A Beginner’s Guide to Contouring and Highlighting
Contouring and highlighting have become buzzwords in the realm of makeup. Whether you’re an avid makeup enthusiast or just starting out, you’ve probably heard of these techniques. Celebrities and makeup artists swear by contouring and highlighting to create dimension and enhance facial features. If you’re eager to learn how to master these techniques, then look no further! This beginner’s guide will walk you through the basics of contouring and highlighting, so you can achieve a flawless look.
Understanding Contouring and Highlighting
Contouring and highlighting are two contrasting techniques that work together to sculpt and define the face. Contouring involves using a shade darker than your natural skin tone to create shadows, which helps to reshape and slim certain areas of the face. On the other hand, highlighting involves using a shade lighter than your skin tone to bring forward and add brightness to specific features, providing a youthful and radiant effect.
Tools of the Trade
Before we dive into the actual process, let’s talk about the essential tools you’ll need. The most common tools for contouring and highlighting are a contour brush, a fluffy blending brush, and a beauty sponge. These tools will help you seamlessly blend the products, creating a natural and well-blended finish.
Choosing the Right Products
When it comes to contouring, it’s important to choose a product with a matte finish to create the illusion of shadows. Opt for a powder or cream formula that’s two shades darker than your natural skin tone. For highlighting, opt for a product with a subtle shimmer or a dewy finish to add luminosity to your features. A shade or two lighter than your skin tone would work perfectly.
The Contouring Process
Start by prepping your face with a moisturizer and primer to create a smooth canvas. Take your contour product and apply it to the areas you want to sculpt, such as the hollows of your cheeks, temples, and jawline. Use a light hand and gradually build up the product, as it’s easier to add more than remove excess. Blend the product using a contour brush in upward strokes, ensuring there are no harsh lines. Remember, the key to successful contouring is seamless blending!
The Highlighting Process
Once you’ve contoured your face, it’s time to add some luminosity. Take your highlighting product and apply it to the high points of your face that naturally catch light. These areas include the tops of your cheekbones, the bridge of your nose, the cupid’s bow, and the center of your forehead. Gently blend the product using a beauty sponge or a fluffy blending brush. Make sure to blend well to avoid looking overly highlighted, aiming for a natural, lit-from-within glow.
Tips and Tricks
Now that you have the basics down, here are some tips and tricks to take your contouring and highlighting game to the next level:
1. Less is more: Start with a small amount of product and gradually build it up for a natural-looking finish.
2. Practice makes perfect: Don’t be discouraged if your first attempts at contouring and highlighting don’t turn out the way you expected. Like any skill, it takes practice to master.
3. Choose the right shade: When selecting contour and highlighting shades, consider your undertone. Warm undertones tend to suit warmer shades, while cool undertones pair well with cooler shades.
4. Don’t forget to set: After contouring and highlighting, set your makeup with a translucent powder to ensure longevity and prevent any smudging.
Contouring and highlighting can seem overwhelming at first, but with practice and the right techniques, you’ll be able to achieve a flawless, sculpted look. Remember, makeup is all about enhancing your natural beauty, so play around and find what works best for you. By following this beginner’s guide, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a pro at contouring and highlighting!
