Contouring and highlighting have quickly become two of the most popular makeup techniques among beauty enthusiasts. Whether you want to enhance your cheekbones, slim down your nose, or simply add dimension to your face, contouring and highlighting can transform your look and give you that coveted, sculpted appearance. If you are new to these techniques, fear not! This beginner’s guide will walk you through the steps and tips to help you master the art of contouring and highlighting.
1. Understanding Contouring and Highlighting
Contouring and highlighting are makeup techniques that involve using a combination of darker shades to create shadows and lighter shades to enhance the high points of your face. Contouring helps to create depth and define facial features, while highlighting brings forward the areas you want to stand out. When done correctly, these techniques can beautifully enhance your natural bone structure and give you a polished, camera-ready look.
2. Choose the Right Products
Selecting the right products for contouring and highlighting is crucial to achieve the desired effect. For contouring, opt for a matte bronzer or a contour powder that is a shade or two darker than your skin tone. Avoid using products with shimmer or glitter, as they can make the contouring look unnatural. For highlighting, choose a product that is lighter than your skin tone and has a subtle shimmer or sheen. Cream or liquid formulas work well for both contouring and highlighting, but powder products are more forgiving for beginners.
3. Identify Your Face Shape
Before you start contouring and highlighting, it’s essential to identify your face shape. This will help you determine which areas you want to contour and highlight. Common face shapes include oval, round, square, heart, and diamond. Look up tutorials or consult a makeup artist to determine your face shape and learn the best techniques for your specific features.
4. Contouring Techniques
When it comes to contouring, the key is to create soft, blended shadows that mimic natural shadows on your face. The most common areas to contour are the hollows of your cheeks, the sides of your nose, jawline, and temples. Using a contour brush or a small angled brush, gently apply the darker shade to these areas, focusing on blending the product seamlessly with your foundation. Be sure to use a light hand and build up the intensity gradually to avoid harsh lines.
5. Highlighting Techniques
Highlighting aims to bring forward the areas of your face that you want to emphasize. This includes the tops of your cheekbones, brow bone, bridge of your nose, and cupid’s bow. Using a small brush or your fingertips, apply the lighter shade onto these areas and gently blend it into your foundation. Remember, less is more when it comes to highlighting, as too much product can appear overly shiny or oily.
6. Blending is Key
One of the most crucial steps in contouring and highlighting is blending. For a seamless finish, use a damp beauty sponge or a fluffy brush to blend the contour and highlight products into your foundation. This will help to melt the products into your skin and create a natural-looking effect. Avoid harsh lines by using circular motions and blending outwards from the center of your face.
7. Practice Makes Perfect
Contouring and highlighting require practice to master. Start with subtle shades and gradually experiment with more dramatic looks once you feel comfortable. Don’t be discouraged if it doesn’t look perfect right away – it takes time to find the right techniques and products that work best for your face shape and skin tone. Practice different techniques, watch tutorials online, and experiment with different products to find what suits you best.
In conclusion, contouring and highlighting can drastically transform your makeup look and enhance your natural features. By understanding the basic concepts, choosing the right products, identifying your face shape, and practicing different techniques, you’ll soon become a pro at contouring and highlighting. So grab your brushes, have fun experimenting, and get ready to slay with your newly sculpted, radiant face!
