Contouring has become an essential technique in the world of makeup, offering the ability to define and enhance your natural features. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned contour enthusiast, this guide will walk you through each step to achieve the perfect contour.
Step 1: Choose the Right Shade of Contour
The first and most crucial step in contouring is selecting the right shade for your skin tone.
Here’s a quick guide:
Light Skin Tones: Opt for a contour shade that is one to two shades darker than your natural skin tone, with cool undertones.
Medium Skin Tones: Choose a contour shade that is one to two shades darker, with neutral to warm undertones.
Dark Skin Tones: Pick a contour shade that is two to three shades darker, with warm or red undertones.
Step 2: Identify Your Face Shape
Understanding your face shape will help you determine where to apply contour for the most flattering effect.
Common face shapes include:
Oval: Contour under the cheekbones and along the jawline.
Round: Apply contour under the cheekbones, along the jawline, and on the sides of the forehead.
Square: Focus contour on the sides of the forehead and below the cheekbones.
Heart: Contour on the sides of the forehead and under the cheekbones.
Long: Contour on the top of the forehead and under the cheekbones.
Step 3: Apply Contour for Definition
Using a cream contour palette and an angled makeup brush, apply the contour product to the areas that need definition:
Under the Cheekbones: Suck in your cheeks to find the hollows, then apply the contour from the ear towards the corners of your mouth.
Along the Jawline: Apply contour along the jawline to define and slim.
Sides of the Nose: Apply contour on the sides of the nose to create a slimmer appearance.
Forehead: Apply contour along the hairline to reduce the appearance of a larger forehead (optional based on face shape).
Step 4: Blend, Blend, Blend!
For a natural finish, blending is key. Use a beauty blender or a makeup sponge to blend the contour product seamlessly into your skin. Make sure there are no harsh lines and that the contour looks like a natural shadow.
Step 5: Highlight the High Points
Highlighting adds dimension and luminosity to your face. Using a cream highlighter:
Tops of the Cheekbones: Apply highlight on the highest points of your cheekbones.
Bridge of the Nose: Add a thin line of highlight down the bridge of your nose.
Brow Bone: Apply highlight under the brow bone for a lifted look. .
Cupid’s Bow: A touch of highlight on the cupid’s bow will make your lips appear fuller.
Step 6: Set Your Contour and Highlight
Finally, to ensure your contour and highlight last all day, set your makeup with a translucent powder. This will lock everything in place and prevent any unwanted shine.
Recommended Products and Tools
To help you achieve the perfect contour, we recommend the following products and tools:
Cream Contour Palette: Provides versatile shades for contouring and highlighting.
Angled Makeup Brush: Perfect for precise application of contour product.
Beauty Blender: Essential for seamless blending and a natural finish.
Key Takeaway
By following these steps and using the recommended tools, you'll be well on your way to mastering the art of contouring. Happy contouring!
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