Contouring

Contouring by Face Shape

Contouring is a makeup technique used to define and enhance the structure of the face by creating shadows and highlights. It’s all about using different shades of makeup to sculpt the face, making features like the cheekbones, nose, and jawline appear more defined. The technique is designed to give the illusion of a more chiseled face, which can be especially useful for those wanting to add more definition to their natural features or create a more dramatic makeup look.

Contouring involves two main steps:

1. Shading: This is usually done with a matte bronzer or a contour powder that is a few shades darker than your skin tone. The dark shade creates shadows and can slim the face, define cheekbones, or shape the jawline.
2. Highlighting: The lighter shade, typically a concealer or a highlighter, is used to bring forward certain parts of the face, like the high points of the cheeks, forehead, or under the eyes, creating contrast and enhancing facial features.

Contouring can be done using cream, powder, or stick products, depending on your preference and the level of intensity you desire.

How to Choose Contour Shade

Choosing the right contour shade can make or break your makeup look. Here are the key steps to follow when selecting a contour shade:

1. Determine Your Skin Tone:
• For fair skin tones, opt for a contour that is 1-2 shades darker than your natural complexion. Avoid shades that are too dark, as they can appear muddy or harsh.
• For medium skin tones, a contour shade that is 2-3 shades darker works well. A neutral or slightly warm contour is ideal for this skin tone.
• For deeper skin tones, choose a contour that is 3-4 shades darker than your natural skin tone. Rich, warm tones often work better for deeper complexions.
2. Consider Undertones:
• If your skin has cool undertones, choose a contour with a cooler or neutral tone (think taupe or gray).
• If your skin has warm undertones, go for a warmer contour shade (think bronze or deep caramel).
3. Choose Your Formula:
• If you have dry skin, cream or liquid contour products might work best as they provide a dewy finish and blend easily.
• For oily skin, powder contours work better to avoid adding extra shine to the face.

The key is to blend well so that the contour doesn't appear stark or artificial, creating a seamless, sculpted effect.

Types of Contour by Face Shape

Each face shape has specific contouring techniques to enhance natural features. Here’s how to contour for different face shapes:

1. Oval Face Shape:
   • The oval face is naturally balanced, so contouring isn’t necessarily needed, but to enhance the features, you can apply contour along the jawline, below the cheekbones, and around the forehead to add definition.
2. Round Face Shape:
   • The goal is to slim down the roundness. Apply contour along the sides of the face (temples), underneath the cheekbones, and along the jawline. Highlight the center of the face to draw attention to the middle and elongate the face.
3. Square Face Shape:
   • A square face has strong angles, so contouring should soften these lines. Apply contour around the edges of the forehead, underneath the cheekbones, and along the jawline. Highlight the center of the face to bring balance and smoothness.
4. Heart-Shaped Face:
   • With a narrower chin and wider forehead, the goal is to balance proportions. Contour the sides of the forehead, around the temples, and under the jawline. Highlight the center of the chin and the tops of the cheekbones.
5. Long Face Shape:
   • To shorten a long face, contour along the jawline and at the temples. Applying contour along the forehead and under the cheekbones also helps create the illusion of a wider, more balanced face.