How To Contour Your Face With Makeup Explained

Contouring has been a favourite makeup technique for decades, known for its ability to enhance facial features and bone structure. Makeup artists Melissa Hurkman, Alex Levy, and Ash K Holm share their insights on contouring, including product recommendations and step-by-step instructions. Let's delve into the world of contouring and understand how to achieve a sculpted look.

What Is Contouring?

Contouring is a makeup technique used to shape and define the face. It involves using makeup to create shadows and highlights, adding depth and dimension to your facial features. Melissa Hurkman explains that contouring can also help correct and enhance different areas of the face, making them appear smaller or larger as needed. In essence, contouring is the counterpart to highlighting, which adds light to specific areas of the face. While highlighting accentuates features, contouring uses dark shades to create shadows and define areas.

Contouring vs. Bronzing

Contouring and bronzing are both techniques to add depth to the face, but they do so differently. Bronzer adds warmth and a sun-kissed glow using warm-toned shades while contouring uses cool-toned shades to add structure. Additionally, bronzers can be shimmery or matte, whereas contouring products are typically matte.

Choosing Contouring Products

There are three primary types of contouring products:

1. Powder Contour: Powder-based palettes are beginner-friendly and easily buildable. They are applied with a contour brush and are often matte, making them suitable for oily skin.

2. Cream Contour: Cream contour sticks are more pigmented and vivid than powders. They can be blended with a makeup sponge for a natural finish or an angled brush for a sharper look. Cream contour is ideal for those with dry or mature skin.

3. Liquid Contour: Liquid foundation or concealer shades darker than your skin tone can be used for contouring. These are best applied with eyeshadow brushes or sponges for a smooth blend.

How to Contour in 5 Easy Steps

Step 1: Begin with your regular makeup routine, including moisturizer, primer, and foundation (either powder or liquid). Apply foundation with a beauty blender or brush.

Step 2: Start contouring your forehead, as it serves as a guide for the rest of your face. Use a cream contour along the hairline, blending it from your temple towards the center of your forehead.

Step 3: Contour your cheekbones by applying contour just below the apples of your cheeks, following the natural shadow. Extend the contour along your jawline for added structure.

Step 4: If desired, contour your nose by applying two lines on the sides and blending with a small brush. Finish with a highlighter on the bridge of your nose.

Step 5: Complete your look by applying highlighter and bronzer for added dimension and a sun-kissed effect.

Customizing Contour for Different Face Shapes

- Round Face Shape: Contour at the temples, hollows of cheeks, and along the jawline for sunken cheekbones.

- Square Face Shape: Focus on the hollows of the cheeks, temples, and jawline to soften the face's edges.

- Rectangle Face Shape: Apply contour to the hollows of cheeks, sides of the forehead, and edges of the jaw.

- Oval Face Shape: Contour mainly in the hollows of the cheeks, as other areas are already well-proportioned.

- Heart Face Shape: Concentrate contour at the temples to create balance and enhance the face's overall shape.

By customizing your contour to suit your face shape, you can achieve a more tailored and flattering look. Remember to blend and avoid harsh lines for a seamless finish.