What Is Contour Makeup?

Contour makeup is a technique used to define and enhance your natural features. Whether you are new to makeup or an expert, learning how to apply contour makeup is important. It can help you create a sculpted and flattering look. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started.

Prep Your Skin

Before you even think about contouring, make sure your skin is clean and moisturized. This provides a smooth base for the makeup, allowing everything to blend seamlessly. Start with your usual skincare routine and apply a good primer to keep the makeup in place throughout the day.

Apply Your Foundation

Begin by applying foundation that matches your natural skin tone. The foundation creates an even canvas for contouring and highlighting. Use a makeup sponge or brush to blend it well into your skin. You want a smooth, uniform base that will make your sculpting products stand out more effectively.

Choose Your Contour Shades

To contour, you need two shades: one darker and one lighter than your skin tone. The darker shade creates shadows, while the lighter shade highlights certain areas of your face. You can use contouring powders, creams, or sticks—choose what works best for your skin type and the look you're going for.

Where to Apply the Dark Shade

The darker contour shade will create the illusion of depth and dimension on your face. Apply it in the following areas:

• Under your cheekbones: This creates a chiseled look and enhances your natural bone structure.
• Along your jawline: This helps define your jaw and slim down the face.
• Along your hairline: Applying contour around your forehead will make it look smaller, especially for larger foreheads.
• Nose contour: To create a slimmer nose, apply contour on either side of your nose and blend well.

Where to Apply the Lighter Shade

The lighter shade helps to highlight the high points of your face, making them appear lifted and more pronounced. Apply the lighter shade in these areas:

• Under your eyes: Apply just beneath your eyes to brighten the area and hide dark circles.
• Center of your forehead: A dab in the middle of your forehead adds balance to your face.
• Down the center of your nose: A thin line down the bridge of your nose creates dimension and can make your nose appear slimmer.
• On your chin: This brings balance to the lower half of your face.

Makeup Mirror!

What's makeup without a mirror? It's essential when applying makeup, from the lighting to the magnification, everything matters. Especially when doing contouring. Often, you'll find that you either overdo it or apply it in the wrong places. To ensure your makeup is always on point, a mirror is a must!

Blend, Blend, Blend

Blending is crucial for a natural-looking contour. Use a damp makeup sponge or brush to blend both the contour and highlight products into your skin. The goal is to make the transition between the dark and light areas as seamless as possible. You don’t want harsh lines; everything should melt together beautifully.

Set Your Makeup

Once you’re happy with your blended contour, set everything in place using a translucent powder. This will help your makeup last all day and prevent it from moving or smudging.

Finish with a Touch of Blush

To complete your contoured look, apply blush to the apples of your cheeks. This adds a fresh, natural flush to your skin and softens the sculpted look.

Tips for a Natural Makeup Contour:

• Don’t Overdo It: Less is more when it comes to contouring. Start with a light hand and build up the product gradually.
• Use the Right Tools: Invest in a good contouring brush or sponge for precise application and blending.
• Remember to Blend Well: The key to contouring makeup is seamless blending. Harsh lines are the giveaway of poor contouring.
• Adjust Based on Your Face Shape: For round faces, contour along the temples and jawline to create angles. For heart-shaped faces, contour under the chin and along the jawline.

And remember, contouring is all about enhancing your natural bone structure, not masking it!