When it comes to makeup, contouring and highlighting can completely transform your face and enhance your features. This makeup technique has gained immense popularity in recent years, with beauty gurus and celebrities alike showcasing perfectly sculpted cheekbones, a defined jawline, and a luminous glow. However, mastering the art of contouring and highlighting can be a bit daunting for beginners.
Contouring involves creating shadows on the face to define and sculpt certain features, while highlighting involves adding brightness and radiance to the high points of the face. When done correctly, contouring and highlighting can create the illusion of a more chiseled and radiant complexion. Here are some tips on how to properly contour and highlight your face:
1. Choose the right products: Using the right products is essential for a successful contour and highlight routine. When choosing a contour shade, opt for a matte powder or cream that is a few shades darker than your natural skin tone. For highlighting, choose a shimmery or luminous powder or cream that is a few shades lighter than your skin tone.
2. Identify your face shape: Different face shapes require different contouring and highlighting techniques. For example, if you have a round face, you may want to contour the sides of your face to create the illusion of a more oval shape. If you have a square face, you may want to soften the angles of your jawline and forehead with contouring.
3. Start with a clean, moisturized face: Before applying any makeup, make sure your face is clean and moisturized. This will ensure a smooth and even application of contour and highlight products.
4. Contour strategically: When contouring, use a small, angled brush to apply the contour shade to the hollows of your cheeks, along your jawline, and on the sides of your nose. Blend the product outwards using a blending brush to avoid any harsh lines. Remember to start with a small amount of product and build up as needed.
5. Highlight key areas: After contouring, apply the highlight shade to the high points of your face, such as the tops of your cheekbones, the bridge of your nose, and your brow bone. Blend out the highlighter using a fluffy brush to achieve a seamless glow.
6. Set your makeup: To ensure your contour and highlight last all day, set your makeup with a translucent powder. This will help to lock in your makeup and prevent any smudging or fading throughout the day.
7. Practice makes perfect: Contouring and highlighting can be a bit intimidating at first, but with practice and patience, you can master this makeup technique. Experiment with different products and techniques to find what works best for your face shape and skin type.
Overall, contouring and highlighting can be a fun and creative way to enhance your natural beauty. By following these tips and tricks, you can achieve a flawless and sculpted look that will have heads turning wherever you go. Remember, makeup is all about self-expression, so don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun with your contour and highlight routine.
