Perfectly shaped cheek bones, a narrow nose and bright eyes is a sought after look that is something we see celebrities and models with all the time. Although this look is often achieved using plastic surgery and photo altering, it can also be done using makeup. Facial contouring is something that makeup artists have been using for years to help give the illusion of different facial structure through shadows and highlights. Facial contouring is done underneath makeup to create the perfect foundation that looks great from all angles.
What It Is
Facial contouring uses light and dark makeup to create angles, shading and highlights. This makes the light reflect a certain way, allowing you to accent certain areas of the face while minimizing others. Facial contouring is used to trick the eye into thinking the face looks like it is under professional lighting anywhere. It takes some time to get it right, and you will require a variety of different colors of foundations, concealer, powders and setting spray.
How To Use
To achieve the look of killer cheekbones, a narrow nose and bright eyes using facial contoring requires practice and time.
It may seem intimidating to use shades of makeup that do not match your skin tone, but you need to use light and dark shades of foundation and concealer to properly contour your face. You will need a few different skin products to contour your face including foundation in your normal shade, concealer in a shade one to two tones darker than your normal shade, and concealer that is a shade or two lighter than your normal shade. You will also need a mineral powder in your normal shade to sweep over and blend using a large, round brush. You will start by applying your normal color foundation evenly all over your face. Be sure to blend around the jawline so that it doesn’t no create a mask-like effect. Now you will want to use the lighter concealer and blend it with the foundation on your hand. Apply the lighter mixture to your T-zone area (above your eyebrows, down the straight of your nose, under the eyes and the centre of the chin). To elevate the look of the jawline you can also use the lighter mixture in a thin swipe along it. Now you will want to mix your darker concealer with your normal foundation on your hand. Once you have evenly blended the color you will want to put this darker makeup on the sides of the nose, under the cheekbones and all around the top of your hairline. Do not use too much product, as a little contouring goes a long way. Go over the contouring and highlighting with your powder. Add blush and setting spray. Make sure that you take your time to blend the makeup in because there is nothing worse than a contouring job gone wrong.
Benefits
Facial contouring has many benefits that can make you look and feel better instantly. The contouring can help you to highlight areas of your face that you like, and minimize problem areas. Contouring can help you to narrow your nose, chisel your cheekbones and accentuate your eyes. Contouring can make you look your best at any angle.
If you are headed for a night out or going to a special occasion try out facial contouring. Just make sure to practice beforehand so that it will look flawless and natural.