BeautyCorner.com.au
Makeup

Contour for Beginners: Where It Actually Goes

Contouring can seem daunting, but it’s all about enhancing your natural bone structure. This guide is perfect for beginners looking to master the art of contouring with ease.

Watch it done Video: The Beauty Protocole on YouTube
Why this worksContouring works by using darker shades to create shadows and lighter shades to highlight, mimicking the natural bone structure of your face. The goal is to define your features without looking overly made-up. Understanding where to place these shades is key, as it can dramatically change the way your face shape is perceived.

The ritual, step by step

  1. Identify Your Bone Structure Start by examining your face in the mirror to understand its shape. Look for your cheekbones, jawline, and forehead to identify where shadows and highlights should naturally fall.
  2. Choose Your Formula Decide whether you want to use cream or powder products. Creams offer a more natural finish and are easier to blend, while powders can provide more control and a matte finish. Both can be effective, so choose based on your skin type and preference.
  3. Apply Contour to Key Areas Using a brush or sponge, apply contour along your jawline, under your cheekbones, and along your hairline on your forehead. This creates the illusion of depth and structure, so go gentle and build up gradually.
  4. Highlight the High Points Apply highlighter on the tops of your cheekbones, down the bridge of your nose, and on your brow bone. This will lift and brighten your features, complementing the contour you’ve applied.
  5. Blend, Blend, Blend Use a clean brush or sponge to blend the contour and highlight seamlessly into your skin. The key is to ensure there are no harsh lines, so take your time and blend until everything looks natural.
60-sec versionIdentify your bone structure, apply contour to jawline and cheekbones, highlight the high points, and blend thoroughly for a seamless look.

Where people go wrong

Many beginners apply contour too harshly or forget to blend, leaving noticeable lines. Others might use the wrong formula for their skin type, leading to an unnatural finish. Always start with less product and build up as needed.

The pro moveFor a more natural look, try mixing cream contour with your foundation for a subtle effect that still adds dimension.
Check out the embedded tutorial on how to contour and highlight your face for a beginner-friendly approach.

Shop the routine

Contour Cream or Powder Defines and sculpts facial features. Amazon → Highlighter Brightens and enhances high points. Amazon → Makeup Brush Set Essential for precise application and blending. Amazon → Makeup Sponge Helps achieve a seamless finish. Amazon →

As an Amazon Associate, BeautyCorner earns from qualifying purchases. Links open Amazon search results — compare options and reviews before you buy.

Good questions

What brush should I use for contouring?

A medium-sized angled brush works best for contouring, as it fits the contours of your face while allowing for precise application.

Can I contour with just powder?

Absolutely! Powder contour can be very effective, especially for oily skin, and it’s easier to control the intensity.

How do I know if I blended enough?

If you can see clear lines between your contour and skin, you need to blend more. Everything should look soft and seamless.

More makeup tips

Makeup How to Apply Foundation So It Looks Like Skin Makeup The 5-Minute Everyday Makeup Routine Makeup Concealer Placement That Actually Brightens Makeup How to Do Winged Eyeliner on Hooded Eyes Makeup Cream Blush: Placement for Every Face Shape Makeup How to Make Lipstick Last All Day

Your weekly dose of what actually works

One email a week: the freshest tips, each paired with the best tutorial we could find. No spam, no selling your address — unsubscribe in one tap, any time.

Double opt-in — we only ever email confirmed subscribers.