How to Contour Your Face

While many people might think of contouring as a modern makeup application technique, it’s been around for quite a while. Face contouring, or shading, started back in the 1500s with actors on stage. The practice became more popular in the entertainment industry in the 1940s, with early movie stars using contouring to showcase their cheekbones. 

Contouring is a great way to sculpt your jawline and define your cheekbones. If you’re new to makeup application, you might not know how to contour your face. Contouring your face might seem intimidating, but it’s easier than it seems. 

This guide will discuss how to contour your face the right way. 

What’s Contouring?

Contouring is a makeup application technique that sculpts your face. You can also use contouring to gently correct the features of your face. Contouring can also enhance different parts of your face, making them appear larger. 

Highlighting, another popular makeup technique is the opposite of highlighting. Highlighting adds light to parts of your face, “highlighting” your features. 

Contouring darkens areas you want to recede or define. It adds definition and dimension to your face. 

One of the most popular places to contour is your cheek hollows. You can apply contour to sculpt your cheekbones, creating a shadow. As a result, your cheekbones look more defined and sharper.  

How to Contour Makeup

The first thing you’ll want to do is start your everyday makeup routine. You can apply your moisturizer, primer, and a liquid or powder foundation. 

You should apply your foundation with a fluffy brush or beauty blender. If you used a powder foundation, you might want to apply a setting or finishing powder. 

Next, start lightly dusting your powder contour under your hairline. Blend the powder from your temple with a contour brush. You’ll want to blend 1/3 of the way down your forehead. 

After you’ve blended the contour along your hairline, move to your cheek hollows. An excellent way to find them is to suck in your cheeks.

Move your contour brush where the indentation forms. You’ll want to move your brush toward the middle of your face and back out. 

Once you’ve blended your cheekbones, apply some contour powder underneath your jawbone. Start below your ear and end right at the point of your chin. 

You can also highlight your nose if you’d like. Apply some powder to each side of your nose. 

Finish up your look with highlighter and bronzer. Contouring is a great way to take your makeup looks for a hot summer to the next level. 

Learn How to Contour Your Face

As you can see, learning how to contour your face is straightforward. All you need is some contour makeup and a brush, and you’re ready to go. Elevate your daytime and nighttime looks with a few easy steps. 

Did you find this article helpful? Check out one of our other makeup articles for more tips and tricks. 

Kenneth

Kenneth is a proud native of sydney, born and raised there. However, he pursued his education abroad and studied in Australia. Kenneth has worked as a journalist for almost a decade, making valuable contributions to prominent publications such as Yahoo News and The Verge. Currently, he serves as a journalist for The Hear Up, where he focuses on covering climate and science news. You can reach Kenneth at [email protected].