How Do You Contour and Highlight Your Face Properly?

Contouring and highlighting are two makeup techniques that can elevate your look and enhance your facial features dramatically. When done correctly, contouring and highlighting can help define your bone structure, create dimension, and add a healthy glow to your complexion. However, these techniques can be intimidating for beginners. If you’re unsure of how to contour and highlight your face properly, fear not! In this article, we will break down the steps and provide you with the guidance you need to master these makeup techniques like a pro.

Understanding Contouring and Highlighting

Contouring involves using a darker shade to create shadows and define specific areas of your face, such as your cheekbones, jawline, and forehead. On the other hand, highlighting utilizes a lighter shade to bring forward the high points of your face, such as the tops of your cheekbones, brow bone, and the bridge of your nose. By strategically placing contour and highlight products, you can sculpt your face and accentuate your best features.

Choosing the Right Products

Before you begin contouring and highlighting, it’s essential to select the right products for your skin type and tone. Opt for matte contour powders or creams that are a few shades darker than your natural skin tone. For highlighting, choose a luminous powder or cream that is a few shades lighter than your skin tone. It’s crucial to blend these products seamlessly to achieve a natural-looking finish.

Prepping Your Skin

Start by prepping your skin with your usual skincare routine, including cleansing, moisturizing, and applying sunscreen. Allow your skincare products to absorb fully before moving on to makeup application. For a flawless base, consider applying a primer to smooth out your skin’s texture and help your makeup last longer.

Contouring Your Face

To contour your face, use a contour powder or cream and a makeup brush with a tapered or angled shape. Start by sucking in your cheeks to locate the hollows of your cheeks, then apply the contour product along the hollows in a diagonal line towards your ears. Blend the product using a light hand and small circular motions to avoid harsh lines. Repeat this process on the sides of your forehead, along your jawline, and under your chin to create dimension and definition.

Highlighting Your Face

Highlighting your face involves applying a lighter shade to the high points of your face to accentuate them. Use a highlighter powder or cream and a small brush to apply the product to the tops of your cheekbones, the bridge of your nose, the brow bone, and the cupid’s bow. Blend the highlighter gently using your fingertips or a makeup sponge for a seamless finish. Avoid overdoing it with the highlighter to prevent a too-shiny or greasy look.

Blending for a Seamless Finish

Blending is key to achieving a natural and seamless contour and highlight. Use a clean makeup sponge or brush to blend the contour and highlight products into your skin, ensuring there are no harsh lines or visible edges. Soften any harsh lines by blending in a back-and-forth or circular motion until the products meld effortlessly with your skin.

Setting Your Makeup

To ensure your contour and highlight last all day, set your makeup with a translucent setting powder or a setting spray. This step will help lock in your makeup, prevent it from smudging or fading, and give your skin a flawless finish.

Mastering Contour and Highlight Techniques

Contouring and highlighting can seem intimidating at first, but with practice and patience, you can master these techniques and enhance your natural beauty. Experiment with different products, tools, and techniques to find what works best for your face shape and skin type. Remember, makeup is a form of self-expression, so have fun and embrace your creativity as you contour and highlight your way to a flawless finish.