Contouring is one of those looks that many of us feel should be left to the MUAs and beauty influencers, but the truth is it’s actually pretty simple to achieve at home. A good contour should be subtle, and can even be worn as part of your everyday look. It’s all about the products that you use, and learning how to apply a natural looking contour. Once you’ve discovered a couple of key products that work for you, and mastered the method, contouring becomes easy and can be done in as little as then minutes.
Read on to discover our top 5 tips to create the ultimate contour…
1. It’s all about the base
First and foremost, an essential step to creating a flawless contour is prepping your skin. If you skip this step, your skin could easily look patchy and your makeup unflattering by the end of the day. In priming your skin, you’re creating a smooth base to apply your makeup to for smooth application and long lasting results.
Start by cleansing your skin to remove any makeup, dirt and oil, then moisturise to help your skin stay hydrated during the day. Next apply the Matte Setting Spray – this 3-in-1 product also works as a primer to create a smooth matte base. Now you’re ready to apply your concealer and foundation, before you contour.
2. Work with your features
It can be all too easy to just go along with what everyone else is doing when it comes to contouring. Generally, the point of it is to create a sculpted look that enhances your features, but that doesn’t mean that contouring in the same way works for absolutely everyone.
For some it might be necessary to make the forehead appear narrower, or wider, or the chin narrower or wider, and for others you may want to avoid contouring your nose completely if it’s already on the small side. Play around with contouring and workout what works for you to subtly enhance your features and create balance.
3. Highlighter is key
Highlighter is an essential step that will stop your skin looking flat. Skipping this step will result in an unnatural finish and will take away from that sculpted look that you want to achieve.
For a natural finish, choose a cream highlighter in a similar shade to your skin tone. Apply to compliment your contour, along the cheekbones and brow bones, down the centre of the nose, to the centre of the chin and along your cupid’s bow.
4. Choose a cream or powder contour
A powder contour is quicker to apply, and is a good option if you want to create a subtle contour look for your everyday makeup. Choose a compact powder that’s a couple of shades darker than your foundation and apply with a brush to the hollows of the cheeks, along the jawline and down the sides of the nose.
If you choose a cream contour, consider the fact that this must be blended and you will need to use a setting powder on top to seal the look so that it lasts all day.
5. Setting is essential
Once you have created your base with your contour, a great way to ensure it stays put and will look flawless from morning to night is by using a setting powder or spray. A setting powder may result in a slightly cakey look, so keep the look natural and go for a matte setting spray instead. Even if you have used a long lasting foundation and powders, it’s still a good idea to include this step for best results. Contouring can be made easy and you can create a flawless sculpted look with a natural finish. Experiment with your contouring and find out what works best for you, to create a look that you’re confident with and that enhances your natural beauty.