Contouring can be an intimidating and confusing technique for both the makeup artist and client, but there are simple ways to contour just with powder and or bronzer in addition to the traditional use of cream based concealers and foundations. A good makeup artist always does a bit of contouring to complete a makeup look usually unless it is requested to avoid.  But there is immense power in contouring. This is not to change what you look like, but rather enhance your best features and minimize other facial features to perfect the shape of the face. As with all makeup applications especially contouring require an advanced makeup artist with an experience hand to prevent over layering, poor blending, and bad color placement for any client. I highly recommend some form of contouring if your are having an evening wedding, major HD photo and video services, and simply to complete a more glamours beauty look.

Still apprehensive about contouring? Fear not because we have complied some great rules for your “Beauty Breakdown Tuesday” to perfect the power of contouring for women of all complexions.

Quick Tips for Basic Contouring

Proper Product Selection: Select two shades of matte cream concealer/foundation or matte powders. Powder is more subtle than cream foundation.

 1.It Cosmetics My Sculpted Face, $38

2. It Cosmetics Dual Airbrush Concealer Brush, $24

3. It Cosmetics Live, Love, Laugh Anti-Aging Vitality Face Disc, $38

4. Smashbox Step-By-Step Contour Kit, $45

5. Makeup For Ever Sculpting Kit, $45

6. Sephora Collection Sculpting Disk, $24

Choose the best shades for your skin tone: Remember to choose 2 shades that are not to drastically different from each other in the same undertone family. If it is to drastic it will look over done and caked if you mix textures. Avoid grayish tones always it will dull the skin tone.

Blend Blend Blend!!! This is technique will ultimately decide if the look is a hit or a horrible miss. Your fingers are the best tools but the beauty blender is a great tool as well. No stripes!!!

Remember one of the greatest tricks is knowing how to contour. Shadowing and highlighting can transform your features, making them appear slimmer, narrower, or longer.