With contouring catching on like wildfire, beauty brands are jumping at the chance to make this look as easy as possible and rolling out products specifically for this technique. From contouring palettes and two-in-one contouring sticks, your days of scavenging for the perfect contouring shades and products are over!
CONCEALING PRODUCTS
- Contouring Powder
For contouring powder (for shadowing), the rule is to go with a color that is about two shades darker than your natural coloring. While we don’t recommend a shimmery, light-reflecting bronzer, a matte bronzer could totally work as a contouring powder.
- Concealer for Contouring
Some find liquid contouring products to be easier to blend and more natural-looking than powders. A cream-based concealer can work as a contouring product if you go a shade or two darker than your natural skin tone (same principle as above).
- Two-In-One-Contouring Stick
These days, there are lots of brands offering two-in-one contouring/highlighting duos that help take the guesswork out of picking individual contouring items. That being said, be sure to keep an eye on the shades included in contouring powders and palettes and make sure they will work with your skin tone. These little one-stop-shops are great for contouring on the go or when you are crunched on makeup prep time and need to have a chiseled, defined face in minutes.
Application/Blending Tools
The difference between looking perfectly chiseled and looking splotchy lies in your blending technique and tools. Don’t go thinking any old brush will do! A brush’s shape and bristles will determine how your makeup is blended, so do your due diligence. Lucky for you, there are tons of brushes out there specifically designed for contouring as well as blending sponges and tools, so the hunt for the right tools shouldn’t be a hard one.
- Contouring Brush
For cheek, face and nose contouring, try an angular brush that will apply your bronzer more precisely and accurately I the areas you need to shadow and make slimmer.
- Highlighter Brush
For highlighting the face, you’re going to want to go with a brush that has a flat, circular tip to allow for more concise and direct application of highlighting powder.
- Blender Brush
Contouring needs to look as natural as possible, so blending well is key. Use a brush that smooths away any color separation and harsh lines without removing any color.
- Beauty Blender/Sponge
If you’re not a fan of blender brushes (or don’t own one) beauty blenders and sponges can also get the job done. Just make sure you blend lightly, using upward strokes until there are no visible lines or color separation.
