How To Contour And Highlight

Get ready, beauty enthusiasts of all generations, for a rejuvenating journey into the art of contouring and highlighting! Embrace your inner makeup artist and let’s dive into the secrets of sculpting and illuminating your face like a celebrity. From must-have products to pro tips, this revamped guide is your ticket to achieving that flawless, radiant look. And guess what? We’ve also included some hand-picked product recommendations to elevate your beauty routine. Let’s start!

Table of Contents

The Magic of Contouring & Highlighting

Contouring and highlighting are not just makeup techniques; they are the art of enhancing and sculpting your face’s natural beauty. By playing with shadows (contouring) and light (highlighting), you can create a look that’s balanced and absolutely stunning.

Contouring: The Game-Changer

Contouring is about using a matte bronzer or contour shade, darker than your skin tone, to add depth and shape to your face. It’s perfect for defining those cheekbones, slimming the face, and softening the jawline.

Product Pick: Try the Fenty Beauty Match Stix Matte Skinstick. Its wide range of shades and blendable formula make it a contouring favorite.

Highlighting: The Glow-Getter

Highlighting involves a lighter, often shimmery product to brighten and emphasize your face’s high points. Think cheekbones, brow bones, and the cupid’s bow.

Product Pick: The Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighter is a cult favorite, offering that perfect, natural glow.

Prepping Your Canvas

Before you start, ensure your face is primed and ready. Cleanse, moisturize, and apply a primer for a smooth, long-lasting makeup application.

Choosing Your Weapons: Products & Tools

Selecting the right shades and formulas is key. For contouring, go for a matte finish, and for highlighting, pick a subtle shimmer. And don’t forget the tools – a dense angled brush for contouring and a fluffy brush or small fan brush for highlighting.

Technique Time

Contour Like a Pro

Face Shape Matters: Identify your face shape (round, oval, square, heart, diamond) for tailored contouring.
Shade Selection: Pick a contour shade that complements your skin tone.
Mapping Out: Lightly mark the areas to contour – cheeks, temples, jawline, nose.
Blending is Key: Use a brush or sponge for a natural, seamless look.

Highlighting High Points

Shade Selection: Choose a highlighter that suits your skin tone.
Focus Areas: Highlight cheekbones, brow bones, nose, cupid’s bow, inner eye corners.
Blend, Blend, Blend: For a natural glow, thoroughly blend the highlighter.

Tips for Different Face Shapes

Round Face: Contour the sides, highlight the center.
Oval Face: Light contouring on the sides and highlight the middle.
Square Face: Contour the jawline and forehead edges, highlight the cheekbones and chin.
Heart Face: Contour the forehead, highlight the chin and cheekbones.
Diamond Face: Focus contour on cheekbones, highlight the forehead and chin.

Adapting to Occasions

Everyday Look: Go for a subtle contour and highlight.
Special Events: Amp up the intensity for a glamorous effect.
Photoshoots: Opt for a more dramatic contour and highlight to stand out on camera.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

Right Shade, Right Place: Ensure your shades complement your skin tone.
Less is More: Build up product gradually.
Blend Well: Avoid harsh lines for a natural finish.

Clean Up Right

End your day with a proper makeup removal routine to keep your skin healthy.

Final Thoughts

Contouring and highlighting are transformative, empowering techniques that celebrate your unique features. With the right approach, products, and a bit of practice, you can achieve that professional, radiant look anytime.

Recommended Reads:

“Makeup Masterclass” by Jemma Kidd: Dive deeper into professional makeup techniques.
“Face Forward” by Kevyn Aucoin: A legendary makeup artist’s guide to transformative beauty.

Embrace your makeup journey with enthusiasm and creativity, and always remember: your beauty is unique, and your makeup is simply a tool to enhance it!