It’s a new year and it’s time for an updated take on classic face contouring. The old-school technique, which involved heavy layering and dark, dramatic angles, should be left behind in favor of softly-sculpted cheeks and light highlighting. Less Kardashian, more Calvin Klein Spring 2015. When done right, a few subtle strokes can slim and enhance the face without obvious, heavy makeup. If you’re a total newbie at face contouring, make sure you get yourself a bronzer and highlighter (or a palette that has both, like the Kat Von D one below) along with a contouring brush for the best results. Here is a breakdown of how to highlight and contour your face properly with an accompanying guide.
How to Contour Cheeks
To get a set of Kate Moss-like cheekbones, first you must suck in your cheeks to find where they are the most hollow. Starting at an inch from the corner of your mouth, swirl your brush to shade along and slightly below the hollow. Make sure to blend well, don’t use too much bronzer and go all the way to your ears to avoid an overly-sculpted line effect.
How to Contour Round Face
To contour a round face, dust bronzer across the hairline, starting at the center of the forehead and blend out toward the temples. Don’t skip the jawline — doing so will leave behind a harsh contrast. Sweep bronzer below the ears, along the jawline and below the chin.
How to Contour Nose
To slim the nose, draw lines on the outer sides of the nose, from the brow to the bridge. Use a small eyeshadow brush to blend seamlessly.
How to Highlight Your Face
When contouring, using a light shade to highlight is important in order to bring light back to the face. Lightly dust a complementary shade of highlighter on the center of your chin, the top of your cheekbones and in the center of your forehead for the best and most natural results.
Kat Von D Shade + Light Contour Palette, $46; Face Brush, $36, both at Sephora
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