Contouring is the use of makeup products that are shades lighter or darker than a skin tone to change the appearance of facial structure. When done correctly, contouring can appear to sharpen your jawline, straighten a crooked nose, minimize a large forehead, or accentuate cheekbones. Wanna know how to make this magic happen? Get started with these Do’s and Dont’s!

Don’t Contour in Bad Lighting

While contouring, it is essential that you have great, preferably natural, lighting. Consider what the lighting will be like where you’re going before you contour. If you do your makeup in dim lighting and then go to an outdoor concert in the sun, you are likely to see imperfections that you couldn’t before. So be sure to get set up in a well-lit room before you begin contouring.

Do Consider Your Face Shape

An important thing to know about contouring is that one face does not fit all! Contour that looks great on someone else, may not appear that way on your face. Keep in mind, that contour is meant to change how your facial structure looks. But not everyone has the same face, so not everyone will want the same contour. One person may desire a chiseled jaw line with contour, and another person may already have a strong jawline that they don’t want to accentuate anymore. So it is important to consider what you’d like the contour to visibly alter, research your face shape (round, heart, oval, etc), and choose a contour that’s suitable for your face!

Don’t Use Too Much Product

At least not right away. It is pretty easy to apply more product, but it can be difficult to take it off! So start off with minimal product and build as you see fit. The same applies to the shade of the product. It is best to start by using lighter or darker shades that are only 2-3 shades from your skin tone. You can go further from your skin tone as you learn what you like, but you don’t want to start with a shade that is drastically different.

Do Blend

This is absolutely essential, there is no way around it. The best contour looks natural, as that’s what this technique is for! Contouring is meant to make your facial structure appear how you like it; not to have streaks of visible product. Blending is what makes this difference. Typically, a beauty blender is used to blend cream products and a makeup brush is used for blending powders. While you’re blending, be sure to not blend downward; this makes a face appear sunken. Blend in a straight sweeping motion, or slightly upward if you must. Do not blend contour in a circular motion, or the makeup may appear patchy.

Don’t Mix Creams and Powders

As you learn about contouring, you’ll realize that there are so many products for it. There’s creams and powders, some you can buy individually or in a contour kit. But after foundation is applied, it’s a good rule of thumb to either use all cream contour products or all powder. Cream products are usually used for people with dry skin, who want a more dewy look. Whereas powder is typically used for people who have oily skin, and require a more dying product. Mixing these two can be difficult and may give the face an inconsistent appearance.

Do Match Your Neck to Face

This is so important! Although you may not feel the need to contour your neck, you do want your face and neck to be the same shade. Otherwise, your face will stick out and the look will be visibly unnatural. Once makeup is applied to the jaw area, blend down on your neck. You may even want to apply a couple layers of the bronzer or powder that you used on your face to your neck, to get them to match.

Don’t Use the Wrong Size Brush

If you’re using a brush to apply contour, always consider the size of the brush for the area that you’re applying product to. For example, your cheek is a large area of the face. You wouldn’t want to use a tiny brush, like one for eyeshadow, to the cheek because it would be time-consuming and probably appear streaky. The size of the brush should be consistent with the size of where you’re putting makeup. Most brush sets will say what each brush is intended to be used for, which is a great place to start!

Do Ask For an Opinion

There is no shame in asking for advice, or for someone to tell you what they think about your makeup look! Contouring can be tricky when you’re first starting out. So ask for help from a friend whose contour you love! Or once you’ve finished your makeup, ask a trusted friend or family member what they think of it. Just be prepared for some constructive criticism.

Although there are many rules or advice people have when it comes to contouring, it’s ultimately about what you like. If you have a unique way of doing your contour that you love, that is all that matters. Makeup should uplift your confidence and if it does that, then you’ve done a great job!

---

SENIOR PORTRAIT INFORMATION

I provide my clients with the confidence, knowing that they are in good hands. I make sure that my seniors & their parents are well-educated on my style & workflow so they know exactly what to expect. Unless specified, I even provide the locations & help with outfits making their experience more enjoyable & less stressful. I am very personable and goofy & you’ll probably leave your experience feeling like you’ve known me your entire life.

 Need more information? Click the button below.

Ariel Lynn Photography | Written by Heidi Simon | Senior Portrait Photographer | Ionia, MI