How to Apply Contour Makeup Depending on Your Skin Tone

By: Glaminati Media | Updated: 02/14/2018

First of all, if you are new to the world of cosmetics, you might be asking yourself “What exactly is contouring?” However, if you are a fashionista, you have not only heard of contouring, you have probably already tried this new trend in makeup. Either way, it helps to have a bit of understanding the nature of contour makeup.

Essentially, contouring is a makeup technique that is used to enhance the natural structure and beauty of your face. With contouring, you would highlight areas such as the bridge of your nose and tops of your cheekbones. At the same time, you would then shadow areas such as puffed cheeks of your jawline. However, what makes contouring stand out as a premier makeup trend is that fact that it is very subtle and complimentary.

So stay tuned and follow along with us as we give you helpful tips on what makeup products you should use, basic contouring tutorial for beginners and how to apply contour makeup per your skin type and facial structure!

Contouring Makeup Products

Now that you have some understanding about contour makeup, we shall discuss contouring makeup products. If you are going to contour properly, it pays to use the right products for your skin type, as well as high-quality products.

If you are new to contouring, you might be wondering what products to use. We can give you some tip on how to choose the best contouring kit for beginners as well as what other contouring products you should use to get the best effect.

The proper way to choose the best contour stick for your skin tone is to actually go a makeup store (or the makeup counter at a department store) and try samples. If you want to find the contour stick that best matches your natural skin tone you should apply a small amount to the back of your hand and rub it in. As well, this will also help determine if you have any allergies to that particular brand.

If you have a darker complexion, you are all too familiar with the struggles of finding the right foundation and makeup to match your skin tone. The same applies to contour makeup so it is crucial that you select only the best contouring products for dark skin. You should always test your contour stick or powder to make certain that it matches your skin tone perfectly. As well, when it comes to choosing other colors, it is best to go with shades such as deep purple or warm cocoa.

Not only is important to choose the right shade of contouring makeup, it is also imperative to choose the best contouring and highlighting brushes. As blending is an integral part of the contouring process, it is essential to have the proper brushes. Even if you spend a great deal of money on the most popular makeup brands, the effects will be lost if you do not have the best contour brush as well as the other essential tools necessary for flawless contour makeup application.

Contouring Brush

It is best to use an angular brush for applying bronzer to your face, cheeks, and neck as these are normally the areas that we wish to appear slimmer.

Highlighter Brush

It is recommended to use a brush with a flat, circular tip for highlighting. This allows for a direct and concise application of highlighting creams and powders.

Blender Brush

Blending is perhaps the most critical part of contouring, as we want it to look as natural and flawless as possible. Always use a blender bush that will smooth and blend any harsh lines while perfectly blending any remaining color. However, if you don’t like blender brushes, you can just as easily use a blender sponge. Use upward strokes to ensure that there are no visible lines.