How to Contour and Highlight With Makeup
I first heard about the contouring from my college roommate. Each morning I witnessed a magical transformation as she stood in front of the mirror tacked to our closet. Who knew what you could make yourself look five pounds lighter with some powder or cream shadow?
Contouring accentuates the natural bone structure of your face. Since the human face isn't flat, things that jut out like the nose and cheeks cast shadows. Contouring uses powders or creams that are a few shades darker than your skin to deepen these shadows and creates an angular effect.
The most common places to contour your cheeks, eyes, nose, and chin:
The Cheeks
There are three ways to contour your cheeks. If your complexion is lighter, you should focus on highlighting. If your complexion is darker, you should focus on contouring.
The first step is to apply a line of powder or cream that is two shades darker than your skin under your cheek bone. Some people find it easier to make the fish face by sucking in the cheeks and applying the darker color in the hollow. The line should be parallel to the slope of your chin. Blend it in and dust with a powder to set.
The second step is to apply blush to the apples of your cheeks. Blend upwards towards the hairline.
The third step is to add a highlighter, a lighter color, right above your cheekbones, and blend down. This makes it look like this is the highest part of your cheeks. Make sure you blend in the makeup well. You don't want to look like you have lines on your face.
The Nose
A lot of times, flash will fade out your skin and contouring will prevent your nose from looking like a flat banana. Apply dark shadow down the sides of your nose from the eyebrow down to the tip and blend in well. An alternative is to apply a light shadow on the top of your nose. Whatever you do, don't do both because it will look unnatural.
The Chin
Eliminate your double chin by brushing a darker powder along your jawline.
Next time: Eye makeup According to Eye Shape
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Posted by Anna K.
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