"lana-aedb072e45234278b579964f45f1f8f4\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/lana-aedb072e45234278b579964f45f1f8f4.webp\" width=\"1028\" height=\"1439\" class=\"img--noscript mntl-image mntl-image universal-image__image\" alt=\"Lana Condor shows off high-contrast makeup.\" title=\"lana-aedb072e45234278b579964f45f1f8f4\"><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption id=\"mntl-figure-caption_4-0\" class=\"comp mntl-figure-caption text-utility-100 figure-article-caption\"><span class=\"figure-article-caption-owner\"><\/p>\n<p>@lanacondor\/Instagram<\/p>\n<p><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_41-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> Medium Contrast Makeup <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_42-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> &#8220;When you have a medium contrast it means you have a bit of difference between the face and the hair. Sometimes you have to add a bit of intensity to make it look more natural,&#8221; says Ail\u00e9nor.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_44-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> A fail-safe way to balance contrast for those in the medium category is a &#8220;very good lipstick in the right intensity,&#8221; she says, pointing out pink and rosy shades. &#8220;It doesn&#8217;t have to be very saturated, but a bit more intense.&#8221;\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_46-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Ali\u00e9nor considers herself in this contrast, noting that nude lipsticks made her feel like a &#8220;ghost.&#8221; To complement the lightly colored lip, she recommends adding a similar blush shade lightly across the cheeks.\n<\/p>\n<figure id=\"mntl-sc-block_48-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-image mntl-sc-block-image figure-portrait figure-high-res\">\n<div class=\"figure-media\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2561\" height=\"3585\" alt=\"Zendaya at the Academy Awards.\" class=\"lazyload mntl-image mntl-image universal-image__image\" id=\"mntl-sc-block-image_5-0\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/zendaya-5c65a3df27c644f08c5699a331593590.webp\" title=\"zendaya-5c65a3df27c644f08c5699a331593590\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/zendaya-5c65a3df27c644f08c5699a331593590.webp\" width=\"2561\" height=\"3585\" class=\"img--noscript mntl-image mntl-image universal-image__image\" alt=\"Zendaya at the Academy Awards.\" title=\"zendaya-5c65a3df27c644f08c5699a331593590\"><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption id=\"mntl-figure-caption_5-0\" class=\"comp mntl-figure-caption text-utility-100 figure-article-caption\"><span class=\"figure-article-caption-owner\"><\/p>\n<p>Getty Images<\/p>\n<p><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_49-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> She uses a photo of Zendaya as an example in her collage of medium contrast inspiration. For the specific occasion, the actress opted for an ultra-glowy base with a subtle bronzy eyeshadow and a rosy pink lip. &#8220;If you have particularly dark eyes, you can add some more intensity on the eyes so the contrast between your eyes and skin tone is lessened,&#8221; she says. &#8220;A subtle smoky eye is also a great option.&#8221;\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_51-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-embed mntl-sc-block-embed\"><\/div>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_53-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Creator @tahiyabby tried the trend using a flush of pink blush and bronzer around the eyes and cheeks complete with a subtle brown winged eyeliner for a medium contrast makeup look. In another video, Tahiya adds that she might &#8220;never go back&#8221; after trying the trend. &#8220;This is such a flattering look on my features,&#8221; she says &#8220;This might actually be going into the rotation.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"loc article-post-content\">\n<div id=\"beauty-breadcrumbs--chips_1-0\" class=\"comp beauty-breadcrumbs--chips mntl-universal-breadcrumbs--chips mntl-block\">\n<div id=\"mntl-breadcrumbs__read-more_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-breadcrumbs__read-more mntl-text-block text-title-100\">Read more:<\/div>\n<ul id=\"mntl-universal-breadcrumbs_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-universal-breadcrumbs mntl-block text-label-300 breadcrumbs\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<li id=\"mntl-breadcrumbs__item_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-breadcrumbs__item mntl-block\"><span class=\"link__wrapper\">Makeup<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"loc article-content\">\n<div id=\"article__broad-video-jw_1-0\" class=\"comp article__broad-video-jw mntl-jwplayer-broad mntl-block is-hidden\" data-pixel-depth=\"100\">\n<div id=\"mntl-jwplayer-broad__title_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-jwplayer-broad__title mntl-block\"><button id=\"mntl-jwplayer-broad__title-icon--close_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-jwplayer-broad__title-icon--close mntl-block text-label-100\" data-click-tracked=\"false\"><span id=\"mntl-text-block_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-text-block\">Close<\/span><\/button><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-block_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-block article__body right-rail\">\n<figure id=\"mntl-universal-primary-image_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-universal-primary-image primary-image\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<div class=\"primary-image__media\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/contrastmakeup-59cae2cfbba1449e873fca19305ec745-3.webp\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1500\" alt=\"Emily Ratajkowski wearing dramatic makeup and diamonds\" class=\" primary-image__image mntl-primary-image--blurry\" title=\"contrastmakeup-59cae2cfbba1449e873fca19305ec745-3\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/contrastmakeup-59cae2cfbba1449e873fca19305ec745-3.webp\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1500\" class=\"loaded primary-img--noscript primary-image__image mntl-primary-image--blurry\" alt=\"Emily Ratajkowski wearing dramatic makeup and diamonds\" title=\"contrastmakeup-59cae2cfbba1449e873fca19305ec745-3\"><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption id=\"primary-image__figcap_1-0\" class=\"comp primary-image__figcap mntl-figure-caption figure-article-caption\"><span class=\"figure-article-caption-owner\"><\/p>\n<p>@emrata\/Instagram<\/p>\n<p><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-page_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-page mntl-block\" data-sc-sticky-offset=\"125\" data-sc-ad-label-height=\"16\" data-sc-ad-track-spacing=\"100\" data-sc-min-track-height=\"250\" data-sc-max-track-height=\"600\" data-sc-breakpoint=\"50em\" data-sc-load-immediate=\"5\" data-sc-content-positions=\"[1, 1250, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1]\" data-bind-scroll-on-start=\"true\">\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-callout--finalverdict beauty-sc-block-callout mntl-sc-block-callout mntl-block theme-finalverdict\" data-tracking-id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-heading_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-heading mntl-text-block\">Key Takeaways<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-body_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-body mntl-text-block\">\n<ul>\n<li>The viral &#8220;contrast makeup theory&#8221; maps out how to enhance your natural features using a customizable contrast filter .<\/li>\n<li>Its creator, makeup artist Ali\u00e9nor, explains how it works.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> There&#8217;s a lot of gray area when it comes to how you&#8217;re &#8220;supposed&#8221; to do your makeup. Sure, there&#8217;s plenty of lore around face shape and eye color, but the only real rule is that makeup is individual (and entirely up to your personal preference).\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_4-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> That being said, there are certainly a few guidelines to experiment with if you have no idea where to begin. Take the &#8220;high-contrast makeup theory,&#8221; for example. This makeup trend maps out how to enhance your natural features using a customizable contrast filter to create a soft, glowy glam. And, it&#8217;s not as confusing as it seems! Once you learn your contrast, it&#8217;s all about tinkering with your makeup to balance the difference between your hair, skin, and eye color.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_6-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> It&#8217;s certainly not an end-all-be-all guide, but it&#8217;s worth looking into if you&#8217;re feeling like switching things up. Ahead, everything we know about the trend.\n<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_8-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> What Is The Contrast Makeup Trend? <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_9-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Contrast has to do with differentiating light. For example, a high-contrast image will have bright highlights and dark shadows. It&#8217;s a common tool used in photography, but French makeup artist Ali\u00e9nor (@alieenor) changed the game when she introduced her contrast makeup theory on social media. &#8220;It&#8217;s the difference in value between your face, eyes, eyebrows, and hair,&#8221; she explains in a video. You find that contrast level, and then craft your makeup routine around it.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_11-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> The creator shared a black-and-white filter for users to experiment with finding their contrast level based on three skin tones and three levels of contrast. Each contrast level shows a side-by-side comparison of where shadows, brightness, and color differentiate on the face. (So, if you were blonde and had fair skin and light eyes, you&#8217;d be considered low contrast.)\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_13-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> According to Ail\u00e9nor, the contrast guide can apply across all skin tones. When using Beyonc\u00e9 as an example in a video, she says: &#8220;The difference between the hair and her skin isn&#8217;t very intense, so she&#8217;s low contrast.&#8221; On the other hand, someone like Zo\u00eb Kravitz has a high contrast because her &#8220;eyes, eyebrows, and hair are very much darker than skin tone.&#8221;\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_15-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-embed mntl-sc-block-embed\"><\/div>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_17-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> The trend encourages testing the filter and trying out the makeup artist&#8217;s tips on how to balance contrast using different techniques (like wearing a red lip, for example). The best part? It doesn&#8217;t necessarily require purchasing new products\u2014a rarity when it comes to social media beauty trends.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_19-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Ail\u00e9nor reiterates that the trend is meant to make you feel more confident in how makeup can enhance your features, and creators on the app are falling in love with how slightly changing your routine can alter your end results entirely. Remember: This is a starting point if you&#8217;re bored in your routine or brand new to makeup\u2014it&#8217;s not a steadfast rule to live and die by.\n<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_21-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> Low Contrast Makeup <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_22-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> If you are considered &#8220;low contrast,&#8221; that means &#8220;the difference of value is very low between the hair the eyes and the skin. (Essentially, the contrast between the skin tone and other features of the face, such as hair and eye color, is not very extreme.) &#8220;Everything is in the same greyscale,&#8221; Ali\u00e9nor explains in her video. &#8220;So it&#8217;s very soft and ethereal, and not very strong.&#8221;\n<\/p>\n<figure id=\"mntl-sc-block_24-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-image mntl-sc-block-image figure-portrait figure-low-res\">\n<div class=\"figure-media\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"979\" alt=\"Model Anok Yai showing off a low-contrast makeup look.\" class=\"lazyload mntl-image mntl-image universal-image__image\" id=\"mntl-sc-block-image_1-0\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/anok-cd09d748ffb2460ab5948c15a67f6893.webp\" title=\"anok-cd09d748ffb2460ab5948c15a67f6893\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/anok-cd09d748ffb2460ab5948c15a67f6893.webp\" width=\"700\" height=\"979\" class=\"img--noscript mntl-image mntl-image universal-image__image\" alt=\"Model Anok Yai showing off a low-contrast makeup look.\" title=\"anok-cd09d748ffb2460ab5948c15a67f6893\"><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption id=\"mntl-figure-caption_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-figure-caption text-utility-100 figure-article-caption\"><span class=\"figure-article-caption-owner\"><\/p>\n<p>@anokyai\/Instagram<\/p>\n<p><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_25-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Aileenor recommends the no-makeup makeup trend for those with low contrast and points out Elle Fanning as an example.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_27-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> &#8220;It doesn&#8217;t mean you can&#8217;t wear a lot of makeup,&#8221; she says &#8220;It just means that it&#8217;s going to have another effect.&#8221; In short, Aileenor is suggesting that subtle makeup appears more natural-looking on low-contrast faces.\n<\/p>\n<figure id=\"mntl-sc-block_29-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-image mntl-sc-block-image figure-portrait figure-high-res\">\n<div class=\"figure-media\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"964\" height=\"1350\" alt=\"Elle Fanning shows off her low-contrast makeup look.\" class=\"lazyload mntl-image mntl-image universal-image__image\" id=\"mntl-sc-block-image_2-0\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/elle-ad1410ed55c64c41bc1c5c39a1e7b4ed.webp\" title=\"elle-ad1410ed55c64c41bc1c5c39a1e7b4ed\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/elle-ad1410ed55c64c41bc1c5c39a1e7b4ed.webp\" width=\"964\" height=\"1350\" class=\"img--noscript mntl-image mntl-image universal-image__image\" alt=\"Elle Fanning shows off her low-contrast makeup look.\" title=\"elle-ad1410ed55c64c41bc1c5c39a1e7b4ed\"><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption id=\"mntl-figure-caption_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-figure-caption text-utility-100 figure-article-caption\"><span class=\"figure-article-caption-owner\"><\/p>\n<p>@erinayanianmonroe\/instagram<\/p>\n<p><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_30-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> TikTok creator @rachellldaguanno made a video of herself trying the trend, which included light makeup with very little contour or blush and just a swipe of mascara and lip gloss. Since the contrast between her hair, skin, and eyes is low (they&#8217;re all a similar tone) she opted for a pared-back approach to keep her contrast low.\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_32-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-embed mntl-sc-block-embed\"><\/div>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_34-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> High Contrast Makeup <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_35-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> A high contrast face, as Ail\u00e9nor explains it, is when the features of your face have different values. Think about very light skin and very dark hair. &#8220;What it does is draw attention to the face and it can be a bit harsh. You can change your makeup accordingly to soften the contrast,&#8221; she says.\n<\/p>\n<figure id=\"mntl-sc-block_37-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-image mntl-sc-block-image figure-portrait figure-high-res\">\n<div class=\"figure-media\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1029\" height=\"1440\" alt=\"Zoe Kravitz exhibiting high-contrast makeup.\" class=\"lazyload mntl-image mntl-image universal-image__image\" id=\"mntl-sc-block-image_3-0\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/zoe-3d17bce410ee4c4a8369e71e17156fb6.webp\" title=\"zoe-3d17bce410ee4c4a8369e71e17156fb6\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/zoe-3d17bce410ee4c4a8369e71e17156fb6.webp\" width=\"1029\" height=\"1440\" class=\"img--noscript mntl-image mntl-image universal-image__image\" alt=\"Zoe Kravitz exhibiting high-contrast makeup.\" title=\"zoe-3d17bce410ee4c4a8369e71e17156fb6\"><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption id=\"mntl-figure-caption_3-0\" class=\"comp mntl-figure-caption text-utility-100 figure-article-caption\"><span class=\"figure-article-caption-owner\"><\/p>\n<p>@ninapark\/instagram<\/p>\n<p><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_38-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Smoky eyes, dark and intense red lipstick, and the Italian siren trend are all looks that the makeup artist recommends for someone with high contrast. &#8220;Basically, you want to add back intensity,&#8221; she notes. &#8220;But you can also do this in a softer way, like using a medium-intensity red lip and cheek&#8221; or by applying a &#8220;softer&#8221; smoky eye. Emily Ratajkowski&#8217;s signature smoky glam is a great example.\n<\/p>\n<figure id=\"mntl-sc-block_40-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-image mntl-sc-block-image figure-portrait figure-high-res\">\n<div class=\"figure-media\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1028\" height=\"1439\" alt=\"Lana Condor shows off high-contrast makeup.\" class=\"lazyload mntl-image mntl-image universal-image__image\" id=\"mntl-sc-block-image_4-0\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/lana-aedb072e45234278b579964f45f1f8f4.webp\" title=\"lana-aedb072e45234278b579964f45f1f8f4\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/lana-aedb072e45234278b579964f45f1f8f4.webp\" width=\"1028\" height=\"1439\" class=\"img--noscript mntl-image mntl-image universal-image__image\" alt=\"Lana Condor shows off high-contrast makeup.\" title=\"lana-aedb072e45234278b579964f45f1f8f4\"><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption id=\"mntl-figure-caption_4-0\" class=\"comp mntl-figure-caption text-utility-100 figure-article-caption\"><span class=\"figure-article-caption-owner\"><\/p>\n<p>@lanacondor\/Instagram<\/p>\n<p><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_41-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> Medium Contrast Makeup <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_42-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> &#8220;When you have a medium contrast it means you have a bit of difference between the face and the hair. Sometimes you have to add a bit of intensity to make it look more natural,&#8221; says Ail\u00e9nor.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_44-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> A fail-safe way to balance contrast for those in the medium category is a &#8220;very good lipstick in the right intensity,&#8221; she says, pointing out pink and rosy shades. &#8220;It doesn&#8217;t have to be very saturated, but a bit more intense.&#8221;\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_46-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Ali\u00e9nor considers herself in this contrast, noting that nude lipsticks made her feel like a &#8220;ghost.&#8221; To complement the lightly colored lip, she recommends adding a similar blush shade lightly across the cheeks.\n<\/p>\n<figure id=\"mntl-sc-block_48-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-image mntl-sc-block-image figure-portrait figure-high-res\">\n<div class=\"figure-media\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2561\" height=\"3585\" alt=\"Zendaya at the Academy Awards.\" class=\"lazyload mntl-image mntl-image universal-image__image\" id=\"mntl-sc-block-image_5-0\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/zendaya-5c65a3df27c644f08c5699a331593590.webp\" title=\"zendaya-5c65a3df27c644f08c5699a331593590\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/zendaya-5c65a3df27c644f08c5699a331593590.webp\" width=\"2561\" height=\"3585\" class=\"img--noscript mntl-image mntl-image universal-image__image\" alt=\"Zendaya at the Academy Awards.\" title=\"zendaya-5c65a3df27c644f08c5699a331593590\"><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption id=\"mntl-figure-caption_5-0\" class=\"comp mntl-figure-caption text-utility-100 figure-article-caption\"><span class=\"figure-article-caption-owner\"><\/p>\n<p>Getty Images<\/p>\n<p><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_49-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> She uses a photo of Zendaya as an example in her collage of medium contrast inspiration. For the specific occasion, the actress opted for an ultra-glowy base with a subtle bronzy eyeshadow and a rosy pink lip. &#8220;If you have particularly dark eyes, you can add some more intensity on the eyes so the contrast between your eyes and skin tone is lessened,&#8221; she says. &#8220;A subtle smoky eye is also a great option.&#8221;\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_51-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-embed mntl-sc-block-embed\"><\/div>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_53-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Creator @tahiyabby tried the trend using a flush of pink blush and bronzer around the eyes and cheeks complete with a subtle brown winged eyeliner for a medium contrast makeup look. In another video, Tahiya adds that she might &#8220;never go back&#8221; after trying the trend. &#8220;This is such a flattering look on my features,&#8221; she says &#8220;This might actually be going into the rotation.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-page_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-page mntl-block\" data-sc-sticky-offset=\"125\" data-sc-ad-label-height=\"16\" data-sc-ad-track-spacing=\"100\" data-sc-min-track-height=\"250\" data-sc-max-track-height=\"600\" data-sc-breakpoint=\"50em\" data-sc-load-immediate=\"5\" data-sc-content-positions=\"[1, 1250, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1]\" data-bind-scroll-on-start=\"true\">\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-callout--finalverdict beauty-sc-block-callout mntl-sc-block-callout mntl-block theme-finalverdict\" data-tracking-id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-heading_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-heading mntl-text-block\">Key Takeaways<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-body_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-body mntl-text-block\">\n<ul>\n<li>The viral &#8220;contrast makeup theory&#8221; maps out how to enhance your natural features using a customizable contrast filter .<\/li>\n<li>Its creator, makeup artist Ali\u00e9nor, explains how it works.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> There&#8217;s a lot of gray area when it comes to how you&#8217;re &#8220;supposed&#8221; to do your makeup. Sure, there&#8217;s plenty of lore around face shape and eye color, but the only real rule is that makeup is individual (and entirely up to your personal preference).\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_4-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> That being said, there are certainly a few guidelines to experiment with if you have no idea where to begin. Take the &#8220;high-contrast makeup theory,&#8221; for example. This makeup trend maps out how to enhance your natural features using a customizable contrast filter to create a soft, glowy glam. And, it&#8217;s not as confusing as it seems! Once you learn your contrast, it&#8217;s all about tinkering with your makeup to balance the difference between your hair, skin, and eye color.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_6-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> It&#8217;s certainly not an end-all-be-all guide, but it&#8217;s worth looking into if you&#8217;re feeling like switching things up. Ahead, everything we know about the trend.\n<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_8-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> What Is The Contrast Makeup Trend? <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_9-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Contrast has to do with differentiating light. For example, a high-contrast image will have bright highlights and dark shadows. It&#8217;s a common tool used in photography, but French makeup artist Ali\u00e9nor (@alieenor) changed the game when she introduced her contrast makeup theory on social media. &#8220;It&#8217;s the difference in value between your face, eyes, eyebrows, and hair,&#8221; she explains in a video. You find that contrast level, and then craft your makeup routine around it.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_11-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> The creator shared a black-and-white filter for users to experiment with finding their contrast level based on three skin tones and three levels of contrast. Each contrast level shows a side-by-side comparison of where shadows, brightness, and color differentiate on the face. (So, if you were blonde and had fair skin and light eyes, you&#8217;d be considered low contrast.)\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_13-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> According to Ail\u00e9nor, the contrast guide can apply across all skin tones. When using Beyonc\u00e9 as an example in a video, she says: &#8220;The difference between the hair and her skin isn&#8217;t very intense, so she&#8217;s low contrast.&#8221; On the other hand, someone like Zo\u00eb Kravitz has a high contrast because her &#8220;eyes, eyebrows, and hair are very much darker than skin tone.&#8221;\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_15-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-embed mntl-sc-block-embed\"><\/div>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_17-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> The trend encourages testing the filter and trying out the makeup artist&#8217;s tips on how to balance contrast using different techniques (like wearing a red lip, for example). The best part? It doesn&#8217;t necessarily require purchasing new products\u2014a rarity when it comes to social media beauty trends.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_19-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Ail\u00e9nor reiterates that the trend is meant to make you feel more confident in how makeup can enhance your features, and creators on the app are falling in love with how slightly changing your routine can alter your end results entirely. Remember: This is a starting point if you&#8217;re bored in your routine or brand new to makeup\u2014it&#8217;s not a steadfast rule to live and die by.\n<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_21-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> Low Contrast Makeup <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_22-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> If you are considered &#8220;low contrast,&#8221; that means &#8220;the difference of value is very low between the hair the eyes and the skin. (Essentially, the contrast between the skin tone and other features of the face, such as hair and eye color, is not very extreme.) &#8220;Everything is in the same greyscale,&#8221; Ali\u00e9nor explains in her video. &#8220;So it&#8217;s very soft and ethereal, and not very strong.&#8221;\n<\/p>\n<figure id=\"mntl-sc-block_24-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-image mntl-sc-block-image figure-portrait figure-low-res\">\n<div class=\"figure-media\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"979\" alt=\"Model Anok Yai showing off a low-contrast makeup look.\" class=\"lazyload mntl-image mntl-image universal-image__image\" id=\"mntl-sc-block-image_1-0\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/anok-cd09d748ffb2460ab5948c15a67f6893.webp\" title=\"anok-cd09d748ffb2460ab5948c15a67f6893\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/anok-cd09d748ffb2460ab5948c15a67f6893.webp\" width=\"700\" height=\"979\" class=\"img--noscript mntl-image mntl-image universal-image__image\" alt=\"Model Anok Yai showing off a low-contrast makeup look.\" title=\"anok-cd09d748ffb2460ab5948c15a67f6893\"><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption id=\"mntl-figure-caption_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-figure-caption text-utility-100 figure-article-caption\"><span class=\"figure-article-caption-owner\"><\/p>\n<p>@anokyai\/Instagram<\/p>\n<p><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_25-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Aileenor recommends the no-makeup makeup trend for those with low contrast and points out Elle Fanning as an example.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_27-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> &#8220;It doesn&#8217;t mean you can&#8217;t wear a lot of makeup,&#8221; she says &#8220;It just means that it&#8217;s going to have another effect.&#8221; In short, Aileenor is suggesting that subtle makeup appears more natural-looking on low-contrast faces.\n<\/p>\n<figure id=\"mntl-sc-block_29-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-image mntl-sc-block-image figure-portrait figure-high-res\">\n<div class=\"figure-media\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"964\" height=\"1350\" alt=\"Elle Fanning shows off her low-contrast makeup look.\" class=\"lazyload mntl-image mntl-image universal-image__image\" id=\"mntl-sc-block-image_2-0\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/elle-ad1410ed55c64c41bc1c5c39a1e7b4ed.webp\" title=\"elle-ad1410ed55c64c41bc1c5c39a1e7b4ed\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/elle-ad1410ed55c64c41bc1c5c39a1e7b4ed.webp\" width=\"964\" height=\"1350\" class=\"img--noscript mntl-image mntl-image universal-image__image\" alt=\"Elle Fanning shows off her low-contrast makeup look.\" title=\"elle-ad1410ed55c64c41bc1c5c39a1e7b4ed\"><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption id=\"mntl-figure-caption_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-figure-caption text-utility-100 figure-article-caption\"><span class=\"figure-article-caption-owner\"><\/p>\n<p>@erinayanianmonroe\/instagram<\/p>\n<p><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_30-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> TikTok creator @rachellldaguanno made a video of herself trying the trend, which included light makeup with very little contour or blush and just a swipe of mascara and lip gloss. Since the contrast between her hair, skin, and eyes is low (they&#8217;re all a similar tone) she opted for a pared-back approach to keep her contrast low.\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_32-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-embed mntl-sc-block-embed\"><\/div>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_34-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> High Contrast Makeup <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_35-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> A high contrast face, as Ail\u00e9nor explains it, is when the features of your face have different values. Think about very light skin and very dark hair. &#8220;What it does is draw attention to the face and it can be a bit harsh. You can change your makeup accordingly to soften the contrast,&#8221; she says.\n<\/p>\n<figure id=\"mntl-sc-block_37-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-image mntl-sc-block-image figure-portrait figure-high-res\">\n<div class=\"figure-media\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1029\" height=\"1440\" alt=\"Zoe Kravitz exhibiting high-contrast makeup.\" class=\"lazyload mntl-image mntl-image universal-image__image\" id=\"mntl-sc-block-image_3-0\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/zoe-3d17bce410ee4c4a8369e71e17156fb6.webp\" title=\"zoe-3d17bce410ee4c4a8369e71e17156fb6\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/zoe-3d17bce410ee4c4a8369e71e17156fb6.webp\" width=\"1029\" height=\"1440\" class=\"img--noscript mntl-image mntl-image universal-image__image\" alt=\"Zoe Kravitz exhibiting high-contrast makeup.\" title=\"zoe-3d17bce410ee4c4a8369e71e17156fb6\"><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption id=\"mntl-figure-caption_3-0\" class=\"comp mntl-figure-caption text-utility-100 figure-article-caption\"><span class=\"figure-article-caption-owner\"><\/p>\n<p>@ninapark\/instagram<\/p>\n<p><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_38-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Smoky eyes, dark and intense red lipstick, and the Italian siren trend are all looks that the makeup artist recommends for someone with high contrast. &#8220;Basically, you want to add back intensity,&#8221; she notes. &#8220;But you can also do this in a softer way, like using a medium-intensity red lip and cheek&#8221; or by applying a &#8220;softer&#8221; smoky eye. Emily Ratajkowski&#8217;s signature smoky glam is a great example.\n<\/p>\n<figure id=\"mntl-sc-block_40-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-image mntl-sc-block-image figure-portrait figure-high-res\">\n<div class=\"figure-media\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1028\" height=\"1439\" alt=\"Lana Condor shows off high-contrast makeup.\" class=\"lazyload mntl-image mntl-image universal-image__image\" id=\"mntl-sc-block-image_4-0\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/lana-aedb072e45234278b579964f45f1f8f4.webp\" title=\"lana-aedb072e45234278b579964f45f1f8f4\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/lana-aedb072e45234278b579964f45f1f8f4.webp\" width=\"1028\" height=\"1439\" class=\"img--noscript mntl-image mntl-image universal-image__image\" alt=\"Lana Condor shows off high-contrast makeup.\" title=\"lana-aedb072e45234278b579964f45f1f8f4\"><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption id=\"mntl-figure-caption_4-0\" class=\"comp mntl-figure-caption text-utility-100 figure-article-caption\"><span class=\"figure-article-caption-owner\"><\/p>\n<p>@lanacondor\/Instagram<\/p>\n<p><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_41-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> Medium Contrast Makeup <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_42-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> &#8220;When you have a medium contrast it means you have a bit of difference between the face and the hair. Sometimes you have to add a bit of intensity to make it look more natural,&#8221; says Ail\u00e9nor.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_44-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> A fail-safe way to balance contrast for those in the medium category is a &#8220;very good lipstick in the right intensity,&#8221; she says, pointing out pink and rosy shades. &#8220;It doesn&#8217;t have to be very saturated, but a bit more intense.&#8221;\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_46-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Ali\u00e9nor considers herself in this contrast, noting that nude lipsticks made her feel like a &#8220;ghost.&#8221; To complement the lightly colored lip, she recommends adding a similar blush shade lightly across the cheeks.\n<\/p>\n<figure id=\"mntl-sc-block_48-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-image mntl-sc-block-image figure-portrait figure-high-res\">\n<div class=\"figure-media\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2561\" height=\"3585\" alt=\"Zendaya at the Academy Awards.\" class=\"lazyload mntl-image mntl-image universal-image__image\" id=\"mntl-sc-block-image_5-0\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/zendaya-5c65a3df27c644f08c5699a331593590.webp\" title=\"zendaya-5c65a3df27c644f08c5699a331593590\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/zendaya-5c65a3df27c644f08c5699a331593590.webp\" width=\"2561\" height=\"3585\" class=\"img--noscript mntl-image mntl-image universal-image__image\" alt=\"Zendaya at the Academy Awards.\" title=\"zendaya-5c65a3df27c644f08c5699a331593590\"><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption id=\"mntl-figure-caption_5-0\" class=\"comp mntl-figure-caption text-utility-100 figure-article-caption\"><span class=\"figure-article-caption-owner\"><\/p>\n<p>Getty Images<\/p>\n<p><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_49-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> She uses a photo of Zendaya as an example in her collage of medium contrast inspiration. For the specific occasion, the actress opted for an ultra-glowy base with a subtle bronzy eyeshadow and a rosy pink lip. &#8220;If you have particularly dark eyes, you can add some more intensity on the eyes so the contrast between your eyes and skin tone is lessened,&#8221; she says. &#8220;A subtle smoky eye is also a great option.&#8221;\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_51-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-embed mntl-sc-block-embed\"><\/div>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_53-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Creator @tahiyabby tried the trend using a flush of pink blush and bronzer around the eyes and cheeks complete with a subtle brown winged eyeliner for a medium contrast makeup look. In another video, Tahiya adds that she might &#8220;never go back&#8221; after trying the trend. &#8220;This is such a flattering look on my features,&#8221; she says &#8220;This might actually be going into the rotation.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p> Source URL: https:\/\/www.byrdie.com\/contrast-makeup-theory-11882540<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The &#8220;Contrast Makeup Theory&#8221; Brings Color Analysis to Your Glam Routine It might change the way you do your makeup. By Kaitlin Clapinski Kaitlin Clapinski Kaitlin is a Los Angeles-based writer who covers celebrity style, beauty, current trends, and more. She graduated from UC Berkeley in 2023 and her work has appeared in Marie Claire, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1530124,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[83],"class_list":["post-1530123","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-politics","tag-byrdie-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1530123","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1530123"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1530123\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/1530124"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1530123"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1530123"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1530123"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}