Understanding Your Face Shape
Before considering where to apply cream contour, you need to determine your face shape. Everyone’s face is unique, but they can generally fall into six categories:
- Oval
- Round
- Square
- Diamond
- Heart
- Long
Knowing your face shape is important because it will help you decide where to apply your contour. For example, individuals with a round face can contour their cheeks to create the illusion of a slimmer face, while individuals with a square face can contour their jawline to make it look more defined.
Prep Your Skin for Application
Before applying any makeup product, it’s important to prepare your skin. This process involves cleansing, toning, and moisturizing. These three steps will help create a smooth canvas for your makeup application.
Additionally, make sure you apply a primer before applying your cream contour. A primer helps makeup stay put for a longer period and can also prevent the products from settling in fine lines and wrinkles.
Select the Right Shade of Contour
Selecting the right shade of contour is crucial for achieving a natural-looking finish. When choosing a shade, look for a product that is one to two shades darker than your natural skin tone. Avoid shades that are too warm or too cool-toned, as they can create a muddy and unflattering finish.
When selecting a contour shade, also consider your skin undertone. If you have warm undertones, opt for a contour shade with more yellow or orange tones. Individuals with cool undertones should look for a contour shade with more gray or ashy tones.
Application Techniques for Different Face Shapes
Once you have determined your face shape and selected the right shade of contour, it’s time to apply. Here are some tips for where to apply cream contour for different face shapes:
- Oval: Apply contour directly under the cheekbones, on the temples, and along the hairline.
- Round: Apply contour to the hollows of the cheeks, along the jawline, and on the sides of the forehead.
- Square: Apply contour to the temples, under the cheekbones, and along the jawline.
- Diamond: Apply contour to the temples, under the cheekbones, and along the jawline.
- Heart: Apply contour to the temples, along the hairline, and under the cheekbones.
- Long: Apply contour to the temples, under the cheekbones, and along the hairline.
Blending Techniques
Blending is key to achieving a natural-looking finish. When applying your cream contour, use a brush or sponge to blend the product into your skin.
Make sure to blend in a circular motion to avoid any harsh lines or streaks. A good tip is to blend upwards towards the hairline to create a lifted effect.
Setting Your Contour
After you have blended your cream contour, it’s time to set it. This step will help the product last longer and prevent it from smudging or fading throughout the day.
Use a translucent powder to set your contour. Apply the powder with a brush or sponge and lightly dust it over the areas where you applied your contour.
Final Tips
Here are some final tips for applying cream contour:
- Always start with a light hand and build up the product gradually.
- When applying cream contour, don't forget to smile. This will help you find the apples of your cheeks, which is where you should apply your blush.
- If you make any mistakes, use a q-tip to clean it up.
- Remember to blend well!
Apply Contour to Your Forehead
Contouring your forehead may seem unnecessary, but it can add an extra dimension to your makeup look. Start by sucking in your cheeks, which will allow you to see where your temples are located. Apply a small amount of contour to each temple, blending upwards towards your hairline. This can help create a more natural-looking contour, as your hairline can blend in with the darker shade of contour, without creating an unnatural divide between your forehead and hairline.
Then, apply a small amount of contour just above your eyebrows, blending outward towards your temples. Finally, blend any harsh lines with a clean brush or sponge, to create a subtle contour that will make your face look slimmer and more defined.
Sculpt Your Nose
The nose is a crucial area to contour, as it can create the illusion of a slimmer, more defined nose. Start by applying a small amount of contour to each side of your nose, starting from the inner corners of your eyes and extending downwards towards the nostrils.
Using a small brush, blend the contour in a straight line towards the tip of your nose. To make your nose look more natural, apply a small amount of highlighter to the bridge of your nose, which will help create the illusion of a more pronounced bridge.
Chisel Cheekbones
Your cheekbones are one of the most important areas to contour, as they can help create a more defined, sculpted look. Start by applying a small amount of contour just below your cheekbones, blending upwards towards your ears.
Using a clean brush or sponge, blend any harsh lines to create a natural-looking contour. To make your cheekbones stand out even more, apply a small amount of highlighter to the tops of your cheekbones, using a clean brush to blend the highlighter and contour together for a seamless finish.
Refine Your Jawline
Your jawline can make or break your contour, as it can help to define the shape of your face. Apply a small amount of contour just below your jawline, blending downwards towards your neck. This can help create a more chiseled, defined jawline.
For a more subtle and natural look, blend your contour downwards towards your neck, using a clean brush to ensure a seamless finish. To add more depth to your jawline, apply a small amount of highlighter to the chin area, which can help create the illusion of a more pronounced jawline.
Define Your Chin
Your chin is another area to contour, as it can help create the illusion of a more defined, sculpted look. Apply a small amount of contour just below your bottom lip, blending downwards towards your chin.
Use a clean brush or sponge to blend the contour in a downwards motion towards your neck, which can help create a more natural-looking contour. For a more defined chin, apply a small amount of highlighter just above your chin, which will help create the illusion of a more pronounced chin.
Slim and Contour Your Neck
Your neck is an often overlooked area when it comes to contouring, but it can make a huge difference in your overall look. Apply a small amount of contour just below your chin, blending downwards towards your neck.
Using a clean brush or sponge, blend the contour in a downwards motion towards your chest, creating a more natural-looking contour. To make your neck look even slimmer, apply a small amount of highlighter just above your collarbone, which can help create the illusion of a more defined neck and collarbone area.
Blend and Set Your Contour
Once you have applied your contour, it's important to blend and set it, to ensure a seamless, long-lasting finish. Use a clean brush or sponge to blend any harsh lines, ensuring a natural-looking contour.
Finally, set your contour with a translucent powder, which will help to keep it in place all day. This can also help to avoid any smudging or smearing, ensuring your contour stays in place for as long as possible.
In Conclusion
When it comes to applying cream contour, there are several key areas to focus on, including your forehead, nose, cheekbones, jawline, chin, and neck. By applying contour to these areas, you can create a more defined, sculpted look that will enhance your overall makeup look and accentuate your best features.
Remember to blend, set, and experiment with different shades and techniques to find the perfect contour for your face shape and skin tone. With a little bit of practice and patience, you can master the art of contouring and achieve a flawless, natural-looking finish.
