Contouring and highlighting have become essential steps in the makeup routine of many beauty enthusiasts. These techniques allow you to enhance your facial features, define your bone structure, and create a more sculpted and polished look. However, mastering the art of contouring and highlighting can be quite intimidating for beginners. The good news is that with the right tips and tricks, anyone can learn how to contour and highlight like a pro.
Contouring is the process of creating shadows on your face to define and sculpt your features, while highlighting is the process of adding light to specific areas to enhance and bring out your best features. When done correctly, contouring and highlighting can completely transform your face, giving you a more polished and chiseled appearance. Here are some tips on how to contour and highlight like a pro:
1. Start with a clean, moisturized face
Before you begin your contouring and highlighting routine, it’s essential to start with a clean and moisturized face. This will create a smooth canvas for your makeup and help the products blend more seamlessly. Make sure to apply a lightweight moisturizer to hydrate your skin and allow for a smoother application of makeup.
2. Choose the right products
When it comes to contouring and highlighting, choosing the right products is crucial. For contouring, opt for a matte bronzer or contour powder that is a few shades darker than your natural skin tone. For highlighting, choose a concealer or highlighter that is a few shades lighter than your skin tone and has a shimmery finish to create a luminous effect.
3. Determine your face shape
Before you start contouring, it’s essential to determine your face shape. Different face shapes require different contouring and highlighting techniques to enhance your features effectively. Identify whether you have an oval, round, square, heart, or diamond-shaped face, and tailor your contouring and highlighting routine accordingly.
4. Contouring
To contour like a pro, start by sucking in your cheeks to locate the hollows of your cheeks. Using a small, angled brush, apply the contour powder in the hollows of your cheeks in a sweeping motion towards your temples. Blend the product seamlessly to create a natural shadow effect.
Next, contour the sides of your nose by applying the contour powder along the sides of your nose in a straight line from the bridge to the tip. Blend the product softly to create a slimming effect and define your nose. You can also contour your jawline, forehead, and the sides of your face to create a more sculpted and defined look.
5. Highlighting
After contouring, it’s time to highlight the high points of your face to accentuate your features. Apply the highlighter on the tops of your cheekbones, bridge of your nose, brow bone, cupid’s bow, and the inner corners of your eyes to add a luminous glow to your complexion. Make sure to blend the highlighter seamlessly for a natural and radiant finish.
6. Blend, Blend, Blend
One of the key steps to achieving a flawless contour and highlight is blending. Use a damp beauty sponge or a fluffy brush to blend the contour and highlight products seamlessly into your skin. Make sure there are no harsh lines or edges, as this can create an unnatural and patchy appearance. Blending is crucial to achieving a seamless and airbrushed finish.
7. Set your makeup
To ensure your contour and highlight last all day, set your makeup with a translucent powder. This will help lock in the products and prevent any creasing or fading throughout the day. Use a fluffy brush to apply a light dusting of powder over your face, focusing on the areas where you applied the contour and highlight products.
8. Practice makes perfect
Like any makeup technique, mastering the art of contouring and highlighting takes practice. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t get it right the first time. Experiment with different products, brushes, and techniques to find what works best for your face shape and skin tone. With practice and patience, you’ll soon be contouring and highlighting like a pro.
Contouring and highlighting are not just for makeup artists – anyone can learn how to master these techniques with the right tips and tricks. By following these steps and practicing regularly, you can achieve a sculpted and polished look that enhances your natural beauty. Whether you’re getting ready for a special event or just want to elevate your everyday makeup routine, contouring and highlighting can help you look and feel your best. So go ahead and give it a try – you’ll be amazed at the difference it can make in your overall appearance.
