ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN DE MODE
Article Published on: 20 MAY 2023 | www.demodemagazine.com
Contouring is a popular makeup technique that involves using different shades of makeup to sculpt and define the features of the face. By strategically applying darker and lighter shades, contouring can create the illusion of higher cheekbones, a slimmer nose, a more defined jawline, and other desired facial enhancements. Mastering the art of contouring requires practice and understanding of facial structure and makeup application techniques.
To begin, you will need a few essential products: a contouring powder or cream in a shade that is darker than your natural skin tone, a highlighter or illuminator in a shade lighter than your skin tone, and a blending brush or sponge. Additionally, having a foundation that matches your skin tone and a setting powder can help achieve a flawless finish.
The first step in contouring is to identify the areas of your face that you want to enhance or redefine. These commonly include the hollows of the cheeks, the temples, the sides of the nose, the jawline, and the forehead. Each of these areas requires a different approach to achieve the desired effect.
To contour the cheeks, suck in your cheeks to locate the hollows. Using a contouring powder or cream, apply it along the hollows in a diagonal line toward your temples. Remember to blend well to avoid harsh lines. For a more lifted look, you can also apply a highlighter on the highest point of your cheekbones.
To contour the nose, apply a thin line of contouring product on each side of the bridge of your nose. Blend the product well using a brush or sponge to create a natural-looking shadow. To make the nose appear slimmer, you can also apply a highlighter down the center of the nose to draw attention to the middle.
To contour the jawline, apply contouring product along the jawline, starting from the ears towards the chin. Blend the product downwards to create a shadow effect, making the jawline appear more defined. Applying a highlighter on the chin can also help to accentuate this area.
To contour the forehead, apply the contouring product along the hairline, focusing on the temples and the sides of the forehead. Blend well to create a soft shadow effect. If you have a larger forehead that you want to minimize, you can also apply a contouring product along the top of the forehead, closer to the hairline.
Blending is a crucial step in contouring to ensure a seamless and natural look. Use a blending brush or sponge to blend the contouring and highlighting products together. Make sure to blend in circular motions and use gentle strokes to avoid removing the product.
It's important to remember that contouring should enhance your natural features, not completely change your face. Start with a light hand and build up the intensity gradually until you achieve the desired effect. Practice and experimentation will help you find the techniques and products that work best for your face shape and skin tone.
Contouring is not limited to the face alone; it can also be applied to other parts of the body like the collarbones or the cleavage to create a more defined look. However, it's important to ensure that the contouring seamlessly blends with your natural skin tone for a cohesive appearance.
In conclusion, the art of contouring is a transformative makeup technique that can sculpt and define your facial features. By understanding your face shape, using the right products, and mastering the blending technique, you can achieve a flawless and customized look. Remember to practice and experiment with different techniques to find what works best for you. With time and patience, you can become skilled in the art of contouring and confidently sculpt your features to highlight your natural beauty.