Applying Makeup: Contouring Done Right

Applying makeup can quickly become a complicated art. There are so many different techniques and styles that it takes serious training to call yourself a makeup artist. That said, there are always hints and tricks makeup artists use that you can try at home. One of these tricks is known as contouring.

What Is Contouring?
Contouring is a method of shading and highlighting certain areas of the face to create different angles and focus points. Contouring can be used to bring out small cheekbones or give a square face some softer curves.

Contouring is only really meant to be used in dark settings, and completely inappropriate for direct sunlight, such as a day at the beach. You want to try contouring at darker settings, such as a romantic dinner or at a night club.

How to Contour
Applying makeup for contouring requires three powders: your normal color, a color slightly darker than normal and a color slightly lighter. You also want a special contouring powder brush. A contouring brush is the angled round brush that usually comes in a brush set.

Use a contouring brush to place a light dusting of darker powder in the area that needs contouring. Then use the brush to lightly dust the lighter powder in the area that needs highlighting. Use a regular face brush to lightly dust your normal powder over the contoured area to blend.

Contouring the Cheeks
The most common place your contouring makeup is around the cheeks. The contouring brings out your cheekbones, even if you think you don't have any. Start by sucking in your cheeks. Use the contouring brush and a darker powder to lightly fill in the hollow area right below your cheekbone. Use a contouring brush and the lighter powder to dust over the apple of your cheek. Then apply a light dusting of regular powder over the area to help blend the contouring technique in.

Contouring the Forehead
To slim the look of your forehead, use a contour brush and darker powder to lightly dust your temple area. Apply a light dusting of light powder in the middle of the forehead. Use a regular face brush and apply a light dusting of your normal powder over the area to blend. 

Contouring the Nose
Contouring the nose can make it seem slimmer and smaller. Start by using a contouring brush to lightly dust a dark powder along the sides of the nose. Apply a light dusting of light powder down the center of the nose. Blend the contouring technique by using a face brush and your regular powder to lightly dust the contoured area.