They are whispering to you in frosty and cocoa now, and you know what that means–high time to give the same snug, sunshiny kiss your hair is getting your wardrobe. Be it the deep contrast, or gentle, cool shininess you are longing, the range of winter hair colors highlights of this season is all depth, radiance and surprising warmth. Whether it’s the slightest shades of caramel or all the fantasy sounds and everything in between, there is something to fit all the moods, and all the skin tones just off the seat of the salon.
What color will make you feel like you, only brave? Let’s find out together.
Soft Caramel Melt on Brunette Waves
The light tango between dark brunette roots and caramel cream never ceases to be luxurious, particularly during the colder seasons. The color resembles molten toffee streaming in waves of liquid, heavy, and voluminous. It is that just in between timbre that everyone seeking warmth but not going too far away in their natural color would prefer. I adore how it flatter medium to dark hair whilst maintaining it rich and dimensional a modern take on the blondes balayage caramel but designed to function in the winter with its light that is muted.
Keeping this tone healthy requires taking care of the gloss I am addicted to Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate Shampoo and Conditioner. They do not allow the caramel ribbons to become stiff and they do not allow dullness to creep in with winter dryness. It is as though you are wrapping your hair in a cashmere blanket, like in reality.
Having tried this appearance on several occasions, I can say to you — it is the simplest glow-up of exhausted fall colour. Stylist Tracey Cunningham is fond of claiming that caramel is the most flattering color to use on a brunette and she is correct. You will feel light, warmer and somehow immediately more self-confident as soon as those highlights are hit by the light.
And possibly that is the true magic: not becoming an entirely different person, but to begin letting a gentler part of your light shine through.
Magenta Veil on Espresso Hair
This is one to the daring lady – bright magenta bands interwoven with deep espresso strands. The contrast of the bright pink with dark roots creates a fascinating stimulation, good enough to those who want something playful yet sophisticated. It is trendy yet wearable to work or go out to dinner.
When you choose this palette, everything is hydration. The effects of fantasy tones are temporary, and I would apply Olaplex No. 3 once a week and a color-depositing mask such as the one provided by MoroccanOil every Hibiscus to ensure that the bright magenta would last. Your new friends are cold water rinses and minimal heat styling.
Personally, I have noticed that this appearance not only turns heads but also improves the moods as well – it is but pure serotonin in strand form. I used to wear in a similar color to a winter wedding and how it shone under fairy lights? Unreal.
The point is that when you feel like being confused about which one is more comfortable and creative, it is time to say yes to something that can be fun — a rebellious streak of the seasons of layers and lattes.
Golden Mocha Bob
Had sophisticated a hue, This would be it. A small, gently waved bob with a shiny chocolate brown shade undertones and golden highlights leaves the impression of movement even in stagnant air. The coloring is deep and bright, warm and equal, just perfect to someone who needs volume, without excessively contrasting the colors.
This type of judicious low light clumsy positioning is the art of a salon – the colorist draws the gold ribbons where winter light has a natural strike. I would then suggest the L’Oréal Professionnel Metal Detox Mask; this closes the shine and prevents oxidation to dull that gold color.
I personally believe that this look is powerfully silent, it is simple but unquestionably stylish. It is so SoHo editor taking a matcha before a gallery opening. No wonder that stylists such as Kristin Ess tend to declare the most enduring cut during colder seasons is a lived-in bob.
This kind of bob also grows out perfectly well and is ideal when you need a change but not quite ready to deal with the six-weekly maintenance of the high-maintenance blonde.
Neon Emerald Glow
Something hypnotic in the cool glitter of green and jade–it is daring, futuristic, and winter-poised somehow. These concepts of fair skin colors reflect the light as frost does on glass, and they have deepening that changes to forest and sea. This appearance is ideal when paired with a smooth layered cut that can move without hysteria.
Green hues are prone to fading, and thus the use of care that is color-safe is critical. The dpHUE Gloss+ in the color Forest is my favorite to apply between appointments to keep the brightness going. Wash less frequently and finalize with a cold rinse to seal that gloss.
In my personal perspective, this color is rebelliousness in a graceful form. It is trendy and very smart in winter when everyone wears neutral clothes. One of the leading colorists once stated, Green is the new platinum, not everybody dares it but when they do it is unnoticed.
Frankly speaking, it is one of those thoughts which transform winter into a game rather than a rest.
Honey Ribbon Balayage
The warmth of the sun mix of blondes balayage caramel sandy brunettes is like a bottle of warmth in winter. There are honey ribbons flowing through loose waves that make the face soft and adds the gleam to the palest cool complexions. It is that salon-fresh appearance that always remains gorgeous even when you roll your hair into a tangle.
It is not as difficult as it sounds to keep that golden shine — I stand by Kérastase Blond Absolu Cicaextreme Oil as a hydrator and reflector. It makes the hair shine like it has just lit a candle even on gray mornings.
I think this is one of the final ideas of blondes of this season. It is friendly, appealing, and is photogenic in an inexhaustible way. According to celebrity colourist Matt Rez, this type of blend is known as sunlight in layers, and there is no truer statement.
And perhaps that is the best end to this tone a golden reprisal that there is always light between the strands even in the cold of winter.
Rosewood Ombre Revival
It is something that winter hair colors emphasize in rosewood coloring that makes them feel as sultry and romantic at the same time. The transition between deep cherry roots and smoky blush tips is a statement that is not apologetic at all – it is proud, cool, and somewhat defiant. It exudes the feeling of just getting out of a street style shoot, and yet soft enough to make it an everyday wear. I love this color because it makes fair skin tones warm and shine against dark winter light.
It takes some affection to keep a red blend like this one looking good- those garish hues do not last long. I would apply a sulfate-free color protectant such as the Hydrate line of the Pureology brand and a weekly glossing agent, such as the Copper Shine Gloss+ of the dpHUE brand, to maintain the tones vibrant and rich. A cold water rinse (even in freezing weather) is to fix the color.
I found out by the first experience of this tone myself how magnetic it may become. As even in the darkest January morning it seemed that the color was squeezing some invisible sunshine. In a commentary by Redken stylist Cassandra Keading, she once said, warm reds bring immediate energy to your face, like an internal filter. And I could not, indeed, disagree more, It is a shade which carries its own confidence.
It could be the beginning of your own little winter insurrection, should you be in need of a change this season, something to make you feel happier with each pass in the mirror, a rosewood ombre could be the thing to get you started.
Silver Ash Contour Highlights
The dark smoky roots and the feathered cool silver touches balance the face and make it look like a sketch of an artist – accurate, light, and highly fashionable. This style is also referred to as money piece balayage, and provides light precisely where it is needed, and haloes around the cheekbones and temples. To me, this combination of colors feels like contemporary elegance encased in frost, a metal shine that is not chilly, only very strong and graceful.
Maintenance in this case is all about tone control. Silver tones change yellow quickly and I apply Kérastase Blond Absolu Ultra-Violet Mask one or twice a week to prevent brassiness. A dot of dry oil gives it a glow but does not burden those feather-light streaks.
Frankly speaking, this is what makes any clothes, including your plain leather jacket and tee, editorial. It is one of those concepts on brunettes that does not require a complete color change to be dramatic. I recall stylist Gregory Patterson remarking that gray and silver were the colors of confidence, not age, and that is the kind of spirit this shade exudes.
It has a film quality to it – the contrast, the shine, the self-confidence. It is easily aggressive, ideal to the woman who wants to look as though she rules the room even on the occasion where she is simply entering brunch.
Golden Brunette Bob Glow
My constant weakness is a wavy bob with honey-gold ribbons floating over soft chocolate brown. It is a slight change which does not shout and shove those heads aside. This color is a good combination of warmth and light, as well as a just-out-of-vacation radiant touch — although your tan is only bronzer. When it comes to winter hair colors highlights, the simple reason that this color is one of pure comfort is that it is elegant, classic, and most importantly, ultra-flattering to anyone looking to consider ideas to do on their brunette hair regardless of their skin tone.
Smaller lengths require a food that maintains a boingy texture. I apply the Shu Uemura Essence Absolue Oil before heat styling, it makes the strands shinny and it smells heavenly. Bonus tip: sleep on a silk-pillowcase and keep those curls even longer.
I found this color very effective in my case because you can transition in and out of a darker color or you can simply have a polished shade without it being a pain in the neck. It is old-fashioned enough to work, sexy enough to date. I had a close to matching tone during a New York winter and it caught the low sun making each of my photos look golden hour worthy.
When the world around is gray, you just need that silent shine close to your face to remind you that you can shine, regardless of the condition.
Berry Rosé Blend
This is where the warmth receives a touch of whimmy – a fresh but neutral shade of rosé with its deep raspberry colour fading into light champagne pink. It is romantic, lively and it is very much of the 20252026 palette which glorifies expressive individuality. This tone is particularly effective on the fair-skinned people and it leaves a natural glow without the need of drawing a blush brush.
To maintain these colors sharp, one should be gentle with them, has to consider sulfate-free shampoos and deep conditioning masks. I would suggest the Amika Soulfood Nourishing Mask; it is really pleasant to smell and works quite well on even the driest bleached ends.
Having ever played with pinks and pastels, I may say this is a tone which spreads nothing but the pure delight. It is gentle, but strong, dazzling, but elegant. Once, the stylist Guy Tang remarked, as it is no longer rebellion, it is certainty in colour form. This quote rents free in my head whenever I look at this shade gleaming in the soft light.
This rosé radiance is like a whispering smile – a wink at your own artist, your own goddess. You cannot help but have a feeling of goodness wearing it.
Bronzed Espresso Dimension
The ribbons of caramel and chocolate brown braided throughout deep brunette hair give it one of the most luxurious appearances of the season. This is a multidimensional color that takes that roasted warmth that is so good to be worn to chunky sweaters and candlelight dinners. It is one of those winter hair color highlights that look simple and yet puts you together.
In order to maintain the depth without being dull, I suggest gloss treatments such as Redken Shades EQ – it maintains the reflective tone and keeps the skin feeling moist and hydrated even during the dry and harsh winter months. And do not underestimate an oiling hair session once a week, I do love the feel of Gisou Honey Infused Oil because it is non-greasy.
This color, in my opinion, is the final tone – subtle luxury that mutters rather than screams. It fits all the styles, casual and polished and is one of the most versatile concepts of brunettes, who need something richer and yet natural.
According to stylist Anh Co Tran, dimension is what makes the dark hair alive. This tawny-haired espresso appearance is precisely that, it is the type of shade that one desires to pull his fingers through his hair as frequently as he can, merely to watch it shine.
Mocha Swirl with Curtain Bangs
It is a love poem to all women who adore soft contrast and natural luster. The chocolate brown base is melted into fine honey ribbons that reflect a light in the most delicate manner. It is cozy, romantic, and eternally flattering, particularly when it is coupled with curtain bangs that softly frame the face. It is the type of winter hair coloring that gives the sharp edges of the season a soft touch. These notes make your cheeks feel warmer when the chill of the air is biting.
I never tell anyone attempting this tone: shine is everything. Smooth mocha and honey shades can no longer be magic without well-being ends. I would suggest Oribe Glossing Shampoo to be used once in a week- the color remains bright and the texture is shiny. In case you apply heat frequently, you must always remember a thermal protector such as Living Proof Restore Instant Protection Spray.
This appearance reminds me of silent confidence – it is graceful without being boisterous, strength without being obnoxious. Matt Rez, the colorist behind celebrities, tends to say, “Dimension is not about drama, but about depth, and this hairstyle demonstrates that in the best way possible. It is among my best concepts of brunettes who wish to feel sophisticated yet simply shine.
You will see how such waves, combined with slight bangs, introduce immediate balance to any outfit. Cozy sweater? Silk blouse? This tone fits them all. It is perennial, and it has an appropriate amount of contemporary femininity.
Ocean Ember Fade
A work of contrast a masterpiece, deep brunette roots caressed with molten caramel ribbons melt into bright blue ends. This combination is art – a cool depth and bright fantasy. It is bold yet not disordered; the harmony of coziness and coldness makes it unusual to wear. I also cannot but imagine this as the ideal fashion among people who need their color fix but want the look to be based on deep, terrestrial undertones.
Raising colorful blues is a real investment – and it is well worth it. I use the Overtone Extreme Blue Conditioner to revitalize the color and prevent its turn to the dullness. In addition, less frequent washing of your hair (in between washes you can apply dry shampoo) can be used to keep the brilliance longer.
I have witnessed women in this color with silent authority – and every time, it is captivating. It’s rebellious, but polished. It narrates a story: a person who is not scared to experiment but has her sense of aesthetics. Stylist Linh Phan has at one time described dual-tone blends such as this as a source of energy to your aura, and to be perfectly true that is just what it is.
And when you need some wintertime ideas about the fair skin that won’t put you in a wash, this jewel-colored fade can add some sparkle and life on the darkest days of the winter.
Frosted Walnut Dimension
Dark walnut hair with a touch of pale ash and champagne ribbons about it is something breathtakingly soft. The combination gives the headlong waves volume and elegance, making a simple style something magic-like in its own way. I consider it to be the winter response to the summer sunkiss strands – lightening around the face, darkening at the roots, and perfectly balanced.
In order to keep the reflective shimmer, apply toning shampoos minimally every two weeks will suffice. I always resort to the dpHUE Cool Blonde Shampoo; it helps to avoid brassiness, but that cool ash remains. A nourishing mask, such as K18 Leave-In, is useful to prevent breakage during dry and indoor-heated months.
This is a colour that makes me confident. It is not brash; it is classy. Best suited to the person who loves detail – the type of person who has jewelry in his/her life but it is minimal and perfectly selected. And since the highlights are merged together, the regrowth is subtle, thus lower-maintenance than it appears.
To give ideas to the brunettes who wish to enter into something more sophisticated but more contemporary, this frosted walnut color palette is one of the understated luxuries that are in their quiet power.
Color-Splashed Horizon
This one belongs to the dreamers, those daring people that understand color as an extension of self. Strata of light blue, light peach and silvery blond flow together in a rainbow like formula that is reminiscent of a painting in motion. It is cheerful and airy and somehow still seems to fit in the cool tones of winter so well. It is childish and adult, surprising yet flawlessly consistent.
Such shades of fantasy require love–and patience. Wash with cold water and apply a pigment-safe shampoo, such as Celeb Luxury Viral Colorwash. It does not mute those blues and peaches. It is silky and smooth with a leave-in product, such as Olaplex No. 6.
The first thought that came to my mind when I saw this trending style was the appearance of winter sunsets streaks of coral and frost in the distances. It has a soft force, a lesson that beauty does not need to be regulated.
It is also a fantastic option of those who would like something colorful and expressive without neonizing. According to stylist Rebecca Taylor, multi-tonal color must give you the impression of walking art, and that is what this combination provides.
Ash Mocha Veil
This may simply be the silent one of the winter hair colors highlights group soft mocha colors blushed with a haze of silver ashy. It is apolitical, contemporary and simply stylish. The dark undertones suit both fair and warm skin tones, making it a universally flattering appearance. I like that this color reflects the winter light which has a soft shimmer that is subtle, yet mesmerizing.
It is easy to take care of this color: it is moisture, moisture, moisture. Apply the Davines OI All-in-One Milk to hydrate the strands every day – it makes the strands smooth and reflective. There is a risk of over-toning and flattening, avoid it and indulge in natural glossing treatments after every few weeks.
It is a bit of a winter comfort zone to me. It is that type of color that does not need to be tried. It is compatible with natural texture, soft waves and even messy buns. Stylist Tracey Cunningham frequently writes that neutral hair is a whisper, not a shout, but everybody can hear it, and I could not agree better.
This tone is of the woman who does not necessarily have to make a scene in order to be remembered. It is cool, silent, and quiet luxurious, and makes a nice conclusion to this section of thoughts about winter color changes in 2025-2026.
Champagne Halo Highlights
This color is intriguing, how the ribbons of blonde sort of slide over the base of deep espresso and they make that halo effect of sunshine even in the center of winter. The contrast is clear but just the right proportion, a combination of dark and light that appears glowing in either light. I am a fan of this color as it is glamorous but at the same time very natural; it suits cool and fair skin as well as provides a warm touch to the cold winter. It is the type of winter hair color make-up that can change your appearance immediately without altering your character.
Toning glosses are necessary to maintain it. In between visits to the salon, I apply Redken Shades EQ Gloss in Champagne Blonde, which makes the shimmer soft and golden but not turning to brassiness. And even leave out a purple shampoo, the Fanola No Yellow is ideal to keep this appearance alive all through the season.
Such appearance makes me feel all the model-off-duty in New York, polished, sleek, and yet easy-going. One day, stylist Jenna Perry referred to this tone as the ideal winter light-catcher and she is not mistaken. It is the one that belongs to the woman who loves her brunette origins but still, wants to have fun with contrast – a vintage but glowing reinterpretation that is both assertive and feminine.
When I dress in similar colors I observe how people are unable to exactly say what has changed but only say, You are looking brighter. And that is what this style does. It uplifts the atmosphere in a very magical way.
Rosewood Dust Balayage
It is a warm, somewhat fresh, rosy-copper mix that adds subtle blush with equally light brown undertones and winter to it. It is romantic, a bit old-fashioned and always lovely. The rosewood dust appearance is among those concepts of blonde people, who want to have depth without losing their allure, a touch of the color, which is romantic, yet, grounded. The gentle application of color in between the mid-lengths results in a watercolor shade of fadedness which is perfect to match with a warm knit and a rosy cheek.
To take care of this shade, it requires to be treated as fine silk sulfate-free shampoo, minimum amount of heat, and plenty of moisture. To maintain pigment and shine, I always use Joico Colorful Anti-Fade Conditioner. To make your hair shimmer even more, put a few drops of the Davines OI Oil on your hair when it is damp; the oil fixes the softness and enhances the rose colors.
The best thing about this look is its sentimental nature. It is not loud or rebellious, it is calmly assertive, as in the type of color you observe more with each viewing. Cunningham, who is one of the celebrity colorists, once stated that warm tones are emotional tones, and this color reflects this concept.
To counter winter, when everything is a little gray, this blend of rosewood has a sweet taste of life back – soft, graceful and entirely practical.
Crimson Noir Layers
It would be the favorite shade of drama. Dark espresso and wine-red streaks produce that spectacular light/dark effect that appears only fabulous when one is being lit by the indoor lights and during dinners under candles. Its richness in crimson colors immediately brings in the charm, and it is one of the most discussed winter hair color highlights of the current year.
Red hues should be carefully cared of – they fade more than any other colour. To keep the vibrancy on the hair, I count on the Reviving Red System of Pureology and a few glossing sessions. A color-safe dry shampoo will also keep your wash days long and your tone unaltered.
I did attempt an analogous crimson appearance last winter and it was admittedly a game-changer. Trust red has its own boldness or confidence without seeking permission. According to a post made by celebrity stylist Guy Tang, the red hair takes up the room, it is not a follower of trends, it sets the trends. I have been carrying that line with me.
You have been afraid of going red, maybe this deep brunette with crimson ribbons is your just compromise, it is bold, smouldering and yet can be worn.
Hazelnut Cascade Highlights
It is all about movement, and it is lush and layered curls full of caramel, toffee, and soft nutmeg. The impact is three-dimensional, and it forms depth and shimmer even during the winter days cloudy. I am so fond of the way the lighter ones frame the face and open up your features; it is the best thing about brunettes who want to be glowing without having to go light all over. It is feminine, tender and has that holiday hair vibe.
To care, it is all about hydration. Hair is brittle in winter, and I apply the Kerastase Nutritive Masquintense every week to maintain the curls springy and the color vibrant. Seeing how you can, use a microfiber towel instead of a regular one, as it will avoid frizzing and ensure your highlight remains smooth.
Once I see this expression I immediately start to think about lattes that are hot, long scarves, and that warm-up feeling that you have when your hair is just right. This tone is indeed a testament to dimensional brunette, as said by stylist Chris Appleton who stated that the new blonde is dimensional brown.
It is also among those highlights of winter hair colors that improve with age — as the tones are muted, they become that more smoothly blended as well as aging perfectly with each shampoo.
Cherry Glaze Balayage
Bold, fiery, elegant – the cherry glaze look is a combination of deep dark chocolate roots and rich cherry and red velvet strands that form a high-profile yet strong contrast. This color is somehow like energy in a bottle, warm, seductive, and at the time of the year when everything is dull. It works best on women that desire the luminousness in their skin and still desire the base to be deep and rich.
To keep it up, invest in a hydrating mask such as the Pureology Color Fanatic Multi-Tasking Deep Treatment – this will keep your bright cherry tones healthy and mirror shiny. Washing is not required on a daily basis, make use of cool-water rinse or dry shampoo between washes.
I find this color fearless. It has that rock-chic feel but it also has incredible sophistication. It reminds me of what a woman would put on when she is lastly ready to make risks, not loud ones, but the ones that count.
And that is the merit of this appearance it is not screaming. It is one of those ideas that make an impression, as red lipstick does: memorable and unashamedly appealing.
Maple Rose Ombre
And there could be no shade more befitting the warm spirit of the time of year than this; a glossy slope of chocolate brown that fades out into maple-colored rose and leaves a light burgundy haze on the extremes. It is cozy, inviting, and unchallengingly fashionable, such as caffeinated lattees in a cashmere jacket. This winter hair colors highlights concept combines natural richness and a gentle burst of color which makes it wearable both in daily life and at a party.
To keep this tone alive, it is necessary to provide your strands with some additional care. I would alternate between Redken Color Extend Magnetics and a mask containing a lot of moisture such as the Intense Hydrating Mask by Moroccanoil. It leaves the rose colors bright without depilitating the brunette foundation. Lastly, apply a shine spray to get that mesmerizing gloss, it is the little touch that makes it look like you went to the salon every single day.
When I put a certain tone on I saw the way it changed in the light, copper tinkling at times, and sometimes a pink murmur. It is lively, dynamic and so flattering on how to warm brunettes who do not want to be full red. Ombre, as stated by stylist Johnny Ramirez, is the language of softness – it is color that moves. This one talks volumes in the softest manner.
It is the type of colour that attracts individuals silent. You do not enter a room and make yourself heard, you move into it, and the light accompanies you.
Midnight Sapphire Glow
When winter demands something outrageous, this appearance responds defiantly. Dark espresso roots stream into the gems of sapphire that glitter like a night sea. Cool and mysterious, it is also futuristic and refined at the same time. It is among such bright color transformations that can redefine winter hair. The blue on dark hair effect gives the effect of a glowing, near electric dimension that is nothing less than breathtaking.
To preserve this ambitious color, you will need pigment-preservation maintenance. I testify to Overtone, the conditioner of my hair (Blue for Brown Hair) as it does not damage hair but it lifts its color. Also, there is no bargaining over cool water rinses! They enclose the color and preserve that glassy appearance. L’Oréal Professionnel Mythic Oil is the best lightweight serum to use on the skin to add shine.
The best thing about this tone is that it is confident. It is one of the concepts of fair skin, which make your features shine and add contrast to the winter collections of neutrals. Rebecca Taylor, a hair artist, has said, once, that Blue is emotion in colour form, strong, calm, and infinitely deep. It feels just like that when worn, and it is grounding yet bold, artistic but wearable.
Maybe you are in need of something that makes you a little bit less scared this winter, and this sapphire masterpiece can make it.
Golden Honey Luxe Balayage
The last glance on our winter palette could not be more age old, a golden honey balance which glitters with life. This tone glorifies gentleness and warmth and achieves that just right, in-light-of-within feeling. The honey ribbons fuse into sands and any user that wants to be light yet at the same time does not wish to lose the depth of the honey is the best choice. It is the ideal combination of the balayage caramel blonde and sun-touched sophistication– a staple in my winter hair color highs.
This is to keep that glowing look, and a hydrating oil after each wash is always to be used. I would suggest the Kérastase Elixir Ultime, it is not greasy and adds shine. After every couple of weeks, call in your salon to add a clear gloss service in order to finish off the tone and to ensure the light reflections remain sharp. Honey tones are best seen when the hair is sleek and shiny.
I have witnessed how this color has made people change, literally. It instantly warms the face, smooths rough lines and creates a friendly, feminine texture. The honey tones serve as the so-called forever filter as celebrity stylist Tracey Cunningham likes to call them sometimes, and she is correct because they suit anyone.
This is pure golden poetry, delicate, radiant, and never wearied. It is the most beautiful ending to this season palette and it is reminder to us that even the simplest sounds may be luxuriously indulgent when performed in a proper manner.
The winter 20252026 is turning out to be one of the most experimental, though upscale seasons of hair. And, be it the gentle blends of tones, bold jewellery colours, or old-fashioned chocolate brown richness, this multitude of thoughts will prove that highlights are not just about light, but about character. Every glance has its own atmosphere, narrative, and beat.
Out of the soft warmth of golden honey to the seductive light as sapphire and rosewood these winter hair color highlights are not merely trends but small mirrors of the person we are becoming. Since hair, like winter light, is contrast, shadow against shimmer.
