Contouring? Whats it all about!

So as you know I am doing a series of post covering how to's on perfecting your base/skin, welcome to part 4.

Contouring is big business, its that thing you’ve seen so many a-listers do! so its obviously on my list for perfecting your base!

In my opinion & also said by makeup artist Jocye Bonelli

“a beautifully contoured cheekbone is everything!”

Helping to define your face shape, giving you an overall polished look! Higher cheekbones, fuller lips, defined bone structure, a thinner nose is desired, the list is endless..

Don’t panic !! Because perfectly sculpted bone structure is achievable!

Things you need to know to make it all look realistic & like shadows.

1. Always use grey tones for contouring, natural shades on the skin are grey based. Most contouring kits are grey based so don't worry there are some great high & low end contour lots out there, but try not to use a bronzer!

2. Loose the glitter, highlighter should be almost the same colour of your skin, with just a hint of shine. I like working with liquid/cream formulas, they mimic your skins textures. Although there are some beautiful powders I prefer golden tones as it suites most skin tones!

3. Highlight strategically, highlighting is especially important when contouring, most people slap on too much, causing flash backs in photographs or just simply look like tin man!! To bounce light off of these areas, highlighting is applied to the upper cheekbones, down the bridge of the nose, brow bone & cupids bow. I love to highlight right above my eyebrows with tiny bit of shimmer for that J.Lo glow!!

4. Know your face shape & were to shade. Not all rules of contouring are universal, its important to keep your face shape in mind. If you have a round face, contouring under you cheekbones can make your face look slimmer, if you have a narrow face it could make your face look longer. WHERE TO SHADE!! Want instant cheekbones, suck your cheeks in, it’s the best way to find the hallows of your face, working from the top shade alone the hallows of your face inwards, stopping an inch from your mouth. Google contouring for different face shapes to help you with other areas of the face, also not every nose needs shading sometimes all you may need is a highlighter down the bridge of your noses I will do another post explaining that better.

5. Pick the right tools, using creams? Use your fingers or warm the product on your hand, so it melts and blends more seamlessly. If your working with powder a fan brush is best, the shape of the brush lets you control the placement.

6. Blend Blend Blend!! It’s the most important thing, even if you’ve overdone it blending can reign it in, if you used powder run a fluffy brush in a circular buffing motion.

7. Don’t forget the right blush, colourless cheeks can be flattering, soft peach or pinks are great for fair skin tones while darker peach or orangey blushes are best for medium tones and soft plums are perfect are darker tones.