Contouring and highlighting have become buzzwords in the beauty world in recent years. Thanks to celebrities like Kim Kardashian and her famous chiseled cheekbones, these techniques have gained massive popularity among makeup enthusiasts all over the world. But if you’re new to the world of makeup or just want to learn more about contouring and highlighting, this beginner’s guide is here to help you understand and master these techniques.
What is Contouring?
Contouring involves using makeup to create the illusion of shadow and depth, enhancing and defining your facial features. It is all about playing with light and dark shades to create a sculpted effect. Typically, contours are applied in areas where shadows naturally occur, such as the hollows of your cheeks, along the jawline, or down the sides of your nose.
Choosing the Right Contour Product
When it comes to choosing a contour product, it is essential to find a shade that is a few shades darker than your skin tone. Opt for a cool-toned brown or taupe shade, as they mimic natural shadows better. Avoid using products with warm undertones, as they can make your contour look muddy.
How to Contour
To begin with, start by applying your foundation and concealer as usual. Next, take your contour product and lightly sweep it along the hollows of your cheeks, making sure to blend it well using a brush or sponge. Try to follow the natural curve of your cheekbones for a more natural look.
Then, if desired, you can also contour your jawline to create a more defined and sculpted appearance. Simply apply the contour shade along the jawline and blend it downwards towards your neck.
If you wish to slim down your nose, take a small brush and gently apply the contour product along the sides of your nose, starting from the inner corner of your eyebrows downwards. Blend the color softly to achieve a seamless finish.
Remember, blending is the key to a flawless contour. You don’t want any harsh lines or patches of color; everything should seamlessly blend into your base makeup for a natural-looking result. So take your time to blend in circular motions until the contour looks soft and well-diffused.
What is Highlighting?
Highlighting is the sister technique to contouring and, as the name suggests, it involves using a lighter shade to bring certain areas of your face forward and give your skin a radiant glow. Highlighter is usually applied to areas where light naturally hits, such as the high points of your cheekbones, the brow bone, the bridge of your nose, and the cupid’s bow.
Choosing the Right Highlighter
When it comes to highlighters, there are various options to choose from, including powder, cream, and liquid formulations. Select a shade that complements your skin tone. If you have fair skin, opt for a light champagne or pearlescent shade. Those with medium to deeper skin tones can go for golden or bronze hues for a more radiant effect.
How to Highlight
After contouring, take your chosen highlighter and with a brush or sponge, apply it to the high points of your face. Start with your cheekbones, using gentle upward strokes towards your temples. Then, apply a small amount to the center of your forehead, down the bridge of your nose, and to your cupid’s bow. If you want to enhance your brow bone, dab a touch of highlighter on it too.
The key to a natural and radiant highlight is to blend it gently into your skin. You can use your fingertips, a brush, or sponge to achieve a soft and diffused finish. However, be careful not to overdo it with the highlighter, as too much shine can appear unnatural or overly reflective.
Finishing Touches
To complete your contoured and highlighted look, dust a light layer of translucent powder over your face to set everything in place. This will also help to control any excess shine. Additionally, you can add some blush to the apples of your cheeks to add a pop of color, and finish with a spritz of setting spray to ensure your makeup lasts throughout the day.
Contouring and highlighting can be powerful tools to accentuate your features and create a more sculpted and radiant look. However, it’s important to remember that makeup is an art form, and practice makes perfect. So, don’t be discouraged if your first attempts aren’t flawless. With time, patience, and experimentation, you’ll soon become a contouring and highlighting pro.
