If you’ve been on TikTok recently, you’ve probably come across the latest makeup trend that’s taking over: Makeup Contrast Theory. This viral trend is all about using your natural contrast level—high, medium, or low—as a guide to find the perfect makeup shades and styles for your unique features. Makeup Contrast Theory is making waves because it helps you understand what makeup truly works with your natural look, rather than against it.
Curious to learn how to find your contrast level and which makeup styles suit you best? Here’s your complete guide to understanding and rocking high, medium, and low contrast makeup looks!
SHOP ALL MAKEUP
What is Makeup Contrast Theory, and Why is It Blowing Up on TikTok?
Makeup Contrast Theory is based on the contrast between your natural features: your skin tone, hair colour, and eye colour. By matching your makeup with this natural contrast, you can create looks that bring out your best features effortlessly. TikTok users are loving this trend because it makes choosing makeup so much simpler—no more guesswork!
With Makeup Contrast Theory:
- HIGH contrast looks are bold, with colours that make a statement.
- MEDIUM contrast balances soft and vibrant tones for an adaptable look.
- LOW contrast is all about gentle, natural shades that blend seamlessly.
Ready to find out where you fall on the contrast scale and what makeup products will make you look amazing? Let’s get into it!
Still not sure? Demi from Team Rev has tried out all three looks:
How to Find Your Contrast Level
Figuring out your contrast level is pretty easy! Here’s what you’ll need to look at:
- 1. SKIN TONE Is it light, medium, or dark?
- 2. HAIR COLOUR How light or dark is it? Is it super vibrant or more muted?
- 3. EYE COLOUR Are your eyes bright and intense, or more subtle in tone?
Once you’ve assessed these, you can determine if you’re high, medium, or low contrast. If you have dark hair with light skin, for example, you’re likely high contrast. If your features are close in tone, you’re probably low contrast. And if you fall somewhere in the middle, you’re medium contrast.
USE THE WHAT’S YOUR CONTRAST TIKTOK FILTER BY ALIEENOR
High Contrast Makeup: Bring on the Drama!
Who it’s for: People with strong contrasts, like dark hair with light skin or dark skin with lighter highlights or bright eyes.
If you’re high contrast, you’ve got that natural “wow” factor, so lean into bold makeup that matches your energy!
Celebrity Inspo:
- Lupita Nyong’o:Her deep skin and dark hair make for a gorgeous high-contrast look, perfect for bold shades.
- Anne Hathaway: With her fair skin and dark hair, Anne pulls off dramatic makeup like red lips and strong eyeliner.
Makeup Tips:
- Lipstick: Vibrant reds, dark berry, or plum shades make a statement. Our Revolution Lip Allure Lipsticks is perfect for this look with it’s statement shades & creamy formula! My personal favourite is “Berry Boss”
- Eyeliner: Black winged liner is a must for added drama, try out Revolution Super Flick Liquid Liner!
- Brows: Define them! Use a brow pomade or pencil in a shade that matches or is slightly darker than your hair colour, our favourite is the Revolution Lip Allure Lipsticks Top Tip, go for a shade darker to added definition
- Eyeshadow: Jewel tones like emerald, navy, and deep purples will make your features pop.The perfect palette for this would be our Revolution Forever Flawless Palette in Astro Nova
Pro Tip: High contrast means you can play with vibrant shades, so don’t shy away from bold, dramatic looks!
Medium Contrast Makeup: Balance is Key
Who it’s for: People with balanced features, like medium skin with brown hair, or light skin with dark blonde hair.
If you’re medium contrast, you’ve got a lot of flexibility! You can mix soft and bold shades to find a look that feels just right for you.
Celebrity Inspo:
- Zendaya:Her medium-toned skin and brown hair allow her to rock warm, balanced shades.
- Emma Watson: Emma’s fair skin and brown hair make for a naturally balanced look, which pairs perfectly with soft smoky eyes and rosy lips.
Makeup Tips:
- Lip Colour: Go for shades like rose, coral, or a soft berry for a flattering look, try adding a soft tint with our Revolution Pout Tint lip tints! The perfect shade for this would be “Sweetie Coral”
- Eyes: Soft smoky eye shades in mauve, taupe, and warm browns, achieve this with our Revolution True Bronze Icon Palette! Top Tip: use the cream brown as a subtle smokey wing liner.
- Blush: Peach or soft pink for a natural glow, our Revolution Reloaded Blushes give a natural flush of colour. Try shade “Lovestruck” for pink tones & “Peach Bliss“ for warmer peachy tones.
- Eyeliner: Brown eyeliner and mascara are your go-tos for a defined yet soft look, our Revolution Big Lash Mascara in Brown is perfect for this.
Pro Tip:You have tons of room to experiment, so try out different shades and styles to find what feels best. Medium contrast looks thrive on balance.
Low Contrast Makeup: Keep it Soft and Natural
Who it’s for: People with features close in tone, like blonde hair with fair skin or dark hair with a similar skin tone.
If you’re low contrast, you want your makeup to be gentle and harmonious, so nothing overpowers your features. Think soft, natural tones that blend beautifully with your look.
Celebrity Inspo:
- Amandla Stenberg: They keep their makeup soft and subtle to match their low-contrast look.
- Elle Fanning: Elle’s fair skin and blonde hair are complemented by soft pink lips and light blush.
Makeup Tips:
- Lips: Nude pinks, soft peaches, or gentle corals for a fresh, natural look. You can never go wrong with a hydrated & glossy pout, ourRevolution Pout bomb Plumping Gloss will enhance your natural features.
- Eyeshadow: Light beige, soft pinks, or pastels add a hint of colour while staying subtle, my favourite for this is the Revolution Enchanted Icon Palette.
- Brows: Lightly fill in your brows to keep them natural and soft using our Revolution Fluffy Brow Duo.
- Highlighter: A bit of shimmer on cheekbones and brow bones adds a natural glow, try a liquid highlighter like ourBright Light Glow Drops for a natural glow-from-within look.
Pro Tip:You can use light shimmers to give a soft, glowy finish. Low contrast makeup is all about enhancing your features without adding too much contrast.
Final Thoughts on Makeup Contrast Theory
Makeup Contrast Theory is taking over TikTok because it’s all about finding the look that works best for you. By understanding your natural contrast level, you can choose makeup that matches your unique style and vibe—whether you’re going bold with high contrast, balancing things out with medium contrast, or going for soft, natural beauty with low contrast.
So grab your favourite products and start experimenting with Makeup Contrast Theory. You’re just a few steps away from finding your perfect look!
Don’t forget to tag us in your looks @makeuprevolution.
Love, Fran & Team Rev xx
