Modelrock Lashes | Blog | THE DOS AND DON'TS OF CONTOURING: COMMON MISTAKES AND HOW TO AVOID THEM (2024)

Hey there, beauties! Have you ever wondered how your favourite celebrities and influencers achieve those perfectly sculpted cheekbones and defined jawlines? Well, the secret lies in the art of contouring! Contouring has become a game-changer in modern makeup trends, allowing us to create dimension and accentuate our best features with a few strategic brush strokes.

However, let's be honest – contouring can be a bit tricky, and we've all witnessed some contouring mishaps that made us cringe. Fear not! We're here to save the day (and your makeup!) by diving into the dos and don'ts of contouring. Everyone deserves to feel confident and flawless in their makeup, so understanding these essential tips is a must for anyone wanting to master the art of contouring.

In this blog, we'll take you on a journey through the world of contouring, sharing common mistakes that even seasoned makeup enthusiasts can make, and more importantly, how to avoid them. By the end of this article, you'll be well-equipped with the knowledge to achieve a professional, polished look that'll leave everyone asking for your beauty secrets!

UNDERSTANDING COMMON CONTOURING MISTAKES

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When it comes to contouring, even the most skilled makeup enthusiasts can stumble upon common mistakes that affect the entire makeup look:

  • Using the wrong contour shade, either too dark or warm, can lead to an unnatural and muddy appearance.
  • Applying too much product at once results in harsh lines and streaks that are difficult to blend out.
  • Improper blending techniques, such as using a dirty brush or not blending thoroughly, can lead to patchy and uneven contour, throwing off the entire balance of your makeup.
  • Contouring areas that don't require it, like the entire face or random spots, can create an unbalanced and disproportionate appearance.

THE DOS OF CONTOURING

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Achieving a flawless contour is within your grasp with these essential dos of contouring:

  • Select the right contour shade by considering your natural skin tone, undertones, lighting, and the occasion to ensure a perfect match.
  • Apply your contour products with a light hand. Begin with a small amount and gradually build up the intensity for a more natural finish.
  • Blend thoroughly using a clean brush or a damp makeup sponge for a seamless and natural-looking shadow.
  • Focus on key areas like the cheekbones, jawline, temples, and nose to accentuate them strategically for a sculpted and defined look.
  • Layer and blend your contour with other products like foundation, bronzer, and blush for a cohesive and balanced makeup look.

THE DON'TS OF CONTOURING

Modelrock Lashes | Blog | THE DOS AND DON'TS OF CONTOURING: COMMON MISTAKES AND HOW TO AVOID THEM (3)

Steer clear of common contouring mishaps by keeping these don'ts in mind:

  • Avoid using contour products that are too dark or warm for your natural skin tone, as this can lead to an unnatural and muddy appearance.
  • Refrain from heavy-handed application, as it can create harsh lines and streaks that are tricky to blend out.
  • Don't contour areas that don't require it, like the entire face or random spots, as this can result in an unbalanced and disproportionate look.
  • Never skimp on proper blending techniques. Always use clean brushes or sponges and ensure thorough blending to avoid a patchy or uneven contour.

TROUBLESHOOTING COMMON CONTOURING MISTAKES

Modelrock Lashes | Blog | THE DOS AND DON'TS OF CONTOURING: COMMON MISTAKES AND HOW TO AVOID THEM (4)

Don't panic if you encounter common contouring blunders – troubleshooting is here to save the day!

  • For a too-dark contour, simply grab a clean blending brush or a damp sponge and blend out the excess product for a softer, more natural appearance.
  • Pesky harsh lines or streaks can be gently blended with a clean brush or sponge until they seamlessly meld into your foundation, leaving you with a flawless finish.
  • To fix patchy or uneven contour, use a clean brush or sponge to blend it out thoroughly, achieving a smooth and even contour that beautifully enhances your features. And remember, if all else fails, don't hesitate to use makeup remover, and start over.
  • Layer and blend your contour with other makeup products, such as foundation or concealer, to correct mistakes and create a cohesive and balanced makeup look.

CONCLUSION

Modelrock Lashes | Blog | THE DOS AND DON'TS OF CONTOURING: COMMON MISTAKES AND HOW TO AVOID THEM (5)

Mastering the art of contouring is all about understanding the key dos and don'ts we've explored in this article. By adhering to the dos, such as selecting the right contour shade, applying with a light hand, and blending thoroughly, you'll be well on your way to achieving a flawless and professional-looking contour that accentuates your natural beauty. Equally crucial is steering clear of the don'ts, like avoiding too-dark or too-warm contour shades, heavy-handed application, unnecessary contouring, and improper blending techniques. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure your contour looks seamless and radiant, enhancing your features in the most flattering way.

Remember, practice makes perfect! Embrace the opportunity to experiment with different contouring techniques and products to find what works best for you. Makeup is an art, and contouring is your chance to sculpt and define your unique beauty. So, don't be afraid to try new things, get creative, and have fun with it!

Now armed with the dos and don'ts of contouring, you're ready to take on any makeup challenge that comes your way. With practice and patience, you'll soon be contouring like a pro, achieving a polished and confident look that radiates your inner beauty. So go ahead, grab your brushes, and get contouring – the world is your canvas! Happy contouring, beauties!

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Modelrock Lashes | Blog | THE DOS AND DON'TS OF CONTOURING: COMMON MISTAKES AND HOW TO AVOID THEM (2024)

FAQs

Do and don'ts of contouring? ›

Don't contour areas that don't require it, like the entire face or random spots, as this can result in an unbalanced and disproportionate look. Never skimp on proper blending techniques. Always use clean brushes or sponges and ensure thorough blending to avoid a patchy or uneven contour.

Do you contour before or after powder? ›

Top Tip: For cream contour, you want to apply it on a cream or liquid base. You should set your base with powder after applying the cream, not before. If you are using powder contour, blend it on top of a powdered face to get a smooth, streak free finish that isn't patchy! Remember: apply wet to wet and dry to dry!

What type of contour is best for beginners? ›

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.

What are the 7 rules of contouring? ›

  • All points on a contour line have the same elevation.
  • Contour lines usually do not cross, intersect, or separate.
  • Closely spaced contour lines represent steep slopes.
  • Widely spaced contour lines represent gentle slopes.

What is the disadvantage of contouring? ›

Common side effects of body contouring include scarring, body asymmetry (one side of the body has more fat removed than the other), blood clots, and excess skin in the treated area.

What order to apply makeup when contouring? ›

start with a primer and blend with your fingers. Then apply your foundation, then blend it out with the beauty sponge. Then apply concealer, then blend it out with the smaller beauty sponge. Then apply your contour and blend it out with a brush.

Do you bake your face before or after contouring? ›

To properly bake, first you'll need to apply makeup primer, foundation and concealer (and contour). Once your base is complete, then you can use loose translucent powder to bake and set your makeup — this is easily the most important product to have on hand because you cannot bake without it.

Do you apply bronzer or contour first? ›

Together, bronzer and contour are a MAGICAL, IRRESISTABLE combination, creating a dreamy, sun-kissed, flawless-looking finish! Apply your contour first, before layering your bronzer on top for a radiant-looking glow!

What is the best contour for mature skin? ›

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.

What is a good cheap contour? ›

The 15 Best Drugstore Contour Kits
  • Best Overall: NYX Professional Makeup Conceal Correct Contour Palette. ...
  • Best Budget: wet n wild MegaGlo Contouring Duo Palette. ...
  • Best for Sensitive Skin: Physicians Formula Murumuru Butter Butter Bronzer Contour Palette. ...
  • Best for Everyday: e.l.f. Cream Contour Palette.
Jan 5, 2024

What is the best color for contouring? ›

While picking a contour shade, keep in mind that the colour should be at least two shades darker than your foundation to create the necessary shadows. But be wary of going too dark as it will end up looking harsh and patchy.

What is the rule of contouring? ›

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.

What do you blend first when contouring? ›

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.

How to contour over 50 for beginners? ›

How to Contour Older Faces
  1. YOU 'PUSH BACK' WHEREVER YOU DARKEN OR ADD SHADOW.
  2. YOU 'BRING FORWARD' WHEREVER YOU LIGHTEN OR ADD LUMINESCENCE.
  3. FOR OLDER FACES, KEEP THINGS SIMPLE: APPLY WITH A LIGHT HAND AND BUILD UP TO YOUR DESIRED EFFECT.

How do I prepare my face for contouring? ›

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.

What can contour lines never do? ›

Rules of Contour Lines

Every point on a given contour line is of the exact same elevation. Contour lines should never cross one another. Contour lines should not merge. Contour lines never split.

Do you put foundation and concealer on before contouring? ›

Contouring makeup is usually applied after foundation and concealer. Cream, liquid, and stick contours can be applied directly on top of foundation and then blended out for a seamless finish.

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