MAKEUP CONTOURING TIPS: HOW TO ACHIEVE THE PERFECT CONTOUR
Natural and Organic Beauty Magazine

Makeup Contouring Tips: How To Achieve The Perfect Contour

Makeup contouring has taken the beauty industry by storm. And the rave on this makeup technique continues to intensify especially with more celebrities and beauty gurus sharing their Instagram-perfect looks.

Now if you are one of the people who is often left wondering how the makeup artists mastered the art of contouring, this article answers your questions as we highlight the basic techniques that you must know to achieve the perfect contour.

Makeup Contouring Tips: How To Achieve The Perfect Contour

MAKEUP CONTOURING TIPS FOR YOUR FACE SHAPE

Makeup contouring is not just about blending and highlights, you have to consider the shape of your face to know the areas that you need to enhance and work on.

Makeup Contouring Tips: How To Achieve The Perfect Contour

  • Round: For this shape, contouring should be done on the temples, sides of the jawline and cheekbones to create added definition and enhance the dimension in your face to make it look more oval.

Makeup Contouring Tips: How To Achieve The Perfect Contour

  • Square: Soften the sharp angles of your face by adding contour on the sides of your forehead and underneath your cheekbones, with the direction pointing towards the chin.

Makeup Contouring Tips: How To Achieve The Perfect Contour

  • Oblong: Focus should be given on the forehead and chin as this will add more dimension to your face. Contour at the forehead, then on the sides of the jaw, before blending towards the chin area.

Makeup Contouring Tips: How To Achieve The Perfect Contour

  • Heart: Contour should be done along the sides of your forehead and temples as this will create a balance between the upper and lower parts of your face. Attention should also be given on the small point below your chin to make the area look soft.

Makeup Contouring Tips: How To Achieve The Perfect Contour

  • Triangular: When contouring a triangular-shaped face, the goal is to create a proportion between the narrow and broad points and make it appear more oval. Contour should be on the jaw line while adding highlights to the temples and under the eyes.

Makeup Contouring Tips: How To Achieve The Perfect Contour

  • Oval: People with the oval-shaped face should contour right below the cheekbones for added emphasis. The goal is to make certain areas of your face more prominent.

Makeup Contouring Tips: How To Achieve The Perfect Contour

MAKEUP CONTOURING: 8 STEPS TO ACHIEVE THE PERFECT CONTOUR

Finally, now that you have learned the fundamentals of makeup contouring as well as the makeup brushes and tools that you must use, it’s time to know the steps that will help you achieve the perfect contour.

STEP 1: PREPARE YOUR MAKEUP CONTOURING TOOLS

Contouring can be accomplished with perfection with the right blending technique and tools. Below you will find a rundown of the makeup contouring brushes that can help you achieve a chiselled look in no time.

Makeup Contouring Tips: How To Achieve The Perfect Contour

Here are the things that you will need:

#1: FOUNDATION BRUSH OR BEAUTY BLENDER

As mentioned above, you will need an even-toned face to use as your canvas and to achieve that, you will need a blending tool that will allow you to work with the foundation and concealer for perfect application.

Makeup Contouring Tips: How To Achieve The Perfect Contour
Alyaka Recommends:

Chado Foundation Brush

Rouge Bunny Rouge Blender Brush

# 2: BLUSH BRUSH

Put the right amount of colour to your cheeks with this makeup brush. Available in flat and angular shapes so you can choose according to your personal preferences.

Makeup Contouring Tips: How To Achieve The Perfect Contour

Alyaka Recommends:
Kjaer Weis Blush Brush

# 3: CONTOURING BRUSH

An angled powder contour brush is especially useful for contouring with powder-based bronzer or highlighter. It works perfectly to apply light and dark hues. Another type of brush that you can use are the dual-purpose contouring brushes with both ends serving a specific purpose. Multi-tasker and helps you save on the cost of two contour brushes.

Makeup Contouring Tips: How To Achieve The Perfect Contour
Alyaka Recommends:

Rouge Bunny Rouge Face Contour Brush

# 4: POWDER BRUSH

Finish your makeup with a setting powder and there is no better way to do that than with a powder brush. Choose the large one that is designed to be used with a compact powder to allow flawless and natural application.

Makeup Contouring Tips: How To Achieve The Perfect Contour

Alyaka Recommends:

Chado Powder Brush

RMS Beauty Kabuki Polisher

# 5: LIP BRUSH

If you think that you’re already done with contouring by taking care of your cheeks, nose and forehead, makeup contouring isn’t complete yet if you will not shape and define your lips. A lip brush that will help you draw the perfect cupid’s bow will be worth it!

Makeup Contouring Tips: How To Achieve The Perfect Contour

Alyaka Recommends:

Rouge Bunny Rouge Lip Brush

Kjaer Weis Lip Brush

#6. HIGHLIGHTER BRUSH

As contouring and highlighting go hand in hand, you will need a highlighter brush for your face. Choose one with a flat and rounded tip as it allows a more compact and immediate application.

Makeup Contouring Tips: How To Achieve The Perfect Contour
Alyaka Recommends:

Rouge Bunny Rouge Highlighter Brush

STEP 2: USE A PRIMER TO PREP YOUR SKIN

Using a primer is the secret to flawless and long-lasting contour as it will provide the smoothest area for you to start a clean and perfect makeup. As a rule, choose a matte primer as it works fine in achieving highlights and shadow effects.

Makeup Contouring Tips: How To Achieve The Perfect Contour

Alyaka Recommends:

Zelen’s Mattifying & Pore Refining Velvet Primer

STEP 3: HIDE IMPERFECTIONS WITH A CONCEALER

To achieve a smooth and flawless look, you will need to get rid of your blemishes and skin breakouts. Good thing that though it seems like a problem, a concealer can come to your rescue.

TIP: A lightweight concealer easily blends into your skin. On the other hand, liquid concealers look more natural than your other options.

Makeup Contouring Tips: How To Achieve The Perfect Contour

Alyaka Recommends:

Zelen’s Active Concealer

Vapour Organic Beauty Illusionist Concealer

STEP 4: APPLY FOUNDATION FOR A SMOOTH AND EVEN BASE

To achieve satiny coverage and smooth finish, you will need a foundation. And for a flawless contour, you will find a suitable solution in liquid-based formulas. Get it done right without looking cakey by applying a light layer and slowly building on it, as necessary.

Makeup Contouring Tips: How To Achieve The Perfect Contour

Alyaka Recommends:

Rouge Bunny Rouge Liquid Foundation

STEP 5: CHOOSE A CONTOURING AND HIGHLIGHTING POWDER

Find a highlighter that is one or two shades brighter than your complexion. Use it to naturally catch the light and add emphasis to the area under your eyes, your nose bridge, forehead, and chin. For your contouring powder, it is important to choose a shade that is twice darker than your natural complexion.

Makeup Contouring Tips: How To Achieve The Perfect Contour

TIP: A matte bronzer works great for contouring, while you can use powder, liquid or cream-based products for your highlighting needs.

Makeup Contouring Tips: How To Achieve The Perfect Contour

Alyaka Recommends:

RMS Beauty Living Luminizer

Vapour Organic Beauty Trick Stick Highlighter

STEP 6: START CONTOURING

Gently apply the contouring makeup in a back and forth motion using a brush, while focusing on specific areas of the face that you want to define, including your forehead, hairline, cheekbones, jawline, and neck.

Makeup Contouring Tips: How To Achieve The Perfect Contour

STEP 7: BLEND AND SET!

Using a blending brush or a beauty sponge apply quick dabs until the lines are no longer noticeable. Blending is crucial in achieving a flawless and natural look. For long-lasting results, finish with a light setting powder.

STEP 8: THE FINAL TOUCHES

Add a touch of blush on your cheeks. Apply lipstick and you’re all set to show off your perfect contour!

Did you find this article useful? Are there other beauty topics that you want us to discuss? Let us know by leaving a comment below.

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Profile Image Marine Krivenko

Marine Krivenko

Senior Beauty Expert and Copywriter
I'm Marine Krivenko, armed with an MBA and a deep passion for every aspect of the beauty industry. From the initial spark of a brand concept to the strategic intricacies of market positioning, my journey has been one of continuous exploration and achievement. I specialize in turning visionary ideas into reality, guiding brands to not only succeed but resonate deeply with their audience. My approach combines strategic thinking with a keen insight into the evolving beauty landscape, ensuring that every step we take is both innovative and impactful. In this ever-changing industry, I am committed to leading with excellence and inspiring others to discover the beauty in strategic innovation.

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