Is contour makeup a foreign term to you? Do you think it is only reserved for makeup artists, Hollywood stars and runaway models?
This post is all about using contour in your makeup routine. I will show you simple techniques that I use everyday to contour. This will help you add contour to your makeup repertoire and get you contouring like a pro.
Tips to Contour Makeup for Beginners
I used to shy away from contour. I contour everyday now and so can you!
So first of all – what is contour makeup and what is it used for?
Contouring is a technique used to achieve sculpture and adding dimension to your face. Contouring creates the illusion of a shadow on your face.
1)Use Contour Makeup
I can’t stress this enough. Many times I watch video tutorials of women using bronzer or a darker shade of foundation as contour! This does not work.
Here’s why:
Contour makeup has a an ashy undertone which creates depth and an illusion of a shadow when applied to your face.
If you use bronzer or a deeper shade of foundation as your contour, it will not achieve the same effect as contour would. Instead, your face will appear looking dirty.
2) Prep Your Face First
Apply primer especially if you have oily skin.
Then apply your foundation and concealer first before applying contour.
As a beginner, you may find it easier to first apply the makeup products that you are already used to and then add the new product that you are currently trying out – which is contour.
This will help you see what the addition of contour makeup to your face looks like compared to not having contour on.
3) Use the Right Tools
The type of brush you use makes a world of difference as well.
Make sure you are using the correct brush when you apply contour and also when you blend the contour to the rest of your face.
The brush you use to apply contour may be different from the brush you use to blend it.
For example:
using Seint’s Detail Brush works well with applying your contour.
*pic of detail brush
For blending, I would suggest either Seint’s Blend Brush, Blush Bronzer Brush or the Buff Brush
*pic of these brushes
The advantage of using a detail brush for contouring is that you would simply grab some product unto your brush and simply stamp it unto the location you are looking to contour.
Once you have applied your contour, then you can blend
4) Use a Beauty Blender
Using a beauty blender is also a great way to blend your makeup.
As you might know, using a beauty sponge is not limited to contour makeup
The advantage of using a beauty sponge is it smooths out your whole makeup look.
When using contour makeup, you are working with a few contrasting colors on your face, so using a beauty blender helps to smooth out the rough edges the contour makeup may create at first – providing a natural 3d look.
Here’s a couple of tried and true beauty blenders to choose from:
*picture of the finished look vs unblended contour
5)Use A Small Amount of Contour Makeup
When in doubt, you can start by using a small amount of contour makeup at first.
Work your way to a more bold contour look when comfortable.
You may be surprised what a small amount of contour makeup can enhance your makeup look.
6)Blend, Blend, Blend
Like all things when working with makeup, whether it be eyeshadows, foundation, concealer – the key is in the blending
Blend your contour makeup well, this will help give your face a seamless natural look!
*pic of blending with brush
7) Apply Where Shadow Would Normally Fall
Like I’ve said in the beginning of this post, the art of contouring is creating the illusion of shadows on your face.
For a natural contoured look, think of the parts on your face that shadow would naturally fall on. If you don’t see a shadow on that specific part then that is where you would place contour makeup.
If you do see shadow on those parts of your face, placing contour makeup will emphasize the shadow even more.
*diagram of where contour is placed. drawing
8) Cream Contour is Best!
You will achieve a more natural looking, skin like finish with cream based contour makeup. This is especially helpful if you plan to contour on an everyday basis and it’s much quicker to work with.
I recommend trying these cream contours:
Covergirl Trublend Contour Palette $10
Make Up For Ever Pro Sculpting Face Palette at Sephora $45
9)Set It with a Setting Spray and Setting Powder
For longer lasting results to your makeup, set it with a setting spray and top it off with a translucent setting powder.
This technique will help to keep your makeup lasting longer, especially if you’ve got oily skin.
The setting sprays that I swear by are:
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray $35
The setting powders that I love:
Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder $40
Chanel Natural Finish Loose Powder $52
Using these tips will definitely help you ease your way to adding contour makeup to your daily makeup repertoire.
Send me a comment, I would love to know how these contour tips worked for you!
This post is all about Tips to Contour Makeup for Beginners!
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