Have you ever wondered how almost every makeup glam has those cheekbones so sharp and that jawline looking like it could cut diamonds?
Well, that, my queen, is the magic of contouring. It’s like having a tiny sculpting studio in your makeup bag, letting you play with light and shadow to define your features and create a whole new dimension to your face.
Now, let’s talk some history, shall we?
You’d be surprised to know that contouring has existed for much longer than many other makeup techniques, but it became a trend only a few years ago.
Before the era of lush Instagram selfies and pro makeup glam, contouring was already in existence, although it was a much subtler technique used by makeup artists and stage performers.
At that time, this technique was only used to help the audience read facial expressions. So, it was purely out of necessity rather than a desire to improve one’s makeup.
The Concept of Contouring
Now, contouring isn’t about completely changing your face shape, even though it can definitely help you enhance what you have. It’s more like creating an illusion, basically using darker shades to recede areas and lighter shades to bring things forward.
Think of it like playing with spotlights, where you put the light shapes how you want them to appear. That’s just how it works here, too.
Methods of Contouring
There are different types/methods of contouring, and for this reason, picking the right one can feel overwhelming. However, to make things easier, there are two major methods of contouring – liquid and powder contour, and each has its own set of perks.
So let’s break them down and see which one works for you.
Liquid Contour
This method of contouring is usually done during the foundation stage, and the magic here is that it blends like a dream.
Liquid contours are like butter on your face. They blend out effortlessly, making it easy to create soft, diffused shadows that look super natural.
They are also perfect for dry or normal skin types because they blend seamlessly with your foundation, creating a natural-looking shadow. Plus, the liquid texture adds a beautiful dewy finish, making your skin look plump and healthy. Some even have hydrating properties that won’t leave your skin feeling parched or cakey.
And of course, for this type of contouring, less is more. Since it’s so pigmented, you only need a tiny amount to achieve the desired definition.
But hold on, let me also say that when it comes to liquid contouring, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows.
While the blendability is a major plus, it can also be a double-edged sword. And if you’re not careful, you might accidentally blend away all your hard work! So be prepared to work a little faster with liquid contours to prevent them from messing up your makeup.
Powder Contour
If you have oily skin or prefer a matte finish, powder contour is your BFF. Powder contours offer more control over placement and are easier to build up for a more dramatic effect. They also have a mattifying effect, which helps to control shine on areas where they are applied.
So, if you want a subtle sculpt or a seriously chiseled look, powder contour is all you need, as you can easily layer the product to achieve the desired level of definition.
As I mentioned earlier, this type of contour is ideal for oily skin types because it helps to absorb excess oil, keeping makeup looking fresh for hours on end.
Powder contours, like general powder formulas, are usually quite blendable, especially when using a fluffy brush. However, they can sometimes be a bit trickier to blend perfectly with liquids.
You must also be careful not to go overboard with powder contour, which can leave patchy streaks if not blended properly.
And remember, if your skin leans on the dry side, then powder contour may not be your thing because it might be a bit too harsh. It can also settle into fine lines and accentuate any dryness on your face. So keep that in mind.
Which is better?
You may be thinking, “So, which contouring method reigns supreme?” Well, the thing is, it all depends on your skin type and desired finish.
Liquid contour is a dream for dry or normal skin, offering a natural, dewy look. On the other hand, powder contour is the go-to for oily skin or for those who prefer a matte finish with buildable drama.
So my best advice is that you experiment. Try both liquid and powder contours and see which one feels more comfortable on your skin and flatters your features the most.
Now, let’s get down to the fun part – application!
How to Contour Your Face
The basic idea is to apply contour shade along the hollows of your cheeks, like where your cheekbone naturally dips in when you smile. You can also use it to define your jawline, get a sharper nose, or a slimmer forehead.
So, what kind of goodies do you need for this sculpting adventure? Let’s see!
What you need
- Primer
- Contour Product
- Fluffy blending brush
- Highlighter
Let me say, though, that contour products come in all shapes and sizes, so it’s all about personal preference. Generally, they’ll be a shade or two cooler than your actual skin tone because cool tones often mimic natural shadows.
How it’s done
Step 1: Prime First
Like any good building needs a solid foundation, your contour masterpiece needs a well-prepped canvas. So prep your face as usual, using a moisturizer and primer to create a smooth, even base.
This will help your makeup go on flawlessly and ensure your hard contour work doesn’t disappear throughout the day.
Step 2: Find Your Shadow
Contouring is all about mimicking natural shadows to define your features, so you must be careful where you apply your product.
First, grab your cool-toned contour product, whether liquid or powder and after this, suck in your cheeks slightly. You see that hollow area that appears just below your cheekbones? That’s your golden ticket!
Step 3: Draw the Lines
Once you’ve found the shadow, take your contour product, and gently draw a line along that hollow beneath your cheekbone. Think of it like tracing the natural shadow.
Please remember to apply lightly at first. You can always add more later, but taking away is a whole different story.
Step 4: Blend Properly
Now, this is where the magic happens. Grab a fluffy blending brush and buff out the line that you’ve just drawn. Don’t be afraid to spend some time here as we don’t want any harsh lines.
Blend the color upwards and outwards towards your temples and down slightly towards your chin, creating a seamless, diffused shadow.
Step 5: Try other areas
This step is not compulsory, but it’s worth trying. A contour can also help with a sharper jawline!
With your remaining product, lightly sweep a line along the bottom of your jaw, starting from the ear and blending down towards your chin. Next, blend properly to avoid any harsh lines.
You can also use contouring to define your forehead and nose. For your forehead, lightly tap product along the hairline and blend upwards.
And for your nose, draw a thin line down the bridge and blend properly as well. Remember that this is a delicate area, so you need to go super light-handed.
Step 6: Time for some highlight
Now that you’ve sculpted your shadows, it’s time to highlight those high points! And for this step, you need your highlighter.
Grab that and apply it to the tops of your cheekbones, your brow bone, and the center of your cupid’s bow. This will add a beautiful glow by emphasizing those areas, and it will also make your contour pop giving your face that gorgeous, sculpted glow.
Step 7: Set and keep it in place
Once you’re done with the highlighter, then its time to lock in all your hard work. You can either use a setting powder or setting spray.
Setting your contour, or face generally, will help prevent your makeup from smudging or fading throughout the day.
You can also add a touch of blush after contouring to really bring your whole look together.
To do this, apply the blush to the apples of your cheeks and blend upwards towards your temples for a healthy, flushed look.
One more thing!
Please note that contouring is not necessary for everyday makeup. However, it’s a fun technique to learn and experiment with. This is because it can add a whole new level of dimension and definition to your features, making you feel like a makeup pro.
If you’re contouring, please remember that the proper blend is your best friend. Harsh lines are a dead giveaway, so you need to use a fluffy brush to buff everything out for a seamless, sculpted look.
Also, there are no hard and fast rules here; just play around with it, find what works for your face shape, and don’t be afraid to blend until your heart’s content.
After all, the most important part of makeup is feeling confident and rocking your unique look!
You’ve got this!
