A Beginner’s Guide to Contouring and Highlighting
Contouring and highlighting have become popular buzzwords in the world of beauty and makeup. Thanks to social media, especially Instagram and YouTube, these techniques have gained immense popularity, with makeup artists and enthusiasts showcasing their skills and transforming their faces with the power of these techniques. However, for beginners, contouring and highlighting can seem intimidating and overwhelming. Fear not, as this beginner’s guide is here to make the process easy and simple for you.
Contouring is the art of using makeup to sculpt and define your facial features, while highlighting is about accentuating and bringing attention to certain areas of your face. The combination of these two techniques can help to create a more chiseled and defined look, adding dimension and depth to your face. Let’s delve into the process, step by step.
Firstly, it is crucial to identify your face shape. There are various face shapes, including oval, round, square, heart, and diamond-shaped faces. Each face shape requires different contouring techniques to achieve the best results. Research and determine your face shape, then proceed accordingly.
Start by prepping your skin. It is essential to have a smooth canvas before applying makeup. Cleanse your face, apply moisturizer, and let it absorb for a few minutes. Applying a primer can also help to create a smooth base for your makeup.
Next step, choose the right contouring product. Contouring products can come in various forms, such as creams, powders, and even liquids. If you are a beginner, powder contouring products are generally easier to work with. Opt for a shade that is a few shades darker than your natural skin tone. Be cautious not to go too dark, as it can result in an unnatural look.
Now comes the fun part – contouring! The basic rule of thumb is to create shadows on the areas you want to recede or define. These areas usually include the hollows of your cheeks, the sides of your nose, your temples, and your jawline. Using a contour brush or a fluffy angled brush, apply the product in a gentle sweeping motion, blending well as you go along. Remember, blending is key. Harsh lines can make your contour look harsh and unnatural, ruining the whole effect. Take your time and blend until there are no visible lines.
Moving on to highlighting, this step is all about bringing light and attention to certain areas of your face. Choose a highlighting product that complements your skin tone. For beginners, it is best to opt for a powder highlighter. Highlighting is done on areas where natural light hits your face, such as the tops of your cheekbones, the bridge of your nose, the brow bone, and the Cupid’s bow (the area above your upper lip). Use a small brush or your fingertips to apply the highlighter and gently blend it into your skin.
After contouring and highlighting, it’s important to set your makeup to ensure it lasts all day. Use a translucent powder to set your face, focusing on the areas you contoured and highlighted. This will help to keep the products in place and prevent them from budging throughout the day. Remember to use a light hand while setting, as applying too much product can make your makeup look cakey.
To complete the look, add some blush, bronzer, and a touch of lip color. Blush adds a healthy flush to your cheeks, while bronzer can help to warm up your skin tone and create a sun-kissed effect. As for the lips, choose a color that complements your overall makeup look. This will bring balance and harmony to your finished look.
Practice makes perfect, so don’t be discouraged if you don’t achieve your desired results on your first attempt. Contouring and highlighting require time and patience to master. Remember to start with light application and build up gradually. Over time, you will become more confident in your technique and create stunning, sculpted looks that enhance your natural beauty.
In conclusion, contouring and highlighting are transformative makeup techniques that can help to enhance your facial features and add dimension to your face. With a basic understanding of your face shape and the right products, you can achieve a flawless, chiseled look that accentuates your natural beauty. So, grab your brushes and give contouring and highlighting a try – you might just discover a whole new world of makeup possibilities!
