The Why and How of Contouring Your Makeup

Okay Friends,

You've asked for some information on Contouring so here we go!!

Contouring makeup has taken the beauty industry by storm, with its power to sculpt, define, and accentuate facial features. But before you dive headfirst into those mesmerizing online tutorials, let's unravel the mystery behind contouring and why it's all about enhancing your natural beauty, not altering it.

Why Do We Contour?

Contouring makeup is quite literally the same as the fundamentals of your middle school art class, using light and shadow to create dimension. Think of it as a tool to emphasize your best features – those cheekbones you adore, that jawline you want to show off, and even that button nose you've always loved. The magic lies in the careful application of darker shades to create shadows and lighter shades to bring areas forward. Ultimately, it's all about achieving a balanced and harmonious look that enhances your facial structure.

Enhance, Don't Transform

One crucial aspect to keep in mind is that contouring is not meant to change your face entirely (even though it absolutely can... there's a time and place for it.) The goal isn't to look like a completely different person, but rather to

enhance the beauty you already possess.

Your unique features make you who you are, and contouring is merely a way to emphasize them. So, when you pick up that contour brush, remember that less is often more. A subtle touch can make a world of difference.

The Pitfalls of Overdoing It

As you go down the rabbit hole of social media makeup tutorials you might stumble upon artists that promise jaw-dropping transformations.

However, a word of caution – not all tutorials are created equal.

Some videos showcase excessive product usage that could leave you looking more like a Picasso painting than a radiant human being. A lot of these tutorials are using an excessive amount of product so that it shows up on camera. Please please please remember, the key is to use a light hand and build up the product gradually. You can always add more, but removing excess can be a challenge.

And again, there is no one on this planet who can be just like you so let's highlight YOU ... not try to make you look like everyone else.

Embrace Your Natural Beauty

In a world where filters and Photoshop reign supreme, it's crucial to embrace your natural beauty. While contouring can be a fun and confidence-boosting technique, it's important to never feel pressured to completely change your appearance. Instead, use makeup as a tool to enhance what you love about yourself. Your freckles, your smile lines, and every quirk that makes you, you – they're all part of your charm.

The Right Tools for the Job

To embark on your contouring journey, you'll need a few basic tools:

Contouring Palette: Opt for a palette with shades that are a couple of shades darker and lighter than your skin tone. Get a palette custom created for YOU here!

Brushes: Invest in a soft, angled brush for precise application. I'm obsessed with this one!!

Blending Sponge: A damp blending sponge works wonders to seamlessly blend the product into your skin and pickup any excess product so you don't end up with caking or creasing. This one changed the game for me!

Contouring in a Few Simple Steps

Prep your skin: Start with a clean and moisturized face. Remember your SPF!!!

Identify your features: Take a moment to identify the areas you want to contour – typically the hollows of your cheeks, jawline, sides of your nose, and forehead. Wherever your face naturally has shadowing that you want to accentuate!

Apply the darker shade: Using your angled brush, apply the darker contour shade to the areas you want to recede. Blend well to avoid harsh lines.

Apply your lighter shades: Next, use the lighter shades to highlight the areas you want to bring forward – like the tops of your cheekbones, the bridge of your nose, and your brow bone.

Blend, blend, blend: This is the secret to natural-looking contouring. Use your blending sponge or a clean brush to blend the shades seamlessly into your skin.

Set with powder or spray: If desired, lightly set your contour with a translucent powder to ensure it stays put all day.

in the video below I walk through a basic contouring routine using my IIID Foundation Palette

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Contouring makeup is an artistic way to accentuate your best features and celebrate your unique beauty. Remember, the goal isn't to transform into a different person, but to enhance what you already have. Be cautious of tutorials that promote excessive product usage or unrealistic transformations. Embrace your natural beauty and use makeup as a tool to express yourself, rather than as a mask to hide behind. With a little practice and a light touch, you'll master the art of contouring and glow with confidence!