Choosing the right shade
When it comes to using a contour powder palette, choosing the right shade is critical. The goal is to enhance your natural features, rather than creating an artificial look. Picking the wrong shade can result in a muddy or dirty finish, which is something that no one wants. Here are some tips to help you choose the right shade:
- Assess your skin tone: Contour powders come in a range of shades, so it's important to choose one that complements your skin tone. If you have fair skin, choose a light contour shade. If you have medium skin, opt for a medium shade. And if you have dark skin, a deep contour shade is the way to go.
- Consider your undertones: Your undertones also play a role in determining the best contour shade for you. If you have cool undertones, choose a contour powder with a grayish or taupe undertone. If you have warm undertones, opt for a contour powder with a warm brown or caramel undertone.
- Think about the finish: Contour powders come in different finishes, including matte and shimmer. If you want a natural-looking contour, go for a matte finish. If you want to add some glow to your look, choose a shimmer finish.
- Test it out: Before making a purchase, swatch the contour powder on your jawline to see how it looks against your skin tone. This will help you determine if it's the right shade for you.
Prepping your skin for application
Prepping your skin for contour application is important for achieving a flawless finish. Here's what you should do:
- Cleanse your skin: Start by cleansing your skin to remove any dirt, oil, or makeup residue. This will ensure that the contour powder applies smoothly and evenly.
- Moisturize: Apply a lightweight moisturizer to hydrate your skin and create a smooth base. This will help the contour powder blend seamlessly into your skin.
- Apply primer: If you have oily skin, applying a primer can help control oil production and prolong the wear time of your makeup. Choose a primer that is compatible with your skin type.
- Choose the right tools: The tools you use to apply your contour powder can make a big difference in the final outcome. A fluffy brush is great for creating a natural-looking contour, while a denser brush is better for a more dramatic effect.
How to apply contour powder
Now that you've chosen the right shade and prepped your skin, it's time to apply the contour powder. Here's how:
- Map your face: Start by mapping your face to determine where to apply the contour powder. Use a small brush to create lines along your cheekbones, jawline, temples, and forehead.
- Blend, blend, blend: Blend the contour powder using your brush or a sponge. You want to make sure that there are no harsh lines or muddy spots.
- Build up gradually: It's better to build up the intensity of the contour powder gradually rather than applying too much at once. This will give you a more natural-looking finish.
- Don't forget to highlight: Once you've applied your contour powder, it's time to add some highlighter to bring out your features. Apply highlighter to the tops of your cheekbones, down the bridge of your nose, and on your cupid's bow.
- Set your makeup: To make sure that your contour and highlight stay in place all day, set your makeup with a setting spray or powder.
With these tips, you can achieve a flawless contour every time. Remember to choose the right shade, prep your skin properly, and blend, blend, blend!
Blending Techniques
Contour powder palettes can be tricky to use, especially if you're new to the world of contouring. One of the most important aspects of a successful contour is the blending technique you use. Here are some tips on how to nail your blending technique:
- Use a fluffy brush to apply the contour powder, and then switch to a smaller brush to blend out any harsh lines.
- Make sure your brush is clean and free of any excess product before you start blending.
- Blend in circular motions to help the product blend seamlessly into your skin.
- Don't be afraid to use a little bit of your foundation or concealer to help soften any harsh lines or blend out any areas that look too heavy.
Setting Your Contour
Setting your contour is an important step in making sure it lasts all day and doesn't smudge or fade away. Here's how to set your contour:
- Use a setting powder that matches your skin tone and apply a light layer over your entire face, including your contoured areas.
- Make sure to blend out any excess powder to avoid a cakey look.
- For a more intense and long-lasting contour, use a setting spray to lock everything in place.
Contouring for Different Face Shapes
Contouring can be done on any face shape, but the techniques you use may vary depending on your face shape. Here are some tips on how to contour for different face shapes:
Round Face
- Apply your contour powder in a diagonal line starting at the middle of your cheek and ending near your ear.
- Apply a small amount of contour powder to your temples to help slim down the top of your face.
- Blend out your contour so that there are no harsh lines.
Square Face
- Apply your contour powder in a diagonal line along your cheekbones, starting at the middle of your ear and ending near the corner of your mouth.
- Apply a small amount of contour powder to your jawline to help soften it and give it a more rounded appearance.
- Blend out your contour so that there are no harsh lines.
Heart-Shaped Face
- Apply your contour powder in a diagonal line along your cheekbones, starting at the middle of your ear and ending near the corner of your mouth.
- Apply a small amount of contour powder to your temples to help balance out the width of your forehead.
- Blend out your contour so that there are no harsh lines.
Oval Face
- Apply your contour powder in a diagonal line along your cheekbones, starting at the middle of your ear and ending near the corner of your mouth.
- Apply a small amount of contour powder to your temples and the sides of your forehead to help slim down the top of your face.
- Blend out your contour so that there are no harsh lines.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even the most experienced makeup users can fall victim to common contouring mistakes. Here are some mistakes to avoid:
- Applying too much product can make your contour look muddy and unblended. Start with a small amount and build up as needed.
- Using a shade that is too dark can make your contour look too dramatic or even dirty. Make sure to choose a shade that is only a few shades darker than your natural skin tone.
- Not blending out your contour enough can lead to harsh lines and an unnatural look. Use circular motions and a clean brush to blend out any lines.
- Not setting your contour can leave it looking smudged or faded by the end of the day. Make sure to set your contour with a powder and/or setting spray for longevity.
- Using the wrong brush to apply your contour can make it difficult to blend and achieve a natural look. Use a fluffy brush to apply and a smaller brush to blend.
