How to powder contour for beginners

Section One: Preparation

Powder contouring is a makeup technique that involves using a darker shade of powder to define and sculpt the face. It can seem intimidating, especially for beginners, but with a little bit of practice and knowledge about how to prepare your face, you can achieve a flawless look.

The first step to preparing your face for powder contouring is to ensure that your skin is hydrated and moisturized. This will help the powder blend easily into your skin and prevent it from appearing dull or patchy. Use a gentle cleanser and toner to create a smooth base before moisturizing with a lightweight lotion or serum.

Start By Cleansing
Use A Toner To Create A Smooth Base
Hydrate and Moisturize

Next, choose a primer that suits your skin type. Primer will not only help your makeup last longer, but it will also provide a smooth base for your contouring powder. Apply the primer all over your face, focusing on areas where you will be applying the contour powder.

Before beginning the contouring process, take some time to examine your face shape. This will help you to determine where to apply the powder and how to achieve the desired effect. Using a small mirror and a comfortable position, analyse your face by checking your cheekbones, jawline, and hairline.

Choose A Primer
Identify Your Face Shape

Section Two: Choosing Colours

Choosing the right colours for powder contouring is crucial to achieving a natural and well-defined look. It can be difficult to decide which shades are best for your skin tone and face shape, but with some knowledge and practice, it is manageable.

When it comes to choosing a contour powder, it is essential to pick a shade that is 1-2 shades darker than your natural skin colour. This will create a subtle effect that enhances your facial features instead of making them look overboard. Similarly, when selecting a highlighting powder, choose something that is 1-2 shades lighter than your natural skin tone.

Choose A Powder That Is 1-2 Shades Darker Than Your Skin Tone
Select A Highlighting Powder That Is 1-2 Shades Lighter Than Your Skin Tone

The same rule applies to selecting a blush colour. You should choose a shade that complements your skin tone and is appropriate for the occasion and your outfit.

If you are unsure about which shades work best for you, you can consult with a makeup artist or look for online tutorials specific to your skin tone and face shape.

Select A Blush That Complements Your Skin Tone
Consult A Makeup Artist For Help

Section Three: Applying Base Makeup

Once you have prepared your face and chosen the right shades for your contouring powder, it is time to apply the base makeup. This includes foundation, concealer, and setting powder.

Begin with applying a lightweight foundation to your face and blend it well using a makeup sponge, brush, or your fingers. Focus on the areas that need most coverage, such as your nose, cheeks, and under your eyes. Then apply a concealer on top of the foundation to hide blemishes and dark circles.

Apply A Lightweight Foundation
Blend Foundation Using Makeup Sponge, Brush, or Fingers
Use Concealer To Hide Blemishes and Dark Circles

Once you have applied the foundation and concealer, it is time to apply the contouring powder. Use a contour brush to apply the powder to the areas of your face that you want to define and sculpt. This can include your cheekbones, forehead, nose, and jawline.

Be sure to blend the contouring powder well using a clean makeup brush to avoid any harsh lines or streaks. You can also use a beauty blender dampened with setting spray to buff out any harsh lines and blend all the powders together seamlessly.

Use Contour Brush To Apply Contouring Powder
Blend Well Using Clean Makeup Brush
Use Beauty Blender Dampened With Setting Spray To Blend Everything Together

Finally, set your makeup with a setting spray or powder to ensure that it lasts all day. This will also give your skin a smooth, polished finish.

Set Your Makeup With Setting Spray or Powder

With these few simple steps, you can easily achieve a natural-looking contour that enhances your features and defines your face. Practice and experiment with colours and products to find the perfect fit for you.

Selecting the Right Brush

When it comes to powder contour, selecting the right brush is crucial. You’ll want to choose a brush that is dense and fluffy, yet still has some level of precision. A small angled brush or a tapered brush will work best for this job. Avoid using large, fluffy brushes or fan brushes, as they won’t give you enough control over the product.

When selecting a brush, it’s also important to consider the type of bristles. Natural hair bristles tend to pick up more product and blend more seamlessly, while synthetic bristles are better for precision and detailed work. However, this is mostly a matter of personal preference. Professionals tend to prefer natural hair brushes, while beginners may find that synthetic brushes are easier to work with.

Dense and fluffy brushes work best
Small angled or tapered brushes give you more control
Natural hair bristles versus synthetic bristles is a matter of personal preference

Applying Contour Powder

Before applying any contour powder, be sure to prep your skin with foundation and/or concealer. This will create a smooth canvas for your contour to be applied and blended onto. Once your base is set, it’s time to apply your contour powder.

Using your selected brush, dip into the powder and tap off any excess. To find the right placement for your contour, make a fish face and suck in your cheeks. Apply the powder in the hollows of your cheeks, starting at the top of your ear and ending at the corner of your mouth.

For a more defined look, apply the powder under your jawline and down your neck. You can also apply the powder to your temples and along your hairline for a more structured look. Remember to start with less product and build up as desired.

Prep your skin with foundation and/or concealer
Apply in the hollows of your cheeks, under your jawline, temples, and hairline
Start with less and build up as desired

Blending

Once you’ve applied your contour powder, it’s essential to blend it out seamlessly. Start by using a clean, fluffy brush to blend out any harsh lines. Work in circular motions to diffuse the product and ensure that it's evenly blended into your skin. Take your time with this step to ensure that the product is blended seamlessly.

For even more seamless blending, you can also use a damp beauty sponge to blend out any edges or harsh lines. Simply dab the sponge onto the areas with excess product and blend in gently until the product is fully diffused.

Use a clean, fluffy brush to blend out any harsh lines
Work in circular motions for even blending
A damp beauty sponge can be used for even more seamless blending

Finishing Touches

Now that your contour is blended seamlessly, you can move on to the finishing touches. Start by applying blush to the apples of your cheeks to add color and dimension to your face. Then, apply highlighter to the high points of your cheekbones, down the bridge of your nose, and on your cupid's bow for added radiance.

Lastly, be sure to set your whole face with a powder or spray to ensure that your makeup stays in place all day. Voilà! With these tips and tricks, you’ll be a powder contour pro in no time.