What Is Contouring in Makeup? The Beginner's Guide

So…exactly what is contouring? Consider this your expert guide on all things contour. Let’s talk about everything you need to know about this transformative makeup product, including how to apply contour and how you can add it to your routine to glow like a pro. 

Understanding the Basics of Contouring

Contour is a makeup product that can be strategically applied to create a “shadow” on the skin, ultimately adding more dimension to the face. It has a cooler tint, as this creates the most realistic shadow for a natural look. 

Contour is most often applied underneath the cheekbones, along the hairline, underneath the jawline, and along the sides of the nose. Learn how to contour, and you’ll be able to achieve effortless definition that instantly amplifies your beauty. 

How Contouring Enhances Your Natural Features

There are so many benefits of contour makeup, and it complements any beauty routine. Whether you’re looking for a subtle sculpt or a snatched moment, contour is here to help. 

By adding shadows to the face, contour works with your features to help lift, chisel, and refine. This ultimately allows your best features to pop for a naturally gorgeous glow.

Different Contour Products: Powder vs Cream

Contour comes in many different formulas, with powder and cream contours being the most popular. 

Cream contours are easy to work with, as they blend seamlessly into the skin. They offer a natural and dewy finish. This type of contour works beautifully for all skin types, and is an especially great choice for those with drier skin, thanks to the hydrating base.

Compared to cream formulas, powder contours offer a more matte finish. This makes these types of contour formulas an especially ideal choice for those with particularly oily skin, as they can keep excess shine in check. 

Can You Use Them Together?

Powder and cream contour can be used together to maximize longevity and create a more dramatic effect. If you’re using both a cream and a powder, we recommend applying the cream first, and then setting it with a powder.

At Patrick Ta Beauty, we love to pair a cream contour with a powder bronzer for a glowy, sun-kissed look with gorgeous dimension. That’s exactly why we’ve created the Major Sculpt Créme Contour and Powder Duo. The two-in-one palette features a creamy contour that melts effortlessly into the skin for easy definition, and a radiance-boosting powder bronzer that adds a stunning warmth to the complexion. 

Contour Techniques to Sculpt and Define Your Face

You can apply contour to any of the following areas of the face, depending on the look you want to create:

• Cheekbones: Add contour into the hollows of your cheeks to define and lift your cheekbones. 

• Forehead: Apply contour along the hairline to balance your features and refine the appearance of your forehead.

• Jawline: Chisel your jaw by applying contour right underneath your jawline, extending it behind the ears for the most seamless look. 

• Nose: Refine the nose by applying two thin parallel lines along the sides of your nose. 

When using a cream contour, you can apply it with a dense angled brush. Use a stamping motion to apply the cream, as this will keep your foundation underneath in place. For more precise application areas (like the nose), you can use a smaller brush. 

Remember to blend once you’ve applied your contour. This is key for softening harsh lines for the most realistic look. You can use the same makeup brush, or diffuse the contour with a damp makeup sponge. 

For a glowy makeup moment, complete your contour by applying powder bronzer with a fluffy brush.

Learn how to contour based on your face shape.

Common Contouring Mistakes to Avoid

Achieve a stunningly sculpted makeup moment by avoiding these common contour mistakes:

• Choosing the Wrong Color: For the most natural look, you need to choose a contour color that best suits your complexion. A hue that is around two to three shades darker than your skin tone is ideal. This will add dimension to your face without overpowering your features or looking unnaturally dark. 

• Using Bronzer as Contour: Contour and bronzer may look similar, but they serve different purposes. Bronzer has a much warmer tint than contour, as it’s designed to mimic the look of a tan. With this in mind, it shouldn't be used in place of contour, as the warmer hue will lead to unrealistic-looking shadows. Contour and bronzer can be used at the same time, but they shouldn’t be used interchangeably. 

• Neglecting Skin Prep: Properly prepped skin is essential for achieving a flawless base makeup look. Prior to applying any makeup, cleanse your face and then prep your skin with a moisturizer. We also recommend using a primer before applying your foundation and contour. This creates a smooth, even base for your makeup, and also improves longevity for a beauty moment that lasts all day.