Sculpting the Face

Contouring is a way to get sharp facial features that are deemed beautiful. The dark cream or powder can either make you look sculpted or muddy.

There are various tools and products to contour. There are many products intended for beginners like the products that come with a “1, 2, 3” step and guide. These seem like a great idea when starting to play with contour because the products come with the contour shade, bronzer shade and highlighter.

Contour is used to sculpt your face. Adding shadows and depth to create the illusion of a slimmer, longer, or wider feature. It’s used in a cream, cream-to-powder and powder form. Cream contouring can come in a stick container or palette, like the FENTY BEAUTY Match Stix Matte Skinstick by Rihanna.

To apply the cream contour, you draw a rough outline to your face. For the nose, apply it at the side of the bridge of your nose. To slim your face and forehead, apply it from the top of your forehead and down to your cheekbone, down to your jaw and to the tip of your chin, in a 3-shape on both sides. After doing so, use a beauty sponge or brush and blend upwards. This formula can be difficult for beginners because it needs a lot of blending and patience to avoid the “muddy” look. 

The powder contour has the same process, except you need a brush to apply. To apply, you follow the same routine and it’s easier to blend in because it requires less muscle to blend. For the nose, it’s best to use a small and angled brush. The difference of the cream-to-powder contour is that it feels like cream but once applied, it glides on like a powder.

To emphasize your contour more, apply baking powder underneath the contour and cheek bones as well as under the contour on the side of the nose. Leave it baking for a while and then dust of, by doing so it will brighten up your face and give the illusion of a darker shadow. All formulas need practice to be able to sculpt your face. If you make a mistake, there’s concealer!