Ever wondered why certain makeup styles just don't seem to suit your features, no matter how well you apply them? The answer might lie in understanding your visual weight. This method is all about recognising how your facial features naturally carry attention, and using makeup to balance or enhance that. Once you know where you fall on the visual weight spectrum, it becomes easier to figure out which techniques, placements and finishes actually complement your face. Instead of forcing trends to work for you, this approach helps you work with your features.
What is visual weight?
Visual weight refers to how certain elements draw attention and create a sense of balance or imbalance in a makeup look. Simply put, it’s the measure of how prominent your facial features are, and is split into two categories:
Low visual weight
Low visual weight refers to softer facial features that blend more harmoniously with your face. If you have low visual weight, your facial features are less prominent. Celebrities like Gigi Hadid and Selena Gomez are among many celebrities with low visual weight.
High visual weight
High visual weight refers to more prominent facial features on a small face, such as large eyes, prominent nose, high cheek bones, fuller lips or a strong jaw. Celebrities like Angelina Jolie and Mila Kunis are great examples of high visual weight.
@monica.raviii PLEASE dont blindly follow every trend without asking yourself WHAT YOU prefer cause thats all that really matters 😭🫶🏽 How to do high visual weight makeup on a low visual weight face ✨🤎 #lowvisualweight#highvisualweight#visualweightmakeup#softfeatures#browngirlmakeup#southasian#desimakeup#makeupforbrownskin#boldmakeup ♬ original sound - Monica Ravi-Conway
Which makeup style suits you?
With so many makeup trends, such as clean girl makeup, sunset makeup, and strawberry makeup amongst many, it can be fun experimenting with these makeup looks but it all boils down to which makeup style has you feeling confident and slaying the day.
Low visual weight makeup
If you find that minimal makeup suits you better than full glam makeup, then you have a low visual weight. You would then opt for sheer foundation, light blushes, neutral eyeshadows and light mascara to create a subtle natural look that enhances your facial features without overpowering them.
High visual weight makeup
If you’re the opposite and full glam makeup suits your features very well, then you have a high visual weight. As someone with high visual weight you would opt for full coverage foundation, concealer, contour, pigmented blush, vibrant eyeshadow, and bold lip colours.
@leeskincare7 @Kinziiiiiii 님에게 회신 figure out visual weight! #visualweight #lowvisualweight #highvisualweight #glowuptips ♬ 오리지널 사운드 - leeskin
Is it possible to be both?
Yes. If you find that minimal makeup doesn’t do it for you but full glam is just too much, then you fall under medium visual weight where you get the best of both worlds.
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