Contouring Like a Pro: A Guide for Women 40+
Today, I want to share with you the art of contouring, a makeup technique that can enhance our natural features and give us a youthful, radiant glow. Contouring may seem daunting at first, but with the right guidance and a sprinkle of confidence, we can master this skill and embrace our inner divas.
My Personal Journey with Contouring
I’ll be honest, when the contouring craze first hit the beauty world, I was a bit skeptical. I thought it was just another passing fad that would fade away like so many others. However, as I started experimenting with it, I realized the transformative power it held. Suddenly, my cheekbones looked more defined, my jawline appeared sharper, and my overall face shape seemed more sculpted. I felt like a true goddess!
The Basics: What is Contouring?
For those unfamiliar with the term, contouring is the process of using darker and lighter shades of makeup to create the illusion of depth and dimension on your face. By strategically applying darker shades in areas you want to appear more recessed and lighter shades on areas you want to highlight, you can sculpt and enhance your facial features.
User Experience: /u/LotusPuddle
“I am all about learning to contour. I’ve bought tons of new product and feel really comfortable doing it every morning. BUT, how can I get them to look like those amazing contour tutorials on Pinterest? I follow the steps and use quality products, but it still doesn’t turn out right. It either is suuuuper subtle or looks like I need to learn to blend. Help!”
Don’t worry, /u/LotusPuddle, we’ve all been there! Perfecting the art of contouring takes practice and patience. The key is finding the right products and techniques that work best for your unique face shape and skin tone.
Choosing the Right Products
When it comes to contouring, the right products can make all the difference. Here are some recommendations:
- Powder Contour Products:Milani Silky Matte Bronzing Powder is an excellent option for creating a matte, sculpted look without shimmer. For a more multidimensional glow, try the Milani Baked Bronzer and Highlighter
- Liquid Contour Products:Liquid formulas are loved by professionals for their blendability and versatility. Milani Conceal + Perfect Liquid Contour comes with an innovative cushion applicator for seamless application.
- Highlighters:To complement your contour, use a highlighter like the Milani Conceal+ Perfect Liquid Highlighter or the Milani Strobelight Instant Glow Powder Highlighter to add a radiant glow to your high points.
Prep Your Canvas
Before you dive into contouring, proper skin preparation is crucial. Follow these simple steps for a flawless base:
- Cleanse:Start with a clean canvas by using a gentle face wash suited for your skin type, like the Milani Glow Gel Cleanser or the Milani Green Goddess Makeup Melter Cleansing Balm.
- Moisturize:Hydrated skin is the key to a smooth makeup application. Choose a moisturizer that caters to your skin’s needs, whether it’s an oil-free formula for oily skin or a richer cream for dry skin.
- Prime:Apply a primer like the Milani Prime Perfection Hydrating + Pore-Minimizing Face Primer to create a smooth base and extend the wear of your makeup.
- Foundation:For a flawless base, try the Milani Conceal + Perfect 2-in-1 Foundation + Concealer, which comes in 45 shades and provides buildable, natural matte coverage.
Contouring Techniques
Now that you have the right products and a prepped canvas, it’s time to sculpt!
- Cheekbones:Suck in your cheeks to find the hollow area below your cheekbones. Apply contour shade there, sweeping it back towards your ears. Blend well for a chiseled effect.
- Nose:Use two thin lines of contour shade along the sides of your nose and blend outward for a slimming effect. The closer the lines, the more sculpted the look.
- Forehead and Jawline:Contour along your hairline, temples, and jawline to create a more defined face shape.
- Highlighting:After contouring, apply highlighter to the high points of your face, such as the tops of your cheekbones, browbones, nose bridge, and cupid’s bow, for a radiant glow.
User Experience: /u/alligatorprincess007
“Do you think contour is more for photos/social media/nights out? Asking because I feel like contour can look great on Instagram and TikTok. But IRL whenever I see people wear it, it looks obvious and kind of…muddy. As if someone didn’t choose the right shade of makeup for their skin tone.”
You raise an excellent point, /u/alligatorprincess007. While contouring can look stunning in photos and videos, it’s crucial to strike the right balance for everyday wear. The key is to use a lighter hand and choose shades that complement your skin tone. Opt for cooler, ashier tones for a more natural look, and blend thoroughly to avoid any harsh lines or muddy appearances.
Contouring for Different Face Shapes
Just as we all have unique personalities, our face shapes are equally diverse. Here are some tips for contouring based on your specific face shape:
- Rectangle/Square:Create the illusion of a rounder face by contouring around the hairline, jawline, and chin. Blend well for a soft, diffused effect.
- Oval:Those with oval faces are blessed with a harmonious shape that doesn’t require much sculpting. Focus on enhancing your natural features by contouring the nose and adding a subtle glow to the high points.
- Round:To add definition to a round face, contour the hollows of your cheeks, the tip of your chin, and along the perimeter of your face.
- Diamond/Heart:Soften a pointed chin by contouring the tip, and balance a wider forehead by contouring along the hairline and jawline.
Personal Experience: A Lesson in Subtlety
In my early days of contouring, I’ll admit, I went a bit overboard. I piled on the contour shade, thinking the more dramatic, the better. Little did I know, I ended up looking like a muddy mess! It wasn’t until I embraced the art of subtlety that I truly mastered the technique.
The key is to start with a light hand and build up gradually. Remember, contouring should enhance your natural features, not create entirely new ones. A little goes a long way, especially for us fabulous 40-somethings who want to maintain a fresh, youthful appearance.
FAQs
1. Can I use bronzer for contouring?
While bronzers can be used for contouring in some cases, they are not always the best option. Bronzers are typically warmer in tone and can look muddy or orange when used for sculpting. It’s better to use cooler, ashier shades specifically formulated for contouring to achieve a more natural, shadowed effect.
2. How do I ensure my contour looks blended and natural?
Proper blending is the key to achieving a seamless, natural-looking contour. Use a fluffy brush or a damp makeup sponge to buff and diffuse the harsh edges of your contour shade. Take your time and blend in circular motions, gradually softening the lines until they melt into your skin.
3. Can I contour with cream or liquid products if I have mature skin?
Absolutely! Cream and liquid contour products can be incredibly flattering on mature skin, as they tend to have a more natural, skin-like finish. However, be sure to set them with a lightweight powder to prevent any unwanted creasing or movement throughout the day.
4. How do I contour my nose without making it look too harsh?
When contouring the nose, less is more. Use a small, angled brush to apply the contour shade in thin, precise lines along the sides of your nose. Then, blend outward with a fluffy brush or makeup sponge. Avoid applying too much product on the tip of your nose, as this can create an unnatural, overly sculpted look.
5. Do I need to contour every day?
Not at all! Contouring is a great technique for special occasions, nights out, or when you want to look extra glamorous. For everyday wear, you can opt for a more natural, subtle contour or skip it altogether. The key is to feel confident and comfortable in your own beautiful skin.
Conclusion
My dear friends, contouring is an art form that can truly transform our looks and boost our confidence. While it may seem daunting at first, with the right products, techniques, and a little bit of practice, we can all become contouring queens.
Remember, the true beauty lies in embracing our unique features and enhancing them in a way that makes us feel our best. Contouring should be a fun and empowering experience, not a source of stress or insecurity.
So, go forth and contour with confidence, my lovelies! Embrace the sculpted goddess within, and let your radiant beauty shine through. And always remember, you are beautiful, inside and out.
To close, here’s a little reminder from me to you:
“Contouring is not about creating a new face, but about enhancing the beauty that already exists within you.”
Stay gorgeous, stay confident, and keep slaying those contours!
Ana is the founder of Vogue Vibrance, an imaginative hair inspiration blog that covers vibrant colors, textures, updos, and other eye-catching styles. She launched it as a digital space for hair creativity and self-expression to thrive. Through trending looks and conversations, Vogue Vibrance empowers readers to embrace hair as a tool for confidence and self-expression.