Contouring has become a makeup game-changer, allowing us to enhance our natural features, add dimension, and create a more defined look. If you’re new to contouring or want to get the latest tips for 2024, this guide is here to help you create a flawless contoured look, step-by-step.
What Is Contouring?
Contouring is a makeup technique that uses different shades to add depth and dimension to your face. By applying darker shades to areas you want to recede and lighter shades to areas you want to highlight, you can bring out your cheekbones, slim down your nose, or give your jawline more definition.
In 2024, the trend is all about natural-looking contours. Instead of harsh, dramatic lines, the goal is to create subtle shadows and highlights that blend seamlessly with your skin.
1. Choosing the Right Contour Products
For beginners, choosing the right contour products can make all the difference. Here’s what to look for:
- Powder vs. Cream: Powder is great for a softer, natural look and is easier to control, while creams provide a more defined, blendable contour. Powder is ideal for oily skin, while cream works well for dry or combination skin.
- Cool-Toned Shades for Contouring: Look for a cool-toned product one to two shades darker than your natural skin tone for a more natural shadow effect.
- Highlight for a Glow: Choose a highlighter that’s slightly lighter than your skin tone. Avoid shades that are too bright, as they can look unnatural.
In 2024, makeup brands are releasing contour kits with simplified, easy-to-blend formulas, perfect for those who want a natural, seamless finish.
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2. Gather Your Contouring Tools
Using the right tools helps you control where you apply contour and ensures a smooth, blended look.
- Angled Brush: Great for applying contour along the cheekbones, jawline, and forehead.
- Blending Sponge: Perfect for blending out cream contour or adding a softer touch to powder.
- Small Precision Brush: This works well for areas needing precision, like the nose or around the eyes.
If you’re just starting, you don’t need a lot of tools. An angled brush and blending sponge are versatile and beginner-friendly.
3. Prep Your Skin
A smooth base makes contouring much easier and helps makeup look more natural.
- Cleanse and Moisturize: Start with a clean, moisturized face to ensure makeup goes on smoothly and stays in place.
- Apply Foundation or BB Cream: Even out your skin tone with a light layer of foundation or BB cream. This base helps contour and highlight products blend seamlessly.
- Set with Powder (Optional): If you have oily skin, a light dusting of translucent powder can help prevent makeup from shifting.
Creating a fresh, even base is like preparing a canvas – it makes the contouring process look cleaner and more natural.
4. Mapping Out Your Face for Contouring
Contouring involves placing darker and lighter shades on certain areas of the face to enhance or downplay features. Here’s a basic guide:
- Cheekbones: Apply contour just below your cheekbones. Start from your ear and blend toward the corner of your mouth, stopping halfway.
- Jawline: To define your jawline, apply contour along the jaw and blend downwards.
- Forehead: Contouring around the edges of your forehead, near the hairline, creates a more balanced look, especially for larger foreheads.
- Nose: Apply a small amount along the sides of your nose if you want a slimming effect.
- Highlighting: Use highlighter on the tops of your cheekbones, bridge of the nose, center of the forehead, and chin. This adds dimension and draws light to these areas.
Understanding where to apply contour and highlight is key to achieving a natural, lifted look.
5. Blending Is the Secret
The key to a great contour is blending. Harsh lines or unblended contour can look unnatural, so take your time.
- Use a Blending Sponge: Dab (don’t rub) the sponge over your contour to blend it into the skin.
- Soft Circular Motions: For powder contour, use a soft brush and blend in circular motions until there are no harsh lines.
- Avoid Over-Blending: While you want a smooth finish, avoid blending so much that the contour disappears completely.
In 2024, the focus is on a soft, diffused contour that looks natural and effortless. Blending is the key to achieving this effect.
6. Set with a Finishing Powder (Optional)
If you want your contour to last all day, set it with a translucent finishing powder. This helps keep your makeup in place and gives a matte finish.
- Use a Light Hand: Too much powder can look cakey, so apply a small amount.
- Focus on T-Zone and Contour Areas: A quick sweep over your T-zone (forehead, nose, chin) and contoured areas will help keep shine at bay.
Setting with powder is optional but useful if you want extra staying power or have oily skin.
7. Practice Makes Perfect
Contouring can seem intimidating at first, but it’s all about practice. Start with a minimal amount of product, and don’t be afraid to experiment. You’ll find your technique and preferences as you get more comfortable.
8. Contouring for Different Face Shapes
Different face shapes may need slight adjustments in contouring for the most flattering effect:
- Round Faces: Focus on cheekbones and jawline to add definition.
- Oval Faces: Apply contour along the cheekbones and forehead to balance the face.
- Square Faces: Softening the jawline and temples helps add more dimension.
- Heart-Shaped Faces: Contouring along the forehead and chin adds balance.
Once you know your face shape, you can tweak your contouring technique to highlight your best features.
9. Try Contour Kits for Beginners
If you’re a beginner, contour kits can be incredibly helpful. Many brands offer kits that include both contour and highlight shades, along with easy-to-follow instructions. Look for kits with shades that match your skin tone and offer buildable coverage.
10. Minimalist Contour for Everyday Wear
In 2024, the minimalist approach to contouring is in! For a quick, everyday look, you don’t need to contour every part of your face. Simply add a touch under your cheekbones and along your jawline for a subtle enhancement.
Quick Beginner’s Routine: How to Contour in 5 Steps
- Apply Foundation: Start with a smooth, even base.
- Contour Cheekbones: Use a cool-toned shade under your cheekbones.
- Define Jawline and Forehead: Add contour along your jawline and forehead if needed.
- Highlight High Points: Use highlighter on the tops of cheekbones, bridge of nose, and brow bone.
- Blend Well: Blending is crucial for a natural finish!
This simple routine adds dimension to your face without taking too much time or looking overdone.
Conclusion
Contouring doesn’t have to be complicated or intimidating. By starting with the basics, choosing the right products, and following this guide, you can achieve a beautifully contoured look in no time. With a little practice, you’ll find that contouring becomes a fun and easy way to enhance your natural features. So grab your brushes, find the right shades, and enjoy creating a look that makes you feel confident and fabulous!
FAQs
1. Can I contour without foundation?
Yes, you can! For a more natural look, use a tinted moisturizer or simply apply contour on bare skin. Just make sure to blend well.
2. How do I know if I should use cream or powder contour?
Cream contour is great for dry or combination skin, while powder works well for oily skin. Choose whichever feels most comfortable and blends easily for you.
3. Is contouring suitable for all skin tones?
Absolutely! Contouring products come in a variety of shades to match all skin tones. Just choose shades that are one or two shades darker for contour and lighter for highlighting.
4. How can I avoid looking muddy with contour?
To avoid a muddy look, choose a cool-toned contour shade and apply it in thin layers, building up as needed. Blending well is key!
5. Do I need to contour every day?
Not at all. Contouring can be saved for special occasions, or you can do a light contour for a quick, everyday look. It’s all about what makes you feel confident.