Contouring has become a staple in the makeup world, and for good reason. When done correctly, contouring can help sculpt and define your face, accentuating your best features and creating a flawless, dimensional look. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned makeup lover, mastering the art of contouring can elevate your makeup game to the next level.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about contouring—from understanding face shapes to choosing the right products and techniques. Get ready to sculpt your face like a pro!
What is Contouring?
Contouring involves using makeup to create shadows and highlights on your face, enhancing its natural structure. The technique works by using darker shades to define the hollows of your face and lighter shades to bring forward the high points, like your cheekbones and the bridge of your nose.
The goal is to create a balanced, sculpted look that mimics the natural shadows and light on your face, providing depth and dimension. It’s a great way to enhance your features and achieve a chiseled, flawless finish.
Understanding Your Face Shape
Before you start contouring, it’s important to know your face shape. Each face shape has specific areas to highlight and contour for the best results. Here’s a quick guide to the most common face shapes and the areas to focus on:
- Oval Face Shape: Oval faces are naturally balanced, so you can focus on enhancing the cheekbones and jawline.
- Round Face Shape: Contour the sides of your face, especially around the cheeks and jawline, to create more angles and definition.
- Square Face Shape: Soften the jawline and contour the forehead and cheekbones for a more rounded, feminine look.
- Heart-Shaped Face: Contour along the sides of the forehead and jawline to balance the wider top and narrower chin.
- Diamond Face Shape: Highlight the forehead and chin while contouring the cheekbones to add balance.
The Best Contouring Products
To achieve a professional-level contour, you need the right tools and products. There are a variety of contouring products available, but choosing the right ones can make all the difference.
1. Contour Powders vs. Creams:
Contouring products come in powder or cream formulas. Powders are great for beginners because they are easier to blend and control. Cream contours, on the other hand, offer a more intense, long-lasting finish and are ideal for those with dry skin.
2. Highlighters:
Highlighter is key to contouring. It adds brightness and dimension to the high points of your face. Choose a highlighter that’s a shade or two lighter than your natural skin tone for a natural glow.
3. Brushes and Sponges:
You’ll need the right tools to blend your contour seamlessly. A flat contour brush or an angled brush works well for contouring the hollows of your cheeks and jawline. For blending, a makeup sponge will give you a flawless, airbrushed finish.
Step-by-Step Guide to Contouring Like a Pro
Now that you have the right products and understand your face shape, it’s time to contour! Follow these steps for a perfectly sculpted face:
Step 1: Prep Your Skin
Start with a clean, moisturized face. Apply a primer to create a smooth base and help your makeup last longer. Then, apply your foundation to even out your complexion. Use a full-coverage foundation for a more defined contour, or a lighter foundation for a softer look.
Step 2: Apply Contour
Using a contour cream or powder that’s a few shades darker than your skin tone, start applying it to the areas of your face you want to define. Typically, you’ll apply contour to the hollows of your cheeks, along your jawline, and on the sides of your forehead. If you want to slim down your nose, apply contour along the sides of the bridge of your nose.
- For the cheeks: Make a fish face and apply contour below your cheekbones, blending it upward toward your temples.
- For the jawline: Apply contour along your jawline to sharpen it and create more definition.
- For the forehead: Apply contour along the perimeter of your forehead, focusing on the temples, to make your forehead appear smaller.
Step 3: Apply Highlighter
Use a highlighter that’s a few shades lighter than your skin tone. Apply it to the high points of your face to bring forward the areas you want to highlight:
- Cheekbones: Apply highlighter to the tops of your cheekbones to make them appear higher.
- Nose: Apply highlighter down the bridge of your nose for a slimmer appearance.
- Cupid’s Bow: Apply a small amount to your cupid’s bow for a fuller, more defined lip shape.
- Center of Forehead and Chin: Apply a little highlighter in the center of your forehead and chin to bring balance and light to these areas.
Step 4: Blend, Blend, Blend
The key to contouring is blending. Use a makeup sponge or a blending brush to blend out the contour and highlighter so there are no harsh lines. The goal is to create seamless transitions between the darker and lighter shades, ensuring a natural, sculpted look.
Step 5: Set Your Contour
Once you’re happy with the placement, set your contour and highlight with a light dusting of translucent powder. This will help to lock everything in place and keep your contour looking fresh throughout the day.
Tips for Contouring Success
- Start light: It’s easier to build up product than to take it away. Start with a light hand and build up to the desired intensity.
- Use the right tools: Invest in high-quality contour brushes or sponges for better blending and application.
- Blend upward: When contouring the cheeks, always blend upward to avoid dragging the skin down.
- Contour in natural light: This will help you see exactly how your contour looks and ensure there are no harsh lines.
- Don’t forget about your neck: Blend your contour down into your neck and décolletage to avoid any harsh lines and create a seamless look.
Final Thoughts: Sculpt Your Face with Confidence
Contouring is all about enhancing your natural features and giving your face more definition. With the right products, tools, and techniques, you can master the art of contouring and sculpt your face like a pro. Remember, practice makes perfect—so don’t be afraid to experiment and find the contouring routine that works best for you!
Whether you’re going for a soft, everyday contour or a more dramatic sculpted look, these steps will guide you in creating a flawless finish that accentuates your features beautifully.
