Hey everyone! Today I’m going to be sharing a few contouring and highlighting tips with you. I know it can seem intimidating, but trust me, if you have a little extra time in the A.M., the results are worth it. Here is a little before and after for you:
Step One: Shade & Blend
Chiseling out your cheek bones can be risky business. Not everyone wants to look like a Kardashian 24/7. If you are a contour newbie, boy oh boy do I have a life-saving (or at least makeup-fail-saving) tip for you!
PICK YOUR COLOR: When contouring choose a cool(ish) toned powder that is only a few shades darker than your foundation. You may have to try out a few brands before finding the shade that is just right for you.
TIP: Instead of using a brush to apply your contour shade: grab your nearest beauty sponge and blend away! Yes, you can even use these sponges for powder products.
HINT: Always dampen your sponge before applying makeup, this will give you that natural finish we all crave.
Step Two: Set & Highlight
The great thing about buying a contour kit is that these often come with two types of highlight: one matte, one shimmering. The LORAC palette actually comes with two matte highlight powders, if that is something you’re looking for.
PICK YOUR COLOR: Now since we are using two (technically three) different shades of highlighter in this tutorial, I am going to explain the function of each. First, let’s talk about Mat… I mean matte- this isn’t gossip hour, ladies. (;
The light beige shade is a very brightening powder that I like to use under my eyes.
The pale yellow shade -a favorite for many beauty bloggers- is perfect for canceling any redness. I use this around my nose and on my chin.
For a shimmering highlight, your options are endless. Here is my little guide to choosing your perfect shade:
If you want a fresh-face that looks like it has been dusted with diamonds, choose a pearl highlight.
If you want to look like a beach goddess who just visited Ariel’s makeup artist under the sea, choose a champagne highlight.
TIP: Use an dome brush for the matte colors, patting the powders into the skin. For your shimmering highlight, use an angled brush and sweep the glowing goodness onto your cheekbones.
HINT: For beginners, I recommend trying a liquid highlight as they are easy to blend with simply the pads of your fingers.
Step Three: Bronzing
Bronzing your skin can be extra step that blends everything together seamlessly.
PICK YOUR COLOR: Warm toned bronzers add life to the skin. You can even choose a formula with a slight glimmer to it if you please. Just avoid chunky glitter at all costs.
TIP: Use a big fluffy brush and circular motions to apply bronzer to your forehead, cheeks and jaw line.
HINT: Don’t forget to blend your bronzer down onto your neck!
Step Four: Contour Your Eyes
This is perfect for a no-fuss, everyday makeup look!
PICK YOUR COLOR: Use the same bronzer and shimmering highlight from before!
TIP: Blend the darker shade into your crease. Then, highlight your inner corner and center of your eyelid with the, as mentioned previously, glowing goodness.
HINT: Sweep the bronzer on your lower lash line for a little natural smolder.
The Big Reveal!
Shop Contour Kits:
I hope this helped some of you face your contouring fears. It’s really only as hard as you make it. Remember, less is more. Also, blend until you can blend no more. Good luck. I believe in you gorgeous little makeup junkies!
XoXo, Zo