Mastering the art of contouring is an essential skill to achieve that perfect look for any occasion. Using contouring techniques can help you highlight your favorite features and create a sculpted appearance. Whether you’re aiming for an everyday natural look or a glamorous evening look, mastering the art of contouring is a must-have makeup skill.
Are you looking to master the art of contouring? Do you want to know the best methods for contouring to create a flawless and sculpted look? In this informative guide, we’ll show you the step-by-step methods to achieve a perfect contour, so you can enhance your natural beauty and feel confident wherever you go.
Choosing the Right Contouring Products
To achieve the perfect contour, you need to start with the right products. Choosing the right contouring products is critical, as the wrong shade or texture can make your contour look unnatural or muddy. When choosing contouring products, consider your skin tone and the overall look you are trying to achieve.
For a natural or subtle contour, try using a cream-based or powder contour kit that’s just a shade or two darker than your natural skin tone. You can also use a bronzer to achieve a gentle contour. For a more dramatic and bold contour, use a darker shade or a contour stick with a cool undertone to create the desired effect.
Prepping Your Skin for Contouring
Before you start contouring, it’s important to prep your skin to ensure that the makeup stays put all day long. Start by washing your face with a gentle cleanser to remove any dirt or oil from your skin. Next, apply a moisturizer to hydrate the skin and create a smooth canvas for makeup application.
Once your skin is prepped, apply a primer to help your makeup stay put for longer. This step is especially important if you have oily skin. Primer will prevent your contour from rubbing off or smudging over the course of the day.
Contouring Your Cheeks
Step 1: Apply Bronzer or Contour Powder
You can contour your cheeks using either a bronzer or contour powder. Start by sucking your cheeks in to create a shadowed look. Use a small fluffy brush to apply the powder starting from the top of your ear and working your way towards the corner of your mouth. Use small circular motions to blend the product underneath your cheekbones. Be sure to not use too much product at once to avoid a muddy appearance.
Step 2: Highlight
The next step is to highlight. Using a lighter shade of concealer, apply it to the center of your cheekbone and blend it out using a makeup sponge or your fingertips. This will create a contrast with the contour and make your cheekbones pop.
Contouring Your Nose
Step 1: Apply Contour
To contour your nose, start by applying some contour powder or cream down the sides of your nose. Keep it high on the bridge of the nose and blend it out with a small fluffy brush to avoid harsh lines.
Step 2: Highlight
Next, apply concealer down the center of your nose, between the brows, and under your eyes. Use a makeup sponge to blend it out and set it with powder. This will make your nose appear slimmer and more lifted.
Contouring Your Jawline
Step 1: Apply Contour
To contour your jawline, use a small fluffy brush to apply the contour powder starting at the tip of your chin and extending it to the area underneath your ears. Follow the natural contour of your jawline and blend it out thoroughly.
Step 2: Highlight
Highlight the areas above your jawline using a lighter concealer. Apply it along your cheekbones and blend it out to create a more lifted and sculpted look.
Tips for Perfect Contouring
Tip 1: Blend Thoroughly
To create a natural-looking contour, be sure to blend your product out carefully. This will help you avoid harsh lines and create a subtle, sculpted look. Use a small fluffy brush to blend out your contour and a beauty sponge to blend out your highlight.
Tip 2: Use the Right Angles
When you’re applying contour, it’s important to use the right angles. Follow the natural contours of your face to create a sculpted appearance. For example, if you want to contour your cheeks, suck them in to locate the hollows and apply the contour powder in those areas.
Ideas for Different Contouring Looks
Idea 1: Natural Contour
If you prefer a natural look, opt for a cream-based contour kit that’s just a shade or two darker than your natural skin tone. Apply it to areas of your face that would naturally be shaded, such as your cheekbones, jawline, and nose.
Idea 2: Dramatic Contour
If you want a more dramatic and bold look, use a darker shade or a contour stick to create a sharp contour. Apply it to the same areas, but be sure to build up slowly and blend out the edges carefully for a polished, elegant finish.
How to Contour Different Face Shapes
Round Face
If you have a round face, focus on contouring the sides of your forehead and the area under your cheekbones. Use a soft bronzer or a darker shade to create shadows and make your face appear slimmer.
Oval Face
If you have an oval face, you can contour almost any part of your face. Focus on your cheeks, nose, and jawline to enhance your features and create a more sculpted look.
Square Face
If you have a square face, focus on contouring your jawline and chin to create a more defined and angular look. Apply the contour powder in a slanted line from the corner of the jaw to the center of the chin to create a V shape.
FAQs About Contouring
How Do I Choose the Right Shade for My Skin Tone?
If you’re fair-skinned, opt for lighter shades of contouring products. For medium skin tones, use warmer, peachier shades. For darker skin tones, opt for deeper shades of contouring products with cool undertones to avoid looking ashy.
Can I Use Cream-Based Products for Contouring?
Yes, cream-based products are great for contouring. They allow for easy blending and a seamless finish. Apply cream contour with a brush or your fingers, and blend it out using a beauty sponge.
Conclusion
Mastering the art of contouring isn’t as difficult as it may seem. With patience and practice, anyone can achieve a flawless and sculpted look that enhances their natural beauty. Start by choosing the right products, prepping your skin, and following the step-by-step methods we’ve outlined in this guide. Whether you’re going for a natural or dramatic look, these tips and tricks will help you achieve the perfect contouring technique.
