Contouring and highlighting have become a cornerstone of makeup artistry, helping to enhance and define facial features, creating a sculpted look that emphasizes the natural bone structure. From celebrities to everyday makeup lovers, these techniques have been used for years to create a flawless finish. If you’ve ever wondered how to achieve the perfect contoured and highlighted face, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know—from choosing the right products to applying them like a pro.

What is Contouring and Highlighting?

At the heart of contouring and highlighting is the art of playing with light and shadow to define certain areas of the face while drawing attention away from others.

  • Contouring: This technique uses darker shades of makeup to create shadows on the face. By applying contour products to areas such as the sides of the nose, under the cheekbones, and along the jawline, you can make your features appear more defined and sculpted.
  • Highlighting: Highlighting uses lighter shades to accentuate high points of the face, such as the tops of your cheekbones, the bridge of your nose, and the cupid’s bow. These areas are naturally where light hits your face, and by enhancing them with a highlighter, you can add a radiant, lifted effect.

When combined, contouring and highlighting can enhance your facial features and give your makeup a professional, sculpted finish.

Choosing the Right Products for Contouring and Highlighting

To achieve the perfect contour and highlight, you need to select the right products for your skin type and tone. Here’s what to look for:

  1. Contouring Products:

    • Powder vs. Cream: Cream contour products provide a more natural, dewy finish and are great for dry skin types. Powder contour is more matte and ideal for oily skin, offering a longer-lasting effect. Choose based on your skin type or personal preference.
    • Shade Selection: Contouring shades should be a few shades darker than your natural skin tone. Avoid choosing colors that are too harsh or muddy—neutral undertones work best for a more natural look.

  2. Highlighting Products:

    • Liquid vs. Powder Highlighter: Liquid highlighters are perfect for a glowing, luminous look, while powder highlighters offer more precision. Choose a highlighter that complements your skin tone—golden or champagne tones are great for warmer undertones, while cooler, pearl-like shades work best for cooler undertones.
    • Shade Selection: Your highlighter should be a few shades lighter than your natural skin tone. Make sure it isn’t too glittery or it might distract from the sculpted effect you’re trying to achieve.

  3. Tools:

    • Contouring Brushes: Use an angled contour brush or a dense foundation brush for precise application of contour products. For cream contours, beauty sponges or makeup blenders work best to blend the product seamlessly into the skin.
    • Highlighting Brushes: A fan brush or tapered highlighting brush is perfect for applying powder highlighters. For liquid highlighters, your fingers or a damp beauty sponge will help distribute the product evenly.

Step-by-Step Guide to Contouring and Highlighting

Now that you have the right products and tools, let’s break down the steps to achieve the perfect sculpted look.

  1. Prep Your Skin: Before applying any makeup, start with a clean, moisturized face. Apply a hydrating primer to smooth your skin and create a base for your makeup to adhere to. For extra longevity, use a mattifying primer if you have oily skin.

  2. Apply Foundation: Apply your favorite foundation to even out your complexion. This will serve as the base for your contour and highlight. Be sure to blend well so that the foundation looks seamless on your skin.

  3. Contour:

    • Start by applying your contour product to the areas where shadows naturally fall: under your cheekbones, along your jawline, and on the sides of your nose. You can also contour your temples or hairline for a more defined forehead.
    • Use a contour brush or beauty sponge to blend the product into your skin, making sure there are no harsh lines. The goal is to create subtle shadows that sculpt your face, not a stark, noticeable line.

  4. Highlight:

    • Apply your highlighter to the high points of your face: tops of your cheekbones, the bridge of your nose, the center of your forehead (if desired), your cupid’s bow, and under the arch of your brows.
    • Blend it well, using a beauty sponge or brush to ensure a smooth, radiant glow.

  5. Blend, Blend, Blend: The key to perfect contouring and highlighting is blending. Make sure to seamlessly blend the contour into your foundation, as well as the highlight into the high points of your face. Use a damp beauty sponge or clean brush to diffuse any harsh lines, making the look soft and natural.

  6. Set with Powder: If you’ve used cream products for contouring and highlighting, set your makeup with a translucent setting powder to ensure everything stays in place. Be careful not to disturb the contour and highlight you’ve just applied. Use a light hand and set only where needed.

  7. Finishing Touches: Complete your sculpted look with a bit of blush for a healthy flush, a light layer of mascara, and your favorite lip color to balance your makeup.

Contouring for Different Face Shapes

Contouring and highlighting can be tailored to different face shapes. Here’s how to approach contouring based on your unique face structure:

  • Round Face: Contour the sides of the forehead, under the cheekbones, and along the jawline to elongate the face. Highlight the center of the forehead and chin to add balance.
  • Oval Face: An oval face requires minimal contouring, but defining the cheekbones and jawline with a subtle contour can enhance natural features. Highlight the forehead, nose, and chin to bring attention to the center of the face.
  • Square Face: Focus contouring on the temples, jawline, and under the cheekbones to soften angular features. Use highlight on the center of the forehead, chin, and tops of the cheekbones to add balance.
  • Heart-Shaped Face: Contour the sides of the forehead and jawline, and focus on highlighting the center of the face, such as the cheekbones, chin, and forehead.

Common Contouring Mistakes to Avoid

  1. Using Too Dark of a Contour: A contour that’s too dark for your skin tone can look harsh. Stick to shades that are 2–3 shades darker than your natural skin tone for a more natural effect.
  2. Skipping the Blend: Blending is essential for a seamless finish. If you leave harsh lines, your contour and highlight will appear streaky or unnatural.
  3. Too Much Highlighter: While it’s tempting to go all out with highlighter, too much can make your face appear oily or shiny. Apply sparingly and build up the glow.
  4. Contouring Without Foundation: Make sure you’ve applied a good foundation or base before contouring. Without a solid base, the contour can look uneven and harsh.

Conclusion

Mastering the art of contouring and highlighting can transform your makeup routine, giving you a sculpted, defined, and radiant look. With the right products, tools, and techniques, you can enhance your natural features and create a flawless finish that complements your face shape. Whether you’re a makeup novice or a pro, these tips will help you sculpt your way to perfection every time. Remember, contouring should enhance your beauty, not overpower it, so blend carefully, and have fun with the process!