How to Contour Makeup: 5 Beginner Contouring Tips for the Perfect Look

Contouring was made popular by the contour queen herself, Kim Kardashian. Makeup artists and experts can get the perfect makeup look with contouring, but it may be a bit tricky to get the hang of at first. Let’s just say that if you don’t know how to contour properly, your makeup can go horribly wrong.

If you know how to contour makeup, you can create a brand new bone structure with just a few swipes of the brush. Contouring is done by using makeup to create a shape that enhances the area.

1. Match the Perfect Color for Your Skintone

Create a base using your foundation and concealer and match this shade to the natural color of your skin. You will be using powder or cream foundation, concealer, or specific contour makeup to apply contour to your face.

Then choose the shades you will use to contour and highlight. The contour color should be 2 shades darker than your skin tone and the highlighter 2 shades lighter.

You don’t want the contrast too dark and be too dramatic. And on the other end of the spectrum, you don’t want to be so light that it barely looks like you contoured.

Find the correct tones and undertones for the color of your skin, it will help you when you’re choosing shades.

2. Find Just the Right Brush and Products

The correct brush and product is just as important as finding the right color. Use separate brushes for contouring and highlighting; this isn’t the time for a wide brush, use a more precise fluffy brush to apply and begin to blend. You can save the big brush for applying powder.

Our favorite “brush” is the blending sponge.

There are a few types of contour and highlighter options and which you use is really just a matter of personal preference. You can use powder or cream, but we like matte no matter what (get it?).

Make sure to follow up on your day of makeup with a skin-care routine to wash the day away.

3. Draw Everything Before You Smudge

This is what the professionals call mapping your face. You’ll want to use the right contour pattern for your face shape.

Using the correct face map, contour using the appropriate contour color and highlighter over your entire face before you decide to blend at all.

4. Practice Blending Techniques

Using a brush or beauty sponge blend at the drawn map lines first and follow the lines. Some makeup artists recommend blending in one direction so that you don’t smear the makeup the wrong way.

Once you’ve blended the harsh lines, blend all over with a blending brush so that there are no visible lines.

5. Use Setting Spray

If you’ve used a cream powder, top with translucent powder to set the makeup. If you’ve used powder, spritz a setting spray on your face to keep a fresh and fierce look throughout the day!

Still Don’t Know How to Contour Makeup?

Can’t get your contour just right? Don’t worry, it’s an art and takes some practice!

It’s okay if you need help, that’s why there are professionals! If you’re having issues finding the right balance of contour colors or not blending correctly with the brush, schedule an appointment with your local salon.

A stylist at Gibson Hair and Makeup can do your makeup for you (maybe on a special day!) while also teaching you proper techniques for at-home applications! Might as well treat yourself to a spa day and get your hair done, as well!