Do you envy Kate Moss’ chiseled cheekbones?
Don’t fret”you can create the illusion of defined cheeks or a long, slender face simply by contouring with creams and powders. Perfect for evenings out when your makeup application tends to be heavier, contouring makes your face appear symmetrical and gives you that model-esque look (minus the diet restrictions).
Here’s how to do it:
1. Foundation
Apply a light base foundation all over your face using a sponge or foundation brush – this makes your face an even canvas so that you can effectively create contours and highlights.
2. Concealer
Choose a concealer that is two shades darker than your natural skin tone (any darker won’t blend in easily and will look unnatural). Using either your index finger or a foundation brush, apply the concealer to the key contouring areas of your face:
Jaw bone – Following the natural curve of your jaw bone, shade with the concealer, starting from under your ear to your chin and blending slightly toward the neck.
Chin – Shade gently under the chin (and into the neck). Also, apply lightly to the crease of the chin (under the lip).
Cheekbone – Make a fish face in the mirror and draw a straight line under your cheekbone (parallel with your jaw), starting from the hairline and moving toward the outer edge of your mouth. Don’t get overzealous with colour, just apply lightly (you can always add more).
Temple – On the arch of the eyebrow (at the outer edge), shade gentl.
Nose – To create the illusion of a long nose, shade each side, starting from the inner eyebrow to the tip of the nose and blending well. Again, you want to draw a straight line so it might be best to use a small concealer brush to apply.
3. Highlight
Deepen the contrast of your contour lines by opting for a concealer one shade lighter than your natural skin tone and using it to highlight. Apply it to your forehead, the bridge of your nose, and to your cheeks and chin. Use your index finger or a foundation brush to blend in a light layer of concealer to this T-zone.
4. Blend
Keep the look natural by using a clean makeup sponge to blend well and soften the contour and highlight lines.
5. Powder
Toss your brush and palette aside, the tough part is over! Set your masterpiece in place with face powder using a fluffy powder brush. Make sure to apply a thin layer all over the face to avoid the makeup looking caky.
