'I tried the viral "contrast theory" makeup hack to see if it actually works.'

According to French TikTok creator Aliénor (@alienoor), we should be doing our makeup in relation to our face contrast. 

Don't know what that… means exactly? Same.

When she says 'face contrast', she's talking about the contrast between your skin and your facial features, such as your hair, eyes and lips.

If you're still confused (again, same), Aliénor has kindly created a contrast makeup theory filter to help us understand if we fall into the low-, medium- or high-contrast category.

@alieenor

My favourite glow up tip is playing with contrast to get more confidence ✨ #contrastlevel #mediumcontrast #highcontrast #emmawatson

♬ son original - Alieenor 🧡

She's also done many TikToks explaining what each level of contrast means, shared some ideas on how to do your makeup according to her theory, as well as which celebrities have the same contrast as you — and how their makeup has evolved.

How to use contrast makeup theory.

Aliénor says that the way we do our makeup should follow the layout of our natural features. Meaning? High-contrast people, who have deep/dark features compared to their complexion, should go for bolder looks, while low-contrast complexions, which don't have that much difference between their skin and features, should lean into that and go for softer, more subtle makeup looks.

When you first open the filter on TikTok, you toggle between the options on the bottom to find your right skin tone (or closest to). There are three to choose from — light, medium and deep.

Watch: You Beauty boyfriend blush trend. Post continues below.

Once you've found your skin tone match, you then toggle between the options on the left-hand side of the screen to find your contrast levels.

Using the contrast filter myself, I noticed I fluctuate between high and medium depending on the time of day I use the filter. In brighter lights, my skin and hair look lighter and in other lights it can look darker. It's also super easy to overthink it and at times I feel like I fit into the low-contrast category as well… help!

I think I'm a medium girlie? Or maybe high? But also… low looks correct. Image: Supplied.

What are the different contrast levels?

Once you think you've nailed what contrast you are (must be nice), you can then learn more about how you should be doing your makeup for that specific level.

Low contrast.

If you have low contrast, it means that there isn't a huge gradient difference between your features and skin. Aliénor says that celebrities like Beyoncé, Elle Fanning and Taylor Swift are all 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

♬ son original - Alieenor 🧡

For a lower contrast complexion, she says softer makeup looks works best. No single feature should stand out more than the other. Some light blush and a glossy pink lip should do the trick (please no one tell T-Swift to ditch the red lip though… I don't think that would go down well).

Medium contrast.

If there's a slight difference between your face and features, you may be a medium contrast girlie. Aliénor says that medium contrasts can play a bit more with their makeup, but should still keep their features balanced. For example, if you want to do a bold lip, you should also put on a darker eyeliner.

Celebrities like Zendaya and Emma Watson have 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 🧡

♬ son original - Alieenor 🧡

High contrast.

Finally, if you have high contrast, it means that there is a noticeable difference between the gradients of your face and makeup. High contrasts should aim for bolder makeup looks. It's similar to medium contrast, but you can take it to another level. Smoky eyes and bold lip colours are in your wheelhouse.

Anne Hathaway and Liv Tyler are high contrasts, according to Aliénor.

@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

♬ son original - Alieenor 🧡

The verdict.

After some back and forth, I came to the conclusion that I'm high contrast (I think). However, I believe that I "chose" high contrast because I like doing bolder makeup looks.

Listen to the hosts of You Beauty Tried & Tested talk through this theory. Post continues below.

The filter is fun, but I think most people would choose their contrast depending on what they want their contrast to be or what they see their contrast as in their own eyes, allowing them to keep doing what they're doing makeup wise.

I will say that it's slightly harder to figure out your contrast if you have darker skin tones because, naturally, there's not much of a difference between our skin and our features, and I found myself chasing every ray of sun in my living room to see which category I fit into.

However, the TikToks Aliénor has created show different celebrities and their contrast levels are brilliant, making them a good place to get a better understanding of the theory. For example, she shows the difference in makeup looks for Elle Fanning when she does bolder makeup versus a softer look that works with her low contrast.

This theory is perfect if you have no idea what sort of makeup you should be doing for your face and are looking for some guidance to get you started.

It's a very visual theory that you definitely need to watch, learn and then apply before you just jump into the deep end.

Anyway, here's my high-contrast makeup for the day (I hope I got this right).

Pls tell me I nailed this… Image: Supplied.

Have you tried the contrast makeup theory yet? What level are you? Tell us in the comments.

If you want more from Emily Vernem, you can follow her on Instagram @emilyvernem.

Feature Image: Supplied.