We know you can dress to make yourself look slimmer. But you can achieve the same slimming effect with makeup. Contouring is the technique, that adds depth to your face. The whole idea can be a bit intimidating. But with a little practice, you’ll achieve amazing results. Basically, you’re using various shades of foundation to add depth and dimension to your face. I’ve picked up a few tips on contouring and shading from various makeup artist, so here goes.
One size doesn’t fit all. Contouring should be done by face shape. So be sure what results you want to achieve before you start: highlighting cheekbones, brow line, a slimmer nose, etc.
In one of my MAC Pro classes celebrated makeup artist Fatima T, emphasized that “contouring should look like an effect, not like makeup.” So, if you are starting to look like something from Lion King, Stop! You’ll need to practice a bit more before leaving the house.
Minimizing a double Chin. Adding a slightly darker powder beneath your chin, helps minimize the appearance of a double chin. Go lightly. A little can go a long way.
Shading the nose. This appears to be one of the most popular ways to use shading. Often celebrities have benefited from this, thus the speculation that they may have had a nose job. Here are a few tips:
- If you want your nose to look longer, using a shadow slightly darker than your skin tone, start shading at the edge of your eyebrow and go down the side of your nose.
- If you want the nose to appear shorter, using a slightly darker shadow, start at the socket of your eye and work your way down.
There are so many ways to enhance your look with contouring. My recommendation for achieving the best results:
