Contour Makeup : Learn Highlighting And Contouring Step By Step
Hello, all you beauty enthusiasts! Today’s topic is the widely embraced technique of accentuating your facial features – Contouring and Highlighting! Specifically for those just starting out, learning the basics of contouring can be incredibly useful. Contouring is an excellent method to chisel your face, emphasizing your bone structure. On the other hand, highlighting serves to uplift and illuminate your face, making it appear more defined and youthful. Once you master these two techniques, you’ll see how cleverly you can enhance your facial features without altering them.
Kim Kardashian stands as a prime example of effective highlighting and contouring. She’s renowned for her perfectly contoured and highlighted face, thanks to her personal makeup artists’ expertise. Many beginners often inquire about mastering the art of contouring. Contrary to popular belief, it’s simpler than it appears. It all boils down to knowing where to place the product, using the right tools, and blending effectively. Let’s delve into this step-by-step guide on contouring for beginners to achieve that flawless definition.
- For attaining a natural look that you can carry every day, try 1-2 shades darker/lighter than your natural tone. Always use matte products for the natural look.
- For dramatic or glamorous look, go almost 3-4 shades lighter/darker.
- Always remember the place or the lighting you will be going to.
- Keep in mind that in the daylight your face will show more and you don’t want to sculpt the cheekbones just for a day out at the park.
- Powder or cream, you can use either one as per your personal preference. Perhaps if you play around with both, see which one works for you.
Tools Required For Contouring
1. Cream
A. Cream Contour And Cream Highlight
For your cream contour, you can opt for various shades of concealer or foundation. Presently, the market is brimming with options such as contour pencils and cream color palettes, which are ideal for targeting narrower areas like the nose and chin.
B. Contour Brush
When applying contour creams, utilizing your fingers can yield a wholly natural look. Nevertheless, for blending, it’s recommended to use a densely bristled round brush.
C. Makeup Sponge
The Beauty Blender sponge is an excellent tool for seamlessly merging your highlight and contour. After brushing, refine your look by dabbing a damp sponge to erase any noticeable lines.
2. Powder
A. Powder Contour And Highlight
Go for light colour palette which can blend easily. You can get a bronze in 2-3 shades.
B. Angled Brush For Contouring
A large angled brush is the perfect tool for distributing your contour shade powder. The market offers numerous economical options with varying quality and enticing price deals.
Steps For Face Contouring For Beginners
- Start by applying foundation all over you face and then apply concealer in the normal shade.
- Now time for darker contour shade. Make a fishy face by sucking your cheeks to see the hollows. Make a 3; starting from the middle of your hairline trace 3 alongside the face. It should end underneath the jawline.
- Repeat this steps on the other sideband run the shade down the sides of the nose for more slimming effect.
- Blend the concealer and make sure you keep the darker shade in place. Placement is very important while contouring the face structure because that is how the illusion of jawlines and sharp cheekbones are created.
- Apply the lighter shade to the highlighted spots such as brow bone, the centre of the forehead, down the centre of the nose, apples of cheeks, under the cheekbones and cupids’ chin and bow. Just think where the light would hit on your face.
- Using your make-up brush, blend, blend and blend. Brush gently to blend the contour shade to your highlight. Make it as effortless as you can. If not able to get it right, no worries, you can always get back to using a sponge.
- If you are using cream, go over the look with a damp makeup sponge and using a stippling motion make sure it’s not in excess. For the ones who use powder, use the angled fluffy contour brush to get rid of harsh lines if visible.
- Use your favourite blush with add of pop colour to your cheekbones. Softer colours look more natural and complement the contouring as well. Colours like peach and light pink are perfect.
- If your skin is oily and you have used the cream products, set your makeup by dusting little light translucent powder. You can also use bronzer or powder palette and it will keep your makeup in place throughout the day and night as well.
Don’t Of Makeup Contouring
- Don’t use the circular motion while applying bronzer to your cheeks as this can lead to the appearance of dark circles your upper area of cheeks.
- Gently sweep the contour brush in back & forth motion.
- Keep away from your eyes else it will give the illusion of small eyes.
- Don’t apply too many products like concealer, foundation or powder because you do not want it to look too thick.
- Don’t go overboard with your contour to a point where you find the definite lines between the shades. Remember what you see on the online videos tutorials for “how to contour your face” is not what you have to try every time.You must practice enough to perfect the art of contouring.
- Don’t mix powders and creams. You can use one of the product. The cream is good for dry skin. The powder is best for the oily skin.
- Don’t forget to apply blush on your cheeks! Without some colour pop, your nicely contoured face will end up looking flat. Sweep colour across the cheeks for a flushed look.
There you have it! These are some beginner-friendly guides to contouring. These initial tips can help you confidently navigate the world of highlighting and contouring. While these techniques can enhance your best features, it’s essential to practice them correctly. Highlighting and contouring your face doesn’t have to be a daunting task – with a little patience and the right technique, you’ll master it in no time.
FAQ: Contour Makeup and Highlighting
What is Contouring and Highlighting?
Contouring and highlighting are makeup techniques used to define and enhance the natural structure of the face. These methods create the illusion of depth and dimension by using different shades to accentuate or recede certain facial features.
Contouring:
- Definition: Contouring involves applying darker shades of makeup (usually a contour powder or cream) to areas you want to recede or slim down.
- Purpose: It is used to define cheekbones, slim the nose, sculpt the jawline, and overall create a more structured look.
- Common Areas: Under the cheekbones, along the sides of the nose, around the hairline, and under the jawline.
Highlighting:
- Definition: Highlighting involves applying lighter shades (like highlighter powder or cream) to areas you want to bring forward or make more prominent.
- Purpose: It adds brightness to the face, making it look more lifted and radiant.
- Common Areas: The tops of the cheekbones, bridge of the nose, center of the forehead, brow bone, cupid’s bow, and chin.
How To Contour & Highlight for Every Face Shape
Different face shapes require different contouring and highlighting techniques to achieve the best results. Here’s a guide for each face shape:
Oval Face:
- Contour:
- Apply contour under the cheekbones, blending upwards.
- Lightly contour the sides of the forehead and along the jawline.
- Highlight:
- Apply highlighter on the tops of the cheekbones.
- Highlight the center of the forehead, bridge of the nose, and the chin.
- Contour:
Round Face:
- Contour:
- Apply contour from the ear towards the corner of the mouth to define cheekbones.
- Contour along the sides of the forehead and temples.
- Contour the jawline to add definition.
- Highlight:
- Highlight the center of the forehead, under the eyes in a triangular shape, and the bridge of the nose.
- Highlight the chin to bring balance.
- Contour:
Square Face:
- Contour:
- Contour the sides of the forehead to soften the angles.
- Apply contour under the cheekbones and blend towards the mouth.
- Contour the jawline, especially the corners, to soften the edges.
- Highlight:
- Highlight the center of the forehead, under the eyes, and the chin.
- Apply a small amount of highlighter on the cheekbones.
- Contour:
Heart-Shaped Face:
- Contour:
- Contour the sides of the forehead and temples.
- Apply contour under the cheekbones, blending towards the ears.
- Lightly contour the point of the chin to soften it.
- Highlight:
- Highlight the center of the forehead and under the eyes.
- Highlight the tops of the cheekbones and the chin.
- Contour:
Long Face:
- Contour:
- Contour along the hairline at the top of the forehead to shorten the face.
- Apply contour under the cheekbones.
- Contour the bottom of the chin to add width rather than length.
- Highlight:
- Highlight the center of the forehead, under the eyes, and the chin.
- Apply highlighter on the tops of the cheekbones.
- Contour:
Tips for Perfect Contouring and Highlighting:
- Blend Well: Always blend your contour and highlight well to avoid harsh lines. Use a damp beauty sponge or a blending brush.
- Use the Right Tools: Different products work better with different tools. Experiment with brushes, sponges, and even your fingers to find what works best for you.
- Choose the Right Shades: For contouring, choose a shade that is one to two tones darker than your natural skin tone. For highlighting, use a shade that is one to two tones lighter.
- Start Light: It’s easier to build up product gradually than to remove excess. Start with a light hand and add more as needed.
By following these guidelines, you can effectively contour and highlight your face to accentuate your natural beauty and create a balanced, defined look.
FAQ: Contouring in Makeup
What Does Contour Do in Makeup?
Contouring is a makeup technique that involves using darker shades to create shadows on the face, emphasizing certain features while downplaying others. Here’s what contouring achieves:
- Defines Cheekbones: By applying contour under the cheekbones, you can make them appear more prominent and sculpted.
- Slims the Face: Contouring the sides of the face, such as the jawline and temples, can create the illusion of a slimmer face.
- Shapes the Nose: Applying contour along the sides of the nose can make it appear narrower.
- Enhances Jawline: Contouring under the jawline can define and sharpen the jaw, providing a more structured appearance.
- Creates Depth and Dimension: Overall, contouring adds depth and dimension to the face, preventing it from looking flat and enhancing your natural bone structure.
Do You Contour Before or After Foundation?
Contouring is typically done after applying foundation. Here’s why and how:
Foundation First:
- Creates an Even Base: Applying foundation first evens out your skin tone, providing a uniform base to work on.
- Helps Products Blend Better: Contour products blend more seamlessly over foundation, preventing harsh lines and making the contour look more natural.
Steps to Follow:
- Step 1: Prep Your Skin: Cleanse, moisturize, and apply primer to your face.
- Step 2: Apply Foundation: Use your preferred foundation to create an even base across your entire face.
- Step 3: Conceal (if needed): Apply concealer to areas that need additional coverage, such as under the eyes or on blemishes.
- Step 4: Contour: Apply your contour product (cream or powder) to the areas where you want to create shadows (under cheekbones, sides of the nose, jawline, temples).
- Step 5: Highlight: Apply highlighter to the high points of your face that you want to bring forward (tops of cheekbones, bridge of the nose, center of the forehead, brow bone, cupid’s bow, and chin).
- Step 6: Blend: Use a damp beauty sponge, blending brush, or your fingers to blend the contour and highlight seamlessly into your foundation.
- Step 7: Set with Powder: Set your makeup with a translucent setting powder to ensure it lasts all day.
FAQ: Highlighting and Contouring Rules
What is the Rule to Follow When Highlighting and Contouring?
Highlighting and contouring follow a set of principles designed to enhance and define your facial features. Here are the fundamental rules:
Understand Your Face Shape:
- Tailor your contouring and highlighting to suit your specific face shape (oval, round, square, heart-shaped, or long) to achieve the most flattering results.
Choose the Right Shades:
- Contour shades should be one to two tones darker than your natural skin tone.
- Highlight shades should be one to two tones lighter than your natural skin tone.
Placement is Key:
- Contour: Apply to areas you want to recede or slim down (under cheekbones, sides of nose, jawline, temples).
- Highlight: Apply to areas you want to bring forward or accentuate (tops of cheekbones, bridge of nose, center of forehead, brow bone, cupid’s bow, chin).
Blend, Blend, Blend:
- Ensure all lines are well-blended for a natural look. Use tools like a damp beauty sponge, blending brush, or even fingers for seamless blending.
Less is More:
- Start with a light hand and build up product gradually. It’s easier to add more than to remove excess.
Set with Powder:
- After applying and blending contour and highlight, set your makeup with a translucent setting powder to ensure longevity and prevent creasing.
Do You Contour or Highlight First?
The general rule in makeup application is to contour first and then highlight. Here’s why:
Contour First:
- Purpose: Contouring defines and sculpts the face by creating shadows.
- Application: Apply contour to the hollows of your cheeks, along the sides of your nose, under your jawline, and around your hairline.
Highlight Second:
- Purpose: Highlighting adds brightness to the face and draws attention to specific features.
- Application: Apply highlighter to the tops of your cheekbones, the bridge of your nose, the center of your forehead, the brow bone, the cupid’s bow, and the chin.
Step-by-Step Process:
Prep Your Skin:
- Cleanse, moisturize, and apply primer.
Apply Foundation:
- Create an even base with foundation.
Conceal (if needed):
- Use concealer on any areas that need extra coverage.
Contour:
- Use a contour product to apply to the designated areas (under cheekbones, sides of nose, jawline, temples).
- Blend well to avoid harsh lines.
Highlight:
- Apply highlighter to the high points of your face (tops of cheekbones, bridge of nose, center of forehead, brow bone, cupid’s bow, chin).
- Blend seamlessly into the contour and foundation.
Set with Powder:
- Use a translucent setting powder to lock in your makeup.
FAQ: Best Type of Contour
The best type of contour product for you depends on your skin type, makeup preferences, and the look you want to achieve. Here’s a breakdown of the different types of contour products and their benefits:
1. Powder Contour
Best For:
- Oily skin types
- Beginners who find powders easier to blend
- A matte, natural finish
Pros:
- Easy to apply and blend, especially for beginners
- Great for creating a subtle, natural contour
- Works well over foundation and setting powder
Cons:
- Can look powdery or cakey if not blended well
- May not be as long-lasting as cream products on dry or combination skin
Recommended Products:
- Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Kit
- NYX Professional Makeup Highlight & Contour Pro Palette
2. Cream Contour
Best For:
- Dry or combination skin types
- Those looking for a more dramatic or defined contour
- A dewy, natural finish
Pros:
- Blends seamlessly into the skin for a natural look
- More buildable, allowing for a more dramatic contour
- Long-lasting, especially on dry skin
Cons:
- Requires more blending effort compared to powders
- Can feel heavier on the skin if too much product is used
Recommended Products:
- Fenty Beauty Match Stix Matte Skinstick
- KVD Beauty Creme Contour Palette
3. Stick Contour
Best For:
- On-the-go application
- Precision contouring
- All skin types
Pros:
- Convenient and portable
- Easy to apply directly onto the skin with precision
- Can be blended with fingers, brushes, or sponges
Cons:
- May require more blending effort than powder products
- Can be difficult to build up without looking heavy
Recommended Products:
- Huda Beauty Tantour Contour & Bronzer Cream
- Maybelline New York Facestudio Master Contour V-Shape Duo Stick
4. Liquid Contour
Best For:
- Dry skin types
- A natural, lightweight finish
- Those comfortable with liquid makeup application
Pros:
- Blends easily into the skin for a seamless finish
- Lightweight and often hydrating
- Can be mixed with foundation for a more natural look
Cons:
- Can be tricky to apply evenly without practice
- May need setting with powder to prevent movement
Recommended Products:
- Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Contour Wand
- NYX Professional Makeup Wonder Stick
How to Choose the Best Contour Product for You:
Skin Type:
- Oily Skin: Opt for powder contours to absorb excess oil.
- Dry Skin: Cream or liquid contours work best to add moisture and blend seamlessly.
- Combination Skin: You might prefer cream contours but set them with powder.
Skill Level:
- Beginners: Start with powder contours which are easier to control and blend.
- Experienced Users: Creams or liquids can provide a professional, seamless finish but require more skill.
Desired Finish:
- Natural Look: Powders generally provide a matte, subtle contour.
- Dewy Finish: Creams and liquids offer a more natural, radiant look.
Portability:
- If you need a product for touch-ups throughout the day, stick contours are convenient and easy to use on the go.
Conclusion:
Ultimately, the best type of contour product for you will depend on your skin type, personal preferences, and the look you aim to achieve. It may take some experimentation to find your perfect match, but understanding the pros and cons of each type can help guide your choice.