Contouring has stood the test of time in the world of makeup, originating as far back as the 16th century among Elizabethan stage actors. Not just restricted to the stage or the big screen, this technique has found its way into everyday makeup routines.
In the past couple of decades, the spotlight has also turned to body contouring—applying the technique to places other than just the face. This trend has prompted the sale of numerous products designed solely for contouring as well as its less intense relative, strobing.
What Is Contour Makeup
Contouring is a makeup technique that uses light and shadow to define and reshape the look of your face. A contouring shade, typically one to two shades darker than your skin tone, is placed in targeted areas like the hollows of the cheeks, along the jawline, at the temples, and down the sides of the nose. The goal is to create the look of a natural shadow, giving the face a more sculpted appearance.
On the flip side, a highlighter is used to bring attention to areas where light naturally hits the face. For instance, the apples of the cheeks, the bridge of the nose, and the T-zone area comprising the forehead, nose, and chin. The interplay of highlight and shadow can drastically enhance your facial features, giving an impression of depth and dimension.
One thing to keep in mind: true contour products have cool, gray, or taupe undertones. This is what makes them create a realistic shadow. A warmer shade will add sun-kissed warmth, which is what bronzer does, but it will not give you that sculpted, carved-out effect. Check shades carefully against your skin - if you have a warm undertone, anything too cool will appear grey.
What Products Do You Need for Contouring
Two products are at the core of contouring: a highlight shade and a contour shade. Your highlighter should be about two shades lighter than your skin tone, and your contour shade should be about two shades darker.
There are various kinds of products one can use:
- Powder Contour: These usually come in palettes featuring both light and dark shades for highlighting and contouring. It's considered to be easier to work with, particularly for those new to contouring.
- Cream Contour: These products are best for a more intense and well-defined look. However, they can be a bit tricky to work with and may require a more experienced hand.
Selecting a texture that complements your skin is equally important. For example, if you have oily or combination skin, a powder-based contour may work best, while those with drier skin may prefer creams or liquids.
How to Contour Based on Your Face Shape
Different face shapes necessitate distinct approaches when it comes to contouring.
Oval Face
If you have an oval face, your primary aim might be to add some angles. In this case, it would work best to apply contour to the sides of your forehead and below your cheekbones, starting from your ears to the middle of your cheeks. Don't forget to apply some to your chin to make it appear more angular.
Square Face
For those with a square face, the objective is often to soften the corners and make the face appear a bit elongated. Consider contouring the corners of your forehead and jawline, and don't forget to contour your cheekbones to add depth. Highlight the middle of your forehead and chin to bring attention to the center of your face.
Heart-Shaped Face
Heart-shaped faces usually have a wider forehead compared to the chin. You would focus on contouring the sides of your forehead to make it appear narrower, as well as the area right below your cheekbones, starting from your ears and ending in the middle of your cheeks. Highlighting the middle of your forehead and chin can help bring balance to your facial features.
Round Face
If your face is round, you might aim to create more angles. Apply your contour along the sides of your forehead, below your cheekbones, and along your jawline. You're essentially drawing a "3" on both sides of your face. Make sure to blend well to avoid harsh lines and an unnatural appearance. Highlight the middle of your forehead, under-eye area, and chin to bring them forward.
Your Face is Unique
These are general guidelines. Take time to try different placements and see what works for your features. You can also use Fièra's All-in-Wonder™ Concealer + Foundation or Luxury Concealer as a contour product. Pick a shade one to two shades deeper than your usual match, and the creamy formula blends smoothly without settling into fine lines. Not sure what shade suits your skin tone best? Fièra's Shade Match Quiz can help you find the right match.
Step-by-Step Guide to Contouring for Mature Skin
Step 1. Prep Your Face
Start by applying a moisturizer followed by a primer. Moisturizer hydrates the skin and creates a smooth surface for makeup. Primer helps your makeup hold in place longer. For mature skin, a hydrating primer tends to work better than a mattifying one. Fièra's MoistureWiser™ supports smooth makeup application and is designed to improve how makeup sits on 40+ skin.
Step 2. Choosing Your Preferred Contouring Products
Next, you'll need to pick your contouring and highlighting products. It's generally advised to select a contour color that is two shades darker than your natural skin tone. On the other hand, your highlighter should be two shades lighter. The type of product—whether powder, cream, or liquid—also matters. Powders are often recommended for those with oily or combination skin, as they help in controlling shine. Creams and liquids are typically better for dry or normal skin, as they give a more dewy finish.
3. Apply the Contour
Place the darker shade in the areas where you want to create a shadow. For most face shapes, that means the hollows of your cheeks (suck in your cheeks to find them), the sides of your nose, along your jawline, and around the perimeter of your forehead near the hairline.
Step 4. Apply the Highlight
Use the lighter shade under your eyes, just above your cheekbones, down the center of your nose, on the center of your forehead, and on your chin. These are the areas you want to bring forward and brighten.
Step 5. Blending
Blending is arguably the most important step in the contouring process. After you've applied the contour and highlight, use a makeup sponge or brush to blend the products into your skin. The aim is to make the transitions between the highlight, your natural skin tone, and the contour as seamless as possible. This avoids the appearance of harsh lines or patches, which can make the contouring look artificial.
Step 6. Setting Powder
Once blending is done, set your makeup with a translucent or skin-toned powder. This locks everything in place and reduces shine without disturbing the contour underneath. Fièra's Empowderment™ Instant Retouching Powder is a good option here. It blurs pores and fine lines with a weightless finish.
Practice, Practice, and Practice Some More
Different products and application methods may produce varied results, so experimentation can help you find the best match for your skin type and face shape. Over time, as you practice, you'll become more proficient in contouring, allowing you to achieve a look that enhances your natural beauty while adding depth and dimension to your features.
What Is the Difference Between Contour and Bronzer
Contour and bronzer look similar, but they serve different purposes.
Contour is cool-toned. It is designed to mimic a natural shadow on the face, pulling certain areas back to create depth and definition. Think of contour as a sculpting tool.
Bronzer is warm-toned. It is designed to add sun-kissed warmth and color to the complexion. It goes on the areas where the sun would naturally hit your face, like the tops of the cheekbones, the bridge of the nose, and the forehead.
Because bronzer has warm undertones, it does not create the same convincing shadow effect that contour does. If you use bronzer in the hollow of your cheeks, the result will look more like a sunburn than a sculpted cheekbone. You can use both contour and bronzer in the same look, but they should not be swapped for each other.
Should You Contour Before or After Foundation
Most makeup artists apply contour after foundation. This lets you even out your skin tone first and then sculpt on top of a clean base.
Some people prefer to contour before foundation, which is called "underpainting." With this method, you place your contour and highlight first, then blend foundation over the top. This can give a softer, more subtle sculpt because the foundation sheers out the darker shade.
For beginners, contouring after foundation is the easier option. You can see your contour placement more clearly and clean up any mistakes with a touch of concealer.
Tips and Tricks for Contouring
Always Start with a Clean Face
When it comes to mastering the art of contouring, there are some additional tips and tricks that can significantly improve your results. One of these is to always start with a clean face, followed by a good skincare routine that includes cleansing, toning, and moisturizing. Proper skincare not only improves your skin's texture but also allows for smoother makeup application.
Use the Right Tools
Choosing the right tools is also essential for contouring. Makeup sponges are excellent for blending cream and liquid products, providing a more natural finish. Brushes can be more precise but require a steady hand to avoid streaks or patches. If you're using powder products, opt for makeup brushes for mature skin with soft, dense bristles that can both apply and blend the powder seamlessly. Synthetic bristles work better for creams and liquids, as they don't absorb the product.
Don't Overlook Lighting
Lighting is another important factor. Natural light provides the most accurate representation of colors, so if possible, try to do your makeup in a well-lit room with ample natural light. If that's not feasible, LED lighting can be a good substitute as it mimics natural light. Be cautious with yellow or dim lighting, as it can misrepresent how your makeup actually looks.
Understand the Finer Details
In addition to the standard areas where contour and highlight are applied, don't overlook smaller areas like the cupid's bow, the brow bone, and even the collarbone if you're wearing a low-cut outfit. These are subtle ways to add dimension and make your features pop even more.
Don't Ignore Setting Powder
An often-overlooked step is setting your contour. It's advisable to use a setting powder after you've blended your contour and before you apply any blush or bronzer. Setting sprays can offer added insurance to keep your makeup in place, particularly in hot or humid conditions. Choose a setting spray that suits your skin type; matte finishes are ideal for oily skin, while dewy finishes work well on dry or mature skin.
Consider Your Face Shape
It's also beneficial to take your own face shape into consideration. The application technique that works on a round face won't necessarily be effective on a square or heart-shaped face. Investing some time in research and experimentation can help you find the best technique for your specific face shape, which can make all the difference in your final look.
Practice is Key
The more you contour, the better you'll get at it. Each application is a step closer to understanding what suits your face shape, skin type, and color the best. Remember, the most vital part of contouring is blending; it can make or break your look. So, give yourself the time to experiment and learn.
How to Contour with Fièra's All-in-Wonder Concealer + Foundation
As we age, our skin has different needs and requires products that address those concerns. Fièra All-in-Wonder™ Concealer + Foundation is a full-coverage product that caters to mature skin. It is available in ten shades and is designed to not settle into fine lines or wrinkles. Its liquid/cream hybrid formula blends easily across the face, which makes it a strong pick for contouring. It also contains active ingredients beneficial to skin health.
Why Does All-in-Wonder Work So Well for Contouring
Most concealers can be drying, but Fièra's All-in-Wonder™ formula includes active ingredients beneficial for your skin. Its liquid/cream hybrid texture is softer than a traditional cream concealer, so it blends out smoothly without tugging or pulling at mature skin. It also doesn't settle into fine lines or wrinkles, making it ideal for mature skin types. The range includes ten different shades, allowing for more flexibility in contouring and highlighting.
Basic Contouring Steps Using Fièra
You'll need two shades of Fièra All-in-Wonder™ Concealer + Foundation for effective contouring: a darker shade for creating shadows and a lighter shade for highlighting. Because the formula is a liquid/cream hybrid, it warms up quickly on the skin and blends with minimal effort. Here are the steps.
Creating Shadows
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Underneath Your Cheekbone: Apply a few small dots of the darker concealer just beneath your cheekbones.
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Sides of Your Nose: Add a few light dots down the sides of your nose.
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Edge of Jawline: Apply a thin, smooth line of the darker concealer along the edge of your jawline.
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Temples and Forehead Edges: A few more dots go on your temples and along the edges of your forehead.
Blending
After applying the darker concealer, blend the product into your skin. Fièra's Original Foundation Brush works well for this. Its flat, circular shape blends out cream concealer smoothly and gives an airbrushed finish across the full face. If you prefer a different tool, use whatever you find effective for blending.
Highlighting
- Underneath Your Eyes: Use the lighter concealer to place dots underneath your eyes.
- Above Your Cheekbone: Apply a sweeping line of the lighter concealer just above your cheekbone.
- Front of the Nose and Forehead: Put a few dots of lighter concealer in a straight line down the front of your nose and extend it toward the forehead.
- On the Chin: A single dab of lighter concealer on the chin will do.
Final Blend
Much like the darker concealer, the lighter concealer also needs to be blended well to achieve a seamless look. Again, a firm kabuki brush or your preferred blending tool can be used.
Additional Tips for Mature Skin
Contouring mature skin presents its unique conditions. Therefore, prepping your skin before contouring can be beneficial. Moisturizing adequately and using a good primer can provide a smooth canvas for the Fièra Cosmetics Luxury Concealer. Another suggestion is to use a setting spray after contouring. This helps lock in the contour and highlight, making it long-lasting.
Final Thoughts
Contouring is a timeless makeup technique that, when done correctly, can enhance your facial features remarkably. With the right products and techniques, you can master this art and incorporate it into your daily routine.
Fièra is committed to providing the best anti-aging skincare products for mature skin
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use concealer as contour on mature skin?
Yes. A cream concealer that is about two shades darker than your skin tone works well as a contour product. Cream formulas tend to blend smoothly on mature skin without settling into fine lines. Fièra's Luxury Concealer is a popular choice because it provides coverage and hydration at the same time.
Is cream or powder contour better for women over 40?
Cream contour is generally the better option for mature skin. It blends into the skin naturally and adds a bit of moisture. Powder contour can work, but it tends to settle into wrinkles and look dry. If you prefer a matte finish, try a cream contour and set it with a lightweight powder.
How do you contour a sagging jawline?
Apply your contour shade along the edge of your jawline and blend downward into your neck. This creates a shadow that helps define the jaw. You can also apply a lighter shade of concealer along the top edge of your jawline and blend it upward to create a lifting effect.
Should contour be matte or shimmer?
Contour should be matte and cool-toned. Shimmer reflects light, and the whole point of contour is to create a shadow. If shimmer catches the light in the hollows of your cheeks or along your jawline, it cancels out the shadow effect. Save shimmer and luminous finishes for highlight.
How often should you practice contouring before it looks natural?
A few tries are usually enough to see improvement. Start with light layers and build up slowly. If something looks off, blend more. The more you practice, the faster you will learn what placements and amounts work for your face shape and skin. Give yourself 10 to 15 minutes the first few times, and it will get quicker from there.