Rufus R. Noble What is contouring? Contrary to what it looks like in the photos, contouring doesn’t involve using different skin-tone concealers to create beautiful patterns on your face. Contouring refers to using different shades of concealer to create the illusion that your facial features are more defined.
Contouring is not something you should be afraid of, even though it may seem intimidating. Seeing celebrities and makeup vloggers with flawlessly contoured faces can be intimidating. You don’t need a professional makeup artist to achieve the perfect contour look in your home just because they aren’t there.
It takes a few strokes of strategically placed bronzer and a touch of highlight, and you’ve sculpted your face in seconds. Be careful not to go too far. You may end up with muddy streaks or a caked-on complexion. Don’t worry! We’re here to help you avoid a contouring disaster. Our makeup professionals have created the ultimate guide to contouring your face for beginners. Please keep reading to learn our step-by-step guide for contouring your face.
Setting the scene
Setting the scene doesn’t necessarily mean lighting, calming music and putting candles in your room. If that is your style, you can go ahead. To get the best contouring results, it is important to do some research before you begin.
Use the right brush.
The first step in using any makeup product is to use the right tools. The perfect size tools for this job are a small or flat makeup brush. No blush or powder brushes, no matter what you do. These brushes are too large to achieve the precision you require. This is not a good look.
Color match
It is crucial to ensure that your makeup colors match your skin tone. It doesn’t matter if you are the best at precision contouring, but the wrong makeup colors can make it look silly. You want to achieve a subtle, au naturel effect by choosing shades that complement your skin tone. Choose a contour shade two shades darker than your foundation and a highlighter two shades lighter.
Positioning is important
These tutorials are not meant to be a complete guide. It is important to follow your features and map your complexion when contouring. To determine where the darker or lighter shades should be applied, identify the hollows of the cheekbones and high points of the face.
Remember that lighter shades (highlighters) will bring them forward, making them more prominent. Darker shades (your contour powders) will make them recede. These shades can draw attention to specific parts of your face, like your cheekbones and eyes, while diverting attention from other areas. This will allow you to determine exactly where you should contour.
Basic Contouring in 5 Steps
You’ve done the foundation work. Here’s how to contour your face starting from scratch.
Step 1: Finding your cheekbones
First, apply your foundation. Next, locate where you want to use your darker shade to highlight your cheekbones. To do this, you can suck your cheeks into your face to look like a duck. You can also use your fingers to locate the hollow area in your cheeks. Place your fingers on each side of your face, and look underneath your cheekbones. This is the area where you should apply your darker pigment.
Next, brush gently buff the contour stick or dark powder into your cheeks with a fast back-and-forth stroke. It would help if you built up your contouring slowly, so start with a small amount. You can always add more if you feel you need it. Otherwise, you may have to do it all again.
Step 2: Identifying your features
Use your darker contour stick or powder to trace your hairline to your temples. This will reduce the appearance of your forehead, especially if you have a large one.
Next, apply the brush to either side of the nose. Make sure the strokes are narrower at the tip. To make your nose look longer or wider, you can continue to stroke the brush up towards the brow if you have a shorter nose.
Step 3: Defining your jaw
A defined jawline can make a huge difference in your complexion. Using a makeup brush, apply your contour foundation along your jawline and to your chin. Blend the lines down. Blend it under your chin, onto your neck and then downwards. This will prevent you from looking like you’re wearing a chin strap with a different skin tone.
Step 4 – let’s get lit.
Use a different brush to dust the highlighter on your cheekbones and under your eyes. Making your cheekbones look more prominent will help to bring them forward. You can do the same for your nose. Start at the center of your forehead. Next, move your highlighter to the middle of the chin. Be careful! You can always add more, as we have said before.
Step 5 – Blending
Use a brush to smoothen your contour lines. To blend your contouring shades with your foundation, use a circular motion to tap (do not swipe). Use your fingers to pinch the tip of the beauty blender or brush to reach narrower areas like your nose.
This is the most crucial step in the contouring process. Blending incorrectly is one of the most common mistakes made when contouring. If you don’t soften your contouring lines, you’ll end up with sharp lines.
Congratulations! Congratulations! You will be rewarded with amazing cheekbones that Angelina Jolie would envy. You’re now able to contour for beginners. Learn how to apply the foundation.
