Alienor Dervanian breaks down the viral contrast makeup trend perfect for festive beauty

I am sure you are looking for the perfect makeup look this holiday season. One beloved beauty trick that might help you in that search is the viral contrast makeup method. This simple approach, which effortlessly guides you toward the right tones and shades, was created by makeup artist Alienor Dervanian, who went viral overnight.

Finding the right shade of lipstick or blush is not easy, and Alienor has given us the simplest way to always be confident in choosing the ideal palette of tones that will look balanced on any face. While mascara can be added in any colour you like regardless of the contrast on your face, blush, eyeshadow and lipstick need to be coordinated. Below, discover your ideal holiday makeup look according to Alienor’s recommendations for achieving full harmony in your face this season.

What is contrast makeup?

Contrast makeup, according to the trend started by Alienor Dervanian, is a makeup method where you choose the tones of your blush, eyeshadow and lipstick based on the harmony between your facial features and hair.

• Low contrast: For someone with low contrast, such as blonde hair and fair skin, pastel pink and white tones will look best, as they are equally soft in contrast.
• Medium contrast: A person with medium contrast, for example brown hair, fair to medium skin tone and green eyes, will look best when choosing blush, lipstick and eyeshadow with a medium level of contrast.
• High contrast: People with high facial contrast, such as the combination of very fair skin and very dark hair, look best with blush, lipstick and eyeshadow that have a stronger contrast and deeper tones.

The key to the perfect holiday makeup look is balancing dramatic elements with natural ones to achieve complete tonal harmony.

3 holiday contrast makeup looks

1/ Sexy glow in the dark for high contrast

Very dark, contrast rich lips with added shimmer, while the eyes and skin remain minimal and natural, with plenty of silky glow. Use Rouge Dior Forever Liquid Sequin in the shade Masquerade (cool undertone) or Divine (warm undertone) plus Violette FR Baume Shine on the cheekbones, eyebrows, bridge of the nose and eyelids, and nothing else.

2/ Cool blush for medium contrast

Red or pink lips and cheeks that imitate the skin’s natural reaction to cold. Use a tint for a natural effect that looks like it comes from within. Gently blend the edges so they appear soft and diffused. Recommended products: Benefit Benetint in the pink shade (cool undertone) or Clarins Eau à Lèvres in the shade Red Water (warm undertone).

3/ Icy glow for low contrast

A cool, frosted effect on the eyes and the high points of the face. Use metallic or frosty eyeshadow and highlighter on the eyelids, cheekbones and upper lip. This adds dimension without increasing the contrast. Products: Dior Forever Glow Maximizer in the shade Pearly or Madar Cosmic Drop in the shade Cosmic Rose for cool undertones, and for a golden glow on warm undertones: Dior Forever Couture Luminizer in the shade Or Lumière or Pai The Impossible Glow in the shade Champagne. For deeper skin tones, use deeper metallic shades (dark silver for cool undertones and bronze for warm undertones).