Face contouring is a makeup technique used to enhance or define certain features of the face. This technique uses shading and highlighting to enhance and define the natural structure of the face. It is done by applying makeup in a specific way to create the illusion of shadows and highlights giving off the illusion of a more chiselled jawline, a smaller nose, or a more prominent cheekbone. Hence the face appears more sculpted and defined.
Here are 12 tips to face contour-like ways to a pro:
Powder: Use a contouring powder or cream that is one or two shades darker than your natural skin tone.
Application: Apply the contour product under the cheekbones, along the jawline, and on the sides of the nose.
Brush type: Use a fluffy brush to blend the contour product seamlessly into the skin making it have a natural look.
Highlight: Apply a highlighting product to the points of the face such as top of the cheekbones, down the center of the nose which is the bridge, and on the cupid’s bow.
Use a smaller brush to blend the highlight product into the skin.
Again, use a fan brush to apply highlighter for a more subtle look and a translucent powder to set the contour and highlight for a natural finish.
Still on highlight, use a setting powder to set the contour and highlight for a long-lasting finish. Finish up by applying a bronzer to the perimeter of the face for a sun-kissed look.
This time use a fluffy brush to blend the bronzer for a natural look.
Desired look: Use a powder contour for a natural look and a cream contour for a more dramatic look.
Apply contour and highlight products before foundation for a more natural look.
Apply contour and highlight products after foundation for a more defined look. Use a setting powder to set the contour and highlight products in
place. Use a small amount of product and build it up as needed.
Finish: Use a matte finish for a natural look and a shimmer finish for a more dramatic look experimenting with different shades of contour and highlight to find the perfect match for your skin tone.
Detailed Contouring: Use a small, precision brush for more detailed contouring around the nose and mouth. Use a damp beauty sponge to blend and soften harsh lines. Use a contour stick for a more precise application.
• Use a liquid contour for a more natural and blendable finish.
• Use a cream contour for a more natural and blendable finish.
• Use a contouring palette for a variety of shades and finishes.
Practice, practice, practice to master the technique.
Contour for different occasions
Natural: This is everyday wear and a natural look. Use a light hand with a subtle contour powder or cream for a natural, everyday look.
Evening: It is a more dramatic and intense look that uses a darker contour powder or cream and more highlights for a more dramatic, evening look.
Special event: Use a contouring palette with different shades to create a more defined and sculpted look for special events such as weddings or proms.
Photoshoot: This type of contouring looks good in photos and on camera. Therefore is not a soft look but rather a more intense and defined look. To achieve this use a heavier hand with contour powder or cream and use a lot of highlighter for a more defined look, ideal for photoshoots.
Wedding: More glamorous and elegant look.
Practice, practice, practice to master the technique.
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