THE ART OF CONTOURING

contouring
Image: beautylish.com

Contouring is an art form that requires you to have a steady hand and a bit of patience when painting your canvas (face) with makeup using various foundations to define some of our best facial features – cheeks, nose and eyes.

In order to not look like a cake-y mess, you have to pay attention to the order in which the makeup products are applied as contouring is all about building and blending shades. Then you’ll be well on your way to achieving one of the biggest beauty trends as mostly seen on A-list celeb Kim Kardashian. 

The basic makeup needed to enhance bone structure is foundation, concealer and powder, but before applying any makeup ensure that your canvas is clean and moisturised, ideally with a SPF. 

Firstly foundation is key! So choose one in your normal shade that is designed for your skin type and tone. Then apply it on your face using either a foundation brush or your fingers by dotting the foundation over your face, and gently blend in with your finger tips to get even coverage. Never rub the foundation into your skin because the oil off your hand will ruin it. 

Secondly you will highlight your T-zone using a foundation shade that is drastically lighter than your natural skin tone. Mix your lighter concealer with your regular foundation then using a concealer brush or your fingers apply the lighter makeup mixture to the area right above your eyebrows and the spot between them, down the center of your nose; the middle of your upper lip; and the middle of your chin, your under-eye area, and right above your cheekbones; as well as painting a thin line right above your jawline. 

Then to achieve a seamless look use a brush, sponge, or your fingers to blend your makeup until there is no visible line of separation between the highlighter and your foundation. 

The third step is to contour using a foundation shade that is drastically darker than your natural skin tone or a bronzer. The darker makeup goes on the sides of your nose, right under your cheekbones, and around your hairline and blend in your contour just like you did your highlight. 

Next, apply finishing powder to your whole face to get rid of any excess shine and set your makeup. 

The fifth and final step is to apply blush by lightly brushing your cheeks in an upward motion. To make your face appear slimmer, suck your cheeks in and apply your blush to the hollow in your cheeks. Then finish off with your eye shadow; eye liner; mascara; and lipstick or gloss. 

And there you are ladies; with contouring you can have cheekbones, a sharp jawline and a slimmer nose – who needs a plastic surgeon? Just work with what’s already there. The twenty-first century version is all about enhancing cheekbones, slimming your face, and tricking the eye in a believable way.

Article by Eda Rose Click to view her profile

 

 

About the author

Founder and Trend Analyst at TrendER Insights. Mogorosi's passion lies in unearthing consumer insights that will help brands build more meaningful relationships with their consumers. Email: mogorosi@trender.co.za