Today I will discuss the basics of contouring!

The key to contouring is to highlight those areas on the face where the light naturally hits and to darken those angles which recede into shadow.

For this purpose, you must begin with a concealer several shades lighter than your skin tone (for highlighting) as well as a bronzer or foundation several shades darker than your skin tone (for shading).

Here I have applied Maybelline Dark Circle Eraser in the shade “Neutralizer” as highlighter beneath my eyes, on the bridge of my nose, and on the chin primarily. This will highlight those areas where the sun actually hits. The “Neutralizer” shade is actually a universal highlighter, with its yellow base. (I also alternate with Nars’ Radiant Creamy Concealer in “Chantilly,” which is almost white.). I have applied a darker concealer to the sides of my nose and the hollows of my cheeks, which naturally recede into shadow when exposed to light:

And the nose:

I know this looks scary, but please bear with me! 🙂

Once the colors have been applied, the key is blending, blending, and more blending — so that the finish looks natural! Bronzer can also be applied to the hairline for added effect.

The finished look:

I hope you enjoyed the lesson! 🙂