Just about every make-up lover will have heard about contouring (if you haven’t, where have you been?!). Kim Kardashian kicked off the trend in 2012 and women (and men alike) all over the world have been experimenting ever since. For those who don’t know what it is, it’s basically using both dark and light make-up and strategically applying it to your face to make it appear slimmer. Contouring can take a bit of time to do it properly, which is perfect for a night out, but not so much for heading to work. However, I have devised a quick and easy routine which I use every time I apply make-up. Here is my step-by-step quick guide to contouring…
Photo Credit: Instagram @KimKardashian
1. Apply your usual foundation/ concealer base. I have been using Illuminating Foundation*, (£17.99, crownbrush.co.uk). This foundation will give your skin a glow, whilst giving a light to medium coverage. Paired with MAC Studio Finish Concealer, (£15.50, House of Fraser), this provides the perfect base to start contouring.
2. Start off with the dark shadow. I recommend Hoola bronzing powder (£23.50, Benefit), which I use religiously as it gives a nice, dark bronze colour rather than orange, and the flat brush it comes with is perfect for contouring.
Take the brush and make an ‘o’ shape with your mouth. Brush some Hoola under your cheekbone up to your ear in a straight sweep and then lightly swirl the brush in circles to blend it in.
Swirl the brush up to the sides of your forehead and along the jawline. This makes a shadow in the shape of a ‘3’, instantly making the face appear slimmer.
3. Now for the light shade, which is applied to the middle area of your face. Glide Watt’s Up!* (£24.50, Benefit), over cheek bones and down the bridge of your nose and blend with the sponge, again in a circular motion.
This soft highlighter with a champagne glow will brighten your face and reflect light. I then use Shavata Arch Enhancing Pencil*, (£10.50, shavata.co.uk), to highlight the brow bone, the inner corners of my eyes and the cupids bow. Finally, grab a round bronzer brush and in a circular motion, lightly blend your make-up into the face.
Now just slick on some lippy and you’re good to go!
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