Contouring and highlighting are makeup techniques that can transform your look by enhancing your natural features and adding dimension to your face. For beginners, these techniques may seem daunting, but with a little practice and the right tools, you can master the art of sculpting your face. This guide will walk you through the basics, offering expert tips, personal anecdotes, and scientific insights to help you achieve a beautifully contoured and highlighted look.
Understanding Contouring and Highlighting
What is Contouring?
Contouring involves using makeup that is slightly darker than your skin tone to create shadows on your face. This helps to define and shape your features. Mario Dedivanovic, a renowned makeup artist, explains, “Contouring is all about enhancing your natural bone structure and creating shadows to add dimension to the face. Start with a light hand and blend, blend, blend for a seamless finish” (Mario Dedivanovic Masterclass).
What is Highlighting?
Highlighting, on the other hand, uses lighter shades to bring out the high points of your face, creating a radiant glow. Nam Vo, a celebrity makeup artist, describes it as “adding a spotlight to your favorite features. Focus on the high points of your face, like your cheekbones, brow bone, and cupid’s bow, to create a radiant glow” (Violet Grey).
Essential Tools and Products
Choosing the Right Products
When starting out, it’s important to choose the right products. Priscilla Ono, Global Makeup Artist for Fenty Beauty, suggests experimenting with both cream and powder formulas: “Cream products tend to be more forgiving and blendable, while powder products offer more precision and control” (Fenty Beauty).
Basic Tools
- Contour Stick or Powder: Choose a shade 1-2 tones darker than your natural skin color.
- Highlighter: Select a shade 1-2 tones lighter than your skin tone, with a slight shimmer for added glow.
- Brushes and Sponges: Use a contour brush or sponge for blending contour products and a smaller brush for applying highlighter.
Step-by-Step Guide to Contouring and Highlighting
Step 1: Prepare Your Skin
Start with a clean, moisturized face. Apply your foundation and concealer as usual, creating a smooth base for your contouring and highlighting.
Step 2: Contour Your Face
- Cheekbones: Suck in your cheeks to find the hollows. Apply contour product from your ear towards the corner of your mouth, stopping halfway.
- Jawline: Apply along your jawline to define and slim your face.
- Forehead: If you have a larger forehead, apply contour product along your hairline to create balance.
- Nose: For a more defined nose, apply contour along the sides and blend well.
Step 3: Highlight Your Features
- Cheekbones: Apply highlighter to the tops of your cheekbones.
- Brow Bone: Apply under the arch of your eyebrows to lift and define.
- Cupid’s Bow: Apply on the cupid’s bow to make your lips appear fuller.
- Bridge of the Nose: Apply a thin line down the bridge of your nose for a slimming effect.
Step 4: Blend, Blend, Blend
Blend all the applied products well to ensure there are no harsh lines. Use a makeup sponge or brush to blend until the products look seamless on your skin.
Step 5: Set Your Makeup
Finish by applying a translucent setting powder to keep your contour and highlight in place all day.
Tips for Beginners
Start Light and Build Up
Katie Jane Hughes, a makeup artist, advises, “Start with a light touch and build up the intensity gradually until you achieve the desired effect” (Katie Jane Hughes Instagram). It’s easier to add more product than to remove excess.
Practice Makes Perfect
Don’t be discouraged if you don’t get it right the first time. Practice regularly, and you’ll soon master the techniques. Watch online tutorials for additional tips and tricks.
Personal Experience
When I first started contouring, I used too much product, which made my face look overly sculpted and unnatural. Over time, I learned to start with less and build up gradually, resulting in a more natural and flattering look.
Insights from Studies
The Benefits of Contouring and Highlighting
A study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Science (2021) titled “The Influence of Contouring and Highlighting on Perceived Facial Attractiveness” found that these techniques can enhance facial features and create a more youthful and symmetrical appearance. This supports the idea that contouring and highlighting can significantly improve how others perceive your face.
Impact of Makeup Tutorials
The Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services (2019) conducted a study on “The Impact of Makeup Tutorials on Consumer Behavior.” The study found that online tutorials significantly influence how beginners learn and adopt new makeup techniques, including contouring and highlighting. This underscores the value of watching tutorials to improve your skills.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using the Wrong Shades
Choosing shades that are too dark or too light can make your makeup look unnatural. Stick to shades that are only 1-2 tones different from your natural skin color.
Not Blending Enough
One of the biggest mistakes is not blending the products well. Harsh lines can make your contouring and highlighting look obvious and unflattering. Take your time to blend thoroughly.
Overdoing It
Less is more when it comes to contouring and highlighting. Apply small amounts of product and build up as needed. Overdoing it can lead to a heavy, cakey look.
Additional Tips for a Flawless Finish
Match Your Contour to Your Face Shape
Different face shapes require different contouring techniques. Research the best methods for your face shape to enhance your natural features effectively.
Highlight Strategically
Highlighting isn’t just about adding shine. Focus on the high points of your face that naturally catch the light. This will give you a more natural and radiant look.
Maintain a Natural Look
Contouring and highlighting should enhance your natural beauty, not mask it. Aim for a subtle, natural finish that enhances your features without looking overdone.
Experiment with Different Looks
Don’t be afraid to try different techniques and products. Experimenting can help you discover what works best for your face and personal style.
Personal Highlighting Trick
I like to use a liquid highlighter mixed with a bit of my foundation for a natural glow. This technique gives me a radiant look without being too shiny, perfect for everyday wear.
Conclusion
Contouring and highlighting are powerful makeup techniques that can transform your look by adding dimension and enhancing your natural features. For beginners, it’s essential to start with the right products, use the proper techniques, and practice regularly. By following expert advice and learning from your own experiences, you can master the art of sculpting your face to achieve a beautifully contoured and highlighted look. Remember, makeup is about having fun and expressing your individuality, so don’t be afraid to experiment and find what works best for you.
