Contouring used to be all about changing your face shape with makeup, now the whole point of contouring is to enhance and accentuate your natural features and create soft definition.
We wanted to share Anna’s best tips for creating captivating contour techniques using both cream and powder makeup products. Plus, you will also find her makeup artist curated makeup picks so you can use the best products for your contouring looks at home.
When To Use Cream Contour Makeup
Cream contour comes in a form of cream or liquid base and leaves your skin hydrated with a dewy glow. It’s perfect for dry, normal, and combination skin. If you have very oily skin, cream-based contour is probably not the best option for you.
To get the best results using cream contour use a foundation brush that you’ve previously applied your foundation with. Since there is some foundation left on your brush, the contour product will look natural, blur into your skin, and fade seamlessly.
When To Use Powder Contour Makeup
If you have normal or oily skin, you’ll want to opt for a powder contour makeup instead of a cream one. Powder contour is easier to blend and it’s best for oily skin as it keeps it matte.
Powder contour can also be combined with your cream product to create an even more dramatic, long lasting effect.
Contouring Makeup Application Tips
When it comes to contouring your face, it’s best to start with a solid foundation, yes literally. After applying your foundation you’ll want to apply the different contour shades to the key areas of the face: If you’re just getting started try contouring areas like your cheekbones, forehead, nose, and chin. As you explore and play with your contour makeup you’ll find ways to make the most of your best facial features.
And to prevent over saturating and overloading your face with the makeup (especially cream-based products), be sure to keep a paper towel nearby. You’ll want to use it in between applications so that your look won’t get too messy or look “cakey”.
Why blot your application brushes with a paper towel? Too much product not only gives you a cakey look but it can make the skin look too dark, blotchy, or just uneven. Keeping your brush fresh and clean gives you the best chance of achieving a glistening, airbrushed appearance.
Blend the contour makeup in an upward motion. This gives your face an instant lift and prevents it from looking droopy or saggy.
Some of Anna’s favorite places to contour include:
- From the ear to the fullest part of the cheek (For stunningly chiseled cheekbones)
- Along the hairline (for a more defined face or to create the illusion of a smaller or less prominent forehead)
- Under the eyebrow (To to accentuate your eyes and make those beautiful brows pop)
- Right under your jaw line (to mask a larger or double chin or to define a softer one)
Makeup Recommendations For a Captivating Cream Contour
Fenty Beauty’s Match Stix Contour Skinstick
https://www.fentybeauty.com/face/contour
Fenty Beauty changed the makeup game forever with their extensive array of shades designed to give every woman makeup that matches her skin tone. And the Match Stix are going to change the way you create your face contours. These easy to apply, buildable, and gorgeous contouring tools give you everything you need to bring out your most stunning features.
Tom Ford’s Shade And Illuminate
https://www.tomford.com/shade-and-illuminate/T0PL.html
Tom Ford makes delightful, high-end makeup that’s a dream come true for makeup lovers and artists alike. The Shade and Illuminate creams are perfect for defining and highlighting your best features. And the formulas are so light you might forget you’re wearing them.
KKW Beauty’s Cream Contour And Highlight Set
https://kkwbeauty.com/collections/contour-highlight
KKW’s Beauty Creams are perfect for creating a perfectly sculpted face. And the KKW products are made in a buildable formulation. So, whether you want to create a subtle, lightly defined look or you want something a bit more dramatic, you can use these products to make that happen.
Makeup Recommendations For A Perfect Powder Look
Kat Von D’s Beauty Shade & Light Powder Contour
https://www.kvdveganbeauty.com/face/contour
The Shade and Light Powder from Kat Von D’s collection of vegan beauty products give you the power to create unforgettable powder contouring looks. Build your own color palette or choose the Kitten Mini for a dual shade, smaller scale contouring kit.
Kevyn Aucoin’s Sculpting Contour Powder
https://kevynaucoinbeauty.com/products/the-sculpting-contour-powder?variant=42824937420
Kevyn Aucoin’s sheer contour powders offer you a matte application that won’t dry out your face. These exquisitely curated colors allow for a glowing, no-crease, and beautifully defined look every time.
Want a Stunning Contoured Look For Your Big Day Or Your Next Editorial Project?
Let’s connect!
Whether you’re looking for an artist to create your next head-turning look or you want answers to your burning makeup questions, you can contact Anna here and she’ll be in touch to discuss how to accent your best features with the perfect makeup application.
