How I Contour My Face

Contouring is one of those things that many of us probably don't think to do on a daily basis.  If you're a beginner with makeup, chances are you don't even know what contouring is.  It's one of the most recent things I've learned in makeup.  It can make a big difference as far as making your face look proportional and model-like, and if you want to make your face appear slimmer, this technique will become your new best friend.

You need a couple things to contour: a matte bronzer (this is important--nothing with shimmer!), a brush to apply the bronzer, and possibly a second brush to blend it out, depending on the brush you use for application.

Regarding the matte bronzer, don't feel like you need to spend a fortune here.  ELF makes a great Contouring Blush and Bronzer Powder Duo for $3.  Alternatively, you could look for a face powder that is a few shades darker than your skin tone.  The one I use every day and highly recommend is the L'Oreal True Match Super Blendable Powder.  The True Match line in General is great because it's affordable, easily accessible, and offers a large color range and undertones in cool, neutral, and warm.    I would recommend using something neutral or cool to use for contouring.  If you're just going to use it as an all-over bronzer to warm up your complexion, you can go with a warmer shade.  Anyway, the shade I have is N8 Cappuccino.

My favorite brush for contouring is the Oval 6 Brush by MAC (currently, you can only buy it in MAC stores), and that's what you will see me using here.  This brush is very unique and makes contouring super easy; it's the perfect density and shape and is super soft!  You could also use an angled brush (I love the Sedona Lace Large Angle Contour Brush) or something like the Real Techniques Contour Brush (shown on the far left of this kit).  Just find a brush that isn't too big and fluffy and has enough precision for you to get into the hollows of your cheeks).

L'Oreal True Match Super Blendable Powder in N8 Cappuccino, MAC Oval 6 Brush, Real Techniques Blush Brush (to use for blending)

Now that you have the tools, it's time to make the oh-so-attractive fish face by sucking in your cheeks to find the hollows.  You'll want to apply the bronzer right underneath your cheek bones (basically the sucked-in part).

Start at your hairline and move inwards.  If it looks like a harsh stripe like it does here, don't worry!  You're going to blend it out.  Warning: scary picture ahead...

If you use an angled brush to apply the contour, you can pretty much get away with just using that to blend out the color.  If you use a stiffer brush like the Oval 6, you'll need a big fluffy brush to blend.  My favorite is the Real Techniques Blush Brush, and I just buff the color out using circular motions.  I also use this brush to apply the bronzer on my temples right near my hair line and along my jawline (along with the hollows of your cheeks, contouring these areas will also make your face look slimmer).

And you're done contouring!  I follow this up with blush and highlighter.

Thanks for reading!!

XOXO,