As a term in the art of make-up, contouring was popularized by Kim Kardashian. Not only she, but also many celebrities and stars swear by this make-up technique. The aim is to visually perfect the face shape and proportions and present them advantageously. Darker and lighter tones create higher cheekbones, a narrower nose or fuller lips. However, it works great if you apply the respective products skillfully and achieve the perfect look, without any mask effect. Our make-up tips reveal how to contour your face correctly.
How does contouring work?
AtContouring basically uses light and dark accents. This will makecertain parts of the facehighlighted, more emphasized and others concealed. For this it benefits from the play of light and shadow. To achieve this effect, two products of your choice are required. Whether contour powder or camouflage, choose the right product depending on your skin type. You need at least one light and one dark shade that suits your complexion. However, they should be lighter and darker than your own skin tone. For dry skin it is recommended to use a liquid consistency and for oily skin - powder. Ideally, the light shade contains reflective particles that strengthen the desired effect.
Working with powder is quicker and easier and this method is better for beginners. Even professionals and make-up artists work with camouflage. In order to master the technique, some practice is required, but everything can be achieved with a few tries. So that your face doesn't end up looking misshapen, you have to pay attention to your personal, natural face shape. Otherwise the counter effect will be achieved and an unnatural, often exaggerated silhouette will result.
DieBase and the applicators
Regardless of whether you are going to use a powder or a camouflage, you need to apply a flawless base. Depending on your skin type, use a cream or liquid foundation in your skin tone. You can have small blemishes on your face and especially around the eyeshide with a concealer. To apply any product and blend it perfectly on the skin, you also need the right accessories. The most popular tools that professionals and vloggers use include the beauty blender and makeup brushes. In addition, there is an option to work with your fingers. All methods have their advantages and disadvantages. Here we will briefly summarize what is better for what and the typical mistakes you make when applying make-up with the respective tool.
- Beauty Blender: It is an egg-shaped sponge and therefore fits perfectly in the hand and for blending. Since the sponge simply absorbs the makeup, it must be moistened before use. The product is worked into the skin by dabbing rather than simply wiped over. Initially the application may be more time consuming. It is particularly suitable for blending and applying liquid foundation.
- Makeup Brushes: There are a variety of makeup brushes. Each shape is suitable for a specific application. The rule for correct brushwork applies to everyone: always in one direction and from the center of the face outwards. Take a small amount of the product and spread it very thinly.
- Applying by hand: Applying the product by hand doesn't actually waste any of it. However, if you rub a lot, you can rub the pigments together and therefore not achieve an opaque effect. It is recommended to apply the product in small portions directly to the skin and work it in externally.
Be it brushes, sponges and applicators, all the accessories you use for make-up need to be cleaned regularly. Otherwise bacteria and viruses will sprout, which can lead to skin inflammation and acne. Special cleaning agents in spray cans can be used for cleaning, which you simply spray onto the brushes and then wipe with a dry cloth. Another option is to wash the applicators with a mild soap and warm water until there are no residue left. The wet brushes with wooden handles should not be set up to dry, but rather left standing horizontally. It is recommended to clean the beauty utensils after each use. If you do not have sensitive skin, you can do the procedure every week.
Contouring made easy: Useful tips
- Base: Apply foundation and possibly concealer.
- Model cheekbones: Work out the cheekbones with a dark shade of powder or camouflage. This emphasizes the cheekbones and makes the face appear more defined.
- Optimize face shape: Depending on the shape of the face, the problem areas are concealed. This is how you apply make-up with the dark powder or camouflage along the side of the nostrils, along the hairline, along the chin and on both sides of the forehead. Always pay attention to your facial proportions and visually reduce the unflattering areas.
- Emphasize your advantages: Now you can specifically highlight your advantages with the light shade. The bridge of the nose, the middle of the forehead and chin, below the brow bone and above the cheek are often lightened.
- Blending: Blend the light and dark shades of makeup into each other using circular movements. Finally, no more transitions should be visible.
- Setting: The last step is to set the makeup, especially if you want it to last for a long time. For this you use a special fixing powder.
Tipsdepending on the shape of your face
When contouring, it is very important that you know your face shape. Therefore, you should determine the shape of your face before applying make-up. You can determine this by combing your hair back and standing in front of a mirror. Now trace the contours of your face on the mirror with a pen. What kind of geometric shape resulted?
Oval face:The face is one and a half times as long as it is wide. This proportion is considered optimal and an ideal of beauty. You can proceed as described above: contour below the cheekbones, the crease of the eyelids and the sides of the nose, highlight under the eyebrows and on the cheekbones.
Elongated/narrow face:The forehead is high and the chin is very long. Here you have to highlight more than contour and only use a little shadow.
Square face:The forehead and jaw are really wide and the face looks a bit angular. You have to work more with the shadows and correctly contour the jaw, temples and cheekbones. Highlights are used above the cheekbones and below the eyebrows.
Heart-shaped face:The face becomes increasingly narrow towards the chin and looks triangular or heart-shaped. The chin, temples and hairline are contoured and the area below the eyebrows and above the cheekbones is lightened slightly.
Round face:The face is as wide as it is long and the cheekbones are barely visible. Here, just like with the square face, we mainly work with contours. You need to work with shadows below the cheekbones, on the temples and on the jaw. Apply highlighter under the eyebrows and on the cheekbones.
