Here’s How To Contour, According To a Makeup Artist

Pretty a lot everybody who’s ever tried contouring has some horror story they may inform—from not mixing properly sufficient so the product continues to be clearly seen in your cheekbones to following the improper tutorial so you find yourself trying extra scared than snatched.

In the event you’ve at all times been secretly afraid to learn to contour after a failed try or from witnessing the endeavors of others, 2024 is your yr to strive once more—however this time with the steerage of Elena Duque, an esthetician and licensed make-up artist.

However earlier than you try this system, it is vital to know what contouring truly does to your face. “Contouring is the artwork of skillfully manipulating shadows and shading to craft a visible deception of depth,” Duque says. “By strategically making use of these methods, you possibly can effortlessly redefine and reshape your facial options, permitting sure areas to naturally emerge from the remainder.”

Step one to contouring appropriately? Working with a product that is simply blendable and is a shade or two darker than your pores and skin tone. Duque encourages folks to experiment with completely different merchandise to seek out one which works finest for them, however one product she recommends—particularly to those that need their contour to final—is a cult favourite amongst make-up fans: tarte’s Shape Tape contour. Though one in every of these tubes will often run you $35, you possibly can seize two of them *and* a contour brush to simply mix out the product for $43 on QVC till the New Yr—aka you will spend all of 2024 trying extremely sculpted, for much less.

Easy methods to contour

Now that you’ve got a makeup-artist-approved product in hand, it is time to begin contouring. Duque says it is vital to begin with a clear and moisturized face earlier than making use of any make-up, so you possibly can have a easy canvas to work on.

Subsequent, study your face form. A standard mistake made by first-time contourers is making use of the product in a manner that does not swimsuit their face form, Duque says, which may spotlight the improper options or simply look awkward. Discovering that candy spot might take some trial and error, however Duque recommends watching YouTube tutorials by folks with an analogous face form to yours or attending make-up workshops led by skilled make-up artists.

“Contouring is a talent that takes time to grasp, so do not rush the method,” Duque says. “Begin with fundamental methods and steadily experiment with extra superior strategies. Be affected person with your self and embrace the training curve.”

When you discover a tutorial you need to observe, Duque suggests beginning with just a bit little bit of product, particularly the tarte Form Tape contour because it’s buildable. “Contouring is all about creating refined shadows and dimension, so it is vital to begin with a light-weight hand and construct up the depth steadily,” she says. “It is simpler so as to add extra product than to take away extra.”

Since contouring is primarily used to create the phantasm of shadow, Duque says to deal with the hollows of your face, such because the hollows of your cheeks, temples, jawline, and sides of the nostril. As soon as you’ve got utilized product to those areas, you will transfer on to probably the most vital steps of contouring: Mixing. So as to make the contour look pure, mixing the product out with the useful contour brush that comes with the tarte Form Tape contour, a moist magnificence blender, or your fingers so there aren’t any stark strains is important.

After you’ve got blended the contour, remember to focus on your face. “Contouring and highlighting go hand in hand,” Duque says. “After making use of your contour, use a lighter shade or a highlighter to intensify the excessive factors of your face, such because the tops of your cheekbones, forehead bone, and the bridge of your nostril.”

Lastly, it is time to set your make-up with a translucent powder or setting spray to verify it lasts all through the day, Duque says. Though it could take just a few tries to seek out which contouring method works for you, Duque says to maintain experimenting and you will obtain the contour of your desires.