Menu

Contouring with Morggan

Following Kamarane’s “Strobing” lesson last week, Morggan is determined that that I have a Contouring and Eye Shadow session, and she’ll also talk through the brushes she used.  Look below to watch her video and how she explains that Contouring changes the shape of your face!

Contouring is usually produced by placing a warm or cool toned colour that is one or two shades darker than the skin color in areas such as in the hollows of the cheeks, on the side of the nose, and on the temples to give a shadow and slimming effect. It can be complemented with a highlighter that is one or two shades lighter than the skin color on areas of the face that is more prominent such as on the apples on the cheeks and the tip of the nose or the t-zone.

There is difference between natural and full-on contouring and highlighting.

For everyday makeup, opt for a nice, natural contouring and highlighting. When going for this method, try using powder products rather than liquid or cream. Liquid and cream products may be heavier, or best used for an event, photographic purposes, or for those who prefer fuller coverage.

A normal day at the studio: Powder studio fix, NAS Amandie concealer, Maybeline eye liner, Bad Gal mascara, MAC Current lips with Bobby Brown lip gloss

For full-on contouring and highlighting, definitely use cream or liquid based products to achieve a more flawless, photo-ready face. So if you’re in the mood for that “No Makeup” makeup look, but would like to incorporate contouring/highlighting to your routine, go for light and easy powder products.

But beware… you could end up with shadows in places that need to be highlighted and highlights in placed that need shadowing.

  • Heart shape: Swipe your brush along the sides of your forehead near the hairline, underneath your cheekbones and in the hollows of your cheek area.

  • Oblong shape: Start right at the top of the forehead area and on each side of the jaw, blending toward the chin.

  • Oval shape: Add dimension underneath your cheekbones to make them appear more prominent.

  • Round shape: Apply on the sides of your forehead, underneath your cheekbones and along the jawline.

  • Square shape: On the sides of your forehead and below the cheekbones pointing down toward the chin.

Morggan applied Zoeva eyeshadow plum and gold to the eyes with highlighter under the brow. NYX Contour stick with MAC concealer just under the Contour. Finishing off with highlighter above the cheek bone.

Wearing makeup is really fun. Trying out new and different looks pushes your creative boundaries, pumps up your skills, and leads to great moments of discovery, like when you learn you really do like yourself in a smokey eye. Because contouring has the power to drastically alter your appearance, it’s the perfect way to experiment when you’re feeling daring. As with all things, less is more and blending is a MUST. 

Do you contour? Why or why not? Have you mastered it yet? I’d love to hear all about it on Facebook  Twitter and Instagram.