How to Contour Like a Pro
Master the art of contouring with our step-by-step guide. Learn the techniques and tools you need to contour like a professional.
Understanding the Basics of Contouring
Contouring is a makeup technique that involves using darker and lighter shades to define and enhance the structure of your face. The idea is to create shadows and highlights that give the illusion of a more sculpted appearance. To start, you'll need a contouring product, which can be in the form of a cream, powder, or stick. It's essential to choose a shade that is one or two shades darker than your natural skin tone for the contour and a shade that is one or two shades lighter for the highlight. Using the right tools, such as a contour brush or beauty sponge, is also crucial for achieving a professional look. Before diving into the actual application, it's important to understand your face shape, as this will guide where to place the contour and highlight for the most flattering effect.
Prepping Your Skin for Contouring
Before you start contouring, it's important to prep your skin properly. Begin with a clean, moisturized face to ensure that the makeup goes on smoothly. Applying a primer is also a good idea, as it helps to create a smooth base and makes your makeup last longer. Once your skin is prepped, apply your foundation as you normally would. The foundation acts as a blank canvas, evening out your skin tone and providing a base for the contouring products to blend seamlessly. If you have any blemishes or dark circles, you may also want to use a concealer to cover them up. Remember, the key to a flawless contour is in the blending, so take your time to ensure that all products are well-blended into your skin.
Mapping Out Your Contour
To contour like a pro, you need to know where to place your contour and highlight products. Generally, you'll want to apply the darker contour shade to the areas you want to recede or define, such as the hollows of your cheeks, the sides of your nose, your jawline, and your hairline. Use a light hand and build up the product gradually to avoid harsh lines. For the highlight, apply the lighter shade to the areas you want to bring forward or accentuate, such as the tops of your cheekbones, the bridge of your nose, your brow bone, and the center of your forehead. The key is to create a natural-looking gradient between the dark and light areas, which will give your face a more sculpted appearance.
Blending for a Natural Finish
Blending is arguably the most important step in the contouring process. Use a damp beauty sponge or a contour brush to blend the products into your skin. Start by blending the contour shade, using small circular motions to diffuse the product and eliminate any harsh lines. Then, blend the highlight shade, making sure it seamlessly transitions into your foundation and contour. The goal is to create a natural-looking shadow and highlight that enhances your facial features without looking too obvious. If you find that you've applied too much product, you can use a clean brush or sponge to buff it out. Remember, it's always easier to add more product than to take it away, so start with a light hand and build up as needed.
Setting Your Contour
Once you've achieved the desired contour and highlight, it's important to set your makeup to ensure it lasts all day. Use a translucent setting powder to lock everything in place. Apply the powder with a fluffy brush, focusing on the areas where you've applied the contour and highlight. This will help to prevent any creasing or fading throughout the day. If you prefer a more dewy finish, you can use a setting spray instead of powder. Simply mist your face with the spray to set the makeup and give your skin a healthy glow. Setting your makeup is a crucial step, especially if you have oily skin or if you're wearing your makeup for an extended period.
Finishing Touches
The final step in achieving a professional contour is to add the finishing touches. This can include applying blush to the apples of your cheeks for a pop of color, as well as adding a bit of bronzer to warm up your complexion. You might also want to apply a bit of highlighter to the high points of your face, such as the tops of your cheekbones and the tip of your nose, for an extra glow. Make sure to blend everything well to ensure a cohesive look. Finally, take a step back and assess your work. If any areas need additional blending or touch-ups, now is the time to do it. With practice and patience, you'll be able to contour like a pro and enhance your natural beauty.