By now I'm sure you've at least heard of contouring. Ever since Kim Kardashian dropped in to every household it's been the most talked about makeup technique since the cat eye. But what is contouring? Contouring is basically a technique used to emphasize certain parts of the face, usually the cheekbones.
Contouring is not something for the faint of heart, nor is it something that something you should wear as your everyday makeup. A full contour is beautiful, but mixing with the sweat and oils of the face, it's going to crease and settle. Not a good look. But there is a way you can get the contouring look for everyday without having to constantly retouching. But first let's talk about the basics of contouring and how to contour your face.
Make sure you're prepping your face. Remember, cleanse, moisturize, & prime. This is what helps your go on smoother and what helps your skin not absorb your makeup. Also make sure you put your foundation on if you want it to really show, if not apply your contour on underneath. If you're going to put on your contour first it's not going to show as much or be as defined.
When you're choosing your contour shade, go two shades darker. If you're very fair a matte bronzer will work great. Just make sure it doesn't turn orange. If you're darker go 2-3 shades darker, a dark brown eyeshadow or a dark foundation will work great. Look for something with a neutral undertone so it doesn't turn red.
When you're highlighting again go 2 shades lighter. Don't go above that, because it will wash you out. You can also us a highlighter if you're the right shade. Pay close attention to your undertone, don't deny it that's how you avoid the ash look.
Now that we've gotten your color, it's time to figure out where to put it all. So touch your face, where are your natural contours? That's where you place your contour shade.
If you're more oval you contour : under cheekbones, along the jawline, and hairline. You highlight on the cheekbones, chin, and above the brows, slightly above the brows.
If you're round contour :under the cheekbones, along the jawline, and on the temples for a more sculpted look. Highlight the center of the forehead and the chin.
If you're square contour: at the corners of the forehead, slightly along the cheeks and the jawline. Highlight: the center of the forehead and the chin.
Heart or diamond face? Contour along the hairline and temples and under the cheekbones. Then highlight the center of the forehead, above the Brows, and above the cheeks.
When you're contouring your nose the highlight goes straight down the center. And the contour goes down the sides. If you need help just look down, where the shadows fall that's where you contour.
If your nose is crooked apply straight contour lines down your nose, then highlight. If your nose is long still apply down the sides and on the tip then highlight.
Now we blend. And you blend for your life! I always start with the contour blend that out. It's always good to contour with a stiff brush with a flat top so it's even. And blend until there are no harsh lines, do the same with the highlight.
Check out your contour in different lights and make sure it's all blended. You shouldn't be able too tell where your contour starts and your highlight ends.
After you finish, apply blush and a little extra shimmer on the highlight on the cheekbones to add a little extra oomph.
Don't get discouraged if it's not perfect,especially if this is your first time. It takes practice. It's just make up, worse case scenario you have to wash it off! Have fun ladies if you have any questions or suggestions for posts email me or tweet me. I'll be more than happy to explain. Best of luck!
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