Contouring and highlighting have become staples in the makeup routine of beauty enthusiasts around the world. These techniques can transform the face, enhancing our natural features and creating a sculpted, radiant look. From celebrities on the red carpet to influencers on social media, everyone seems to be obsessed with achieving the perfect contour and highlight.
But with so many products, tools, and techniques out there, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. That’s why we’ve put together a comprehensive guide on the best techniques for contouring and highlighting, so you can feel confident in your makeup skills and achieve a flawless finish every time.
1. Choose the right products
The first step in achieving a flawless contour and highlight is choosing the right products. For contouring, opt for a matte bronzer or contour powder that is a few shades darker than your skin tone. This will create a shadow effect, enhancing your cheekbones, jawline, and other facial features.
When it comes to highlighting, choose a light-reflecting concealer or highlighter that is a few shades lighter than your skin tone. This will attract light to the high points of your face, such as the tops of your cheekbones, brow bone, and cupid’s bow, creating a luminous glow.
2. Use the right tools
The key to a successful contour and highlight is using the right tools. For contouring, use a tapered brush or an angled brush to apply the product in the areas you want to sculpt. Blend well to avoid harsh lines and create a seamless transition between the contour and your natural skin tone.
For highlighting, use a small, fluffy brush or a makeup sponge to apply the product to the high points of your face. Blend well to avoid any harsh lines and create a natural, radiant finish.
3. Contour and highlight based on your face shape
Everyone’s face shape is different, so it’s important to contour and highlight based on your individual features. For example, if you have a round face, you may want to contour your cheeks to create the illusion of more defined cheekbones. If you have a square face, you may want to contour your jawline to soften the angles.
When it comes to highlighting, focus on the high points of your face that you want to emphasize. For example, if you have a prominent forehead, you may want to highlight your brow bone to draw attention to this area.
4. Blend, blend, blend
One of the most important techniques for achieving a flawless contour and highlight is blending. Blending is key to creating a seamless finish and avoiding any harsh lines. Use a light hand and blend well to ensure that your contour and highlight look natural and flawless.
When blending, use a gentle sweeping motion to blend the product into your skin. Avoid rubbing or pressing too hard, as this can disrupt the product and create streaks.
5. Set your makeup
To ensure that your contour and highlight last all day, it’s important to set your makeup with a setting powder or setting spray. This will help lock in your makeup and prevent it from fading or smudging throughout the day.
When setting your makeup, focus on the areas where you applied your contour and highlight. Use a small, fluffy brush to apply a light layer of setting powder to these areas, blending well to ensure a seamless finish.
In conclusion, contouring and highlighting are great techniques that can enhance your natural beauty and create a sculpted, radiant look. By choosing the right products, using the right tools, contouring and highlighting based on your face shape, blending well, and setting your makeup, you can achieve a flawless contour and highlight every time. Practice makes perfect, so don’t be afraid to experiment and find what works best for you. With these techniques in your beauty arsenal, you’ll be contouring and highlighting like a pro in no time.
