Choosing the Right Shade
One of the most important aspects of powder contouring is choosing the right shade. The wrong shade can leave you looking muddy or orange. The key is to choose a shade that is one or two shades darker than your natural skin tone. This will give you a natural-looking shadow effect.
When selecting a contour shade, consider your skin undertones. Warm undertones should opt for a contour shade with a slightly orange or peachy tint. Cool undertones should opt for a contour shade with a gray or taupe tint. Neutral undertones can choose from either warm or cool shades.
It's also important to consider the finish of the powder. If you have dry skin, choose a powder with a more luminous finish. If you have oily skin, choose a powder with a more matte finish to control shine and oil.
- Choose a shade one to two shades darker than your natural skin tone
- Consider your undertones when selecting a shade
- Choose a finish that complements your skin type
Choosing the Right Tools
When it comes to powder contouring, the right tools can make all the difference. The most common tool for contouring is a angled contour brush. This brush is designed to fit perfectly into the hollows of your cheeks for precise application. Another popular option is a smaller, fluffier brush for more targeted application.
Another tool to consider is a sponge, which can be used to blend out any harsh lines. A small, rounded sponge is perfect for blending in smaller areas like the nose and jawline. A larger blending sponge can be used for larger areas like the cheeks and forehead.
When using brushes or sponges, it's important to tap off any excess product before applying to avoid harsh lines and over-application.
- Use an angled contour brush for precise application
- Consider a smaller, fluffier brush for targeted application
- Use a sponge for blending out harsh lines
- Tap off excess product before applying to avoid over-application
Prepping the Skin
Before applying any makeup, it's important to prep your skin. Start by cleansing your face and moisturizing with a non-greasy moisturizer. This will create a smooth canvas for your makeup application.
Next, apply a primer to help your makeup last longer and go on smoother. This will also help to blur any texture or pores on your skin.
When applying your contour, start gradually and build up intensity as needed. It's always easier to add more than to try and take away. Use a light hand and blend well to avoid any harsh lines. Finally, set your makeup with a setting spray to ensure it lasts all day.
- Cleanse and moisturize your face
- Apply a primer to create a smooth canvas
- Start gradually with your contour and blend well
- Set your makeup with a setting spray
Mapping Out Your Contour
Before you start powder contouring, it is important to determine which areas of your face you want to contour. Typically, the areas to contour are the temples, cheekbones, jawline, and the sides of your nose.
- Temples: Use a small brush to apply powder contour in a C shape along your temple.
- Cheekbones: Suck in your cheeks and apply powder contour along the hollows. Make sure to blend upwards towards your ears.
- Jawline: Apply powder contour along your jawline to create definition. Blend downwards towards your neck.
- Nose: Apply powder contour along each side of your nose to create the illusion of a slimmer nose.
Take your time when mapping out your contour and make sure to blend well to avoid any harsh lines.
Blending Technique
Blending is an important step when it comes to contouring with powder. You don’t want harsh lines, so it's important to blend the contours well. Here are a few tips to help you get the perfect blend:
- Do the circular blend: Use a fluffy brush in circular motions to blend the contour in. This would help you get a true blend.
- Different browns: If you have different shades of powder contour, start with a lighter one and build up the intensity with a darker shade. This way you will have a more natural-looking finish and you won’t end up with harsh lines.
- Blend downwards: Make sure to blend down towards your neck when contouring the jawline to help create a flawless finish.
- Blend upwards: Blend upwards when contouring cheekbones to help lift the face.
It’s important to take your time when blending to ensure a natural finish.
Highlighting
After contouring, it’s time to highlight. Highlighting helps lift and brighten the face, adding a healthy-looking glow. Here are some points to consider:
- Choose the right highlighter: Go for a highlighter that complements your skin-tone, and choose one that is not too shimmery unless you’re going for a full glam look.
- Where to highlight: Apply the highlighter to the high points of your face which include the cheekbones, tip of your nose, cupid’s bow, and brow bone.
- Multiple applications: Use a small fluffy brush to apply the first layer of highlighter. You can then build it up and intensify the glow to your taste.
- Blend well: Blend the highlighter well into the skin, to avoid any harsh lines or patches.
When choosing a highlighter, go for one that complements your skin tone and natural features. Don’t just blindly follow trends or what works for others.
Setting the Contour
Finally, it's important to set the contour to make it last all day. Here are some steps you can follow to set the contour:
- Powder contour: You can use a powder contour palette, or a single powder contour. The most important thing is to use a powder brush, and then dust over your entire face lightly.
- Bronzing powder: If you’d like to make your contour appear more natural, blend some bronzing powder over the contours. This will help tone down the color and make the contour seem more natural.
- Setting spray: Use a setting spray to secure the contour for the whole day. It would keep your contour in place and blend it on your skin to make it natural-looking.
It’s important to use a light hand when powdering the face and to blend well, to avoid a cake-y appearance.
