How To Contour Certain Face Shapes A Step By Step Guide

Contouring is a technique used to enhance and define facial features. It involves using a combination of dark and light shades to create the illusion of shadows and highlights on the face. By contouring, you can sculpt and shape your face to create a more defined and chiseled look. In this article, we will discuss how to contour certain face shapes and provide step-by-step instructions, tips, and FAQs.

Table of Contents

1. Face Shapes
2. How to Contour
3. Step-by-Step Guide
4. Tips for Contouring
5. FAQs
6. Hair Care for Contouring

Face Shapes

Before you start contouring, it's important to determine your face shape. This will help you determine which areas of your face you should contour and highlight. There are six basic face shapes:

• Round
• Oval
• Square
• Heart
• Diamond
• Long

Each face shape has its own unique features that can be enhanced or minimized through contouring.

How to Contour

To contour, you will need a contouring palette that includes both dark and light shades, a contouring brush, and a highlighter. The dark shades are used to create shadows and define your features, while the light shades are used to highlight and brighten your face.

Step-by-Step Guide

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to contour based on your face shape:

Round Face

If you have a round face, you can contour to create a more angular and defined look.

1. Apply a dark shade to the sides of your forehead, temples, and cheekbones to create shadows and define your features.
2. Blend the dark shade carefully to avoid harsh lines.
3. Apply a light shade to the center of your forehead, under your eyes, and on your chin to create highlights and brighten your face.
4. Blend the light shade carefully to avoid harsh lines.

Square Face

If you have a square face, you can contour to soften your jawline and create a more rounded look.

1. Apply a dark shade to the sides of your forehead, temples, and jawline to create shadows and soften your features.
2. Blend the dark shade carefully to avoid harsh lines.
3. Apply a light shade to the center of your forehead, under your eyes, and on your chin to create highlights and brighten your face.
4. Blend the light shade carefully to avoid harsh lines.

Oval Face

If you have an oval face, you can contour to enhance your natural features and create a more defined look.

1. Apply a dark shade to the sides of your forehead, temples, and cheekbones to create shadows and define your features.
2. Blend the dark shade carefully to avoid harsh lines.
3. Apply a light shade to the center of your forehead, under your eyes, and on your chin to create highlights and brighten your face.
4. Blend the light shade carefully to avoid harsh lines.

Heart Face

If you have a heart-shaped face, you can contour to soften your forehead and create a more balanced look.

1. Apply a dark shade to the sides of your forehead, temples, and jawline to create shadows and soften your features.
2. Blend the dark shade carefully to avoid harsh lines.
3. Apply a light shade to the center of your forehead, under your eyes, and on your chin to create highlights and brighten your face.
4. Blend the light shade carefully to avoid harsh lines.

Diamond Face

If you have a diamond-shaped face, you can contour to create a more defined jawline and cheekbones.

1. Apply a dark shade to the sides of your forehead, temples, and jawline to create shadows and define your features.
2. Blend the dark shade carefully to avoid harsh lines.
3. Apply a light shade to the center of your forehead, under your eyes, and on your chin to create highlights and brighten your face.
4. Blend the light shade carefully to avoid harsh lines.

Long Face

If you have a long face, you can contour to create a more balanced and proportionate look.

1. Apply a dark shade to the sides of your forehead, temples, and jawline to create shadows and shorten your face.
2. Blend the dark shade carefully to avoid harsh lines.
3. Apply a light shade to the center of your forehead, under your eyes, and on your chin to create highlights and brighten your face.
4. Blend the light shade carefully to avoid harsh lines.

Tips for Contouring

Here are some tips to keep in mind when contouring:

• Blend carefully to avoid harsh lines.
• Use a light hand when applying product.
• Choose shades that are one or two shades darker or lighter than your natural skin tone.
• Highlight the areas of your face where light naturally hits, such as the tops of your cheekbones and the bridge of your nose.
• Contour the areas of your face where shadows naturally fall, such as the hollows of your cheeks and the sides of your forehead.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about contouring:

• Q: Can contouring damage my skin?
• A: No, contouring is a safe and non-invasive makeup technique. However, it's important to remove your makeup at the end of the day to prevent breakouts and other skin issues.
• Q: Can contouring make me look older?
• A: No, contouring can actually make you look younger by enhancing your natural features and creating a more defined look.
• Q: Can I contour with cream or powder products?
• A: Yes, you can contour with both cream and powder products. It's a matter of personal preference.

Hair Care for Contouring

When contouring, it's important to consider your hair color and style. Here are some tips for hair care when contouring:

• Choose a hair color that complements your skin tone and enhances your natural features.
• Consider a hairstyle that frames your face and complements your face shape.
• Use hair products that add volume and texture to your hair to create a more defined look.
• Consider using hair accessories, such as headbands or clips, to accentuate your features and add interest to your look.

We hope this guide has been helpful in teaching you how to contour certain face shapes. Remember, contouring is all about enhancing your natural features and creating a more defined and chiseled look. With practice and patience, you can master this makeup technique and feel confident in your own skin.