Contouring and highlighting have become two essential steps in makeup application that can truly transform your face and enhance your features. These techniques can help define your facial structure, create the illusion of a slimmer face, and bring light to your best features. However, mastering the art of contouring and highlighting can be a bit tricky, especially if you are new to makeup.
In this blog post, I will share some tips and tricks on how to achieve the perfect contour and highlight for your face shape and skin tone.
1. Start with a Clean Base
Before you begin the contouring and highlighting process, it’s important to start with a clean and moisturized face. Make sure to apply a primer to create a smooth canvas for your makeup and help it last longer. Then, apply your foundation and concealer as usual.
2. Choose the Right Products
When it comes to contouring and highlighting, choosing the right products is key. For contouring, opt for a matte bronzer or contour powder that is a few shades darker than your natural skin tone. For highlighting, choose a concealer or highlighter that is a few shades lighter than your skin tone and has a luminous finish.
3. Identify Your Face Shape
Different face shapes require different contouring and highlighting techniques. To determine your face shape, stand in front of a mirror and pull your hair back. Take note of the widest points of your face and the angles of your jawline and forehead. The most common face shapes include round, oval, square, heart, and diamond.
4. The Contouring Technique
To contour your face, start by sucking in your cheeks to locate the hollows of your cheeks. Using a contour brush, apply the contour powder or bronzer along the hollows of your cheeks, blending upwards towards your temples. This will help define your cheekbones and add dimension to your face.
Next, contour along your jawline to create a more sculpted appearance. Finally, contour along the sides of your nose to create the illusion of a slimmer nose. Remember to blend out any harsh lines to create a seamless finish.
5. The Highlighting Technique
Highlighting is all about bringing light to the high points of your face to accentuate your features. Using a small brush or your finger, apply the highlighter to the tops of your cheekbones, the bridge of your nose, the center of your forehead, and your cupid’s bow. This will help create a radiant and dewy complexion.
6. Blend, Blend, Blend
One of the most important steps in mastering contouring and highlighting is blending. Use a damp makeup sponge or a fluffy brush to blend out any harsh lines and create a seamless transition between your contour and highlight. Remember to blend in upward and outward motions to achieve a natural finish.
7. Practice Makes Perfect
Like any skill, mastering the art of contouring and highlighting takes practice. Don’t be discouraged if your first few attempts don’t turn out as expected. Take your time to experiment with different techniques and products to find what works best for your face shape and skin tone.
8. Set Your Makeup
Once you have completed your contouring and highlighting, set your makeup with a setting spray or translucent powder to lock everything in place and prevent any smudging or fading throughout the day.
In conclusion, mastering the art of contouring and highlighting can seem daunting at first, but with practice and the right techniques, you can achieve a flawless and sculpted look. Remember to choose the right products for your skin tone and face shape, blend out any harsh lines, and take your time to perfect your technique. With these tips and tricks, you’ll be on your way to achieving a red-carpet-worthy makeup look in no time. So, grab your makeup brushes and get ready to contour and highlight like a pro!
