Contouring is a makeup technique that uses strategically placed shadows and highlights to create the illusion of more defined cheekbones, a smaller nose, or a more sculpted jawline. It can be a powerful tool to enhance your natural features and create a more polished look. But choosing the right contour color can be tricky.
Choosing the right contour color is key to achieving a natural-looking, sculpted finish. If you’re not sure what color to use, consider these factors:
Understanding Your Skin Tone
Before you even think about contour colors, you need to understand your skin tone. This will help you choose colors that complement your complexion, rather than clash with it.
- Warm Skin Tones: Warm skin tones often have yellow or golden undertones. They look great in warm colors like peach, terracotta, and brown.
- Cool Skin Tones: Cool skin tones have pink or red undertones. They tend to look best in cool colors like beige, grey, and rose.
- Neutral Skin Tones: Neutral skin tones have a balance of warm and cool undertones. They can wear a wide range of contour colors.
Determining Your Contour Color
Once you understand your skin tone, you can start choosing a contour color.
- Fair Skin Tones: Fair skin tones should use light shades of contour. Think beige, cool brown, or even a subtle grey.
- Medium Skin Tones: Medium skin tones can use a wider range of contour shades. Try warm brown, terracotta, or even a touch of plum.
- Olive Skin Tones: Olive skin tones can often get away with using a contour shade that is just a few shades darker than their skin tone. Try a warm brown or a neutral beige.
- Dark Skin Tones: Dark skin tones can use rich, dark browns, bronzers, or even a deep red-brown for contour.
Tips for Choosing the Right Contour Color
- Use a color wheel: This can help you see which colors are complementary and will create a natural look.
- Test the color on your jawline: This is the best way to see if the color is a good match for your skin tone.
- Don’t go too dark: If you’re unsure, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and use a lighter shade.
- Blend, blend, blend: This is the most important step to ensure a natural look.
What About Contouring for Different Features?
- Cheekbones: Use a contour shade that is a few shades darker than your natural skin tone. Apply it to the hollows of your cheeks and blend upwards towards your temples.
- Nose: If you want to make your nose look smaller, apply a contour shade down the sides of your nose and blend it in.
- Forehead: You can use contour to create the illusion of a smaller forehead by applying a contour shade along your hairline and blending it in.
- Jawline: To define your jawline, apply a contour shade along your jawline and blend it out.
Expert Insights
“When it comes to contour, remember that it’s all about subtle enhancements. You don’t want to look like you’re wearing a mask. Choose a shade that is just a few shades darker than your skin tone and blend it out well. And if you’re unsure, it’s always best to start with a lighter shade.” – Sarah Jones, Makeup Artist
“It’s important to understand your skin tone, but don’t be afraid to experiment with different contour shades. Try testing colors on your jawline or inner arm to see what looks best.” – David Smith, Makeup Artist
FAQ
- What’s the best way to apply contour? Use a contour brush or a beauty blender and apply the contour shade in a light, sweeping motion.
- What if I use the wrong contour color? Don’t worry! You can always use a lighter shade of foundation or concealer to blend it out.
- How do I know if I’m contouring too much? If you can clearly see the line of contour, you’re probably using too much.
Conclusion
Contouring can be a fun and effective way to enhance your features and achieve a more sculpted look. By following these tips and understanding your skin tone, you can choose the right contour color and create a natural-looking, polished finish. Remember, it’s all about subtle enhancements and blending!
