How To: Contouring for Your Face Shape

While it may seem like a recent trend, makeup artists have been using contouring to sculpt their clients’ looks for years. We spoke with makeup artist Abby Lauren to learn about this hot (but not so new) trend and get her contouring tips.

Contouring is the art of using makeup to give shape to and enhance the structure of the face. While the pros have been practicing this transformational art for ages, Lauren believes it’s likely due to pop culture and celebrities like the Kardashians that this trend has been brought to the masses. Previously reserved for the runway, many women are now buying contouring kits and making this part of their daily makeup routine.

If you’re trying this trend at home, Lauren says, “When it comes to contouring, blending is number one. Blend! Blend! Blend!” The order for application should be: foundation, highlight, contour, then blush. Finding the right shade of product for your skin tone is equally important. “You really only need to go a few shades darker than your actual skin tone to create a natural contour.” And if you’re looking for a natural, realistic look, Lauren recommends using powders. If you’re more into a dramatic look, creams with powder contouring on top work wonders, she says.

The order for application should be: foundation, contour, highlight, then blush.

Knowing your face shape is the first step to contouring, as it allows you to effectively accentuate your features. Let’s review the basic face shapes, how to identify each one and how to sculpt and define your best features.