Contouring is a technique that defines your features, enhances your bone structure, and adds depth to your face. With the right products and application tips, you can achieve a flawlessly contoured look that feels luxurious and refined. Whether you’re preparing for a photo shoot, a special event, or just want to elevate your everyday makeup, this guide will walk you through the steps to master the art of contouring.

Step 1: Choose the Right Contour Products

Selecting the right products will help you achieve a polished, professional look. High-quality contour products ensure smooth blending, natural shades, and long-lasting results.

Powder Contour

Powders are ideal for those who prefer a matte, defined finish. They’re particularly effective on oily skin and work well for layering over foundation.

Product Recommendations:

  • Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze & Glow (A cult favorite with soft, buildable pigmentation.)
  • NARS Laguna Bronzing Powder (Infused with golden shimmer for added radiance without glitter.)

Cream Contour

Cream-based contours offer a more dewy, natural finish and are perfect for dry or combination skin. They blend effortlessly into the foundation for a seamless look.

Product Recommendations:

  • Fenty Beauty Match Stix Matte Contour Skinstick (Easy-to-use format with rich, blendable shades.)
  • Chanel Baume Essentiel Multi-Use Glow Stick (A luxurious option for subtle contour and glow.)

Liquid Contour

For a highly precise application with a weightless feel, try liquid contour products. These are perfect for advanced users or those looking to achieve an editorial-style finish.

Product Recommendations:

  • Armani Beauty Neo Nude A-Contour (Lightweight and buildable for a natural sculpt.)
  • Huda Beauty Tantour Contour & Bronzer Cream (A formula that transitions effortlessly between cream and liquid finishes.)

Pro Tip: Always match your contour shade to your undertone. Cooler shades are best for mimicking natural shadows, while warmer tones add a sun-kissed effect.

Step 2: Prep Your Face

Flawless contouring starts with a well-prepared base. This ensures your contour products glide smoothly over the skin and stay in place all day.

1. Moisturize and Prime

  • Apply a lightweight moisturizer that suits your skin type to keep your complexion hydrated.
  • Use a primer to smooth out fine lines or texture. A radiant primer can add glow, while a mattifying one can control unwanted shine.

Product Recommendations:

  • Laura Mercier Foundation Primer - Radiance
  • Tatcha The Liquid Silk Canvas

2. Apply Foundation and Concealer

  • Even out your skin tone with a foundation that matches your complexion. This provides a uniform base for contouring.
  • Apply concealer under your eyes and on high points of your face for light enhancement.

Pro Tip: Avoid powdering your face until after cream contour products are applied to ensure they blend seamlessly.

Step 3: Understand Placement for Your Face Shape

Correct placement of contour is key to accentuating your unique features. Knowing your face shape will guide you in applying contour strategically.

Oval Face

  • Focus on defining the cheekbones. Apply contour slightly above the hollows of your cheeks.
  • Add a slight shadow along your hairline and jawline for a balanced look.

Round Face

  • Slim and elongate the face by contouring under the cheekbones, temples, and along the jawline.
  • Blend upwards to maintain a natural finish. Avoid applying contour to the center of your face.

Square Face

  • Focus on softening angular lines by contouring along the sides of your forehead and jawline.
  • A touch of contour under cheekbones adds balance to the face.

Heart-Shaped Face

  • Contour along the sides of your forehead to create balance between the upper and lower face.
  • Add slight contour under the cheeks and chin to softly elongate the jaw.

Long Face

  • Minimize length by contouring the top of the forehead and just below the chin.
  • Focus on enhancing width at the cheeks for a harmonious effect.

Pro Tip: Use a smaller brush or sponge for precise placement, especially when contouring along the nose or jawline.

Step 4: Blend Like a Pro

Even the most perfectly placed contour can fall flat if it isn’t blended properly. Make blending your top priority to ensure a polished, natural finish.

Tools for Seamless Blending

  • Brushes: Use a dense, angled brush for powder products and a synthetic, domed brush for cream formulas.
  • Sponges: A damp beauty sponge presses product into the skin for an airbrushed effect.
  • Fingers: The warmth of your fingers helps melt cream and liquid products into your skin effortlessly.

Pro Tip: Blend upward and outward to lift the face and avoid dragging the product.

Step 5: Enhance with Highlighter and Bronzer

Contouring truly shines when paired with complementary products like highlighter and bronzer, which add warmth and dimension.

Highlighting

Apply a highlighter to the high points of your face—cheekbones, bridge of the nose, brow bones, and Cupid’s bow—to create contrast against the contour.

Product Recommendations:

  • Tom Ford Skin Illuminating Powder Duo
  • Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder

Bronzing

Blend bronzer over areas where the sun naturally hits, like the forehead and cheeks, for added warmth and depth.

Product Recommendations:

  • Gucci Poudre De Beauté Éclat Soleil Bronzing Powder
  • Chantecaille Radiance Gel Bronzer

Pro Tip: Always apply highlighter and bronzer sparingly and build intensity as needed.

Step 6: Set and Refine

Lock in your hard work with the right setting techniques for long-lasting wear.

1. Use a Setting Powder

Lightly dust translucent powder over areas prone to oiliness, like the T-zone. Avoid applying it over highlighted areas to keep the glow intact.

2. Finish with Setting Spray

A good setting spray ensures your contour looks fresh and natural all day. Choose one tailored to your finish preference, whether matte or dewy.

Product Recommendations:

  • Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray
  • Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray

Pro Tip: For touch-ups on the go, carry a compact powder and a blending sponge in your bag.

Quick Tips for a Perfect Contour Look

  • Start Light: Build up the intensity gradually to avoid harsh, overdone lines.
  • Check Natural Light: Always double-check your contour in natural daylight for the most realistic finish.
  • Balance the Look: Keep the rest of your makeup subtle to make your contour pop. Neutral lips and softly defined eyes pair beautifully with contoured skin.