Contouring is a transformative makeup technique that uses light and shadow to sculpt and enhance your natural features. By strategically applying darker and lighter shades, you can highlight your best features and add definition to your face.

The first step to mastering contouring is identifying your face shape. Whether your face is oval, round, square, heart, or diamond-shaped, knowing this will help you determine where to place contour and highlight for the most flattering effect.

Oval faces are naturally balanced, making them the easiest to contour. To enhance this shape, apply contour below the cheekbones and along the jawline, then highlight the tops of the cheekbones, the bridge of the nose, and the center of the forehead for a radiant, lifted look.

Round faces benefit from contouring that creates the illusion of length and definition. Apply contour along the sides of the forehead, under the cheekbones, and along the jawline. Highlight the center of the forehead, under the eyes, and the chin to elongate and brighten.

For square faces, the goal is to soften strong angles. Apply contour along the sides of the forehead and the jawline to diminish the sharpness. Highlight the middle of the forehead, under the eyes, and the chin to bring balance and draw attention to the center of the face.

Heart-shaped faces are widest at the forehead and narrowest at the chin. Contour along the temples and at the tip of the chin to balance the proportions. Highlight the tops of the cheekbones, the bridge of the nose, and the center of the forehead for a harmonious look.

Diamond faces, which have prominent cheekbones and narrower foreheads and chins, look best when the edges are softened. Contour along the sides of the face to downplay the width of the cheekbones, and highlight the center of the forehead and chin to bring balance.

Blending is crucial for achieving a seamless, natural finish. Use a damp makeup sponge or a soft brush to blend out harsh lines, ensuring the contour and highlight transition smoothly into your skin.

Choosing the right products for your skin type is essential. Cream contours work well for dry skin, creating a dewy finish, while powders are ideal for oily skin, offering a matte effect. Experiment to find your perfect match.

Highlighting is the counterpart to contouring, enhancing the high points of your face. Apply a luminous highlighter to areas like the tops of the cheekbones, the bridge of the nose, and the cupid’s bow for a radiant glow.

For everyday contouring, opt for a subtle approach. Lightly define your cheekbones and jawline, and add a touch of highlighter to keep your look natural and fresh.

For special occasions, you can go bold with more pronounced contouring and highlighting. Layer your products gradually to build intensity, and ensure flawless blending for a polished, camera-ready look.

Mastering contouring takes practice, so don’t be discouraged if it doesn’t look perfect at first. Play around with different techniques, products, and tools to discover what works best for you.

With the right approach, contouring can enhance your features and boost your confidence. Understanding your face shape and using the proper techniques will help you achieve a sculpted, professional look every time.