Contouring and highlighting have been all the rage in the beauty world for quite some time now. From celebrities to makeup artists, everyone seems to be obsessed with sculpting their faces to perfection. But for beginners, the world of contouring and highlighting can seem overwhelming and confusing. That’s why I’ve put together this beginner’s guide to help you navigate through the world of contouring and highlighting.
Contouring and highlighting are two makeup techniques that work hand in hand to enhance your facial features and create a more sculpted appearance. Contouring involves using a darker shade to create shadows and define the natural lines of your face, while highlighting involves using a lighter shade to bring out the high points of your face and add dimension.
Before you start contouring and highlighting, it’s important to have the right products and tools on hand. You will need a contour shade that is a few shades darker than your natural skin tone and a highlighting shade that is a few shades lighter. You will also need a contour brush, a highlighting brush, and a blending sponge or brush.
When choosing a contour shade, opt for a matte formula that is not too warm or too cool-toned. The goal is to create natural-looking shadows, so a shade that mimics the natural shadows of your face is ideal. For highlighting, choose a shade that has a subtle shimmer or sheen to it, as this will help to catch the light and add a soft glow to your skin.
Now that you have all your products and tools ready, it’s time to start contouring and highlighting. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
Step 1: Start with a clean, moisturized face. Make sure to apply a primer to create a smooth base for your makeup.
Step 2: Apply your foundation as you normally would, making sure to blend it well into your skin.
Step 3: Use your contour shade to create shadows on your face. Start by applying the contour shade to the hollows of your cheeks, along your jawline, and on the sides of your nose. Use a light hand and build up the color gradually to avoid any harsh lines.
Step 4: Use your highlighting shade to add dimension to your face. Apply the highlighting shade to the high points of your face, such as the tops of your cheekbones, the bridge of your nose, and your brow bone. Blend well to create a seamless finish.
Step 5: Blend, blend, blend! This is perhaps the most important step in the contouring and highlighting process. Use a blending sponge or brush to blend out any harsh lines and create a natural-looking finish.
Step 6: Set your makeup with a translucent powder to ensure it lasts all day.
Voila! You’ve successfully contoured and highlighted your face. With practice, you’ll become a pro at sculpting your features to perfection.
Remember, contouring and highlighting are all about enhancing your natural beauty and having fun with makeup. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different techniques and products to find what works best for you. And most importantly, have confidence in yourself and rock your contoured and highlighted look with pride.
So there you have it, a beginner’s guide to contouring and highlighting. I hope this guide has helped you feel more confident in trying out these makeup techniques. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun with your makeup. Happy contouring and highlighting!
