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!