These top tips will show you just how easy it can be to get a defined, but natural, look using contour.
Determine Your Face Shape
It goes without saying that no one’s faces are identical, unless you are a twin of course! However, there are a number of different face shapes that can help you to understand what features you should be flaunting. Though it's fair to say that some people won’t fit into one category 100%, it's still an important thing to consider.
You can find out your face shape by taking measurements of your face length, forehead width, cheekbone width, and jawline width. Or, you can simply make an observation by eye. The most common face shapes are:
● Round - The face is as long as it is wide, and has a rounded jawline and hairline.
● Heart - You will probably have a widow’s peak, a wider forehead, and a narrow chin, which resembles a heart shape.
● Square - The foreheads, jawline, and cheekbones are the same width, with an angular jawline and pronounced features.
● Oval - Somewhere between square and round. The face is longer than it is wide, with rounded edges, but with pronounced cheekbones.
Contour According To Your Face Shape
Now that you understand your facial structure, you will be able to fully flaunt all your features, by contouring according to your face shape.
Round
For round faces, you will want to accentuate your cheekbones and jawline to give the impression of more angular features. Make a duck face to find the hollow area below your cheekbones, and apply product to this area. You can also add minimal product below the jawline.
Oval
For round faces, follow the steps above for a round face. Some oval faces have more pronounced features, so don’t go too OTT! Add some blush onto the apples of your cheeks to soften the contour and round out your cheeks.
Heart
To soften an angular chin, contour just below the chin, blending into your neck. You can also apply contour to the sides of your forehead to round it out, and give the impression that it is less wide.
Square
With square faces, it's all about softening those angled features a little bit. Apply contour around the hairline, temples, and areas of the jawline you want to soften. Square faces are perfect for highlighter, so have fun with it!
Make Sure You Are Using The Right Colours
To ensure that the contour looks as natural as possible, it is crucial to make sure you use the right tone and shade for your skin. You can pick up bronzer bundles to suit all skin tones, with a wide range of shades perfect for bronzing, contouring, highlighting, and blending.
As a general rule of thumb, contour should be slightly darker than your foundation, but no darker than your bronzer, and highlighter should be no lighter than your concealer.
Blend, Blend, Blend!
With the right product in all the right places, all that is left to do is blend, blend, and blend some more to ensure it looks soft and natural. Then, spritz the finished look with your favourite setting spray, and, voila, a natural contour that flaunts your features perfectly.
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