Contouring can significantly alter the shape and definition of your face’s key areas. Whether you prefer a subtle and soft look or a dramatic and chiseled one, contouring makeup enables you to naturally sculpt, define, illuminate, and brighten your features. By creating customizable depth and dimension, contouring can give any face shape a slimming effect. This is achieved by using deeper shadows like mineral bronzers and darker hues in the contour kit, which create the illusion of shaping features and adding natural-looking definition. Select a contour shade that is two times deeper than your natural complexion, then apply it along the lower parts of your cheekbones, hairline, sides of the nose, and jawline. For a more subtle effect, diffuse the contouring by shading along areas of your face where natural light hits first. You could use a bronzer for this to create a natural-looking sun-kissed look.
Next, highlighting is used to illuminate and brighten the high points of your face. The most common areas to highlight are the middle of the forehead, brow bones, upper cheekbones, down the center of the nose and the tip, the lip bow, and center of the chin, as these are where the light will naturally hit. For a more sheer, dewy look, a highlighting balm is your go-to, while for a more extroverted sparkle and matte effect, opt for a shimmer powder. You’ll need tools to achieve this, so consider investing in contouring/highlighting brushes.
