This week we’re tackling the art of contouring. What’s contouring you ask? For those who don’t know, celebrity makeup artist Lucky Smyler says, “Contouring is the art of sculpting and manipulating the shape of the face with highlights and shading. It is important because it will enhance or exaggerate certain areas as well as recede and push back other areas.”
Read on for our top product picks and expert advice on how to contour.
Bobbi Brown Bronzing Powder
“The best way to do this is with a powder or bronzer at least two shades darker than your skin tone. Sweep it on the hollows of the cheeks, under the jaw line, and on the temples. For more drama, sweep it down the sides of the nose. In the industry, we call that technique ‘putting a face behind bars’,” says Smyler.
Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage Concealer
The woman behind the face of Kelly Rowland and one of our favorite housewives Kandi Burrus, Latasha Wright tells us, “Contouring is not as complicated as it sounds. Just use darker tones to create the illusion of pushing back or minimizing. Like under the chin. That’s a great place to use as a point of reference if you would like it to appear slimmer. Highlight those you would like to pronounce or bring attention to by either using a lighter color or a shimmer.” We love this concealer palette because it comes with a lighter and darker shade.
NARS Sheer Matte Foundation
A foundation is always the base for any look. For a matte base to contour on, try this foundation. We also love its variety of shades.
Too Faced Primed & Poreless Pure Oil-Free Skin Smoothing Face Primer for Sensitive Skin
A primer is a must-have to keep your makeup on and shine-free all day/night long. Plus my friends with sensitive skin, don’t be afraid to try this. This primer was made just for you.
Sephora Collection Pro Angled Contour Brush #75
Wright advises, “Don’t use the same brush that you apply your foundation or loose powder with. Make sure you get a separate brush for its specific function if you’re not that experienced. That will eliminate mixing up colors and make your experience of becoming your own makeup artist a lot easier.”
—Ashley Okwousa
