Contouring can seem a little overwhelming at first and most of what you see online is EXTREME.
This doesn't have to be the case though, you can get the benefits of contouring and correcting in a very wearable way.
I like to split the whole thing into 4 parts; shadows, warmth, correcting and highlighting.
Shadows: I use a cool, grey toned color to give the effect of shadows in certain areas. I apply it in the most outward corners of my giant forehead, under my cheekbones, under my jaw, below my bottom lip and down my nose to slim it a little.
Warmth: This is essentially bronzing but in cream form. I use this closely in conjunction with the shadows to stop them looking like dirty lines. I like to apply it around my forehead, ON my cheekbones, around my chin and a little down the nose.
Correcting: This might be my favorite, i use it to cancel out blue tones and veins around my eyes and around my nose where it can appear darker.
Highlighting: To brighten my face i use a lighter or yellow toned product (sometimes i make a mixy) and use it in the center of my forehead, down my nose, under brows, tops of cheeks, the flat of my jawline, top lip and chinny.
This is usually the point where people assume they'll have that drag queen chisel (totally has its place, i'm p fond of it) but if you blend, blend and blend some more, you can achieve a much more day-to-day look.
Some people prefer to use a sponge, some brushes, some even use their fingers. Use whatever YOU feel comfortable and confident with.
The more natural i want the look, the DENSER the brush i use; the more extreme i want the look, the FLUFFIER the brush i use. For this i used the Zoeva Silk Finish Brush (an awesome brush!!!) and kept blending until i felt it looked like skin+ (a nicer version of my own skin).
Fluffier brushes like powder brushes can be used for more extreme contouring because they don't buff the product around as much, they blend it out very gently and retain more of the definition.
To finish things off, you can use corresponding powders to set your work and put back in any definition you might feel you buffed away and want back.
Alternatively you can just wear it as-is, set with a little translucent powder and be on your merry way.
There are tonnes of products out there for contouring; some sold specifically for the job, some multi-purpose. These are some of my favorites.
- ELF HD Lifting Concealer in Brightening. This has a beautiful yellow tone and blends well with other creams and liquids.
- Josie Maran Concealer. These are great in a couple of shades lighter or darker than your skin for highlighting and bronzing.
- Life's Entropy Particle Contour Sticks. These come in multiple shades for contouring or bronzing and are the perfect little size.
- OCC Creme Color Concentrate in Newt. This is an awesome product for many reasons but to correct darkness and blue tones, it works like a dream. For paler skin you can mix a little with your regular concealer.
What are some of your favorite contour/highlighting/correcting products?
