Contouring and highlighting are two essential makeup techniques that can completely transform the way your face looks. Whether you want to define your cheekbones, slim down your nose, or just add more dimension to your face, contouring and highlighting can help you achieve the desired look. However, when done improperly, these techniques can end up looking harsh and unnatural. In this blog post, we will discuss how to properly contour and highlight your face to enhance your features and create a flawless makeup look.
Contouring is all about creating shadows on the face to sculpt and define your features. This technique is often used to create the illusion of more defined cheekbones, a slimmer nose, and a more structured jawline. To contour your face properly, you will need a contour powder or cream that is at least two shades darker than your natural skin tone. It is important to choose a shade that complements your skin tone and does not appear too orange or muddy on the skin.
To begin the contouring process, start by sucking in your cheeks to locate the hollows of your face. Use a fluffy contour brush to apply the contour powder or cream along the hollows of your cheeks, blending upwards towards your temples. Make sure to blend the product outwards and upwards to create a seamless transition between the contour shade and your natural skin tone. You can also contour along the sides of your nose to create the illusion of a slimmer nose, as well as along your jawline to define your jaw.
When it comes to highlighting, the goal is to bring light to the high points of your face to create a more radiant and youthful look. Highlighting is often used to illuminate the tops of the cheekbones, the brow bone, the bridge of the nose, and the cupid’s bow. To properly highlight your face, you will need a highlighter that is at least two shades lighter than your natural skin tone. You can choose from powder, cream, or liquid highlighters, depending on your preference.
To highlight your face, start by applying the highlighter on the tops of your cheekbones, blending upwards towards your temples. You can also apply the highlighter on the brow bone, the bridge of the nose, and the cupid’s bow for added luminosity. Make sure to blend the product out using a fluffy highlighting brush to avoid any harsh lines and create a seamless finish.
When contouring and highlighting your face, it is important to remember that less is more. Start with a small amount of product and build up the intensity gradually to achieve a natural-looking result. It is also essential to blend the contour and highlight shades seamlessly to create a cohesive and well-blended makeup look. Using the right tools, such as a contour brush and a highlighting brush, can also make a significant difference in the final outcome of your makeup.
In addition to using the right products and tools, it is essential to consider your face shape when contouring and highlighting. Different face shapes require different contouring and highlighting techniques to accentuate the best features and minimize any imperfections. For round faces, focus on contouring the sides of the face and highlighting the tops of the cheekbones to create the illusion of a more sculpted look. For square faces, contour along the jawline and temples to soften the angles and highlight the center of the face to bring attention to the features.
When contouring and highlighting your face, it is also crucial to consider the lighting. Natural lighting is the best way to ensure that your makeup looks flawless and well-blended. Avoid using harsh overhead lighting or artificial lighting that can wash out the colors and make the makeup appear too heavy. Instead, opt for soft, natural lighting that highlights the contours and highlights of your face for a more natural-looking finish.
In conclusion, contouring and highlighting are essential makeup techniques that can enhance your features and create a more sculpted and radiant look. By choosing the right products, tools, and techniques, you can achieve a flawless contour and highlight that complements your face shape and skin tone. Remember to start with a light hand, blend the products seamlessly, and consider your face shape and lighting when contouring and highlighting. With practice and patience, you can master the art of contouring and highlighting your face to create a more defined and radiant look.
