Contouring has become a go-to beauty technique, offering the ability to sculpt, define, and enhance your facial features. It can give the illusion of higher cheekbones, a slimmer nose, or a more defined jawline—all while maintaining a natural look. However, for many women, the process of contouring can feel daunting. Done incorrectly, it can lead to harsh lines, muddled blending, or an overly dramatic effect. To help you master the art of contouring, we’ve compiled five expert tips that will ensure a flawless finish every time.\
Whether you’re new to makeup or just looking to refine your skills, these insights will make contouring a breeze.
1. Know Your Face Shape
One of the most crucial steps in achieving a well-executed contour is understanding your face shape. Contouring isn’t a one-size-fits-all technique; what works for a round face won’t work for an oval or square face. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Round Faces: Focus on adding depth to the temples, jawline, and under the cheekbones to create more definition.
- Square Faces: Soften strong angles by contouring along the sides of the forehead and jaw.
- Oval Faces: Keep the contour light, focusing mainly on the cheekbones.
- Heart-Shaped Faces: Emphasize contouring on the forehead and chin to balance proportions.
Understanding your face shape allows you to strategically place contour products, ensuring that your makeup complements your natural features.
2. Choose the Right Contour Product
When it comes to contouring, not all products are created equal. The two most common types of contour products are powders and creams. Each has its pros and cons, and the right choice largely depends on your skin type and the look you’re going for.
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Powder Contour: Ideal for those with oily or combination skin. It’s easier to blend and build up gradually, making it a great choice for beginners. It also provides a matte finish, which helps create a more natural shadow effect.
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Cream Contour: Works well for dry or mature skin types. Cream formulas give a more dewy finish, making them perfect for those who want a fresh, glowy look. They tend to blend seamlessly into the skin, but require a bit more skill and blending tools like sponges or brushes.
Pro Tip: Choose a contour product that is one to two shades darker than your natural skin tone for the most flattering, natural look. Anything darker can look unnatural or harsh.
3. Master the Art of Blending
Blending is the secret sauce to flawless contouring. Without proper blending, even the best contour placement can look unnatural or harsh. Here are some blending techniques to keep in mind:
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Use a Damp Beauty Sponge: A damp beauty sponge helps diffuse product into the skin, ensuring there are no harsh lines. Use tapping motions instead of dragging to maintain the precision of your contour.
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Blending Brushes: A dense, angled brush works well for contouring larger areas like the cheekbones, while a smaller, fluffy brush is great for detailed areas like the nose.
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Layer Gradually: Apply a small amount of product first and build it up as needed. It’s much easier to add more product than to remove excess.
Pro Tip: Always blend your contour upwards rather than downwards to lift your features. This helps avoid the "muddy" look and keeps your face looking sculpted and fresh.
4. Highlight Strategically
Contouring isn’t just about shadows—it’s about balance. To enhance your contouring efforts, you also need to highlight the high points of your face to create contrast and make your contour pop. Focus on these key areas:
- Cheekbones: Apply a highlighter on the tops of your cheekbones to accentuate their height.
- Bridge of the Nose: A light touch of highlighter along the bridge of your nose can help balance the shadows created by contouring the sides.
- Cupid’s Bow: A little highlight on the cupid’s bow adds a touch of definition to the lips.
- Center of the Forehead and Chin: These areas naturally catch light, so a little highlighter will help bring balance to your overall look.
Opt for a highlighter that complements your skin tone. For example, gold tones work well for medium to deep skin tones, while pearlescent shades suit fair skin.
5. Set It and Forget It
The final step to perfect contouring is setting your makeup so it lasts all day. Use a translucent setting powder to lock everything in place without altering the color of your contour or highlight. Here’s how to do it:
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Lightly Dust with a Powder Brush: Focus on areas where you’ve applied your contour and highlight. Avoid applying too much powder, as this can lead to a cakey finish.
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Use a Setting Spray: A good setting spray will melt all the makeup together, giving your face a seamless, dewy finish while also prolonging wear.
If you have oily skin, make sure to choose a matte setting spray to control shine throughout the day. For those with dry skin, opt for a hydrating spray that helps keep your makeup fresh and glowing.
Conclusion: Contour Like a Pro
Perfectly contoured makeup can transform your look, but it’s all about technique and knowing how to work with your unique features. Start by understanding your face shape, select the right products, and prioritize blending. Don’t forget the importance of highlighting for balance, and always set your makeup to ensure it lasts all day.
By following these expert tips, you’ll be able to create a contoured look that enhances your natural beauty without appearing overdone. With practice and the right tools, contouring will become second nature, empowering you to achieve a sculpted, flawless look whenever you desire.
