"You're not ugly, you're just not doing your makeup based on your contrast level," the most recent viral sound on TikTok tells me as soon as I open the app – bleary-eyed and half asleep at 1am.
Now, in my [chronic] time online, I've seen my fair share of social media beauty trends; from the one-layer makeup hack to hair colour analyses and even broccoli faux freckles (yep, 'twas a thing), nothing and nobody – not even the veg in your fridge – is safe when it comes to the possibility of creating a viral moment online.
The latest to take off is, however, a little more considered having been created by a makeup artist named Aliénor. It follows the premise that you should do your makeup based on contrast levels and even has its own filter on the app. Watch Aliénor's video on how to navigate it, below.
As a user (and not a beauty journalist), I did find the filter a little confusing. I was able to understand that my medium skin tone is of a 'high contrast' but... that was it. To my disappointment, it did not then show me what coloured cosmetics should work best for said contrast level. However, Aliénor has explained more on what colour palette works best for your contrast level in various videos on her page, so, be sure to swat up!
Naturally, I've sifted through videos covering the trend, but to really understand whether or not it's Cosmo Hype Test approved, I spoke to an unbiased qualified makeup artist, Emily Wood who shared her thoughts on high contrast, low contrast makeup and its filter.
"The contrast level theory refers to the differences between your eye colour, hair colour and skin tone," Emily explains. "The concept is a useful guide for those who feel stuck and feel like they’re doing their makeup “wrong”.
Emily's go-to products for creating a low contrast look
Makeup Revolution Eye Master Lash Curler & Comb Set
Makeup Revolution Jelly Blush Stick Lip and Cheek Stain
Makeup Revolution IRL Filter Finish Lip Definer
Emily concludes with a notion that the Cosmo Beauty Team totally agree with: Beauty is an art and should be experimented with as and how people please. "Makeup is multifaceted, it’s functional while also playful. I can see why the contrast filter will be of assistance to some people whilst feeling quite confining and rigid to others," Emily says.
As with most trends, this filter is to be used as a fun experiment. What it should not do, however, is pigeonhole users into feeling that one makeup look is the pathway to beauty – because it is totally not! Let those creative juices flow, my friends.
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Lia Mappoura (she/her) is the Beauty Writer at Cosmopolitan UK, with over four years of experience reporting across the brand's print, social, video and digital platforms. Lia covers everything from emerging trend analysis to viral celebrity hair and makeup moments, making her an expert at spotting the season’s next big beauty look (before it takes over social media feeds).
In 2025, she was named The Rising Media Star at the Love Perfume Awards with The Perfume Shop, recognised for her outstanding digital fragrance content and for building genuine authority within the space. She is passionate about challenging outdated beauty stereotypes, championing inclusive representation in beauty, and educating readers on the trends, products and conversations shaping the industry today. Follow her on Instagram or find her on LinkedIn.
