Wish you had a slimmer jawline, a thinner nose, chiseled cheekbones or pronounced eyes?? A facial contour is a technique in which makeup enhances and shapes the facial structure. You can get this effect. All you need is the right contour shade to make this happen.

What shade to use?

It’s best to use shades of brown that are matte in color. I would recommend using a cream foundation or powder that is four times darker than your skin color. You want the depth in the color to work in shaping your cheekbones, nose, neckline and forehead. So, if you are very light, do not use too dark of a color as it will look muddy and unnatural. Contouring should look natural and give your face more definition.

Avoid using browns that are too red. Select a brown that is more cool or taupe in shade as it will blend better and look more natural.

And remember the basic principles of light and dark. Lighter colors will highlight, make objects come forward; as darker colors will push back, recede, and look less pronounced. If you want to make your nose or forehead or jawline look less obvious, use a darker color. If you want an area in your face to look bigger or brighter, use lighter colors.

Shimmer or matte

Contour shades should be matte; avoid shimmer. Shimmery colors will likely highlight areas that you want to conceal. If you want to use highlighters with contouring, use a separate highlighter above and over the contoured area with a fluffier fan brush. Always use highlighters with a soft particle size, not too glittery or chunky.

Tools to use 

It’s best to use a contoured and stiffer brush rather than a big fluffy one. The brush head should be no more than 1” wide, as you want to create lines and angles to give you depth and definition. A more controlled brush head will give you the lines you need in defining your facial features. Save the fluffy brushes for highlighting and blending.

You can also use a wedge shaped sponge, as this will give you the control of a brush head and you can blend with the flatter side of the sponge.

How to contour

Apply the deeper cream foundation or powder around the temples of your forehead, under your cheek bones and on the areas of the nose that you want to outline or define. You can even use under your neck to push back any sagging skin. With your brush or sponge, apply a line around and/or down the area and then blend. Remember, if you are using a brush or sponge, it should be washed every day to avoid bacteria build up and skin conditions. It will also help make blending easier, as there will be no build up of product in your brush or sponge.

If you are using a powder over the contouring foundation or powder, use a very light translucent powder so you are not interfering with the light and dark shades in your face.

Contour Your Face – Step by Step Video

As long as your remember that light enhances, pronounces, and highlights – and dark decreases, recedes and pushes back, you will master contouring! Blend well and enjoy the magic of makeup! Try it for your next party!