How to: Contour and Highlight

Recently, contouring and highlighting has become a massive craze, and once mastered can transform your entire face. Applying foundation to your face creates a blank canvas, so to add dimension back in we use contouring and highlighting. Let's go back to basics: in art class darker colours would be used to push areas back, whereas light colours would be used to bring areas forward. Essentially this is what is being achieved by contouring (pushing parts of your face back) and highlighting (bringing areas of your face forward).

Both cream and powder products can be used to create the desired look, however for all my beginners out their I would stick to the powder products, as they are easier to blend and wont leave you with any harsh unblended and unnatural lines.

Here comes the harder part. To achieve the best contour and highlight that would suit you, you should work out what face shape you have. Shown below are the best ways to highlight and contour your face depending on the face shape you have. If you are struggling to work out which of the face shapes you have, I've added a link to help you work out which you have. 

http://thebeautydepartment.com/2012/11/finding-your-face-shape/

Below I have also gathered a few of my favourite products for contouring and highlighting, both higher end and those that are on a budget! Depending on your skin tone, these may not be suitable for yourself, but I would recommend for contouring to stick to a product which looks ashy (has a grey undertone- mimics shadows better) and matte.

Contouring

Splash the Cash:

Hoola Bronzer £24 https://www.benefitcosmetics.com/uk/en-gb/product/hoola-matte-bronzer

Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Kit Light £39 http://www.beautybay.com/cosmetics/anastasiabeverlyhills/proseriescontourcreamkitfair/

Stash the Cash:

Sleek contour kit £6.49 http://www.superdrug.com/Sleek/Sleek-Face-Contour-Kit-Medium/p/608335

Highlighting

Splash the Cash:

Becca Cosmetics Jaclyn Hill Skin Perfector Pressed Champagne Pop £30 https://www.cultbeauty.co.uk/becca-jaclyn-hill-shimmering-skin-perfector-pressed-champagne-pop.html

Stash the Cash:

Revlon Highlighting Palette £9.99 http://www.boots.com/en/Revlon-Highlighting-Palette_1416321/

STEPS:

1.     After you’ve applied your foundation all over your face and neck, set with a powder, this will create a canvas for your powder contour and will be easier to blend.

2.     Depending on your face shape, start with contour. Follow the guide above to see where to place the darker colour to add more structure. For example, sweep the brush underneath the cheekbone to hollow it out and look more structured. Always start with a little product and build it up: it is easier to add colour than to take away!

3.     Next take your highlighter and add to the face with a separate brush. It is important to use these products with different brushes, otherwise the desired look may not be created.

4.     To ensure everything is blended, take your powder brush and sweep over these areas, to ensure a natural finish.

Hopefully these quick tips help you achieve flawless contour and highlight! Good luck babes and I'll see youse in my next post,