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What is a High Contrast Face Vs. Low Contrast?

Courtney Birtcher
Written By Courtney Birtcher
Writer + Editor
Original Publish Date: Oct 26, 2024, 06:07 AM
Last updated: Oct 26, 2024, 06:07 AM
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high vs. low makeup contrast
View all Contents
  • Identifying Your Contrast Level
  • Defining High Contrast Faces
  • Defining Low Contrast Faces
  • Embracing Your Unique Style

When it comes to facial features and beauty, contrast plays a crucial role in what kind of makeup looks best on us. High contrast and low contrast refer to the relationship between a person’s skin tone, hair, and eye colors. Understanding these terms can help you enhance your natural beauty, and even inform your fashion choices. In this blog, we’ll explore the characteristics of high contrast and low contrast faces, how they affect appearance, and tips for embracing your unique style.

Identifying Your Contrast Level

To determine whether you are high contrast or low contrast, consider the following steps:

  1. Assess Your Skin Tone: Identify whether your skin is fair, medium, or dark, and whether it has cool, warm, or neutral undertones. @Alieenor’s TikTok on figuring out your contrast comes with a useful filter to show you what you might be.
@alieenor My favourite glow up tip is playing with contrast to get more confidence ✨ #contrastlevel #mediumcontrast #highcontrast #emmawatson ♬ son original – Alieenor 🧡

  1. Examine Hair Color: Look at your hair color in relation to your skin tone. Is it dramatically different, or does it blend in?
  2. Eye Color Matters: Note the color of your eyes and how they compare to your skin and hair. Are they a stark contrast, or do they blend more naturally?

Defining High Contrast Faces

A high contrast face typically features a noticeable difference between skin tone, hair color, and eye color. Celebrity examples include Anne Hathaway, Amal Clooney, and Dakota Johnson. Someone with fair skin and dark hair (like a deep brunette or black) or a person with a dark complexion and light hair (such as platinum blonde) would be considered high contrast. 

High-contrast individuals often have strong features, such as prominent cheekbones or defined jawlines, that can benefit from bold makeup choices. Play with elements of makeup that draw attention to the eyes and lips. This can enhance the facial structure and make features stand out more prominently.



Defining Low Contrast Faces

A low contrast face exhibits more subtle differences between skin tone, hair color, and eye color (with a middle contrast being somewhere in the middle). Individuals with low contrast typically have tones that blend more seamlessly. Celebrity examples include Sabrina Carpenter, Taylor Swift, and Sydney Sweeney. 

Low contrast individuals may have softer features, and their overall look tends to be a gentle blending of colors. With the right styling and makeup, low contrast faces can also achieve stunning looks, though the approach may differ from that of high contrast individuals. They benefit from makeup that enhances natural features. Earthy shades, muted lip colors, and subtle blush can enhance their features without overwhelming their gentle appearance.

Embracing Your Unique Style

Ultimately, understanding your contrast level can empower you to make informed choices about your makeup looks. Whether you are high contrast or low contrast, or somewhere in between, embracing your unique features and experimenting with different styles can enhance your confidence. However, beauty is subjective, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Consider trying whatever you’re most comfortable with.

Contributors

Courtney Birtcher
Courtney Birtcher
Writer + Editor
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