Contouring & Highlighting

Contouring and highlighting are makeup techniques used to sculpt facial features. Both techniques are widely adopted by professional makeup artists and makeup pros because, when used correctly, they can dramatically change the look of your features in a surprisingly subtle way.

Contouring involves using a matte product that is slightly darker than your natural skin tone to create shadows. This helps to give the illusion of slimmer or more pronounced features, such as higher cheekbones or a defined jawline.

Highlighting, on the other hand, uses a lighter, and sometimes shimmery product to bring attention to the high points of the face, like the tops of the cheekbones and the bridge of the nose. These techniques work together to add depth and dimension to your face.

Generally, it's recommended to begin with contouring. This is because contouring involves creating shadows and defining areas you want to appear more sculpted or angled. By laying down these shadowy areas first, you establish a framework for the face, which can then be brightened with highlights. After contouring, you can apply highlighter to the high points of your face. Use this application approach to achieve a natural-looking finish.

For beginners learning where to contour and highlight, starting points are key. Begin by focusing on the hollows of your cheeks. To find them, make a fish face, and apply your contour product just below the cheekbones. This helps to create a slimming effect. Next, contour the sides of your nose if you want it to look more defined. A small brush is helpful for this. You can also apply contour along your jawline to emphasize its shape.

For highlighting, start by applying a highlight, like our Teint Idole Ultra Wear C.E. Skin Transforming Highlighter, to the tops of your cheekbones. This makes them pop and gives your face a more lifted appearance. You can also highlight your brow bones, the bridge of your nose, and cupid’s bow to draw light to these areas. Remember, practice is essential to nailing these makeup techniques, and every face is uniquely shaped, so don’t hesitate to adapt placements to suit you.

To achieve a subtle, natural look, the right contour and highlight shades will help. First, determine your skin’s undertone, which is either cool, warm, or neutral. This will guide you in selecting shades that blend seamlessly with your skin. For contouring, choose a matte product one to two shades darker than your natural skin tone. A cool undertone pairs well with shades that have a bluish tint, while warmer undertones suit shades with a more golden tint. When choosing a highlighter, go for a shade that is one to two shades lighter than your skin and will complement your undertone. Remember, subtlety is key for a natural look, so apply highlight in layers until you’ve reached your desired glow.