Contouring has transformed the makeup world for a few years, but this tricky technique is still a secret for the newcomers. This makeup product isn’t going anywhere, and most of you have watched tutorials on how to contour the face; it’s very important to determine your face shape and know how to contour for your own face shape.
Contouring isn’t a one-size-fits-all practice. You need to specialize in this practice according to your individual features and get the most out of your makeup. Where to apply the bronzer? Which parts do you want to minimize, and which part do you want to highlight? Keep reading this article if you are struggling with these questions.
Contouring allows you to highlight your bone structure and create a natural finish, but the very first step is to figure out your face shape to do it right. You need to follow the design of your natural bone and blend it well to avoid harsh edges. You can use a makeup sponge to sculpt and blend your contour perfectly.
Basically, there are four main categories of face shapes, namely round, oval, square, and heart-shaped. Take a straight selfie with all your hairs pulled back to get a clear picture of all the outlines of your face. Have a closer look at your jawline, cheekbones, and forehead. The width and length of these areas will help you know your face shape.
Once you know your face shape and the basics of how to contour the face, all you need to do is have your beauty blender ready to work on the highlighter and bronzer to make your face look toned and incised. Here are the best ways on how you can contour based on the face shape.
1. Round
If your face appears almost with the same length and width, and curved jawline, then you have a round face. In round faces, the cheekbone is the widest part of the face. While contouring a round face, you need to create shadows and bring the angles to life. Contour just below your cheekbones to highlight them. Apply highlighter on your chin, cheekbones, and forehead while bronzer to your jawline and hairline.
Make a duck face or suck in your cheeks in front of the mirror to find the correct spot to work on with the beauty blender. Contour along your forehead and dab the product as the letter ‘C’ on each side of your face. Remember to work on the eyebrows as well to help break up some of your face curves. Use an eyebrow pencil to have a little fun and experiment to see what you desire.
2. Oval
Oval faces also have a round jawline but are more elongated. These face shapes are longer than their width in which the forehead is the widest part. Reach for the blush and add dimension and depth to offer a more rounded appearance to your face. Bounce contour on the outer edges of your forehead and under your cheekbones to achieve a well-rounded look. Apply highlighter on the highest point, such as the brow bone, cheekbones, chin, and bridge of the nose. Focus on contouring just below the cheekbones to enhance your features. Blend it properly, and you are ready to rock with your look.
3. Square
A square-shaped face has the cheekbones, jawline, and forehead of the same width. In this face shape, all your cheekbones, jawlines, and temples have defined angles that are all equidistant from the center of your face. You need to round out your angular features and soften the defined edges while contouring this face shape. Contour around the face perimeter and blend it well to get a natural and defined look.
Highlight your chin, forehead, and the bridge of your nose to elongate the face. To add height to your square face, add some highlighter under the eyes, the center of the forehead, cheekbones, chin, and nose tip. After highlighting, you are ready to contour all your angled features. Brush all your areas lightly and blend them to perfection.
4. Heart
If you have a wider forehead and cheekbones but pointed and angled jawline, this means you have a heart-shaped face. With this face shape, you can have fun with contouring and highlighting. Highlight the tops of your cheeks, the upper jawlines, and your nose tip. Apply bronzer on the center of your jawline to make it appear less pointed, shorter, and add width to the lower section of your face, and on and under the cheekbones to avoid some width off from the upper part of your face.
Blend it all while you sweep contour along the side of your forehead to reduce the width. Add an extra touch of blush or bronzer to your cheeks for some extra color. Finish your look with the setting spray, and you’re ready to hit the town.
Conclusion
No matter what your face shape is, all you need is to follow the above mentioned simple tips and techniques to bring out the best for your face and contour it perfectly.