Each swipe and flick of a makeup brush can turn a face into a literal work of art. While I pride myself on my beginner’s artistry, there are still a few techniques I haven’t mastered yet. One such technique: contouring.
Because my face is a round, this technique has always intrigued me. Essentially, it allows you to sculpt your desired definition with makeup. Instant cheekbones? Yes, please.
I asked a friend to join me at the Macy’s Impulse Beauty Counter to learn the steps to achieve a perfect contoured look.
Step 1: Prep + Prime
Start your daily skincare routine by cleansing, toning and moisturizing. Using about a chocolate chip’s worth of foundation primer, smooth the surface of the skin across your whole face.
Products: Philosophy Renewed Hope in a Jar moisturizer, Smashbox Cosmetics Photo Finish Foundation Primer + Foundation Brush #13
Step 2: Outline
Use a foundation brush to apply contouring cream down the center of the nose, cupids bow, middle of chin, outer corners of lips, inner eyes, high-points of cheek bones, under outer edges of brows and center of the forehead. Or simply copy the photo below!
Products: Anastasia Beverly Hills “Fair” + “Light Sculpt” from the Contour Cream Kit in Light
Tip: Depending on which contour cream kit matches your skin tone, use a color a couple shades lighter for this step.
Step 3: Define
Using the same contour kit, take a color a couple shades darker than your skin tone and place your brush at the top of the ear. Make a line down the middle of your cheekbone, starting at your ear, and stop about halfway to your nose.
Step 4: Blend
Apply foundation in the color of your skin tone in a bouncing motion with your beauty blender. Lightly blend the color out in an upward motion. To create the lines down the side of the nose, use a crease brush for finer detail. Using a a powder contour, set the under eye area with your same crease brush.
Products: Smashbox Cosmetics Studio Skin Hydration Foundation, Original beautyblender® Makeup Sponge Applicator + Smashbox Crease Brush #10
Step 5: Highlight
Apply a fun highlight down the center of the nose, cupids bow, under the outer edge of the brow, and to the high points of your cheekbones with a crease brush. Finish off your look by misting the face with a long-lasting setting spray.
Tip: Shake bottle, holding 8-10 inches away from the face, close eyes and mist face 2-4 times in a “T” and “X” formation.
Product: Too Faced Blinded By The Light from the Love Light Highlighter + Urban Decay All Nighter Makeup Setting Spray
Voila! Your perfected contour look is complete.
To book a one-on-one sit down with an Impulse Beauty Artist at Macy’s or to sign up for one of their master classes, call 952.883.4282 or visit in person. Their helpful team is always happy to help book an appointment!