How to contour like a pro

Contour is a scary word, especially for a newbie. It sounds like a makeup technique practised by the top makeup artists in Hollywood or a celebrity!

But actually, it is relatively doable. Once you get the hang of it and know how to contour your own face correctly it can be pretty easy!

Whether you are looking for razor-sharp cheekbones or a soft and subtle contour that slightly enhances your natural contour, we have everything you need to know.

Everyday Contour

For an everyday easy contour, powder is a great choice. Contour creams tend to need some blending and layering which for a beginner can be quite daunting.

If you suffer from dry skin beware as powder could further dry out your skin. But for combination and even oily skin, powder contour is a great everyday contour choice.

Going out Contour

If you are heading out, you will want your contour to last. The best way to do this is to apply heavier creams and textures as they will stay on the skin longer than powders.

If you have some experience contouring, there are great palettes available you can use with a good set of brushes. If you are just beginning contour, highlight sticks are the way to go as they make things much easier.

How to contour

The basic rule of contouring it to darken the areas you don’t want to be noticed and to highlight the areas you do.

1. Apply foundation.
2. To get a rough guide, suck in your cheeks and apply your contour colour into the hollows. Remember, the most important part of contouring is blending. Be sure to blend outwards.
3. Next, apply a darker colour to the top of your hairline above your forehead - this gives the illusion of a smaller forehead. Using the same brush, blend it out and down to your temples. Then blend under your cheekbones again in the shape of the number 3. Repeat on the other side of the face.
4. To define your neck and jawline, use your contour colour along your jawline and down your neck. Remember blend, blend, blend!