Contouring is a makeup technique used to define facial features. It involves using products to create shadows and highlights, altering the face's shape. To contour effectively, you need a primer, foundation, concealer, contour powder or cream, highlighter, blending brush, precision brush, and setting spray. Knowing your face shape is crucial as it determines where to apply your contour and highlight products. Blend your contour and highlighter for a seamless finish, then set your makeup with a setting spray. With practice, you can master this art form and enhance your natural beauty.
How to Contour Your Face with Makeup
Contouring is a makeup technique used to enhance or alter the shape of your face. It involves using makeup to create shadows and highlights, which can make your features appear more defined. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to contour your face:
1. Prepare Your Skin
Before you start contouring, it's essential to prepare your skin by applying a primer, foundation, and concealer. This will create a smooth base for your contouring products to adhere to.
2. Choose the Right Products
To contour effectively, you'll need two main products: a contour powder or cream that is one to two shades darker than your skin tone, and a highlighter that is one to two shades lighter. You'll also need a blending brush, a precision brush, and a setting spray.
3. Identify Your Face Shape
Knowing your face shape is crucial when it comes to contouring. The most common face shapes are round, square, heart, oval, and diamond. Once you know your face shape, you can determine where to apply your contour and highlight products.
4. Apply Your Contour
For Oval Faces:
- Cheekbones: Apply your contour product from the ear towards the corner of your mouth, stopping at the midpoint of your cheek.
- Forehead: If you have a larger forehead, apply contour along the hairline.
- Nose: Apply contour down the sides of your nose, making it narrower.
- Jawline: Apply contour along the jawline to define it further.
For Round Faces:
- Cheekbones: Apply contour from the ear towards the corner of your mouth, extending it slightly beyond the midpoint of your cheek.
- Forehead: Apply contour along the hairline.
- Nose: Apply contour down the sides of your nose, making it narrower.
- Jawline: Apply contour along the jawline to create a more defined chin.
For Square Faces:
- Cheekbones: Apply contour from the ear towards the corner of your mouth, stopping at the midpoint of your cheek.
- Forehead: Apply contour along the hairline.
- Nose: Apply contour down the sides of your nose, making it narrower.
- Jawline: Apply contour along the jawline to soften it.
For Heart-shaped Faces:
- Cheekbones: Apply contour from the ear towards the corner of your mouth, stopping at the midpoint of your cheek.
- Forehead: Apply contour along the hairline.
- Nose: Apply contour down the sides of your nose, making it narrower.
- Chin: Apply contour along the chin to define it further.
For Diamond-shaped Faces:
- Cheekbones: Apply contour from the ear towards the corner of your mouth, stopping at the midpoint of your cheek.
- Forehead: Apply contour along the hairline.
- Nose: Apply contour down the sides of your nose, making it narrower.
- Jawline: Apply contour along the jawline to soften it.
5. Blend Your Contour
Using a blending brush, blend out the contour product until there are no harsh lines. Blend in circular motions for a seamless finish.
6. Apply Your Highlighter
Apply your highlighter to areas where light naturally hits your face, such as the tops of your cheekbones, brow bones, down the center of your nose, and on your cupid's bow. Blend out any harsh lines with your fingers or a brush.
7. Set Your Makeup
To ensure your contour and highlight stay in place all day, spritz your face with a setting spray. This will also help to melt any powdery textures into your skin for a natural finish.
In conclusion, contouring is an art form that takes practice to master. With these steps and tips, you'll be well on your way to creating a sculpted, defined look that enhances your natural beauty.