When it comes to makeup, there’s one technique that every beauty guru should have in their arsenal – contouring! It’s a form of artistry that lets you enhance your facial features and structure to make you look like a total knockout. Whether you’re looking to sculpt cheekbones or define your jawline, contouring can do it all.
Contouring is an incredibly powerful tool when it comes to creating the face of your dreams, but it does come with a few rules. Let me break ‘em down for ya:
What Are the Golden Rules of Contouring?
When it comes to contouring, there are a few tried-and-true tips that I like to follow. You may have heard of them before, but they bear repeating: choose the right shade, don’t overdo it, blend, blend, blend, start with a light hand, and use the appropriate brush.
First, for a natural look, you want to pick shades that are close to your skin tone—no more than two shades darker or lighter. Choosing the wrong shade could leave you looking like an escapee from the orange prison jumpsuits in The Shawshank Redemption.
Next, when applying your contour, apply with a light hand. Don’t go heavy-handed, otherwise you might come out looking like a cheap version of the Predator, if you know what I mean. Instead, go for a subtle pop of shadowy definition that will enhance your features.
Blending is also key. Blend, blend, and blend some more until your contour looks seamless. If you see any harsh lines, keep blending! A good tip is to use a damp beauty blender or a damp makeup brush.
Also important is choosing the proper brush. Generally, it’s wise to use a flat brush for powder products and an oval one for liquids or creams. That way, you can be sure you’re not overdoing your contour.
So remember, choose the right shade, don’t overdo it, blend, blend, blend, start with a light hand, and use an appropriate brush. Follow these simple rules and you’ll soon be a master of contouring!
Conclusion
Contouring can be a tricky business, but there are some golden rules that will ensure that your contouring looks flawless. By choosing the right shade for your skin tone, not overdoing it and always remembering to blend, you can get the perfect look every time. Start off with lighter shades and build up the more intense tones gradually; it’s better to start too light than to be too heavy-handed with the color. Finally, make sure you’re using the right brush – if you don’t have the right tools, your contour won’t look right. By following these tips, you can give yourself that professional contour without ever having to set foot in a salon!
FAQ About Contouring
What is the key to a good contour?
The key to a great contour is all about finding the right balance; it should never be too heavy-handed nor too subtle. My golden rules are to start light and build up, blend, blend, blend and remember to highlight afterwards, so your contour looks natural. When using a contouring product, I recommend using a smaller brush to get a more precise shape and remember to use smaller, circular motions to blend. As the saying goes, less is more. I also advise to use a cream-based product for a more natural look, and a shade or two darker than your skin tone for best results.
When it comes to choosing the right product, go for a cream-based contour rather than a powder, as this gives you more control and flexibility. If you want to add extra definition after, you can use a bronzer to give your contour an extra edge. Lastly, the most important thing to remember is to blend, blend, blend. Whether it be with a brush, a beauty blender or your fingers, making sure you blend your contour seamlessly into your skin will make a world of difference!
What is the rule for contour shade?
When it comes to contouring, there are a few golden rules that you should always follow. First, your contour shade should be about two shades darker than your natural skin tone. This contrast will give you the definition you’re looking for. Secondly, use a cream-based or liquid formula, as this will have a softer finish that’s easier to blend. Finally, blend, blend, blend! You won’t get the subtle, natural-looking results you’re aiming for if you don’t take the time to blend your contour lines, or if your brush or sponge is too stiff. These rules might seem basic, but they’re absolutely essential when it comes to achieving a flawless contouring look.
What is the rule to follow when highlighting and contouring?
When it comes to highlighting and contouring, there’s definitely a science to it—but there’s also an art. To master the technique, there are a few basic rules you need to follow.
First and foremost, keep your colors natural. Select a contour shade that’s two shades darker than your foundation, and use a highlight that’s two shades lighter. If you’re looking to achieve a supermodel-worthy glow, it’s important to find the right hues that complement your skin tone.
Also, make sure to keep your contour blended. You don’t want harsh lines, so use a dampened beauty blender to blend the contour powder into your skin. You can even use the same beauty blender to apply highlight directly onto the areas of your face you want to pop.
And finally, use a light hand. Less is more when it comes to contouring, so use a light touch when applying the product. With a little patience and a lot of practice, you’ll be a contouring pro in no time.