The Complete Guide on How to Contour Your Face

Contouring is now a fundamental element of contemporary makeup looks, and it enables you to shape and highlight your facial structure precisely. Whether you're a newbie to makeup or a professional, learning the art of face contouring can take your appearance to the next level. In this exhaustive manual, we will discuss everything there is to know about contouring, right from the application of contour, contour vs. bronzer, and contouring techniques for nose, eyes, lips, cheeks, jawline, forehead, and chin. We will also familiarize you with some of the top products of Charmacy Milano so that you can get the perfect finish.

What is Contouring?

Contouring is a makeup technique that uses darker and lighter shades to define and enhance facial features. By applying a darker shade (like bronzer or contour powder) to the hollows of the cheeks, jawline, and sides of the nose, you create shadows for a slimming effect. Lighter shades (like highlighter) are applied to high points (cheekbones, brow bones, and nose bridge) to add dimension and brightness. The result is a sculpted, polished look.

The Difference Between Contour and Bronzer

Before diving into the application process, it’s important to understand the difference between contour and bronzer. While both products are used to add depth to the face, they serve different purposes.

Contour Shade:

A contour shade is typically a cool-toned, matte product that mimics natural shadows. It’s used to create definition and structure, such as sculpting the cheekbones or slimming the nose.

Bronzer:

Bronzer, conversely, is generally warmer in color and tends to have a subtle shimmer. It's applied to create warmth and a sun glow on the skin, usually done on the areas where the sun naturally strikes, such as the forehead, cheeks, and nose.

It's imperative to grasp this difference for a naturally appealing contour.

How to Apply Contour: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Prep Your Skin with the Best Primer

First, it's crucial to prep your skin with a primer. A primer helps create an even base for your makeup so that your contour sticks well and will last all day. Charmacy Milano's Pro-Pore Primer is a great option, as it moisturizes the skin while reducing pores and fine lines, allowing you to achieve the perfect canvas for face makeup.

Step 2: Apply Foundation

Now that you have primed your face, apply the foundation in the normal way. This will help to provide an even base and ensure the contour settles in more naturally. Ensure that you select a foundation that can be matched with your skin tone.

Step 3:Choose the Right Contour Shade

Choosing the correct contour shade is essential in order to have a natural appearance. As discussed above, contour shades need to be cool-colored and flat. Charmacy Milano's Contour Palette has various shades that can suit different skin tones, which makes it easier to choose the best one.

Step 4: Begin Contouring

The exciting part is now here—applying the contour! Here's how to contour various parts of your face:

Cheek Contour

To contour your cheeks, pucker your cheeks to locate the hollows. With a contour brush, apply the contour color in the hollows of your cheeks, beginning from the ears and blending towards the mouth. Blend very well to prevent any harsh lines.

Jawline Contour

To define your jawline, apply the contour shade along the edge of your jaw, blending downwards towards your neck. This will create a more chiseled and defined jawline.

Forehead Contour

For a smaller-looking forehead, apply the contour shade along the hairline, blending it well into the hair and temples. This technique helps to create the illusion of a more balanced face shape.

Nose Contour

Nose contouring can slim and define your nose. Use the contour shade on the sides of your nose, beginning from the inner part of your eyebrows and blending downwards towards the tip of your nose. Blend well to prevent any visible lines.

Chin Contour

To contour your chin, place the contour shade below the chin and blend downwards. This will create a more sculpted and defined chin.

Eye Contour

Eye contouring can make your eyes look more deep-set and dramatic. Place the contour shade in the eyelid crease and blend outwards towards the temples.

Lip Contour

To outline your lips, use the contour color above the cupid's bow and under the bottom lip. This will give the appearance of thicker, more defined lips. 

Step 5: Highlight

Once you have contoured, it's now time to add some highlights. Highlighter makeup is applied to make the parts of your face that you desire to highlight, like the cheekbones, brow bone, and the bridge of the nose, stand out. Charmacy Milano's Star Dust highlighter is an excellent choice, as it gives you a natural-looking, radiant glow without appearing too glittery.

Step 6: Set Your Makeup with Setting Powder

To ensure that your contour stays in place all day, set your makeup with a setting powder. Charmacy Milano’s Loose Powder is perfect for this, as it helps to lock in your makeup while providing a matte finish.

Step 7: Add Blush

Lastly, apply a little blush on the apples of your cheeks to restore some color to your complexion. Blush Makeup from Charmacy Milano has different shades that match any skin color, providing a natural, rosy glow to your cheeks. 

Tips for Perfect Contouring

• Blend, Blend, Blend:

Blending is the secret to a seamless contour. Be sure to blend out any sharp lines in order to prevent a streaky or patchy look.

• Less is More: 

Begin with a small quantity of product and work up, gradually adding more as needed. It's better to be able to add more products than to have to take some away.

• Use the Right Tools:

Purchase good quality brushes and sponges for contouring. An angled bristled contour brush is best suited for detailed application, and a beauty sponge may be used to blend.

• Take Into Account Your Face Shape: 

Every face shape will need a distinct contouring technique. For instance, if your face is round, emphasize accentuating more definition on the cheekbones and the jawline. If you possess a long face, contour your forehead and your chin to obtain a balanced feature. 

Contouring can be scary at first, but with the correct techniques and products, it is an easy and fun addition to your makeup routine. With the knowledge of the difference between contour and bronzer, selecting the correct contour color, and the step-by-step instructions that have been given, you can create a beautifully defined face that makes your natural features stand out.

Charmacy Milano has a variety of excellent products that will assist you in getting a perfect contour, from their Face Primer to their Contour Palette and Face Highlighter. With these and some practice, you'll be a contouring expert in no time.

So, whether you're getting ready for a night out or just want to give your everyday makeup look an extra oomph, try face contouring. With the right products and techniques, you can create a beautiful, defined look that's guaranteed to turn heads. Happy contouring!