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One sure-shot way to get razor-sharp features? Master the art of contouring. Chiselled cheekbones and a sculpted jawline will never not be in vogue – courtesy of the iconic Kim Kardashian and JLo, and, more recently, Zendaya.
So, what is contouring, you ask? It is simply a makeup technique where it enhances your natural face shape with shades and highlights in specific areas. Even if it seems challenging at first, learning how to contour all depends on finding the right shades, placing them strategically, and then blending them together seamlessly. And for beginners wondering how to apply contour or how to do contour without it being overdone, remember that subtlety is the key. Most of the tutorials on how to use contour found online can seem dramatic, however, when it comes to everyday makeup, a light hand goes a long way. If ever you have wondered how you use contour and how you sculpt without a headache, then start off with cream or powder products that fit your skin tone and work up from there. It will not take long to master defining and enhancing.
In simple terms, contouring is a makeup technique that involves enhancing the shape of your face by adding shade and light in the right places. The prime purpose is to accentuate your cheekbones, jawline, and nose. Available in powder form, creams, gels, and balms, contouring products are often mistaken for bronzers. However, we are here to help you tell them apart.
What Is Contouring?
Contouring the ultimate beauty hack for enhancing your natural features and defining your face shape. It involves using makeup to add depth and dimension by strategically applying shades that mimic natural shadows. Whether you want chiselled cheekbones, a slimmer nose, or a jawline that pops, this technique is a game-changer.
So, how to contour like a pro? It all starts with the right tools. A cream or powder contour in a shade one to two tones darker than your skin is essential. When thinking of how to apply contour, focus on areas where shadows naturally fall under the cheekbones, along the jawline, and the sides of the nose. But if you are new and wondering how to contour without going overboard, start small. Dab and blend using a brush or sponge for a seamless finish. Mastering how to use contour doesn't require a beauty degree – it's all about practice and blending.
One of the best contour uses is its versatility. Go subtle for daytime or bold for dramatic evening looks. If you've ever asked yourself, how you use contour to suit your face shape, remember: less is more. So, whether you’re prepping for a photo shoot or just want to elevate your everyday glam, contouring unlocks a whole new level of definition.
The Difference Between Contour and Bronzer
At first glance, bronzers and contour products might look like twins in the makeup aisle, but they serve distinct purposes in creating your perfect look. Contouring is all about adding dimension, structure, and definition to your face by mimicking natural shadows. It's the secret to sharper cheekbones, a more defined jawline, or a sculpted nose. On the other hand, bronzing is where the magic of warmth and sun-kissed radiance comes into play. The difference is in their purpose and placement. Contour products are usually matte, cool or neutral tones and are applied in specific areas: under the cheekbones, along the jawline, and sides of the nose to create depth. They are meant to add depth to your facial structure and not colour. Imagine contour as a sculptor's tool- it's about shaping, not glowing.
Bronzer, though, is your ticket to the look of having just come back from a tropical vacation. It is applied to the high points of your face where the sun naturally hits – think forehead, cheeks, and bridge of the nose. Bronzer typically has a warmer undertone and sometimes a hint of shimmer, giving your skin that healthy, radiant glow. While contouring helps define and refine, bronzing adds life and vibrancy. Both can work beautifully together—start with contour to sculpt and finish with bronzer to warm things up.
Which Is Better: Cream Or Powder Contour?
When it comes to sculpting your features, the choice between cream and powder contour depends on your skin type, skill level, and desired finish. To understand what works best, it's essential to revisit the basics: what is contouring? Contouring is the art of creating dimension on your face by mimicking natural shadows using makeup. But here's the twist: not all contours are created equal.
Cream contour is suitable for dry or normal skin types and provides a dewy, skin-like finish. Its blendable, buildable formula is perfect for beginners asking how to apply contour or how to do contour since it's forgiving and can be layered for subtle definition. Use a damp sponge or brush for seamless blending—this method answers how you use contour for a natural glow.
On the other hand, powder contour works best for oily or combination skin, offering a matte finish that stays in place longer. It’s great for precise application, especially if you’re experienced with how to contour. Pair it with a fluffy brush to avoid harsh lines, ensuring the perfect answer to how to use contour for a professional look. So, cream or powder? Choose based on your needs—and sculpt away.
How To Contour Like A Pro
- Pick The Correct Shade: As a rule of thumb, pick a shade darker than your foundation. For more drama, you could opt for two shades darker, but steer clear of an orange or bronze hue. Instead, pick ashy shades with a cooler undertone.
- Pick The Right Texture: With myriad textures available, settling for one could seem confusing; it would depend on the look you want to create. For instance, if you’re looking for a lit-from-within, dewy appearance, pick a cream-based formulation. Cream finishes are subtler when compared to powder and are great if you have dry skin.
- Contour The Right Regions: Using your contour, work along the edges of your forehead and under the cheeks and jawline to add dimension and accentuate your best features. Swipe on some highlighter along your cheekbones to add a dash of drama.
Pro Tip: Use sellotape to define your contour lines for razor-sharp, clean results.
Best Contouring Products To Add To Your Beauty Kit
Shop our edit of contour sticks and palettes that you need to add to your beauty bag stat!
Editor’s Pick
As a beauty editor, I can vouch for this Charlotte Tilbury offering. A lightweight, buildable, and super-blendable formulation, it gives you chiselled cheekbones and a sculpted jawline in just a few swipes! Besides, this product is vegan-friendly, gluten-free, paraben-free, sulfate-free, and cruelty-free.
Celebrity-Approved
Add drama and dimension to your face with Katrina Kaif’s Kay Beauty contour stick. Enriched with vitamin C, it’s available in three shades and suits all Indian skin tones. Its marula oil base gives it a creamy texture, making it easy to apply and blend.
Best Budget Buy
Meet a powder contour palette that features four highly pigmented shades to sculpt your face and accentuate your features. Plus, it’ll be easy on your pocket!
Luxe Purchase
Smashbox’s 3-in-1 contour kit houses a highlighter and bronzer, too! Swipe away to a perfectly sculpted face with this blendable powder formula that comes with an angled brush for seamless application.
Made in India
Just the travel-friendly duo you need – Nykaa’s Contour & Conquer palette includes a contour and a highlighter boasting a silky-smooth formulation. With the help of a brush, apply the contour along your jawline, on the sides of the nose, under your cheekbones, and along the edge of your forehead. Use the highlighter powder on the bridge of your nose, along your cupid’s bow, brow bones, cheekbones, and chin for final touches.
For Makeup Mavens
This professional contour and highlighter palette is for all you beauty connoisseurs out there. Featuring eight fabulous shades to enhance your best features, the palette is refillable and customisable, too.
Our Bestseller
Insight Cosmetics’ Duo stick is just what you need if you’re often on the go. The velvety texture ensures effortless blending and that no streaks are left behind. Apply the contour along the hollows of your cheeks and the jawline, and smudge the highlighter on the high points of your face.
Cross-Border Favourite
Nykaa brings you an international favourite – a matte contour stick available in shades to suit every skin tone. The Fenty Beauty Match Stic Matte Contour Skinstick is a lightweight, cream-to-powder formula that offers buildable, long-lasting coverage that's effortless to blend. Just a little product adds depth and dimension to your face, making sculpting your features a breeze.
Nykaa Recommends
Sculpt your face and elevate your features with the Kay Beauty Contour & Highlight Pro Palette, developed with a high-definition matte powder formula. This all-in-one kit contains three universally flattering shades to mix and match until you find your perfect tone, including warm, cool, and neutral. Its lightweight, luxurious texture guarantees you get seamless blending and super sharp HD contouring for a natural-looking definition or chiselled cheekbones.
Pocket-Friendly
This product will not only give your face a razor-sharp appeal but also slip right into your pocket. With a cream-to-powder formula, Nudestix’s matte contour stick will give your face a soft-focus sculpt – defining your inherent bone structure and playing.
Key Takeaways
Now that you’re armed with this complete guide on what is contouring and how to apply contour, it’s time to unleash your inner makeup artist. From mastering how to contour your unique face shape to discovering the versatility of contour uses for both natural and bold looks, you’ve got the tools to elevate your glam game. Remember, the trick to getting how to use contour just right is blending, experimenting, and choosing the right formulas for your skin type.
FAQs
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What is contouring?
Contouring is a makeup technique used to enhance your facial structure by creating shadows and dimensions with darker and lighter makeup shades.
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How to apply contour for beginners?
Start with a contour product 1-2 shades darker than your skin. Apply it under your cheekbones, along the jawline, and sides of the nose, then blend well with a sponge or brush.
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What are some common contour uses?
Contouring helps define cheekbones, slim the nose, sharpen the jawline, and enhance your overall face shape for a sculpted look.
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How do you use contour with other makeup?
Apply contour after foundation and concealer but before setting powder. Blend seamlessly to ensure a natural finish that complements the rest of your makeup.
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How to contour for different face shapes?
Focus on accentuating areas based on your face shape. For example, oval faces highlight cheekbones, while round faces contour along the jawline and temples for definition.
