BEAUTY LESSON: CONTOURING

BEAUTY LESSON: CONTOURING 

Over 30,000 searches are done monthly for the phrase "how to contour". Did you know that contouring dates back to the 1500s when actors used chalk and soot to define their faces on stage? Luckily, nowadays there are plenty of contour products available that are easier to use.

One common mistake we make is contouring our face based on someone else's face shape that we see on YouTube or Instagram. When contouring, we are creating shadows to define our features. Using two brushes, an Angled Contour Brush to apply the product and a Powder Brush to blend it out, will help achieve a flawless contour for your face shape.  

Now that we are prepared and all set to go, the next important consideration is face shape! For example, if you have a square face shape, avoid contouring in a straight line across your forehead as it will only emphasize the squareness of your face. Instead, focus on softening the corners of your face. Below, we outline how to contour for each unique face shape. 

Oval: 

Oval faces look great with the classic 3-contour outline: apply your contour shade in the shape of a 3, starting from your temples down to underneath your cheekbones and outwards towards the top of your jawline. 

Square:

The objective is to achieve a more oval shape and, therefore, enhance the contours of the corners of your face, specifically the outer corners of your forehead and jaw. Additionally, apply a gentle contour beneath your cheekbones, blending it up towards just below your temples. 

Round:

Contouring is a game-changer for adding definition to a slightly round face. Follow the 3 contour framework: define the outer edges of the forehead, temples, and under the cheekbones, then continue along the jawline while avoiding the chin. By skipping the chin, it helps create a longer, oval face shape for added height. 

Heart: 

To make your face appear more oval-shaped, contour the outer edges of your forehead, temples, and under your cheekbones. Avoid contouring your already slim jawline, and instead add contour to the bottom of your chin to make it look shorter and less pointed. 

Long:

For a more balanced face shape, focus on contouring your forehead and jawline which can give the illusion of a shorter face. Keep the contour horizontal under your cheekbones to add definition. 

Cream VS Powder

One of the most debated topics in contouring is the comparison between cream contour and powder contour. Cream contour tends to provide a more subtle result, while powder contouring can be more intense. It's important to apply contour gradually, as the goal is to create a slight illusion rather than an obvious change. Additionally, you can layer cream contour with powder contour to further enhance the effects. 

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