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Contrast-level makeup gained significant popularity in 2024, mainly due to a TikTok filter created by beauty content creator Aliénor (@alieenor), a redhead herself. The filter helps users determine their ideal contrast level by selecting their skin tone—light, medium, or deep—and then testing various contrast levels (low, medium, and high) to see which best complements their features.
What is facial contrast level?
Contrast level refers to the difference in value between two colors. The most effective way to assess your contrast level is by evaluating saturation, precisely the contrast between your facial features. You are considered low contrast if your eyes, hair, and skin tone are similar in saturation. If there is a significant difference between them, you are in high contrast; if the difference is moderate, you fall into the medium contrast category. Altering your hair or eyebrow color can change your contrast level. However, your natural contrast level will always be the most flattering.
Want to figure out your contrast level? Try the TikTok filter! You can also see an explanation from Aliénor here:
@alieenor My favourite glow up tip is playing with contrast to get more confidence ✨ #contrastlevel #mediumcontrast #highcontrast #emmawatson
What does this mean for redheads?
Redheads can exhibit a range of contrast levels, depending on the shade of their red hair and skin tone. For instance, strawberry blonde redheads with light to medium skin tend to have a low contrast, while those with deep auburn hair and fair skin typically fall into the high contrast category. Redheads with a more ginger hue may fall into the medium contrast range. Given the diversity within the redhead spectrum, no single contrast level applies universally to all redheads.
In addition to contrast levels, the undertones of a redhead’s hair and skin play a significant role in how colors are perceived. Cool-toned redheads might lean towards shades with blue or violet undertones, while warm-toned individuals may find that golden or peachy hues best complement their features. This variety means that choosing the right wardrobe colors or makeup can enhance a redhead’s natural beauty, allowing each individual to express their unique style while highlighting their distinctive traits.
Using your contrast level for makeup
Once you’ve determined your contrast level, it’s recommended to try makeup that aligns with it. While always matching your makeup to your contrast level is unnecessary, doing so will typically be the most flattering. You can find an explanation of all three contrast levels, along with makeup tips for each, here:
Low Contrast
@alieenor Réponse à @Kelly the ultimate glow up tip is choosing makeup as a way to show yourself, rather than seeing thz malzup first, and the face second. #contrast #contrastlevels #lowcontrastmakeup #lowcontrast #colorseasonanalysis #softfeatures #nomakeupmakeup #ellefanning
Medium Contrast
@alieenor Réponse à @user9861374213438 hope this helps ! Here is an example of a medium contrast makeup look @Embryolisse France @Diorbeauty @Sephora Collection @martinecosmetics @maccosmetics @Hourglass Cosmetics @Typology Paris #mediumcontrast #contrastfilter #mediumcontrastmakeup @Alieenor 🧡 @Alieenor 🧡
High Contrast
@alieenor Réponse à @Ashleyvdk The best way you can feel like yourself when wearing makeup is understanding your contrast level #contrastlevel #highcontrast #annehathaway #maralafontan #inestazi #monicabellucci #highcontrastmakeup #darkhair #contrast #colorseasonanalysis @Mara Lafontan @INES TAZI
Wondering what these look like on a redhead?
Redhead makeup content creator Kylei (@kylei.ann) tried all three contrast levels with the same makeup products so that you can see the difference. She looks stunning in all three, but can you tell which one is her accurate contrast level?
Low Contrast
@kylei.ann ugh it looks good #lowcontrastmakeup
Medium Contrast
@kylei.ann I enjoy the full coverage more tbh #mediumcontrast #mediumcontrastmakeup
High Contrast
@kylei.ann wait I like it more than I thought I would #highcontrast #highcontrastmakeup
Rock it like a Redhead!
RELATED POSTS
READ: How Redheads Can Find Their Personal Contrast Level
READ: Cool Undertone vs Warm Undertone Makeup Tips For Redheads
