How To Do Contour Makeup? Achieving that gorgeous, sculpted look is every makeup lover’s dream! Whether you’re heading out for a night on the town or just wanting to add some definition to your everyday look, contouring can transform your makeup game. Grab your brushes and let’s dive into the fabulous world of contour makeup.
Understanding Contour Makeup Basics
Contouring is an art form, darling! It’s all about using makeup to create shadows and highlights on your face, enhancing its natural structure. By strategically placing darker shades (to contour) and lighter shades (to highlight), you can give the illusion of higher cheekbones, a slimmer nose, and a more pronounced jawline.
The Essential Tools for Contouring
Before we get started on how to do contour makeup, you need to gather your products and tools. Here’s a list of essentials:
- Contouring Cream or Powder: Choose a shade that is 2-3 shades darker than your skin tone for contouring, and a lighter shade for highlighting.
- Highlighter: This will give you that gorgeous glow.
- Makeup Brushes: You’ll need a foundation brush, a smaller angled brush for precise contouring, and a fluffy brush for blending.
- Beauty Blender or Sponge: Perfect for blending your creams or liquids for that seamless finish.
- Setting Powder: To set everything in place and avoid that “slip and slide” look.
Step-by-Step Process for Contour Makeup
Getting down to the nitty-gritty of how to do contour makeup requires a systematic approach, so let’s break it down step by step.
Step 1: Prep Your Canvas
Before you even think about contouring, it’s crucial to start with a clean and moisturized face. Apply your favorite primer to create a smooth base for makeup application. This step is crucial for longevity and a flawless finish.
Step 2: Apply Foundation
Apply your foundation as you normally would. This will unify your skin tone and create an even base for contouring.
- Tip: Use a foundation that matches your skin tone for a more natural look. Your foundation should be the same shade as your neck to avoid any harsh lines.
Step 3: Map Out Your Contours
To master how to do contour makeup, you need to love the art of mapping! Using your contour product (cream or powder), apply it to the following areas:
- Cheekbones: Smile and apply the contour under your cheekbones in a diagonal line from your ear toward your mouth.
- Forehead: Apply contour along your hairline and blend into your hair for a softer appearance.
- Jawline: Trace the contour along your jawline to create a sharper edge.
- Nose: For a slimmer nose, apply contour along the sides of your nose.
Here’s how to visualize the mapping:
| Contour Areas | Makeup Application Steps |
| Cheekbones | Apply below the cheekbone from ear to mouth in a diagonal line. |
| Forehead | Blend along the hairline to shorten the forehead appearance. |
| Jawline | Trace along the jawline to sharpen the look. |
| Nose | Apply along the sides of the nose for a slimmer appearance. |
Step 4: Highlighting the High Points
Next up, let’s brighten things up! Applying highlight is just as important as contouring. Use your highlighting product and apply it to:
- Cheekbones: The high points of your cheekbones for that radiant glow.
- Nose: A small dot on the bridge of your nose gives the illusion of height.
- Brow Bone: Adding a touch of highlight just under your brow helps lift your eyebrows.
- Cupid’s Bow: A little highlight here makes your lips look fuller.
Step 5: Blend, Blend, Blend
Now that you’ve mapped it out, the magic happens when you blend! Using a beauty blender or makeup brush, you need to blend seamlessly. You want to make sure there are no harsh lines. A key point here is to use a tapping motion rather than rubbing, as it helps maintain the coverage while softening the edges.
Step 6: Set It All In Place
To ensure your sophisticated contour lasts all day (or night!), set it with a translucent setting powder. Use a fluffy brush lightly dusted with powder over your contour and highlighted areas. This will keep things looking fresh and fabulous.
Additional Tips for Mastering Contour Makeup
Now that you know how to do contour makeup step by step, let’s sprinkle in some extra pro tips to elevate your contour game!
Choosing the Right Products
- Skin Tone Matching: Always pick contour shades that complement your skin tone. For warm undertones, go with a warmer contour, and for cooler undertones, choose ashy contour colors.
- Cream vs. Powder: If you have dry skin, creams may be your best bet. Those with oily skin might prefer powders for control.
Perfecting Your Technique
- Lighting Matters: Contour in natural light when possible, as it helps avoid any makeup faux pas.
- Practice Makes Perfect: Don’t fret if you don’t get it right immediately! Contouring is all about practice and learning what works best for your face shape.
Troubleshooting Common Contouring Mistakes
If things go awry in your contouring journey (and believe me, it can happen), here are some common mistakes to be aware of and how to fix them:
- Too Much Product: Start with a light hand! You can always add more, but it’s hard to take away.
- Harsh Lines: Blend until your arm hurts! Seriously, blending is key to achieving that seamless look.
- Dull Appearance: Keep your highlight and contour balanced! Too much contour with no highlight can leave you looking lifeless.
Conclusion on How To Do Contour Makeup
Mastering how to do contour makeup brings you one step closer to unlocking the secret to a flawless makeup look. By understanding the tools, the techniques, and the tips, you’re well on your way to becoming a contouring queen! Keep practicing, keep shining, and always embrace your beautiful self. Who knows, maybe contouring will become your favorite beauty ritual—after all, it’s all about having fun and experimenting. So, go on, grab those brushes and create your masterpiece, gorgeous!
For more tips and tricks, check out Makeup.com for fabulous insights and expert advice. And let’s not forget to check out Harper’s Bazaar for the latest trends in the contouring world! Happy contouring!
