We've got to thank Kim Kardashian for the resurgence of contoured jawlines and chiseled cheekbones. Ever since she brought it back in 2011, we've been trying to figure it out with our bronzers in hand. If it still seems too complex to wrap your head around, our 5 contouring tricks will make it easier than ever.
1. Choose the right product
To make contouring seem natural and not patchy, select the right shade of contour. Ideally, two tones darker than your skin tone is best. Depending on your undertone, choose one with warm or cool undertones. A contour stick or cream shade makes for easy application and high pigmentation if you're a newbie. If you opt for powder bronzer, make sure it's a matte one.
2. Find the right areas to contour
Although it may seem like the world is drawing contour lines all over their faces, select where you want to contour wisely. Do you want to draw in cheekbones, elongate your nose, make your collarbones pop or forehead appear smaller? Once you figure out what you want to contour, you can figure out the technique accordingly.
3. Select the right tools
No, you can't just use any tools to contour. Because it's a process that's done in a specific shape, it will need the right tools. For powder bronzer, choose a large angled brush and narrow angled brush for smaller areas like the nose. For cream contour, dampen a pointed sponge and get to work with it.
4. Blend like there's no tomorrow
Contouring is meant to look chiseled yet natural, a fact many forget about and end up with visible lines that look like they've been drawn on by a 3 year old. Blending is key in contouring so once you've drawn it in, use your tools to pat and shape the product in place. "Layering powder over cream product can give the contour a natural, shadow-like appearance rather than a muddy tone," advises makeup artist, Mansi Mehta Kothari.
5.Follow the 3
CommentsThe most simple trick to contour is the number 3. Trace the number 3 with a contour stick or powder bronzer from the centre of the hairline across the temples to beneath the cheekbones and finally, beneath the jawline. This is where shadows hit the face naturally and are the most common areas to recede. Use your brush or sponge to blend it in and discover a more chiseled face!
