I Came. I Saw. I Contoured.

lol etsy

I am by no means a makeup artist. This is not an official tutorial, nor a sponsored post (although, brands feel free to hit me up!). You will not look like an Instagram model after reading this post.

So why should you keep reading?

I am a regular (indeed, subjective) person that has learned a few tips along the way on how to apply contour to the face. This is how I wear my contour without terrifying people or invoking in them the strong desire to take a sponge and clean my face in public.

Keep reading if you want to learn how to contour like a champ!

I love the look of contoured cheekbones and a slight highlight. My face is a little less than chiseled. I've found - through countless hours spent on YouTube - that there is a way to trick people create the illusion of supermodel bone structure. It all started out as a way to bronze up my face and then evolved into discovering that I could make myself look 5 pounds slimmer by utilizing some basic knowledge about light and shade from elementary art class.*

(*MUAs are legitimate artists this is in no way minimizing their abilities #teachmeyourways)

Wait, YOU CAN LOOK SLIMMER WITHOUT WORKING OUT?! I was sold.

Here are my MUY IMPORTANTE tips:

1. Use a FLUFFY STIPPLING BRUSH: this has revolutionized my contour -it creates a way nicer finish and allows you to not go overboard right away. It gradually builds product on your face and allows you to mix colors more easily.

[What I Use: MAC #187, Chanel  #7, Sigma #F50]

2. NO SHIMMER, unless of course it is in your highlight: A contour shade should be dark and matte - you do not want it to pick up any light. So put the glitter down and step away.

3. Contour colors should NOT be orange: better yet, no face makeup should be orange (unless you're a pro and use a corrective concealer...but let's not get too fancy here). Make sure that the shade/color you are using is less of a bronzer and more of a grey/ash shade which creates shadow. Colors matter, which is why I like using the Kat Von D palette because those are the best shades I've found for my olive/yellow skin tone.

Products I Love

feel free to use the links below to shop - none of them are sponsored!

Kat Von D Shade and Light Contour Palette (what I use!)

Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Cream Kit

NYX Cosmetics Highlight Contour Pro Palette

BH Cosmetics Studio Pro Contour Palette (not pictured)

Hourglass Ambient Strobe Lighting Powder (what I use!)

MAC 'Mineralize' Skin Finish (Soft and Gentle)

E.L.F Baked Highlighter (Moonlight Pearls)

I'm always looking to learn more! Do you have any great beauty tips? What are your favorite products? Let me know in the comments below!