Monochromatic Makeup Trends
In recent years, eye makeup trends have leaned towards experimentation with "a lot," ranging from hyper-graphic to neon. In 2024, monochromatic makeup will return to prominence. This is not a novelty in the strictest sense but represents a clean and elegant style that cyclically re-emerges, balancing more emphasized chromatic or graphic explorations at regular intervals.
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How many shades can there be of a single color?
In the pictorial technique, nuance is defined as the gradual transition from one color to another or from one tone of the same color to another. In fashion, we see examples of ton-sur-ton style, referring to clothing items that share the same color or a combination of colors with the same shade but different intensity. In cinema, the film "50 Shades of Grey" has become famous, using a play on words to reference the human eye's ability to perceive on average at least sixteen levels of grey, ranging from 4 to 256 levels (or tones), from white to black. This underscores how chromatic play is not only possible in art and everyday life but also thrilling in the challenge of discerning subtle details or surrendering to their beauty unknowingly. Even the fashion-beauty sector has embraced this palette, experimenting with color in makeup. After witnessing years of eye makeup trends leaning towards "a lot," from hyper-graphic to neon, 2024 will see the return of monochromatic makeup. Upon closer inspection, this is not a literal novelty but a clean and elegant style that cyclically returns to balance more pronounced chromatic or graphic explorations at regular intervals.vThe monochromatic makeup trend began to emerge in the summer of 2023 with the viral latte makeup, a look in caramel-brown tones that lends the face a bright and warm appearance, complementing the summer tan. This trend continued into the spring-summer 2024 season, albeit with a new interpretation: avant-garde monochromatic makeup will focus on minimalism and freshness, employing a single color across the entire face (including the eyes) in its various shades, and possibly using a single product to achieve this effect. In essence, this makeup technique involves subtle shade variations across the face, eyes, and lips, fitting within the broader "nude looks" category. It aims for color uniformity across the face, with its aesthetic appeal lying in its naturalness, presenting an unaltered version of oneself while fully accentuating one's best features, brightness, and uniqueness.
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The innovation for 2024 will extend beyond the typical browns and beiges to embrace all flattering colors, with one stipulation: the selected color must be suitable for use on the eyes, cheeks, and lips. This golden rule, alongside choosing a harmonious color based on one's skin undertone, forms the foundation of creating monochromatic makeup. Understanding one's undertone—whether warm or cool—is crucial for selecting complementary colors. This can be determined by examining the veins on one's wrists; blue-violet veins indicate a cool undertone, while green veins suggest a warm undertone. The key is to choose colors that match one's undertone but vary in shade to avoid a "ghost effect." By adhering to these simple rules—selecting a color that matches one's undertone and harmonizes the eyes, lips, and cheeks—anyone can achieve a flattering monochromatic look. The application process begins with thorough skin cleansing, as monochromatic makeup, like all natural makeup, emphasizes individual uniqueness and radiance. Tailoring skincare to one's specific needs is essential, whether it involves moisturizing dry skin or addressing combination or oily skin. Anti-inflammatory and soothing products can benefit those with sensitive areas, such as rosacea. Creating an excellent base involves using primers, foundation, concealers, and powder tailored to one's skin characteristics and undertone. Contouring with bronzer and highlighter enhances natural shadows and highlights, adding depth and dimension.
The essence of monochromatic makeup lies in choosing a harmonious color and potentially a single product for the entire face. Although flexibility allows for using multiple shades within the same color palette, the goal is to maintain coherence. Suitable colors include various shades of brown, beige, amber, pink, peach, orange, and this year's Pantone color, Peach Fuzz, among others. Bright red and other vivid colors are generally avoided due to their disruptive effect on the monochromatic theme. Selecting the right product texture and finish is key to achieving a simple, elegant look. Multitasking products, such as creams in sticks or pots, are highly recommended for their ease of use and ability to create a refined effect with minimal effort. Starting with a simple lipstick, one can apply it traditionally on the lips and then blend a small amount on the cheeks and eyelids for a cohesive look. Adjusting intensity as needed allows for a uniform appearance with varying shades. Completing the look with eyebrow enhancement, eye pencil, mascara, and a setting spray ensures a polished finish. This technique, adaptable to different products and textures, showcases the versatility of monochromatic makeup. Monochromatic makeup's success lies in its ability to offer a natural, chic, and balanced appearance, simplifying the makeup process without sacrificing the opportunity to experiment with different textures and intensities within a single color palette. Its multitasking nature is perfect for those seeking efficiency and ease, especially for individuals with busy, dynamic lifestyles. As makeup artist and entrepreneur Bobbi Brown observed, women desire to look like enhanced versions of themselves. Monochromatic makeup embodies this principle, offering a simple yet distinct way to stand out by accentuating natural beauty and uniqueness.
