Contouring uses makeup to enhance your facial structure by creating shadows and highlights. Here's how to do it:
Step-by-Step Guide to Contouring
1. Applying the Sculpting Shade
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Where to apply: Use your sculpting or contour shade on the areas where shadows naturally occur. This includes:
- Hollows of the Cheeks: Locate these by sucking in your cheeks. Apply the product along the resulting line.
- Temples: Blend along your hairline towards your eyebrows.
- Jawline: Apply along your jawline from ear to chin.
- Sides and Tip of Nose: Apply very carefully along the sides of your nose and at the tip to create a slimmer look.
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Blending is Key: Always blend your contour. Harsh lines are a definite no-no. You should blend until there are no obvious lines left. Use a blending brush, sponge, or your fingers.
2. Applying the Highlighting Shade
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Where to apply: Use your highlighting shade on the higher points of your face where light naturally hits:
- Top of Cheekbones: Apply on the high part of your cheekbone to make it pop.
- Center of Nose: Apply a thin line down the center of your nose.
- Cupid's Bow: Apply a tiny bit at the cupid's bow of your lip to make your lips look fuller.
- Brow Bone: Apply underneath the arch of your eyebrows to lift them.
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Candle-lit Skin: Highlighting helps create that "candle-lit" skin effect which makes your skin glow and makes your face look more dimensional.
Key Takeaways for Contouring
| Action | Area | Product | Technique |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sculpt/Contour | Hollows of cheeks, temples, jawline, nose sides & tip | Sculpting Shade | Blend thoroughly |
| Highlight | Top of cheekbones, center of nose, cupid’s bow, brow bone | Highlighting Shade | Apply lightly, blend |
Important Note: Start with a little product and gradually build. It's always easier to add more than to take it away.
