Prep Your Skin
Before using a contour powder palette, it is important to properly prep your skin. Begin by cleansing your face with a gentle facial cleanser and toner to remove any dirt or oil from your skin. Next, moisturize with a lightweight moisturizer to ensure your skin is hydrated and smooth. Allow the moisturizer to absorb fully before applying any makeup.
If you have particularly oily or combination skin, it may be beneficial to use a mattifying primer before applying any makeup. This will help control excess oil and keep your makeup in place throughout the day.
Once your skin is prepped and moisturized, apply a lightweight foundation or BB cream to even out your skin tone. Be sure to blend the foundation or BB cream evenly and avoid any harsh lines.
Finally, apply a setting powder to set your foundation and create a smooth base for the contour powder. This will also help the contour powder blend seamlessly into your skin.
- Cleanse your face using a gentle cleanser and toner
- Moisturize with a lightweight moisturizer
- Use a mattifying primer if you have oily or combination skin
- Apply a lightweight foundation or BB cream to even out your skin tone
- Set your foundation with a setting powder to create a smooth base for the contour powder
Choose the Right Shades
Choosing the right shades for your contour powder palette is crucial for achieving a natural-looking contour. When selecting shades, consider your skin tone and undertone. If you have a cool undertone, look for contour shades with a cooler, more ashy tone. If you have a warm undertone, opt for a more warm-toned contour shade.
To find the right shades for your skin tone, experiment with the colors on the back of your hand or on your jawline. The ideal contour shade should be one to two shades darker than your natural skin tone. It is also important to choose a highlight shade that is one to two shades lighter than your skin tone to create a natural-looking contrast.
When applying your contour powder, use a light hand and build up the color gradually. Remember, it is always easier to add more product than it is to remove it. Make sure to blend the contour powder thoroughly to avoid any harsh lines or streaks.
- Consider your skin tone and undertone when selecting shades
- Experiment with the shades on the back of your hand or jawline
- Choose a contour shade that is one to two shades darker than your natural skin tone
- Choose a highlight shade that is one to two shades lighter than your skin tone
- Apply the contour powder with a light hand and blend thoroughly
Pick the Right Tools
The right tools can make all the difference in achieving a natural-looking contour. When applying contour powder, use a small, angled brush to apply the product precisely and blend it out seamlessly. A damp beauty sponge can also be used to blend out any harsh lines or edges.
When applying highlighter, use a fan brush to lightly dust the product on the high points of your face, such as your cheekbones, cupid's bow, and brow bone. A small brush or damp beauty sponge can also be used for a more targeted highlight application.
It is important to clean your brushes and beauty sponges regularly to avoid any bacteria buildup that can cause breakouts or skin irritation. Use a gentle brush cleanser or baby shampoo to clean your tools and allow them to air dry completely before using them again.
- Use a small, angled brush to apply contour powder precisely and blend it out seamlessly
- Use a damp beauty sponge to blend out any harsh lines or edges
- Use a fan brush to lightly dust highlighter on the high points of your face
- Clean your brushes and beauty sponges regularly to avoid bacteria buildup
Start with Lighter Shades
When it comes to using a contour powder palette, it's important to start with lighter shades. This will allow you to build up the colour slowly and avoid any harsh lines or patches.
- Begin by selecting a shade that's only slightly darker than your natural skin tone. This shade will be used to create a subtle shadow.
- Using a fluffy brush, softly sweep the shade into the hollows of your cheeks and blend upwards towards your temples.
- Don't worry if the shade looks too light at this stage, you can always build up the colour gradually.
- Repeat the process on the other side of your face, making sure to keep the application even.
Once you've nailed the technique for the lighter shade, you can start to build up the colour by selecting a slightly darker shade from your contour palette. Remember to keep blending as you go, as this will ensure a seamless finish.
Work from the Top Down
The key to a flawless contour is to work from the top down. This will give you the most natural-looking finish and ensure that everything blends together seamlessly.
- Start by contouring your forehead. Use a small fluffy brush and a light hand to sweep on the contour powder, focusing on the area just above your eyebrows.
- Blend the powder upwards into your hairline and temples.
- Next, move onto your cheekbones. Use the technique outlined in the previous section to apply the lighter contour shade to the hollows of your cheeks.
- Blend upwards towards your temples, making sure you don't leave any harsh lines.
- Finally, contour your jawline. Apply a small amount of contour powder along your jawline, blending it downwards onto your neck for a natural-looking finish.
Blend, Blend, Blend
The secret to a flawless contour is blending. If you don't blend properly, you run the risk of looking like you've drawn on your face with a crayon. Here are some tips to help you blend your contour powder to perfection:
- Use a clean, fluffy brush to blend your contour powder.
- Don't use too much pressure - be gentle and build up the intensity slowly.
- Blend in a circular motion, using small circular movements to soften the edges of the contour.
- Make sure you blend upwards towards your hairline and downwards towards your neck for a natural-looking finish.
- Don't forget to blend your nose contour too. Use a small, fluffy brush and a light hand to contour the sides of your nose. Blend carefully to avoid any harsh lines.
Set with Powder
Once you've finished contouring, it's important to set your makeup to ensure it stays in place all day. Setting your contour powder with a translucent powder will help prevent it from fading or smudging.
- Use a large, fluffy brush to dust a light layer of translucent powder all over your face, focusing on the areas where you've applied the contour powder.
- Leave the powder on for a few minutes to allow it to set, then use a clean fluffy brush to dust away any excess.
- You can use a setting spray to further lock in your makeup if you wish.
Contouring can be intimidating, but with the right techniques and a bit of practice, you can create a flawless, natural-looking contour. Remember to start with lighter shades, work from the top down, blend, blend, blend, and set your makeup with powder. With these tips in mind, you're sure to have a perfectly contoured face in no time!
