Contouring 101

 

Contouring your face can be difficult and confusing at times if you don't know where to place your products. It's also important to know the shape of your face, as that will be a major part of where you will contour (and highlight - but that will be in another post) Let's start with the basics; using the right products can make all the difference. Choose matte powders or creams that can easily be blended out. Good brushes are also an essential part in applying your contour flawlessly, try out the NARS Ita brush for a sharp contour, or go with an angled brush for a more of a subtle look.

 

 

 

 

Make sure the shade you're contouring with is 2-3x darker than your actual foundation. I love using the Loreal True Match Super blendable crayon concealor. Begin at the center of the top of your hairline, apply a thin layer of the contour color along of the edge of the hairline making your way towards your temples. Make sure you get as close to the hairline as possible. Also make sure you don't apply too much, or you won't get that sculpted appearance. Continue at the ear just under the cheekbones, this is when you make that funny looking fishy face, unless you already have defined cheekbones. Sweep the contour color diagonally from your ear to the hallows of your cheekbones. Bring the brush back towards your ear, keeping the brush as close as possible to your jawline, sweep it underneath and on the jawline. This will make your face appear thinner and more defined. If you already love your nose, skip this step, but if you want a slimmer appearing nose (like I often do)  starting from your eyebrows, sweep the contour over the natural curve of your nose, repeat on the other side. You can also contour the tip of your nose into a "V" shape to shorten the length. Additionally, the best way to apply contour and bronzer is the "3" shape, this way it is applied in a fashion that the sun naturally kisses the face. Make sure you always use the smallest strokes when applying the color to avoid applying too much product.   As always, it's up to you how much contour and bronzer you apply, use your own discretion. Makeup should be fun, have fun with it!

 

 



How long to keep your beauty products:

 

An unlikely tip that actually works - Thanks Wayne Goss

Want to minimize pores and keep your foundation in place all day? Apply a powder BEFORE you apply your foundation. Not only does it make your foundation last through out the day, but it will reduce the appearance of fine lines and pores. I know you're thinking, a powder before a cream? No way. Well, it actually works! Apply your moisturizer, your primer, POWDER, then your foundation. If you have dry skin, no need to powder after the foundation, you're set for the day. However, if you're on the oily side, like myself, apply a bit of powder on the TZONE ONLY.

Try it out, I guarantee you will love the way your skin looks and behaves through out the day.

Tools of the trade - Best ways to apply foundation

• Foundation brush - Brushes are easy and a fast way of applying foundation. There are various types of brushes that make foundation application a breeze: a flat foundation brush is always the best bet in applying foundation. Using a light hand and always using a downwards stroke (it prevents the little baby hairs on your face from sticking up), the foundation will look flawless and like your skin but better.

           Try out: Sigma Flat Top Kabuki brush

• Foundation Sponge - Typically one of my favorite ways of applying foundation. Using a small amount of product, on either a wet or dry sponge slightly "bounce" the foundation gently all over the skin. It gives you a flawless and airbrushed finish. If you desire more coverage, repeat the steps above.

           Try out: Beauty Blender Sponge

• Fingers - I am not a big fan of using fingers to apply foundation, but if you're in a time crunch and you don't care about too much coverage, fingers are always the best tool. The warmth of the fingertips make it easier to blend. Just watch out for streaking!