ORIGINAL PUBLICATION JUNE 22, 2015 TheLVGuide.com
It’s almost impossible to walk into a cosmetic area or open a magazine without seeing a contouring palette or tutorial this season. I think it’s safe to say that we can probably thank a certain family for this Kontour Kraze, but in reality, most makeup artists do not do the drastic type of contouring that has become an internet frenzy. It isn’t necessary to add this to your daily beauty routine, but it is a great trick to have in your back pocket for special days and nights.
As with all trends, there is a way to incorporate contouring in a gentle and subtle way without investing in every palette and paintbox. Here are some tips on how to try contouring in a way that will look great in your everyday life:
1. Use 3 foundation colors. After putting on a light layer of your base foundation, use a bit of foundation one or two shades lighter on the bridge of your nose, on your cheekbones, chin, and forehead. In the same way, use a few drops of foundation a shade deeper under your cheekbones, on your jawline to your neck, and near your hairline. Blend it all together and you will see a very natural contour that will only slightly intensify your bone structure. Two foundations to try are Maybelline Fit Me and Urban Decay Naked.
2. Highlight with a shimmer. Using champagne toned shimmer on the cheekbones will draw light onto your face and create a soft uplift. On my clients, I love using Laura Mercier’s Matte Radiance Baked Powder in Highlight or NARS Albatross, as I did in this photo of The Blacklist star, Megan Boone.
3. Contour with a deep tawny matte powder. Sweeping a matte powder under the cheekbones and jawline will intensify your bone structure but won’t look odd to the naked eye. NARS Zen is an absolute staple in my kit for almost every makeup application that I do.
Try any of these tips for a beautiful, subtle result or try them all together for a little more impact. You will find that a few extra minutes with these products will give you a red carpet look for any special event!