Preparation
Before you start applying cream contour, you should prepare your face by cleansing and moisturizing it. This will ensure that the makeup adheres well and blends easily onto your skin. You can also use a primer, which can help smooth out any imperfections and create a smooth base for the contour.
- Cleanse your face with a gentle cleanser and rinse with warm water. Pat dry with a towel.
- Apply a lightweight moisturizer that is suitable for your skin type.
- Apply a primer evenly over your entire face. Use a small amount and work it gently into your skin. Allow it to fully dry before applying any makeup.
Knowing Your Face Shape
The contour technique used to shape and define your face depends largely on your face shape. There are six main face shapes, and each requires a specific contouring technique to achieve the desired effects. The six face shapes include:
- Oval: Forehead is slightly wider than the chin, with high cheekbones and a tapered jawline.
- Round: Forehead and cheekbones are wide, with a rounded chin and soft jawline.
- Square: Forehead, cheekbones, and jawline are about equal width, with a strong, angular jawline.
- Heart: Forehead is wider than the cheekbones and chin, with a pointed chin.
- Diamond: Forehead and jawline are narrow, with wider cheekbones.
- Long: Forehead, cheekbones, and jawline are about equal width, with a longer overall face shape.
Knowing your face shape will help you determine where to apply contour and highlight to enhance your natural features.
Choosing Your Tools
The right tools can make all the difference in cream contour application. Here are some of the tools you may need:
- A contour brush: This is a small, angled brush that is perfect for applying contour to specific areas of your face.
- A fluffy brush: This is a large, fluffy brush that is perfect for blending out contour and highlight.
- A beauty sponge: This can be used to apply and blend out cream contour and highlight, as well as to blend out any harsh lines.
- Cotton swabs: These can be used to clean up any mistakes or smudges.
Applying Base Makeup
Before you start applying the cream contour and highlight, you need to apply your base makeup. This includes foundation, concealer, and powder. Here are some tips for applying your base makeup:
- Apply your foundation evenly over your entire face with a makeup brush, sponge, or your fingers.
- Apply concealer to any areas that need extra coverage, such as under your eyes or on any blemishes.
- Set your base makeup with a light dusting of powder to prevent any oils from breaking through and to create a smooth canvas for the contour.
Contouring Techniques
There are different techniques for contouring depending on your face shape. However, some basic techniques are applicable to any face shape, such as:
- Apply the darker shade of the cream contour in the areas you want to slim down, such as the sides of your nose, the hollows of your cheeks, and your jawline.
- Apply the lighter shade of the cream highlight in the areas you want to bring forward, such as the center of your forehead, the bridge of your nose, and the tops of your cheeks.
- Always start with less product than you think you need, and build up slowly as needed.
Applying Cream Contour on Specific Areas
Each face shape requires a specific contouring technique to achieve the desired effect. Here are some tips for applying cream contour on specific areas of your face:
- For an oval face shape, apply the contour along the sides of your forehead and temples, under your cheekbones, and along your jawline.
- For a round face shape, apply the contour along your hairline, under your cheekbones, and under your jawline.
- For a square face shape, apply the contour along your hairline, under your cheekbones, and along your jawline.
- For a heart face shape, apply the contour along your hairline, under your cheekbones, and along your jawline, being careful not to apply too much product to the point of your chin.
- For a diamond face shape, apply the contour along your hairline, under your cheekbones, and along your jawline.
- For a long face shape, apply the contour along your hairline, under your cheekbones, and along your jawline, being careful not to apply too much product to the tip of your chin.
Blending and Finishing Touches
Once you have applied the cream contour and highlight, it's important to blend it out for a smooth and natural finish. Here are some tips for blending and finishing your cream contour:
- Use a clean beauty sponge or fluffy brush to blend out any harsh lines.
- Use a cotton swab to clean up any mistakes or smudges.
- Set your contour and highlight with a powder product to help it last longer throughout the day.
- Finish your look with some blush and a light dusting of highlighter for a radiant and glowing complexion.
By following these tips and techniques, you can achieve a flawless cream contour that enhances your natural features and creates a stunning look.