Contouring is a makeup technique that allows you to sculpt and define the face, creating the illusion of higher cheekbones, a slimmer nose, and a more defined jawline. While contouring can seem intimidating at first, with the right tools, products, and techniques, you can achieve a flawless, professional-looking contour that enhances your natural features. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your skills, here’s everything you need to know to contour like a pro.

1. Understand the Basics of Contouring

Before diving into the actual process, it’s essential to understand what contouring is and how it works. Contouring involves using a combination of light and dark shades to accentuate certain areas of the face and create shadows in others. The darker shades are used to create the illusion of depth and structure, while the lighter shades highlight areas you want to bring forward.

Key areas to contour:

• Cheeks: Under the cheekbones to create definition.
• Jawline: Along the jawline to sharpen the appearance of the face.
• Nose: Down the sides of the nose to slim it.
• Temples: Along the hairline to add shape to the forehead.

Key areas to highlight:

• Under the eyes: To brighten the undereye area.
• Top of the cheekbones: To add a lifted effect.
• Center of the forehead, chin, and nose: To bring forward these areas.

2. Choose the Right Products

The key to a successful contour is using the right products for your skin type and desired finish. You can contour using either powder or cream formulas, depending on your preference and skin type.

• Powder Contour: Ideal for oily skin and those who prefer a matte finish. Powder contour products tend to be easier to blend and set into place.
• Cream Contour: Best for dry skin or those who prefer a dewy finish. Cream contours are often more blendable and provide a more natural, soft effect.

For highlighting, you can use either liquid or powder highlighters. The choice depends on the finish you want to achieve and your skin type.

Tip: Make sure your contour products are slightly cooler in tone (for creating shadows) and your highlight is warmer or neutral (for a more natural, glowing effect).

3. Prep Your Skin Properly

Contouring requires a smooth canvas, so it’s essential to start with a clean, moisturised face. Apply a primer to help your makeup adhere better and last longer. If you’re using cream contour products, make sure your skin is properly hydrated, as this will help the products blend smoothly.

Tip: Use a light coverage foundation or a tinted moisturiser to even out your skin tone without covering up your natural skin texture. This will allow your contour to look more seamless and natural.

4. Contouring the Cheeks: Create Structure

One of the most popular areas to contour is the cheeks. The goal is to create the illusion of higher cheekbones by sculpting the hollows of your cheeks.

How to contour the cheeks:

1. Smile and find the hollows of your cheeks. This is where you’ll apply the contour product.
2. Using a contour brush or makeup sponge, apply a cool-toned contour shade just below the cheekbone.
3. Blend upwards, towards your temples, to avoid harsh lines and achieve a natural, lifted look.
4. Use a highlighting product along the tops of your cheekbones to bring the area forward.

Tip: Don’t apply contour too close to your mouth, as this can make the face look droopy. Blend the contour product well to avoid any harsh lines.

5. Sculpt the Jawline: Define the Lower Face

A contoured jawline can create a more chiseled, defined look. This is particularly effective for those with rounder faces or anyone looking to define the lower part of their face.

How to contour the jawline:

1. Using a small, angled contour brush, apply contour powder or cream along your jawline, starting from the back of your jaw and blending forward.
2. Blend the contour downward into your neck to avoid any harsh lines and create a natural shadow.
3. If necessary, apply a little highlight along the center of your chin to balance out the contour.

Tip: To avoid a muddy appearance, blend the contour into your neck well. If you have a double chin, focus on contouring directly beneath the chin to create a more defined jawline.

6. Slim the Nose: Create a Subtle Shape

Contouring the nose can help create a slimmer appearance. The key here is subtlety—over-contouring can make the nose appear unnatural.

How to contour the nose:

1. Start by applying a thin line of contour along each side of your nose. Use a small brush or makeup sponge for more precision.
2. Blend the contour carefully to avoid harsh lines. Make sure to blend outwards towards your eyes and underneath the tip of your nose to create the illusion of a more sculpted shape.
3. Apply a small amount of highlight down the center of your nose, stopping at the tip. This will bring the center of your nose forward, making it appear slimmer.

Tip: When contouring the nose, use a light hand and make sure to blend well. Avoid using a contour that is too dark, as this can create a stark contrast that looks unnatural.

7. Highlight the Eyes: Lift and Brighten

Adding highlights around the eyes can make them appear brighter and more awake. This is especially helpful for those with dark circles or hooded eyes.

How to highlight the eyes:

1. Apply a small amount of highlighter or a light concealer along your brow bone to lift the eyes.
2. Dab a little highlight in the inner corner of your eyes to brighten and open them up.
3. For an extra pop, apply a small amount of highlighter just beneath your brow arch and blend it well.

Tip: Use a subtle, champagne-toned highlighter for a natural glow. Avoid using too much shimmer around the eyes, as this can draw attention to fine lines and wrinkles.

8. Blend, Blend, Blend

One of the most important aspects of contouring is blending. Harsh lines or patches of product can make your contour look unnatural, so blending is key to achieving a flawless finish.

How to blend:

1. After applying contour and highlight, use a damp makeup sponge or a clean brush to blend the products into your skin.
2. Blend in circular motions to soften any harsh lines and make the contour seamlessly melt into your skin.
3. For a more natural finish, use a light hand and focus on blending the contour and highlight into the foundation.

Tip: If you feel like your contour is too harsh, use a clean brush to buff it out gently. You can also use a bit of translucent powder to soften the lines and set the makeup.

9. Set Your Contour with Powder

Once you’ve blended your contour and highlight, it’s essential to set everything in place to ensure your makeup lasts throughout the day.

How to set your contour:

1. Use a translucent setting powder to set your face, especially in areas where you applied concealer.
2. Lightly dust your contour areas with a matte bronzer or contour powder to ensure your contour stays in place.
3. Set everything with a finishing spray for a long-lasting, fresh look.

Tip: If you want a more dewy finish, consider using a setting spray with a hydrating formula or a glowy setting powder.

Conclusion

Contouring like a pro takes practice, but once you master the techniques, you can create a flawless, sculpted look that enhances your natural features. Remember that the key to a great contour is blending and using the right shades for your skin tone. Whether you’re going for a subtle day look or a more dramatic evening effect, these tips will help you achieve a contoured, well-defined face every time.