Contouring and highlighting have become essential steps in many people’s makeup routines. When done correctly, these techniques can help define and sculpt your face, giving you a more polished and put-together look. However, many people struggle with getting the right balance and technique when it comes to contouring and highlighting. In this post, we will break down the steps to properly contour and highlight your face for a sculpted look.
First, let’s talk about what contouring and highlighting actually are. Contouring is the process of using a darker shade of makeup to create shadows and definition on your face, while highlighting is the process of using a lighter shade of makeup to bring out certain features and add dimension. When done correctly, these two techniques can enhance your facial features and create a more sculpted look.
To start, you will need a contour product that is a few shades darker than your natural skin tone, as well as a highlighter that is a few shades lighter. You will also need a couple of makeup brushes for blending and application. It’s important to choose products that are suited for your skin type and tone to achieve the best results.
Before you begin, make sure you have a clean, moisturized face. It’s also a good idea to start with a fresh canvas by applying your foundation and concealer as usual. This will help create a smooth base for your contour and highlight.
To contour your face, start by identifying the areas you want to define and sculpt. The most common areas to contour are the hollows of your cheeks, the sides of your nose, your jawline, and your forehead. Using a contour brush, apply the darker shade of makeup to these areas using light, feathery strokes. Make sure to blend the product well to avoid any harsh lines. Remember, the key to contouring is to create subtle shadows that enhance your natural features.
When contouring your cheeks, start at the hollows and blend the product upwards towards your temples. For your nose, apply the contour along the sides to create the illusion of a slimmer nose. When contouring your jawline, apply the product along the jawbone and blend downwards towards your neck. Finally, for your forehead, apply the contour along the hairline and blend downwards towards your eyebrows.
After you have contoured your face, it’s time to highlight. Highlighting is all about bringing light to certain areas of your face to add dimension and create a more sculpted look. The most common areas to highlight are the tops of your cheekbones, the bridge of your nose, your brow bone, and the inner corners of your eyes.
Using a highlighter brush, apply the lighter shade of makeup to these areas using light, upward strokes. Blend the product well to avoid any harsh lines and create a seamless transition between the contour and highlight. The key to highlighting is to create a subtle glow that adds radiance to your face.
When highlighting your cheekbones, start at the tops and blend the product downwards towards your temples. For your nose, apply the highlight along the bridge to create the illusion of a taller nose. When highlighting your brow bone, apply the product just underneath your eyebrows to lift and accentuate your eyes. Finally, for the inner corners of your eyes, apply the highlight to brighten and open up your eyes.
Once you have completed the contouring and highlighting steps, it’s important to blend everything together to create a seamless finish. Using a clean makeup brush, blend any harsh lines and edges to create a more natural look. Make sure to take your time and blend well to avoid any patchiness or unevenness.
To set your makeup and ensure it lasts all day, finish with a setting spray or powder. This will help lock everything in place and prevent your contour and highlight from fading throughout the day. You can also add a touch of blush to add a pop of color to your cheeks and complete your sculpted look.
In conclusion, contouring and highlighting can be powerful tools in enhancing your natural features and creating a more sculpted look. By following these steps and techniques, you can achieve a flawless contour and highlight that will leave you looking polished and put-together. Remember to choose products that are suited for your skin type and tone, and take your time to blend everything seamlessly. With practice and patience, you can master the art of contouring and highlighting for a sculpted look that will turn heads wherever you go.
