Contouring? Yes, but it must bring out the best on your face

READY TO BECOME CONTOURING QUEEN?

When it comes to makeup, everyone has their favorites, without which they can't imagine the final result. Someone likes a lot of blush, someone wicked eyeliner, someone wants to shape their face, and someone likes to put on just enough makeup, to look fresh and clean. 

Although makeup allows you to go in different directions and be creative, there are some things that you should still do by the book. One of these examples is contouring. You've probably done it too many times, but do you know what the actual point of contouring is? 

Essentially, the goal of contouring is to highlight the shape of the face, give it structure and complete the entire look. But what happens when you contour your face without knowing how to do it? 

Everything is uneven. You have several shades of color on your face, and everything looks messy. Also, an unsuccessful face contour can completely change the rest of the makeup, and you will end up with the result you did not wish for. 

What do you achieve by contouring your face? 

Contouring is a technique of shaping and adding dimension to your face by using slightly darker or lighter makeup than your skin tone. The colors you use to contour your face must be different from the base you apply to your face because contouring tries to create the effect of shadow and light. 

With the contour, you can achieve an effect in which the cheekbones look more drawn in and sculpted. Likewise, if, for example, you have a square jaw that you don't like, you can soften it by using a cream contour. Many makeup artists agreed that contouring is multipurpose. Contouring softens, brightens and emphasizes certain parts of the face. 

In fact, it's all about the fact that contouring is an easy way to transform your face without too much effort, and in the end, you'll still look the way you imagined. However, remember that when choosing products, do not choose those that are too different from your natural color; it is enough to select products that are just a shade darker or lighter.

In contouring, it is essential to know what your face shape is so that you can adapt the contouring to your needs. There are six face shapes: oval, square, round, rectangular, heart-shaped and diamond-shaped. 

If you're wondering how to properly contour your face according to your face shape, don't worry, we're here for you. 

Oval face shape 

An oblong or oval face shape is one in which your forehead is almost twice as long as it is wide. It has no defined points on the chin, jaw or hairline.

How do you contour an oval face? 

You will apply darker colors along the hairline to create the illusion of a smaller head and "lower" it. Also, you will apply the contour under the cheekbones starting from the ears and ending in the middle of the cheeks. When it comes to highlighter and using light tones, apply the product under the eyes in the shape of an upside-down triangle. 

Square face shape 

If your face is square, there's a good chance that your jawline and cheekbones are defined by themselves. Why? A square face shape means that the face is about the same length and width, and the hairline and jawline are about the same. 

Contour a square face by applying darker colors around the side of the forehead and temple to reduce the area and along the hairline to create the illusion of a smaller forehead. Also, apply the contour under the cheekbones starting from the ears to the middle of the cheeks. Add the product under the jaw to reduce the area. 

When you start with the highlighter, apply the product under the eyes in the shape of an upside-down triangle and in the middle of the forehead and chin. 

Round face shape 

A round face shape means that the face is about the same length and width but does not have defined parts such as the jaw, chin or forehead. When contouring a round face, darker tones should be applied around the sides of the forehead and temples to reduce that area. 

Continue under the cheekbones from the ear to the middle of the cheek, then down the jawline to give the effect of an elongated face. You will apply the highlighter similarly to those with a square-shaped face, under the eyes in the shape of an upside-down triangle and in the middle of the forehead and chin to expand these areas. 

Rectangular face shape 

Maybe you didn't know, but contouring a rectangular and square face is ultimately the same. Do you remember what this face shape means? So, if you're lucky enough to have a face like this, you probably have the defined jawline and cheekbones that some of us dream about. Your face is about the same length and width, and your hairline and jawline are about the same size. 

Contour a rectangular face by applying darker colors around the side of the forehead and temple to reduce the area and along the hairline to get a smaller forehead. Also, use the contour under the cheekbones starting from the ears to the middle of the cheeks. In the end, finish the product and add more under the jaw to reduce that area. 

For the highlighter, apply the product under the eyes in the shape of an upside-down triangle and in the middle of the forehead and chin. 

Heart-shaped face 

With a heart-shaped face, the chin is narrow and pointed, and the cheeks are more comprehensive than the hairline. People with a heart-shaped face often have a V-shaped hairline passed down from generation to generation. This phenomenon is also known as Widow's peak. 

Start the contour from the forehead and temple side to balance the face's wider upper half with the lower narrower half. Apply the product to the lower part of the chin to further define it. Apply the highlighter under the eyes in the shape of an upside-down triangle, in the middle of the forehead and chin to widen those parts. 

Diamond face shape 

We will agree - the diamond face shape is the most fun of all the ones we mentioned earlier. With a diamond face shape, the cheeks are the widest part of the face, and the hairline and chin are narrowed. These faces are often longer, not wider. 

Apply the contour under the cheekbones starting from the ears and ending in the middle of the cheeks. Be careful not to contour too close to the lips because it will get the opposite result from the one you want. For the highlighter, apply the product under the eyes in the shape of a downward triangle while extending it a little more than usual. If you want to expand the chin and forehead area, add a highlighter, but make sure to keep the product in the middle of the forehead. 

What products to use in contouring? 

When contouring, you can use different products, for example, contour and highlighters that have a creamy texture, products in palettes or multipurpose sticks. 

Whichever option you choose, remember - blend, blend, blend to perfection. Sponges and brushes specially created for contouring will help you with blending.