By: Amanda Padilla
1. Using a synthetic-bristled flat brush, apply a cream foundation that is a shade or two lighter than your skin tone to the areas of your face that you want to bring forward. The basic contouring principle is that anything that is highlighted with a lighter color makes that feature more pronounced. Usually, you would put the cream foundation along the bridge of your nose, the middle of your forehead, the bridge of your nose, the center of your chin and on the bow of your lips. Contour newbies might want to try this out with something straight to the point, like Maybelline’s Face Studio V-Face Contour Duo Stick, before investing in a palette like Anastasia Beverly Hills The Original Contour Kit.
2. The next step to contouring is to minimize the features that are too pronounced using a cream foundation that is a shade or two darker than your skin tone. Suck in your cheeks and put a stripe on the part of the cheek that becomes hollow, right under the cheekbones. I like to put dark foundation along the hairline (if you have a high forehead), along the sides of the nose and occasionally along the jawline.
3. With your favorite foundation brush, use a foundation that matches your skin tone perfectly and apply all over your face. Using circular movements, blend the highlight and the contour. Keep blending until there are no visible lines on your face. It should look flawless and seamless.
4. Set the foundation using a translucent loose powder. Avoid colored powders so the color of the foundation is not altered. A light dusting all over the face is enough.
5. The secret to making makeup look natural and long lasting is layering. Emphasize your contour by using a powder contour right under the cheekbones, hairline, sides of the nose and jawline, like Maybelline’s Face Studio V-Face Powder. No need for a lot of product since you already contoured using foundation. Avoid using bronzers to contour because it tends to be too orange and shimmery. You want it to be matte.
6. Use a powder highlighter on the tops of the cheeks, above the brows and on the bow of the lips to give your skin that healthy glow. If you have dry skin, you might want to add a little highlight on the bridge of the nose. If you have oily skin, avoid doing this to avoid making skin look greasy.
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