Contouring and highlighting are two of the most effective makeup techniques that can help to define and enhance your facial features. With these techniques, you can achieve a more sculpted and chiseled look while also highlighting your best features. That’s why these methods have become incredibly popular in recent years, with many beauty enthusiasts and makeup artists embracing them to create stunning looks.
However, many people still find the concept of contouring and highlighting a bit daunting, especially if they’re new to using makeup. But fear not, as this beginner’s guide will take you through the basic steps for achieving a natural yet striking look with contouring and highlighting.
Contouring
To start with, contouring essentially involves creating shadows on your face using a darker shade of makeup. This can help to create the illusion of a more defined bone structure and slimmer face. Here are the basic steps:
1. Choose the right product
The first step in contouring is choosing the right product. You need to select a shade that’s around two shades darker than your natural skin tone. Most contouring kits come with a contour powder or cream, but you can also use a matte bronzer to achieve a similar effect.
2. Identify your face shape
The next step is to identify your face shape. There are different contouring techniques for different face shapes, so it’s essential to know your face shape in order to know which technique to use. Common face shapes include round, oval, heart, and square.
3. Apply the product
Once you’ve identified your face shape, it’s time to apply the product. Use a makeup brush to gently apply the product to the areas where you want to create shadows. These areas include the hollows of your cheeks, temples, sides of your nose, and jawline. Make sure to blend the product well to avoid any harsh lines.
Highlighting
Highlighting, on the other hand, involves using a lighter-colored product to bring out the areas of your face that you want to accentuate. This technique can help to create an illusion of a lifted and brighter-looking face. Here’s how to do it:
1. Choose the right product
Just like with contouring, choosing the right product is crucial. You should pick a product that’s at least two shades lighter than your natural skin tone. Common highlighting products include powders, liquids, and creams.
2. Identify the areas to highlight
The next step is to identify the areas you want to highlight. These areas include the top of your cheekbones, bridge of your nose, under your eyebrows, and the inner corners of your eyes.
3. Apply the product
Once you’ve identified the areas to highlight, it’s time to apply the product. Use a makeup brush or your fingers to gently apply the product to these areas. Be careful not to apply too much, as this can make you look overly shiny.
Final Thoughts
Contouring and highlighting have become popular makeup techniques for good reason. They can help to enhance your facial features and create a more defined and sculpted look. By following the steps in this guide, even beginners can achieve a natural-looking contour and highlight that will leave them feeling confident and beautiful. So go ahead, give it a try and see how amazing you can look with these simple but effective techniques.
