How to Contour Your Face: Dos and Don'ts for Flawless Result

Feeling flat-faced and missing that sculpted look? Longing to define your cheekbones, highlight your jawline, and add a touch of natural radiance but unsure where to start?

With the global dermal filler market reaching a staggering $5.5 billion in 2023, the allure of facial enhancements has skyrocketed in recent years. But there are also pocket-friendly, non-surgical solutions out there.

Contouring is one of them. This makeup technique is easier than you think, and we'll show you how to achieve a flawless, sculpted look in no time.

What Is Face Contouring?

Contouring involves playing with light and dark colors to make your features more prominent. Brighter shades highlight and amplify certain facial areas, while darker ones create angles and definitions.

If you want to create a more defined look or reduce the appearance of a wider nose, contouring can help. You can also try it under the chin to give it a shaded, slimmer look.

» Understand the difference between bronzer and contour

How to Contour Your Face: The Do’s

Remember that contour should resemble a shadow and appear natural on the face. Less is more in achieving this effect.

Here are a list of things you should consider to get the best results:

1. Find your contour shade: Cool, warm, or neutral undertones influence skin tone. Choose products that match your skin tone for a natural look.
2. Use a color palette: Hold a palette to your face to find hues that complement your coloring. Adjust intensity based on your skin tone.
3. Consider your face shape: Facial structure will determine where to apply the contour and highlighter. Fuller types like round, heart-shaped, or square ones may need more contouring to sharpen features. On the other hand, long, oval ones need less.
4. Use the right brushes: Opt for a slanted brush to control contour application. Using the right angles and brushes is crucial.
5. Focus on specific areas: Use golden contour for less sun-exposed foreheads and shade under the chin and jawline to help you look younger.
6. Set your look: Setting cream products with powder helps them stay in place and reduces movement on the face.

How to Contour Your Face: The Don’Ts

It's easy to overwhelm your makeup if the contour isn't done correctly. Let's look at the following tips to avoid common application mistakes.

• Avoid applying too much contour product at once—start with a light hand and build up gradually.
• Don't use a dark shade in thinning areas of the face. It creates shadows emphasizing the lack of volume, contributing to an aged or tired look.
• Avoid applying contour in a straight line along your cheekbones; instead, follow the curves of your face.
• Don't forget to blend your contour into your hairline and jawline for a more natural finish. Proper blending is critical to transitioning from amateur to professional application.
• Try not to contour areas of your face that don't need it, such as the entire length of your nose if it's already slim.
• Avoid using shimmer or glitter products for contouring, as they can emphasize texture on the skin.

An example of how to contour your face for the best results.



Contouring Using Creams

Cream contour products offer versatility in application, enabling you to use multiple tools. Brushes provide a smoother and softer blend, while sponges can deliver a slightly heavier product. Choosing what works best depends on personal comfort.

These products are easy to blend until you achieve the desired color and consistency when you put on too much. This makes them suitable for all skill levels. Creamier formulas are also particularly beneficial for mature skin, offering hydration and minimizing texture accentuation.

Contouring With Powders

Powder products are more common and accessible and are usually applied with a brush to keep your makeup in place.

A fluffy brush gives a lighter application, while small brushes from contour kits may apply the contour harshly. You can also opt for a fuller one to pat and swirl the product for a softer look, gradually building up to the desired darkness.

» Uncover what brush you should use for contour powder

Beyond the Basics: Mastering the Art of Contouring

Contour application techniques significantly impact the resulting angles. With age and the natural change in your face and skin, everything revolves around creating illusions through them. Applying contour or a highlighter ultimately shapes your face.

Now that you're armed with expert do's and don'ts, it's time to transform your beauty routine. Embrace the power of contouring and consider elevating your makeup game with the Klever Beauty Box—a curated selection of eight full-size products, including versatile tools like brushes and sponges.