Contouring can seem intimidating if you're new to it, but it’s a game-changer for enhancing your natural features and adding depth to your makeup look. When I first started contouring, I made many mistakes, but with practice and the right techniques, I learned how to contour like a pro. In this step-by-step tutorial, I’ll share my tips and tricks to help you master the art of contouring, even if you’re a complete beginner.
Step 1: Understand the Basics of Contouring
Contouring is all about creating shadows and highlights on your face to define and enhance your natural features. Here’s what you need to know:
Contour: A matte, cool-toned product that is used to create shadows on the face. This makes areas look slimmer or more defined.
Highlight: A lighter, shimmery product used to bring out the high points of your face, making them more prominent.
Bronzer: While not a part of contouring, bronzer adds warmth and a sun-kissed glow to your face. It's usually warmer and more golden-toned than contour products.
Step 2: Gather Your Supplies
Before you start, you’ll need the right tools and products. Here’s a basic list of what you’ll need:
Contour Product: This can be a cream or powder. Choose a shade that is one to two shades darker than your skin tone.
Highlight Product: This can be a cream or powder highlighter. Choose a shade that is one to two shades lighter than your skin tone.
Bronzer (Optional): A powder or cream bronzer to add warmth.
Blending Brushes or Sponges: A good blending brush or a beauty sponge to blend your contour and highlight seamlessly.
Setting Powder (Optional): To set your contour and highlight and make it last longer.
Step 3: Prepare Your Skin
Start with a clean, moisturized face. Apply your usual foundation and concealer to create an even base. Make sure to blend well, as a smooth base is essential for good contouring.
Tips:
Moisturize: Hydrated skin helps makeup blend better.
Primer: Use a primer to create a smooth canvas and make your makeup last longer.
Foundation: Apply your foundation evenly, covering any blemishes or uneven skin tone.
Step 4: Identify Your Face Shape
Different face shapes require different contouring techniques. Here’s a quick guide to identifying your face shape and where to apply contour and highlight:
Oval Face: The forehead is slightly wider than the chin, with prominent cheekbones.
Round Face: Cheekbones and face length are about equal. The face is widest at the cheeks.
Square Face: The forehead, cheekbones, and jawline are about the same width.
Heart-Shaped Face: The forehead is the widest part, with a narrow chin.
Long Face: The face is longer than it is wide, with a narrow width.
Step 5: Apply Contour
Now that you know your face shape, let’s start contouring. Here’s a step-by-step guide for each face shape:
Oval Face:
Cheekbones: Apply contour in a line from the top of your ear to the middle of your cheek, just under your cheekbones.
Forehead: Apply contour along your hairline to add definition.
Jawline: Apply contour along your jawline to define your jaw.
Round Face:
Cheekbones: Apply contour just below your cheekbones to create a more angular look.
Forehead: Apply contour along the temples to add dimension.
Jawline: Apply contour along your jawline to create a more defined look.
Square Face:
Cheekbones: Apply contour just below your cheekbones to soften the angles of your face.
Forehead: Apply contour along the hairline and temples to soften your forehead.
Jawline: Apply contour along the jawline to soften the angles.
Heart-Shaped Face:
Cheekbones: Apply contour just below your cheekbones to add depth.
Forehead: Apply contour along the temples to balance your forehead.
Jawline: Apply a light contour along the jawline to soften a pointed chin.
Long Face:
Cheekbones: Apply contour just below your cheekbones to add width.
Forehead: Apply contour along the hairline to shorten the appearance of your face.
Jawline: Apply contour along the jawline to create a balanced look.
Step 6: Blend, Blend, Blend
Blending is the most crucial step in contouring. Use a blending brush or a beauty sponge to blend the contour product into your skin. The goal is to create shadows that look natural, so take your time and blend well.
Tips for Blending:
Use Circular Motions: Blend in small circular motions for a seamless finish.
Build Slowly: Start with a small amount of product and build up if needed.
Blend Outward: Blend your contour outward towards your hairline for a natural look.
Check-in Different Lights: Make sure your contour looks natural in different lighting.
Step 7: Apply Highlight
Next, it’s time to highlight. The goal of highlighting is to bring forward the high points of your face. Here’s how to apply highlights for different face shapes:
Oval Face:
Cheekbones: Apply highlight on the tops of your cheekbones.
Forehead: Apply a highlight on the center of your forehead.
Nose: Apply a small amount of highlight down the bridge of your nose.
Chin: Apply a small amount of highlight on your chin.
Round Face:
Cheekbones: Apply highlight on the tops of your cheekbones to add dimension.
Forehead: Apply a highlight on the center of your forehead to draw attention upward.
Nose: Apply a small amount of highlight down the bridge of your nose.
Chin: Apply a small amount of highlight on your chin to create balance.
Square Face:
Cheekbones: Apply highlight on the tops of your cheekbones to soften the angles.
Forehead: Apply a highlight on the center of your forehead to add balance.
Nose: Apply a small amount of highlight down the bridge of your nose.
Chin: Apply a small amount of highlight on your chin to soften your jawline.
Heart-Shaped Face:
Cheekbones: Apply highlight on the tops of your cheekbones to enhance them.
Forehead: Apply a highlight on the center of your forehead to balance your face.
Nose: Apply a small amount of highlight down the bridge of your nose.
Chin: Apply a small amount of highlight on your chin to soften a pointed chin.
Long Face:
Cheekbones: Apply highlight on the tops of your cheekbones to add width.
Forehead: Apply a highlight on the center of your forehead to balance length.
Nose: Apply a small amount of highlight down the bridge of your nose.
Chin: Apply a small amount of highlight on your chin to create balance.
Step 8: Blend Again
Just like with contouring, blending your highlights is essential for a natural look. Use a clean blending brush or beauty sponge to blend your highlights into your skin. Make sure there are no harsh lines.
Tips for Blending Highlight:
Use a Light Touch: Be gentle when blending highlights to keep the glow intact.
Blend Edges: Make sure the edges of your highlight are blended seamlessly into your skin.
Build Gradually: Add more highlights if needed, but start with a small amount.
Step 9: Optional – Apply Bronzer
If you want to add warmth to your face, apply bronzer after you’ve finished contouring and highlighting. Use a large, fluffy brush to apply bronzer to the areas where the sun naturally hits your face, such as your forehead, cheeks, and nose.
How to Apply Bronzer:
Forehead: Apply bronzer along your hairline to add warmth.
Cheeks: Apply bronzer to the apples of your cheeks and blend upwards.
Nose: Apply a light dusting of bronzer on your nose for a sun-kissed look.
Step 10: Set Your Makeup
To make sure your contour and highlight last all day, set your makeup with a setting powder. Use a translucent powder and a fluffy brush to lightly dust powder over your face, focusing on the areas where you applied contour and highlight.
Setting Tips:
Less is More: Use a small amount of powder to avoid looking cakey.
Focus on Oily Areas: Apply more powder to areas that tend to get oily, such as your T-zone.
Blend Well: Make sure to blend the powder well to avoid any harsh lines.
Step 11: Practice Makes Perfect
Contouring can be tricky at first, but with practice, you’ll get the hang of it. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different techniques and products to find what works best for you. Over time, you’ll become more confident in your contouring skills.
Practice Tips:
Start Small: Begin with a light contour and build up as you become more comfortable.
Try Different Products: Experiment with both cream and powder products to see which you prefer.
Learn from Others: Watch tutorials and learn from makeup artists to pick up new tips and tricks.
Contouring doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. With the right products, techniques, and a bit of practice, you can achieve a beautifully contoured look that enhances your natural features. Remember, the key to great contouring is blending well and working with your natural face shape. So grab your contour kit, follow these steps, and get ready to transform your makeup routine. Happy contouring!
