Introduction
Contouring is the art of using makeup to sculpt and enhance your facial features. With the right techniques and products, you can make your cheekbones appear sharper, your jawline more defined, and your nose slimmer. However, for beginners, contouring can be a daunting task. That’s why we’re here to guide you through the process.
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Start with a clean, moisturized face. Apply your foundation and concealer as you normally would.
Step 2: Choose a contour shade that is one to two shades darker than your skin tone. Apply it in the hollows of your cheeks, along your hairline, and under your jawline. Blend it out using a brush or a sponge.
Step 3: Choose a highlight shade that is one to two shades lighter than your skin tone. Apply it on the high points of your face, such as your cheekbones, the bridge of your nose, and your cupid’s bow. Blend it out using a brush or a sponge.
Step 4: Apply blush to the apples of your cheeks, blending it upwards towards your temples.
Step 5: Set your makeup with a translucent powder.
Tips
- Choose a contour shade that complements your skin undertone. If you have warm undertones, go for a contour shade with a warm undertone. If you have cool undertones, go for a contour shade with a cool undertone.
- Blend, blend, blend! Blending is the key to a natural-looking contour.
- Use a light hand when applying the contour shade. You can always build it up if needed.
- If you’re using a cream contour, apply it before your powder products.
FAQs
Q1: What products do I need to contour?
A1: You’ll need a contour shade, a highlight shade, a blush, and a blending brush or sponge.
Q2: Can I contour with just bronzer?
A2: While bronzer can be used to contour, it’s not the best option. Bronzer is meant to warm up the skin, while contour is meant to create shadows.
Q3: What’s the difference between contour and bronzer?
A3: Contour is meant to create shadows and sculpt the face, while bronzer is meant to warm up the skin and give it a sun-kissed glow.
Q4: Can contouring make my face look slimmer?
A4: Yes, contouring can create the illusion of a slimmer face by creating shadows in the right places.
Q5: Can contouring make my nose look smaller?
A5: Yes, contouring can create the illusion of a smaller nose by applying a darker shade on the sides of the nose and a lighter shade on the bridge.
Q6: Can I contour if I have oily skin?
A6: Yes, but make sure to set your makeup with a translucent powder to prevent it from sliding off.
Q7: Can I contour if I have dry skin?
A7: Yes, but use a cream contour instead of a powder one to avoid emphasizing any dry patches.
Q8: Can I contour if I have acne?
A8: Yes, but avoid applying the contour shade on any active acne or inflamed areas.
Q9: How long does contouring take?
A9: It depends on your skill level and the complexity of the look you’re going for. It can take anywhere from five to thirty minutes.
Q10: Do I have to contour every day?
A10: No, contouring is not necessary for everyday makeup looks. It’s more of a special occasion or night-out makeup technique.
Conclusion
Contouring may seem intimidating at first, but with practice and the right techniques, you’ll be able to master it in no time. Remember to choose the right products, blend well, and have fun with it!
Contour Products | Highlight Products |
---|---|
Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Kit | Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector |
Fenty Beauty Match Stix Matte Skinstick | Maybelline Master Chrome Highlighter |
KKW Beauty Contour Stick | TheBalm Mary-Lou Manizer Highlighter |