Let’s throw shade at the contouring movement. The contour makeup technique of shading and highlighting has garnered some criticism over the years, often being disapproved for heavily altering one’s facial features, setting the wrong beauty standards. But whether you like it or not, we know you’re at least curious about this makeup magic trick that gained prominence thanks to social media and Kim Kardashian.
Nonetheless, people need to know the right way to do contour makeup. It should also only be done on areas of your face that require mild sculpting. The point is to enhance your skin and face, making it seem like it is chiselled naturally, so you get to highlight your best features.
Here are some of our contour makeup tips and tricks, especially for beginners:
1. Contouring is only necessary when you have full-coverage foundation on
Contour makeup is only necessary in one situation: When wearing full-coverage foundation and concealer, which removes the natural contours of your face. It puts back the natural shadows and highlights that your face had to begin with, and sometimes taking the opportunity to change the shape of your face using those shadows. But first and foremost, your skin should be in such a good condition that a face full of makeup is like a treat or an ode to a special occasion. Moreover, use a good foundation that doesn’t damage your skin or clog your pores. We recommend the NZ made Lauren & Louise Bio-active Mineral Foundation as it not only provides full coverage but is also excellent for all skin types and clinically proven to improve skin elasticity and moisture retention plus reduce redness.
2. Buff on some bronzer on the areas you’re adding depth to
On top of your finished foundation, buff a light amount of bronzer on the areas you’re adding depth to. For most people, this would be under the cheekbones and the best way to find that would be to suck in your cheeks and trace the underside of the cheekbones. Remember, a little goes a long way so start small and build up from there. It’s easy to add more but hard to blend away a harsh line of product. We recommend the Wet n Wild Illuminating Bronzer, perfect for beginners of contour makeup, seeing as it blends effortlessly into the skin.
3. Highlight and blend away for a sharp face structure
Before you blend the bronzer, you can also adorn the high points of your face, where the sun naturally hits, with an iridescent highlighter. Apply to cheekbones, temples, tip of nose, or right above where you had just applied the bronzer. Blend it all with a beauty blender or makeup sponge. Start with the lighter hues and use gentle tapping motions as to not move the product around too much. After everything is done, we recommend sealing it all in with the Linden Leaves Gold Toning Mist, with real 12-karat gold flakes in this mist, for a dewy glow; livening up the complexion over your contour makeup.
If you or someone you know needs help getting started, MyTreat offers a special gift box called the Contour Makeup Kit, packed with the beauty essentials to achieve the perfect complexion, contoured cheekbones and supple skin. Click here to get the box today!