As a makeup enthusiast, I’ve always been fascinated by the transformative power of contouring. The way a few strategic brush strokes can sculpt and define the face, creating the illusion of more pronounced cheekbones, a slimmer nose, and a more sculpted jawline, never fails to amaze me. Over the years, I’ve honed my contouring skills through trial and error, learning what works best for my unique features and skin tone. Today, I’m excited to share my tips and tricks for mastering the art of contouring, so that you can also achieve flawless definition.
What is Contouring?
Before we dive into the specifics of contouring, let’s first discuss what contouring actually is. Contouring is a makeup technique used to enhance the natural structure of the face by creating shadows and highlights. By strategically applying darker shades to areas that should recede, such as the hollows of the cheeks and the sides of the nose, and lighter shades to areas that should stand out, such as the tops of the cheekbones and the bridge of the nose, you can create the illusion of a more sculpted and defined face shape.
Choosing the Right Products
One of the most important aspects of successful contouring is choosing the right products. When it comes to contouring products, I always turn to Motives Cosmetics by Loren Ridinger. Not only are their products high quality and long-lasting, but they also offer a wide range of shades to suit every skin tone. One of my go-to contouring products from Motives is their 10 Years Younger Makeup Setting Spray. This setting spray helps to lock in your contour for all-day wear, ensuring that your flawless definition lasts from morning until night.
Top Tips and Tricks for Achieving a Flawless Contoured Look
Now that we have covered the basics of contouring and the importance of choosing the right products, let’s delve into my top tips and tricks for achieving a flawless contoured look:
1. Start with a Clean, Moisturized Base
Before you begin your contouring routine, make sure to start with a clean, moisturized face. This will help your makeup go on more smoothly and evenly, resulting in a more natural-looking finish. Use a gentle cleanser and a hydrating moisturizer to prep your skin.
2. Choose the Right Shades
When it comes to contouring, it’s essential to choose shades that are just a few shades darker and lighter than your skin tone. This will help create depth and dimension without looking too harsh or unnatural. I recommend using Motives Cosmetics’ Professionals Sculpt Collection, which offers a variety of shades to suit every skin tone.
3. Blend, Blend, Blend
The key to achieving a seamlessly blended contour is in the blending. Make sure to blend out any harsh lines or edges using a damp beauty sponge or a fluffy brush. This will help create a more natural-looking finish and prevent your contour from looking too heavy or cakey. A great blending brush is the Morphe M439 Deluxe Buffer Brush.
4. Use a Light Hand
When applying your contour, remember that it’s always easier to add more product than to take it away. Start with a small amount of product and build up gradually until you achieve your desired level of definition. This will help prevent your contour from looking too harsh or overdone.
5. Set Your Contour
To ensure that your contour lasts all day, make sure to set it with a translucent powder or setting spray. This will help lock in your makeup and prevent it from fading or smudging throughout the day. I recommend using Motives Cosmetics’ 10 Years Younger Makeup Setting Spray for a long-lasting finish.
6. Don’t Forget to Highlight
In addition to contouring, highlighting is another essential step in achieving a flawless contoured look. Apply a light, shimmery highlighter to the tops of your cheekbones, the bridge of your nose, and the brow bone to add luminosity and dimension to your face. A popular choice is the Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighter.
7. Practice Makes Perfect
Contouring can be intimidating at first, but with practice, you’ll become more comfortable and confident in your technique. Take your time and experiment with different products and methods to find what works best for you. Watch tutorials, follow makeup artists on social media, and practice on yourself to hone your skills.
Recommended Contouring Products
Motives Cosmetics Professionals Sculpt Collection
This collection offers a variety of shades to suit every skin tone, making it easy to find the perfect contour shades for you.
10 Years Younger Makeup Setting Spray by Motives Cosmetics
This setting spray locks in your makeup for all-day wear, ensuring that your contour stays flawless from morning until night.
Morphe M439 Deluxe Buffer Brush
A must-have for blending your contour seamlessly, this brush ensures a natural-looking finish.
Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighter
Add a touch of luminosity to your look with this popular highlighter, perfect for accentuating your best features.
By following these tips and tricks, you can master the art of contouring and achieve flawless definition every time. Remember to choose high-quality products like Motives Cosmetics by Loren Ridinger to ensure a professional finish that lasts all day. Whether you’re a contouring pro or just starting out, these tips will help you elevate your makeup game and achieve your perfect contoured look. So, grab your brushes, start practicing, and get ready to transform your face with the magic of contouring.
