How we examined one of the best contours merchandise:
Our magnificence editors are at all times testing the brand new contour launches that land on their desks, aiming to make use of them for no less than per week earlier than that includes them. It is vital to us that new contour merchandise are available in number of colors that go well with all pores and skin tones. We have scored the merchandise themselves primarily based on worth for cash, packaging, innovation, whether or not they really provide you with a gentle sculpted complexion.
Can you utilize bronzer to contour?
Though bronzers do add dimension and color to your face, they’re additionally to not be confused with contour merchandise. Priscilla Ono, world make-up artist at Fenty Magnificence, shared that: “the biggest difference is that bronzing products typically have a warmer undertone, while contouring products have a cooler undertone.” It’s because bronzer creates the look of a golden tan, whereas contour creates the look of shadows.
And whereas contour is utilized to the place shadows would naturally fall (hollows of cheeks, jawline, edges of your brow and sides of your nostril), bronzers are utilized the place the solar would naturally hit your face and go away that bronzy glow. “This includes the high points of the cheeks, temples, and bridge of the nose,” Priscilla stated.
Why contour?
In the event you’re questioning whether or not contouring is strictly mandatory, it is not – however it could assist add definition to your face and make-up. “Contouring helps define the natural bone structure, sculpt the face, and create the illusion of shadows and highlights for a more polished and balanced look in photoshoots, events, or special occasions,” explains world celeb make-up artist Harold James, whose purchasers embrace Laura Harrier, Rosie Huntington Whiteley and Whitney Peak. “It can be especially effective for creating a more chiselled jawline and nose, and higher cheekbones. I actually use it quite often in a softer way,” he provides.
“I always contour my clients. I think it’s really important to add a subtle sculpt to the skin for dimension,” prime celeb make-up artist, Diane Buzetta informed GLAMOUR. In the meantime, professional celeb make-up artist, Shelby Smith agrees. “I contour my clients to bring dimension to their face by building and enhancing their bone structure,” she says.
What’s one of the best ways to contour?
Contour is totally different from blusher and bronzer. Primarily, it creates a shadow. It ought to be exactly positioned in areas the place you’ll naturally see shadows created in your face – so suppose the hollows of cheeks, jawline, edges of your brow and sides of your nostril.
“The best way to contour is to choose a contour product that is a few shades darker than your natural skin tone and has a matte finish to mimic shadows,” advises Harold. “Start by applying the contour product along the hollows of the cheeks, temples, jawline, and sides of the nose using a contour brush or makeup sponge. Blend the contour product well using circular motions or tapping motions to avoid harsh lines and ensure a seamless transition between the contour and the rest of the makeup,” he provides.
As for when to use it, that depends upon what end you prefer to. Historically, it was primarily scribbled on prime of basis, however it’s more and more in style to use it below basis or blended into naked pores and skin. “I learned from Mary Phillips so I’m an under-painter always and forever,” says Shelby. “I like to contour first and then buff the foundation over it. This process looks the most natural because it gets rid of any harsh lines,” she says. “I like to underpaint light layers of contour under the foundation and set with powder,” agrees Diane.
For liquid and creamy formulation, we advocate reaching for a make-up sponge or dabbing it in along with your fingers, whereas powdered compacts and palettes work greatest with make-up brushes.
