Introduction

For those new to the world of makeup, contouring can seem like a daunting task. It’s easy to get caught up in watching YouTube tutorials and scrolling through social media for flawless examples, only to feel overwhelmed by the complexity of it all. However, with a few simple tips and tricks, anyone can learn how to contour like a pro.

Contouring is more than just about creating definition on your face – it’s also about enhancing your natural features and boosting your confidence. By mastering the basics of contouring, you’ll be able to create a flawless base that makes you look and feel great. But where do you start?

In this article, we’ll take it one step at a time, breaking down the fundamentals of contouring for beginners. We’ll cover everything from choosing the right products to mastering the art of blending, so whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your skills, keep reading to learn how to contour like a pro.

Getting Started with Contour for Beginners

Contouring is a makeup technique used to create the illusion of defined facial features. It involves applying shades of foundation and powder to accentuate the natural curves of the face.

Understanding Your Face Shape

Before you start contouring, it’s essential to understand your face shape. There are six main face shapes: oval, round, square, heart-shaped, triangular, and diamond. Knowing your face shape will help you determine which areas to contour and how to apply the product.

For Oval Faces

Oval faces are considered the ideal shape for contouring. If you have an oval face, you can create definition on your forehead, cheekbones, nose, and jawline. Look for a subtle definition that enhances your natural features rather than completely changing them.

For Round Faces

Round faces need more definition to create a longer, more angular look. Apply contour to the sides of your forehead, temples, and jawline to create the illusion of length. Focus on creating a softer, more defined edge around your face, as round faces can sometimes appear too full.

For Square Faces

Square faces need softening to create a more rounded look. Apply contour to the sides of your face, especially on the forehead and cheekbones, to soften the angles. This will help balance out the strong lines and angles of a square face shape.

For Heart-Shaped Faces

Heart-shaped faces have broad shoulders and a narrow chin. To counterbalance this, apply contour to the sides of your face, especially on the temples and jawline, to create width. Avoid applying too much contour to the lower half of your face, as this can accentuate the narrow chin.

For Triangular Faces

Triangular faces have a broad forehead and narrow chin. To balance out the forehead, apply contour to the sides of your nose and jawline to create a more even shape. Focus on softening the edges around your eyes and temples to avoid making the face appear too angular.

Choosing Your Products

To start contouring, you’ll need two shades of foundation or powder: one for the areas you want to define (the ‘contour shade’) and another for the areas you want to enhance (the ‘highlighter shade’). Choose a contour shade that’s one to two shades deeper than your skin tone.

Tips for Choosing Your Products

Look for Products with a Matte Finish, as They Will Provide Better Definition.

If you have fair skin, choose a lighter contour shade. If you have darker skin, choose a deeper contour shade.

Use a powder brush or a contour stick to apply the product for easier blending.

Consider using a foundation that matches your skin tone closely, and then adding a small amount of contour powder on top to create definition.

Step-by-Step Contouring Guide

1. Apply a light layer of foundation all over your face using a foundation brush or beauty blender.

2. Using a powder brush, apply the contour shade to the areas you want to define (forehead, cheekbones, nose, and jawline).

3. Start in the center of your face and blend the product outwards, using light, gentle strokes to create a seamless transition.

4. Use a smaller brush or a contour stick to target specific areas, such as the hollows of your cheeks or the sides of your nose.

5. Blend well, making sure there are no harsh lines or visible edges.

6. Apply the highlighter shade to the areas you want to enhance (high points of your face, such as the tops of your cheekbones, nose, and cupid’s bow).

7. Use a light hand when applying the product to avoid heavy definition.

Reference

For more information on contouring techniques, check out “The Contouring Bible” by Charlotte Tilley or online tutorials on YouTube and Instagram.

Tips for Blending

Use a light hand when applying the product to avoid heavy definition.

Blend well, especially around the edges of your face where the contour meets the skin tone.

Practice makes perfect – don’t be discouraged if it takes a few tries to get the hang of contouring!

Experiment with different products and techniques until you find what works best for you.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applying too much product, which can lead to harsh lines and uneven definition.

Not blending well enough, resulting in visible edges or uneven transitions.

Using the wrong shade of product, which can throw off

Conclusion

In conclusion, mastering the art of contouring can seem intimidating at first, but with practice and patience, anyone can achieve a flawless, polished look. As a beginner, it’s essential to start with the basics: understanding your face shape, choosing the right products, and learning basic techniques such as highlighting and shading. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things – contouring is all about enhancing your natural features, not completely changing them. So, take the first step today and give contouring a try! Watch some tutorials, read up on tips and tricks, and practice on yourself until you feel confident in your skills. With time and practice, you’ll be a pro at contouring and can unlock a whole new level of beauty and self-expression.

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