Monday 25 April 2011

Contour & Highlighting 101

How to Contour and Highlight:

The main reason for contouring is to give your face that appeared perfect definied, symmetrical look, on a night out or in photo's. This type of makeup application isn't really suitable for an everyday look, if dont in full as you run the risk of looking over done, and dolled up! The main concepts of this beauty artistry is to use a darker shade then your foundation color to make parts of your face recede (contour), while the lighter shades you use will be for highlighting high-points such as your cheekbones and bridge of your nose. Using these gives your face a more 3D effect, and the addition of bronzer and blush gives your cheeks and other areas of your face a healthier glow!



WHAT YOU NEED:
  • angled contour brush/ fan brush
  • blush brush
  • blush
  • bronzing powder
  • highlight shade (lighter/or bronzer)
  • darker blush/ or contour shade (kit)

INSTRUCTIONS:
1)  Lightly dab your angled contour brush in your contour shade (this should be darker then your already applicated foundation shade)

2)Make a fish face and locate under your cheek bones wherever your cheeks are most sucked in, and apply the contour shade. Apply from the front of your ears and bring down to the corners of mouth by your jawline.

3) If you want you can bring them up high to your temples,and up to your forehead to frame your face.

4) Then to contour the nose bring the brush (you made need a smaller blending brush) down by the sides of your nose.

5) Now it time to highlight! You can use the same contour brush, just be sure to clean off any excess powder, and dabb the brush lightly in the highlighting powder.

6) When applying the highlighter make sure it is placed where the light is more likely to reflect of your face. Typically these areas are your cheek bones, bridge of your nose, centre of your forehead and front of your chin. When applying the highlighter make sure is above the place you've contoured to ensure the shadowed effect.

7) Now it's time for the blush! Using your blush brush of choice apply your blush and a bit of bronzer to the apple of your cheeks. Smile really widely to help locate the apples of your cheeks, and bring it towards the ears. Make sure to ensure that the blush is blened well your highlighter above and your contour below.

8) For a finishing touch lightly go over your face with a powder brush, with a small amount of your powder and bronzer to set the look and blend in all areas well.

1 comment:

  1. This technique of contouring then might be used for special events to stand out, right? You know, like parties and galas. Celebrities on the red carpet must have been relying on this to make their own presence. In any case, it also gives an impression of a younger look, though of course, way too much makeup ruins the skin and everything.

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