If your skin tone is dark enough, then the highlighter may give you enough contrast so that you don’t need the contour.
If you have very prominent cheekbones or sunken cheeks, then you might not need to contour this area. Don’t worry about blending everything in just yet. You’ll do that at the end. Suck your cheeks in if you have troubles finding the hollows. Apply the powder contour after you’ve applied the rest of your makeup. [2] X Research source
If you have a small forehead, you may not have much shadow at the top of your forehead, which is fine. You are working with your natural features, after all! For a more masculine look, make the shadows at the temples more angled and prominent.
Do not apply contour to your entire nose, or it will end up too intense. It is better to apply just a thin line, then blend it out. Do not blend the contour over your nostrils. Instead, sweep it down and under the tip of your nose.
For small areas, such as the fulcrum, simply run a clean brush along that area to soften it up.
If your skin has a pink or red base, you likely have a cooler skin tone. If you have a yellow base, you likely have a warmer skin tone. A lot of people are somewhere in between. [8] X Expert Source Shara StrandMakeup Artist Expert Interview. 14 April 2020. Knowing your skin’s undertone is important. If your makeup does not match your skin’s undertone, it will look make you look too ashy or yellow.
Gold and bronze shades are good for warm skin. Nutty or woodsy hues like mahogany and walnut are better for cool skin. Many contour kits work well for both warm and cool. You should also think about if your skin is light, medium, or dark. Using a palette that is too dark looks fake.
Eyeshadow tends to be more intense in color than other powders, so it’s harder to work with. If you do use eyeshadow, choose matte for your shadows and either matte or shimmery for your highlights. Do not buy loose powder. Use pressed powder; it is easier to apply.
Using illuminator on your nose will make it even more shiny.
Do not use brushes with stiff or synthetic bristles, such as lipstick or foundation brushes. If your powders are more creamy, consider using a makeup sponge or beauty blender instead.
Wait for the moisturizer to absorb into your skin before proceeding. Even people with oily skin should use moisturizer. Make sure that the product is labeled for oily skin, however.
If you wish to use concealer, apply it at this time. Remember to blend it in.
If you prefer a more natural look, comb your brows and use lip balm or lip gloss instead of lipstick. You will not be using any blush at all when contouring your face.
Contouring can help you balancing your features and enhancing what you love about your face. Contouring your nose is optional, but it’s best not to contour just one part of your face, as this could look unnatural.
If you have very prominent cheekbones, focus instead on the area in the center of your face, just under your eyes, and around the sides of your nose.
Focus more on the center of your forehead. Do not apply highlighter to your temples or hairline.
If you have a wide nose that you wish was a little skinnier, make the line thinner. A pointed, crease eyeshadow brush will work great here. Highlighting your nose is optional.
Remember to use the appropriate-sized brush for these areas. Your makeup is done at this point. If you really want to, you can apply a light coating of setting powder or setting spray.
