Contouring is the art of giving shape to an area of the face and enhancing the facial structure through makeup. It shouldn’t be obvious that you have done some contouring; as it is aimed to give your face a natural-looking subtle definition.
First things first!
Know your face shape
There are several face shapes. Some are definite while some are a combination of two shapes. Common face shapes include Oval, Round, Heart, Square, Long, Rounded Heart, Rounded Square, Long Heart, and Long Square.
Some of these shapes are as described below.
While contouring, remember that using the same makeup color family in lighter and darker shades will produce the best contouring results. The darker shades recede features while lighter shades make your features prominent.
Oval face contouring
An oval face doesn’t have much shape as such, so some contouring will be necessary. You will need to highlight your forehead, your chin and under your eyes so as to bring areas of your face into focus and make them prominent. To create the illusion of cheekbones you could borrow a leaf from round face shape contouring …
Round face contouring
Your face is round so you are prone to having a “Baby Face” therefore you need to add some structure back to your face! Because of this, you need to go heavy on the contouring. You will have to contour your Temples, Cheekbones and the sides of the jaw to give you more definition. By highlighting your chin and forehead you can bring these areas forward and give your face a more angular shape.
Triangle face contouring
A triangular face has many strong angles which need to be toned down with some contouring. Contour the sides of your face to slim it down. You will need to highlight your chin so as to draw attention to it and also make your face look longer. Because your forehead is the narrowest part of your face, you will need to highlight it in a way that will make it appear wider and so that more attention is drawn to that part of your face. Also, highlighting under your eyes will give the illusion of cheekbones.
While contouring, remember that using the same makeup color family in lighter and darker shades will produce the best contouring results. The darker shades recede features while lighter shades make your features prominent.
Square/ Rectangle/ Oblong face contouring
These three face shapes are contoured the same way because they are very similar. Their difference lies in their length. For these face shapes, you will start by contouring the corners of your face so as t make it look slim, more angular and give it a softer edge. Then highlight your forehead and chin in order to give your face some dimension.
Heart face contouring (inverted triangle)
The trick to contour this face shape is by enhancing the features of your face since your face is already quite angular. Since your forehead is quite wide, you will need to highlight under your eyes so that your cheeks become more pronounced which will help take away attention from your forehead. It is important to contour the sides of your forehead and cheeks as well so as to give you a slimmer face. Highlighting your forehead and chin will give your face more definition.
Diamond face contouring
Diamonds have high, sharp cheekbones and it so happens that the widest part of your face is your cheeks so contouring all these parts to make your face an even look is necessary. Highlighting your forehead and chin will help elongate your face giving your face balance.
On that contouring note:
*Stick with matte
*Don’t be tone deaf
*Brushes matter a lot!
*Customize your complexion