"SCULPT AND DEFINE - MAKEUP CONTOURING FOR BEGINNERS": DE MODE GLOBAL

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN DE MODE | MAKE-UP

Article Published on: 19TH AUG 2024 | www.demodemagazine.com

Makeup contouring has become a central technique in modern beauty routines, offering a way to enhance and redefine facial features with just a few strategic applications. While contouring can seem intimidating at first, it’s a versatile tool that, once mastered, can transform your makeup game. Whether you're looking to subtly enhance your natural features or achieve a more dramatic, sculpted look, understanding the basics of contouring can elevate your makeup skills. This guide will walk you through the essentials of contouring, from the fundamentals to practical application tips, tailored specifically for beginners.

What is Contouring?

Contouring is a makeup technique designed to enhance the natural structure of your face by creating shadows and highlights. The primary goal is to define and sculpt the face, giving it a more dimensional appearance. By applying darker shades in specific areas to create shadows and lighter shades to highlight the high points, you can accentuate your bone structure and achieve a more sculpted look.

Contouring involves two main steps: contouring (creating shadows) and highlighting (bringing out the high points). Together, these techniques help to create depth and contrast on the face, allowing you to customize your look according to your preferences.

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The Tools You'll Need

Before diving into the application techniques, it's essential to gather the right tools. Proper tools ensure a smoother application and better blending. For beginners, here are some key tools you’ll need:

1. Contouring Products: Contour products come in various forms, including powders, creams, and sticks. Creams and powders are popular choices, with powders being easier for beginners to blend and work with. Choose a contour shade that is 1-2 shades darker than your natural skin tone and a highlighter shade that is 1-2 shades lighter.

2. Brushes: Invest in a few good brushes to make the contouring process easier:

   • Contour Brush: A small, angled brush is ideal for applying contour in precise areas.

   • Highlight Brush: A fluffy, tapered brush works well for applying highlighter to the high points of the face.

   • Blending Brush: A medium-sized, fluffy brush helps to blend contour and highlight seamlessly.

   • Beauty Blender or Sponge: A makeup sponge can be useful for blending contour and highlight creams or liquid products.

3. Blending Tools: Good blending tools are crucial for creating a natural, seamless look. Blending sponges and brushes help to merge contour and highlight shades, preventing harsh lines.

Understanding Face Shape and Contouring Techniques

The effectiveness of contouring largely depends on understanding your face shape and knowing where to apply contour and highlight. Here’s a basic guide for common face shapes:

1. Oval Face Shape:

   • Contour: Apply contour along the sides of your forehead and under your cheekbones. Lightly contour along your jawline.

   • Highlight: Highlight the center of your forehead, the tops of your cheekbones, and the center of your chin.

2. Round Face Shape:

   • Contour: Focus on contouring the sides of your forehead, the sides of your cheeks, and along your jawline to create the illusion of a more elongated face.

   • Highlight: Highlight the center of your forehead, the tops of your cheekbones, and the bridge of your nose.

3. Square Face Shape:

   • Contour: Contour the sides of your forehead, along your jawline, and the sides of your cheeks to soften the angles of your face.

   • Highlight: Highlight the center of your forehead, the tops of your cheekbones, and the center of your chin.

4. Heart-Shaped Face:

   • Contour: Apply contour along the sides of your forehead, under your cheekbones, and along your jawline.

   • Highlight: Highlight the tops of your cheekbones and the center of your chin to balance the shape of your face.

5. Long Face Shape:

   • Contour: Apply contour along your forehead and jawline to reduce the length of your face. Contour the sides of your cheeks to add width.

   • Highlight: Highlight the center of your forehead and the tops of your cheekbones.

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Step-by-Step Contouring Guide for Beginners

Now that you understand the tools and techniques, let’s break down the step-by-step process of contouring and highlighting:

Step 1: Prep Your Skin

Before applying any makeup, start with a clean, moisturized face. Apply a primer to create a smooth base for your contour and highlight products. This helps the makeup adhere better and last longer.

Step 2: Apply Foundation

Apply your foundation as usual, covering your entire face. The foundation acts as a base for your contouring and highlighting, ensuring a uniform skin tone. Blend well to avoid any streaks or lines.

Step 3: Apply Contour

1. Cheekbones: Using your contour brush, apply contour along the hollows of your cheeks. Start from the middle of your ear and blend towards your mouth.

2. Forehead: Apply contour along your hairline to reduce the appearance of a high forehead. Blend the contour downward towards your temples.

3. Jawline: Apply contour along your jawline to define and sculpt your face. Blend the contour towards your neck to avoid harsh lines.

4. Nose (Optional): For a more defined nose, apply contour along the sides of your nose and blend well. This step can be omitted if you prefer a more natural look.

Step 4: Apply Highlighter

1. Cheekbones: Apply highlighter to the tops of your cheekbones, blending it towards your temples. This creates a radiant, lifted look.

2. Forehead: Apply highlighter to the center of your forehead, focusing on the space between your brows.

3. Nose: Apply highlighter to the bridge of your nose and the tip for a subtle glow.

4. Cupid’s Bow: Apply highlighter to the cupid’s bow (the area just above your upper lip) to enhance the shape of your lips.

5. Chin: Apply a small amount of highlighter to the center of your chin for a fresh, youthful glow.

Step 5: Blend, Blend, Blend

Blending is crucial for achieving a natural-looking contour. Use a clean blending brush or makeup sponge to seamlessly blend the contour and highlight. Make sure there are no harsh lines, and everything transitions smoothly from shadow to light.

Step 6: Set Your Makeup

To ensure your contour and highlight last throughout the day, set your makeup with a translucent setting powder. Lightly dust the powder over your face to lock in the contour and highlight without disrupting the makeup.

Tips for Perfecting Your Contouring Technique

1. Start Light: When beginning with contouring, start with a light hand and build up the intensity gradually. It’s easier to add more product than to remove excess.

2. Use Quality Products: Invest in high-quality contour and highlight products that blend well and suit your skin type. Creams and powders should be smooth and easy to apply.

3. Practice: Contouring takes practice, so don’t be discouraged if it doesn’t look perfect right away. Experiment with different techniques and products to find what works best for you.

4. Balance Your Makeup: Ensure that your contour and highlight are balanced with the rest of your makeup. A bold contour can be complemented with a subtle eye makeup look, or vice versa.

5. Adapt to Lighting: Consider the lighting in which you'll be seen. Different lighting can affect how contour and highlight appear. Natural light is the best way to ensure that your makeup looks flawless.

Photo by George Milton | Source: www.pexels.com

Conclusion

Contouring and highlighting are powerful techniques that, when done right, can enhance and define your facial features, giving you a sculpted and radiant look. As a beginner, understanding the basics of contouring and practicing these techniques will help you achieve a polished, professional appearance. With the right tools, products, and techniques, you can master the art of contouring and bring a new level of confidence and flair to your makeup routine. Remember, contouring is all about enhancing your natural beauty and expressing yourself—so have fun experimenting and finding your perfect contouring style!