How to Contour Like a Pro, to Lift and Sculpt in Seconds
Photo by Anderson A. on Unsplash
Contouring is confusing. Right? There is a fine line between a snatched-looking jawline and one that looks like you haven't blended your foundation quite enough. Get contouring right though and it can work wonders, giving your face a sculpted, lifted look. Our resident makeup artist Magda Smyczek reveals below how to contour your face for a beautifully defined and beautiful effect.
Cream or Powder Contour?
First things first, you want to decide whether you are going to contour with a powder or cream formula.
"Cream contour is the same texture as liquid foundation, it looks skin-like and is especially good if you like a dewy finish," explains Magda. "If you prefer a matte look, then powder is a great option.
"For a long-lasting contour, you can combine both! Apply the cream first as a base and set with a contour powder."
Contour Colour
"For a more natural contour, choose a powder or cream that is two shades darker. You can then build up from a natural look to a more intense finish."
Tool Up and Contour
How you apply contour is up to preference. "Look for a small brush that’s not too dense. Or, you can apply with a sponge. Those white rectangle sponges you can buy from drugstores are perfect for this."
Contour Placement: 101
"With contour placement, it totally depends on your own face, it's not the same for everyone as there are different features we all want to either emphasise or hide."
Cheekbones: You can either contour onto your cheekbones or just underneath, some will suit on top, while others will suit under, so experiment! Using a white sponge or brush, start at the outer edge of the face and blend up and inwards towards the centre of your cheek. Remove excess product on the back of your hand and tread lightly, you can always layer on extra product if you want a more intense shadow.
Forehead: You can contour your forehead near the hairline on top to make it appear shorter or at the sides to create the illusion that it is narrower.
Nose: Contouring the nose depends on your own feature, you can use shadow to conceal any bumps or to create a narrower or shorter-looking nose. Nose contouring tends to work better for photos or a night out, rather than for every day.
Jawline: Again, contouring the jawline is more for pictures to add shadow so it looks like you have a sculpted jawline and chin. You want to tread carefully with jawline contouring, as it can look unnatural or as if you've not blended your foundation.
Shop The Beauty Editor-approved contouring products below...
Kevyn Aucoin The Sculpting Powder, €47
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