Face Basics PT 4 | Contour & Highlight

Contour and highlight seem to be where most people get stuck but it’s probably the easiest part of makeup application. Anything dark recedes and anything light stands out. So when choosing a contour shade opt for a slightly grey tone rather than bronze. You want to mimic the effects of cheekbones by creating the illusion of shadow in the hollows of your cheeks! Trick – make a fish face ( suck in your cheeks ) to reveal your bone structure, trace your contour shade, starting from the top of your ear and under your cheek bone. You can use this technique on the sides of your nose to make it appear slimmer, your chin, jawline and temples, anywhere you require a little more definition. Preferred application method: Angled face brush.

My favourite products for contour are:

Kevyn Aucoin The Sculpting Powder  – this is the perfect shadow creator that looks natural and sculpted hence the name.

Kat Von D Shade and Light Palette – this has everything you need for both contour and highlighting features. It’s amazing and if you are a serious makeup junkie I highly suggest you get this! It has shades for bronzing in it too! Lucky for us UK gals, Kat Von D will be launching in Debenhams this September!

Now for the fun part! Highlight! A girl can never have enough of that cheekbone glow! Apply on tops of cheekbones to make them pop! You can also add some on your cupids bow, brow bone, tip of nose and anywhere else you wish to shine bright like a diamond! Preferred application method: Fan brush.

My favourites are:

MAC Mineralize Skinfinsh – Soft And Gentle  great for all skin tones particularly paler complexions,this has a slight pink/silvery tone and mega watt finish! A makeup artist fave!

Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed – Opal  a pure gold highlight, great for tanned or darker skin tones. A buttering soft powder that melts onto skin leaving you looking like a golden goddess!

Delilah Pure Light Compact Illuminating Powder – Aura  A subtle mixture of gold, peach and violet, great for all skin tones and a more grown up choice if you prefer a softer effect that isn’t bam,in your face glow stick! This can also be used all over for a pick me up that brightens and corrects in one swoosh of a brush.

So this brings us to the end of Face Basics . Let me know if you found this helpful and please give me suggestions on anything else you would like to know more about.