Contouring has become a popular makeup technique in recent years, thanks to celebrities and influencers sharing their perfectly sculpted faces on social media. If you’ve ever wanted to achieve that perfectly chiseled look but have been intimidated by the process, fear no more! In this step-by-step tutorial, we will guide you through the art of contouring, so you can master this makeup technique and enhance your natural beauty.
Step 1: Gather the right tools and products
To start, you will need a contouring palette, which consists of shades slightly darker than your natural skin tone. Additionally, you will need a highlighting shade that is a few shades lighter, a fluffy brush for blending, and a smaller brush for more precise application.
Step 2: Determine your face shape
Contouring is all about enhancing your natural features, so it’s essential to identify your face shape. Common face shapes include oval, round, square, and heart-shaped. Each shape requires slightly different contouring techniques to achieve the desired effect.
Step 3: Apply foundation
Begin by applying your regular foundation to even out your skin tone. This will act as a base for your contouring shades, ensuring a seamless blend between colors.
Step 4: Contour your cheekbones
Using your contouring shade, apply the product directly under your cheekbones, starting from your ears towards the center of your cheeks. Use your fluffy brush to blend the contouring shade, creating a subtle shadow effect that defines your cheekbones.
Step 5: Define your jawline
If you want a more sculpted jawline, apply contouring shade along the natural jawline, blending it down towards your neck. This will create the illusion of a more defined jawline.
Step 6: Slim your forehead
If you have a larger forehead or want to create the illusion of a more narrow one, apply the contouring shade along your hairline and blend it towards the center of your forehead. This will create a shadow effect, giving the appearance of a smaller forehead.
Step 7: Highlight your features
To bring out your best features, apply the highlighting shade to areas you want to accentuate, such as the bridge of your nose, the center of your forehead, your brow bone, and the highest point of your cheekbones. This will add dimension and make your skin glow.
Step 8: Blend, blend, blend
The key to a flawless contour is seamless blending. Use your fluffy brush to blend the contouring and highlighting shades thoroughly, ensuring there are no harsh lines or visible product on your skin.
Step 9: Set your makeup
Once you are satisfied with your contouring and highlighting, set your makeup with a translucent powder to ensure it lasts all day.
Voila! You have now mastered the art of contouring. With a little practice and patience, you can achieve a professionally contoured look that enhances your natural beauty. So, grab your brushes and let your creativity shine through as you experiment with different contouring techniques to find the one that best suits your face shape and style. Remember, makeup is all about expression, so have fun and enjoy the process!