Contouring, it’s called, and it’s like painting shadows and highlights on your face to make certain features stand out. But don’t worry, you don’t need to be a makeup pro to jump on board. In this article, we’re going to break down contouring into easy steps and some contouring techniques for beginners.
Think of it like this: you know how artists use shading to make a drawing look three-dimensional? Contouring does the same thing for your face, enhancing what you love and softening what you don’t. Whether you have a round face, a heart-shaped one, or something in between, we’ll show you how to contour like a pro.
Understand Your Face Shape
Understanding your face shape is like knowing the canvas you’re working with before you start painting. Each face shape is unique, and mastering different contouring techniques can help you achieve a sculpted and defined look.
Let’s break it down: you might have an oval face, which is longer than it is wide, with gently rounded edges. Or perhaps you have a round face, where the width and length are almost equal, and the cheeks are the widest part. Then there’s the heart-shaped face, wider at the forehead and narrowing down to a pointed chin. Square faces have strong, angular jawlines, while diamond faces are widest at the cheekbones, with a narrower forehead and chin. There are contouring techniques for every face shape, from round to heart-shaped.
Why does this matter? Well, knowing your face shape helps you understand which areas to accentuate and which to soften. For example, if you have a round face, you might want to create the illusion of more defined cheekbones with strategic contouring techniques. On the other hand, if you have a square face, you might focus on softening those angles for a more rounded look.
Gathering Your Contouring Tools
First up, brushes. These trusty tools are like magic wands in the world of makeup, helping you blend and sculpt with precision. From fluffy brushes for seamless blending to angled ones for precise application, each brush has its role to play in your contouring routine.
Next, let’s talk makeup products. Think creams, powders, and everything in between. Whether you prefer the creamy texture of a contour stick or the buildable coverage of a powder palette, there’s something out there for every contouring style.
And let’s not forget about shades. Finding the right colors for your skin tone is key to achieving a natural-looking contour. From cool-toned browns to warm bronzers, we’ll help you navigate the color wheel to find your perfect match.
Technique 1 of Contouring Techniques – The Classic Contour Method
Consider this technique your beauty bestie, always there to lend a helping hand in enhancing your natural features. The classic contour is all about creating subtle shadows beneath your cheekbones, adding dimension and allure to your look.
To start, you’ll need a contour shade that’s a shade or two darker than your skin tone. This shade will work its magic, mimicking the natural shadows of your face. With a steady hand and a blending brush, apply the contour along the hollows of your cheeks, blending towards the center of your face for a seamless finish.
But here’s the beauty of it: blending is where the magic truly happens. With gentle circular motions, blend the contour into your skin until it seamlessly melts away, leaving behind a subtle shadow that enhances your cheekbones without overpowering your look. Learning different contouring techniques can enhance your natural features.
Technique 2 – The Dot Method
Let’s include TikTok in our contouring techniques. TikTok’s got a new contouring trick up its sleeve: the dot method. Think of it as contouring for beginners, or even lazy girls.
Instead of swiping product everywhere, you strategically place small dots of cream bronzer or contour wherever you want to define your features – cheekbones, temples, jawline. Then, the magic happens. With a damp beauty blender, buff out those dots in circular motions, blending them seamlessly into your skin. The result? A natural, sculpted look that looks like you woke up flawless (or at least spent way less time than you did). Online tutorials offer a wealth of information on various contouring techniques.
Experiment with various contouring techniques to find what flatters you most.
Technique 3 – Highlighting to The Core
Let’s shift gears and focus on Technique 3. Highlighting is like the icing on the cake, adding a luminous glow that catches the light in all the right places. But here’s the beauty of it: it’s not just about slathering on shimmer. It’s about strategically placing that glow for maximum impact.
So where do you apply it? Think of the high points of your face – the tops of your cheekbones, the bridge of your nose, and the cupid’s bow. These are the areas that naturally catch the light, and by highlighting them, you’ll accentuate your features and make those cheekbones pop like never before.
With a soft brush or your fingertips, blend the highlighter into your skin until it seamlessly melds with your contour, creating a soft, ethereal glow that’ll have heads turning wherever you go.
Technique 4 – The Subtle Shadow
Instead of bold lines and dramatic contrasts, it’s about creating soft, natural-looking shadows that gently sculpt your face. Think of it as contouring’s softer side – perfect for those days when you want to enhance your features without going overboard. Subtlety is key! The goal of contouring techniques is to enhance, not drastically alter, your features.
So how do you achieve this effortless look? It’s all in the technique. With a light hand and a fluffy brush, softly sweep your contour shade along the hollows of your cheeks, jawline, and temples. Blend, blend, blend until the lines disappear, leaving behind a subtle shadow that enhances your natural beauty.
Technique 5: The Power of Bronzer
Bronzer is like sunshine in a compact, adding a touch of warmth and dimension to your face. But here’s the beauty of it: it’s not just for bronzing your cheeks. With a few expert techniques, bronzer can also be your secret weapon for faking high cheekbones with ease.
It’s all about placement and technique. With a fluffy brush, lightly dust bronzer along the high points of your face – the tops of your cheekbones, the temples, and the bridge of your nose. This will create the illusion of sun-kissed skin, enhancing your cheekbones and giving your face a healthy, luminous glow.
But here’s where the real thing happens: blending. With a soft touch and circular motions, blend the bronzer into your skin until it seamlessly melds with your contour, leaving behind a natural-looking glow that’ll have you feeling like a golden goddess in no time.
Conclusion
In conclusion, mastering the art of contouring techniques opens up a world of possibilities for enhancing your natural beauty. By understanding your face shape and selecting the right tools and products, you can effortlessly sculpt and define your features.Experimenting with different contouring techniques can help you find what works best for you.
So go ahead, embrace the power of bronzer and highlighting, and let your inner glow shine through. With these easy contouring techniques for beginners, you’ll be on your way to faking high cheekbones like a pro in no time.
