Ever since contouring landed on the beauty scene we have all become O.B.S.E.S.S.E.D. It’s been bye bye boring blush, hello highlighters! But, even if you’ve got a kit that could rival a Kardashian’s glam squad, it will be of no use unless you can master the basics. So, here it is – all the simple steps you need to make the most out of your crème contour tools.
Before you start shaping and sculpting, make sure you’re happy with your base coat. If you usually go for a tinted moisturiser – go for it. Like full coverage completed with concealed areas? This is where you should start.
Step 1 – Highlight with lighter cream contour
Take your light cream contour and apply with precision (using a contour brush helps!) to the forehead, along the nose, Cupid’s bow, chin and under the eyes. This needs to be a shade that’s lighter than your natural skin tone (to highlight) and darker (to define the contours)
Step 2 – Define with darker cream contour
Next take a flat contour brush and apply the darker cream contour to the hollows of the cheeks, temples, nose and jawline. Everyone has their favourite blending tools, so make sure to pick what works for you. If you’re a beginner then we recommend you start with a blending sponge
Step 3 – Blend
With your artistic contour lines in place, here comes the fun part – blending! Dampen a sponge by running it under the tap and giving it a squeeze. Then use the larger end of the sponge for the bigger blending areas and the tip for more precision areas (eg. nose and Cupid’s bow).
Top tip: You can also blend using oval brushes if you prefer having more control.
Step 4 – Set with loose powder
To keep your chiselled look in place for as long as possible (and shine-free!), set with translucent or banana powder.
Elena is a creative copywriter who’s been around the beauty block for more than a decade, writing for brands and glossy magazines. A self-proclaimed fragrance addict (her ‘open’ collection is at 14 bottles, but who’s counting?) with a try-anything-once approach to skincare, it’s no wonder she loves penning pieces on our newest releases and must-try hacks.
Home » How to Contour
How to Contour
Home » How to Contour
Ever since contouring landed on the beauty scene we have all become O.B.S.E.S.S.E.D. It’s been bye bye boring blush, hello highlighters! But, even if you’ve got a kit that could rival a Kardashian’s glam squad, it will be of no use unless you can master the basics. So, here it is – all the simple steps you need to make the most out of your crème contour tools.
What do you need to contour your face?
Contour Makeup Brush
Flat Contour Makeup Brush
Cream Contour Palette
Blending Sponge
Oval Makeup Brush
Contour and Highlight Steps
Before you start shaping and sculpting, make sure you’re happy with your base coat. If you usually go for a tinted moisturiser – go for it. Like full coverage completed with concealed areas? This is where you should start.
Step 1 – Highlight with lighter cream contour
Take your light cream contour and apply with precision (using a contour brush helps!) to the forehead, along the nose, Cupid’s bow, chin and under the eyes. This needs to be a shade that’s lighter than your natural skin tone (to highlight) and darker (to define the contours)
Step 2 – Define with darker cream contour
Next take a flat contour brush and apply the darker cream contour to the hollows of the cheeks, temples, nose and jawline. Everyone has their favourite blending tools, so make sure to pick what works for you. If you’re a beginner then we recommend you start with a blending sponge
Step 3 – Blend
With your artistic contour lines in place, here comes the fun part – blending! Dampen a sponge by running it under the tap and giving it a squeeze. Then use the larger end of the sponge for the bigger blending areas and the tip for more precision areas (eg. nose and Cupid’s bow). Top tip: You can also blend using oval brushes if you prefer having more control.
Step 4 – Set with loose powder
To keep your chiselled look in place for as long as possible (and shine-free!), set with translucent or banana powder.
Looking for more contouring tips?
How to use a Contour Stick
Contour Kits to Try Now
Contouring for Pale Skin
How to Use Highlighter
With Vegan Makeup
Contour darker skintones
About Elena Chow
Copywriter
Elena is a creative copywriter who’s been around the beauty block for more than a decade, writing for brands and glossy magazines. A self-proclaimed fragrance addict (her ‘open’ collection is at 14 bottles, but who’s counting?) with a try-anything-once approach to skincare, it’s no wonder she loves penning pieces on our newest releases and must-try hacks.
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