Contouring and highlighting are essential components of makeup that can help enhance your features and give you a more sculpted, defined look. Many beginners may find it intimidating to try and figure out the best techniques for contouring and highlighting, but with a little practice and the right tools, you can achieve a flawless finish.
Contouring is the process of using a darker shade of makeup to create shadows and define the natural contours of your face, while highlighting involves using a lighter shade to bring out certain areas and add a luminous glow. Here are some tips on how to properly contour and highlight:
1. Start with a clean, moisturized face: Before you begin contouring and highlighting, make sure to cleanse and moisturize your face. This will help create a smooth base for your makeup and ensure that it lasts longer throughout the day.
2. Choose the right products: When it comes to contouring, opt for a matte bronzer or contour powder that is a few shades darker than your natural skin tone. For highlighting, choose a luminous highlighter that compliments your skin tone and gives a natural glow.
3. Determine your face shape: Different face shapes require different contouring techniques. For example, if you have a round face, focus on contouring the sides of your face to create a more defined jawline. If you have a square face, contour the corners of your forehead and jawline to soften harsh angles.
4. Contour and highlight in natural light: To ensure that your makeup looks natural and seamless, always apply contour and highlight in natural light. This will help you see where you need to add depth and dimension to your face.
5. Blend, blend, blend: One of the most important steps in contouring and highlighting is blending. Use a beauty sponge or makeup brush to seamlessly blend your contour and highlight products into your skin for a natural finish.
6. Focus on key areas: When contouring, focus on the hollows of your cheeks, temples, jawline, and sides of your nose. When highlighting, focus on the high points of your face such as the tops of your cheekbones, brow bone, and bridge of your nose.
7. Set your makeup: To ensure that your contour and highlight stay in place all day, set your makeup with a translucent powder. This will help prevent your makeup from creasing or fading throughout the day.
With these tips and tricks, you can achieve a flawless contour and highlight that enhances your natural features and gives you a radiant glow. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different techniques and products to find what works best for you.
