A Complete Guide to Contouring and Highlighting

Contouring and highlighting are two makeup techniques that have become increasingly popular in recent years. They can help enhance your facial features, create dimension, and give your face a more sculpted appearance. However, many people are unsure of how to properly contour and highlight their faces. In this complete guide, we will explain everything you need to know about contouring and highlighting, from choosing the right products to applying them correctly.

Contouring involves using a darker shade of makeup to create shadows and define the shape of your face. This technique is typically used to contour the hollows of the cheeks, the sides of the nose, the jawline, and the temples. Contouring can help slim down the face, make it appear more symmetrical, and create the illusion of higher cheekbones.

Highlighting, on the other hand, involves using a lighter shade of makeup to accentuate the high points of your face. This technique is typically used to highlight the tops of the cheekbones, the bridge of the nose, the brow bone, and the inner corners of the eyes. Highlighting can help give your face a more youthful and radiant appearance.

Before you begin the contouring and highlighting process, it’s important to start with a clean and moisturized face. This will help the makeup blend more easily and give you a smoother finish. Next, you’ll want to apply your foundation and concealer as usual. Once you have your base makeup done, you can start with the contouring and highlighting.

When choosing a contour product, opt for a matte shade that is a few shades darker than your natural skin tone. Cream or powder contour products can both work well, so choose whichever you feel most comfortable using. For highlighting, choose a product that is a few shades lighter than your skin tone and has a slight shimmer or sheen to it.

To contour your face, start by sucking in your cheeks to find the hollows of your cheeks. Use a contour brush to apply the product in the hollows, blending it upwards towards your hairline. You can also contour the sides of your nose, jawline, and temples if desired. Make sure to blend the contour out thoroughly to avoid any harsh lines.

For highlighting, start by applying the product to the tops of your cheekbones, the bridge of your nose, the brow bone, and the inner corners of your eyes. Use a highlighting brush or your fingertips to blend the product out smoothly. You can also apply a little highlighter to your Cupid’s bow and the center of your forehead for an extra glow.

Once you have finished contouring and highlighting, set your makeup with a setting spray or powder to ensure it stays in place all day. You can also add a touch of blush to the apples of your cheeks for a rosy finish. Remember, less is more when it comes to contouring and highlighting, so start off with a light hand and build up the product as needed.

In conclusion, contouring and highlighting can be great ways to enhance your facial features and give your face a more sculpted appearance. By following this complete guide, you can learn how to choose the right products, apply them correctly, and create a flawless contoured look. With a little practice and patience, you can master the art of contouring and highlighting and achieve a flawless makeup look every time.