Basic Contouring Tutorial with the 5 Most Essential Contour Brushes (2024)

FAQs

How to use contour brush for beginners? ›

Holding the brush so that it hits your cheeks at a 45-degree angle, use large sweeping motions, working along the line between the corner of your mouth and your upper ear. This brush can also be used to dust off any excess product, apply a light highlight above the cheekbone, or apply finishing powder.

What To Look For in a Contour Kit. Powder vs. Cream: "If you're a beginner, I would suggest you go for powder formula, as it's easier to use," says Ali. Creams tend to be a little more blendable, and they work well for those with dry skin.

The brush you choose also depends on the look you want to create. Our two favorite brushes to contour with are the Contour Brush and the Blending/Contour Brush. They are both ultrasoft, vegan bushes with animal-free bristles and they can be used individually or together to create your perfect, sculpted look.

Applying foundation first is the more standard practice. This order of application gives you a nice, even base to layer your contour on top of. It also is better for getting a more sculpted, bold look, as your contour makeup doesn't get diffused with foundation.

Apply foundation before you contour your face. Foundation gives you the base you need to apply smooth contour make-up. Applying foundation after the rest of your make-up can wipe out all your contouring and highlighting work.

Rules of Contour Lines

In other words, contour lines connect points of equal elevation. By definition, contour lines separate points of higher elevation from points of lower elevation. This means it is always possible to define an “uphill” direction on one side of a contour and a “downhill” direction on the other side.

Erin finds that cream or gel contour products are best for mature skin. In general, powders and some liquids are less forgiving, and they can sometimes settle into fine lines. So, if you are new to the contour game, we recommend starting with a cream or gel stick.

“After any base make-up is applied, apply your cream contour under your cheekbones, along the top of your hair line, jaw line and either side of the nose (if you wish). Then, blend away any edges either with a brush or sponge. Finally, set with powder," says Martin.

What are the 5 types of contour? ›

There are several different types of a contour drawing: continuous contour, blind contour, partially blind contour, and cross contour. Each one is used to define the subject or the outline of a subject in a significant manner.

Suck your cheeks in and use the angled edge of your contour brush to add color to the hollows of your cheeks under your cheekbones and then release. Blend with gentle strokes until the product looks natural. You'll use similar movements to contour your jawline and forehead.

Makeup sponges can be great for blending (for my contouring girls!). But be careful, sponges have a tendency to absorb a lot of product so you'll end up using a little more than with a brush. If you're not careful it might get a little messy, too. You might get some foundation on your hands.

What Products Should You Use to Contour? Cream foundation sticks, cream bronzers, liquid concealers, powder bronzer, and face powders slightly darker than your skin tone are the most popular products to contour with.

Contour Brush

Bronzer and contour are different. One is meant to warm up the face (like to fake time in the sun), and the other is to sculpt the face. Because of the differences in makeup application, you'll want to use a different type of brush for contouring.

Conclusion: For someone who is new to the contouring game should consider picking the cream formula. On the other hand, if you are good at contouring and prefer more of defined makeup look, then powder formulas should be your go to option. We hope this guide has helped you choose the perfect contour for yourself.

Think: Less is more when applying makeup with a sponge. For instance, starting with a small amount of product, like foundation, will allow you to achieve your ideal coverage by building. For contouring, use a damp makeup sponge to mix the colors and ensure no graphic lines are left behind.

'A cream contour is better for someone with a normal to dry complexion and a powder contour is better for someone with a normal to oily complexion,' says Findlay. What's more, a cream contour stick will generally be easier to apply and blend, so is a good idea for any nervous newcomers.