We all know the miracle makeup trick that is contouring.
It’s a technique used several decades ago by makeup artists, then the drag community and now it’s so mainstream that contour kits fly off the shelves just as fast as eye shadow palettes. What’s not so popular, however, is over-the-top bronzing and highlighting—you know, the stuff of facial zebra streaks.
This summer, people just want to wear less (or look like they do). Contouring, a red-carpet mainstay, now requires a more subtle approach.
For that less-is-more definition (see: Gigi Hadid for evidence), opt to powder contour with bronzer and highlighter so it’s less likely to cake or melt, which often happens with its liquid counterpart.
“Using bronzer or blush to contour is fine but you have to have a solid foundation to apply it to or it won’t stick,” advised celeb makeup artist Rob Scheppy. “Start with applying foundation and set with translucent powder and then you can begin your contouring. If you try to contour without this it will become blotchy.”
Keeping Rob’s expert tip in mind, we show you how to do a subtle contour right. You really don’t need to go overboard to get cheeky. And, if you want an even lighter-feeling makeup look, opt for a tinted moisturizer or BB cream instead of a medium-to-heavy foundation to create the base. The rest of the contouring process is easy-peasy.
Watch above if you don’t believe us!
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