Contouring is one of makeup artistry’s oldest secrets. Everyone from Marilyn Monroe to supermodels of modern day have gotten contoured during their makeup sessions. Body contouring is popular during photo shoots where skin will be shown, while facial contouring is used for portraits. Contouring is a way to trick the human eye into making your facial features look different without having plastic surgery. It can be used to slim the nose and forehead, create sculpted cheekbones, erase a double chin, and make lips look larger. If you’d like to watch a video tutorial on how to properly execute this technique on yourself,
BEFORE Contouring
BEFORE Contouring
As you can see in my before photographs, while my makeup looks fine, it also looks somewhat flat and dull. My face is monochromatic without a contour or blush. To achieve the famous Kim Kardashian cheekbones effect, you can contour them. In the above video, I also show you how to properly make your forehead look smaller, your nose thinner and more defined, and your jawline and chin slimmer. The after effect is subtle, but noticable:
AFTER Contouring
AFTER Contouring
AFTER Contouring
Tips for a perfect contour everytime:
- Use a powder or cream two shades darker than your skin tone.
- Be sure to apply a MATTE formula. No shimmer when contouring!
- Make a fishy face and suck in your cheeks to find the hollow underneath your cheekbones.
- Use a kabuki brush, or another large, fluffy brush to blend out any harsh lines.
- Use a fluffy eyeshadow blending brush to contour your nose.
Below is a handy diagram you can use to remind yourself where you can contour your face:
Contouring/Highlighting Diagram
I used Coastal Scents Contour & Blush Palette and the Sigma SS168 angled contour brush in this video to contour with. Any product that is two shades darker than your skin tone will work as a contour…bronzer, blush, even foundation! Just be sure the product is no deeper than two shades darker than your skin tone.
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[Products were purchased with my own money.]
[ALL PHOTOGRAPHY ON THIS SITE IS TAKEN BY REBECCA KAZIMIR. NO PHOTOGRAPHS ARE TO BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION.]
I found your site the other day looking for contouring tips. I’ve been doing it now and WOW, what a difference! And easy because of your explanation! Thanks for the wonderful tips!!
Okay, I’m just gonna ask………since, if u dont ask, u may never know! I bought a bronzer/highlighter on Sat. after a “makeover.” I’ve been using “PurMinerals” foundation for about a year, & I LOVE IT! So easy to apply! Since I’m in a wheelchair full-time, & have trouble w/ my arms/legs, liquid makeup just doesn’t “do right for me,” & the loose minerals were, for me, a very messy nightmare!
So, here’s my question……is this compact w/ bronzer/highlighter what I need to use to “Contour?” I wasnt too clear about this when I purchased it!
HELP!!!!!!!! lol
Love,
Dana
Hey Dana, and welcome to the site! Feel free to ask a question anytime, I love helping people!
Is the bronzer in this kit matte or shimmery? Matte, meaning, it has absolutely no shimmer, glitter, or glimmer in it at all. If it’s completely matte, meaning it gives flat, bronzed color with no shimmer, you can use the bronzer in the kit. The problem with using shimmery or glitter bronzers for contouring, is that they end up looking unnatural, rather than mimicking the natural contours and shadows of your face. If you want to give me further details, I’d love to help. You can also e-mail me at Rebecca@beautygala.com, and we can there as well!