9 reasons your contour might not look ‘on fleek’ and how to fix it.
Contouring trends have sky rocketed in recent years. It was ultimately the moment where beauty became a form of art. Contouring products now come in so many forms; powders, creams, sticks, you name it. But it’s no wonder contouring is so popular. Its the one make-up step that will reshape and sculpt your face and let your creative flair flow. With the help of a great brush (Urban Decay’s F105 Optical Blurring Brush, £23.50) and a great contour product you can define and refine your face by contouring your cheeks, temples, the jaw line, sides and tip of your nose.
We all want to be pro’s but unfortunately so many of us fall at the first hurdle. Let’s have a look at the most common contouring mistakes that we’re all making and see how we can prevent them. MUA, Viorela Coleman, gave us an insight to the most common contouring mishaps and how she’d suggest fixing them.
Mistake: You contour just looks a bit weird
Solution: “Placement is key, so before applying it consider drawing an imaginary line between the corner of your mouth and the corner of your ear: stop your contour around the middle of that line. Any product applied too low or too high will change the proportion of your cheek and it might not be flattering at all. Careful if you already have high cheekbones, as in this case there’s no need to exaggerate with contouring, nature has already done you a big favour.”
Mistake: You chose the wrong shade
Solution: “Since contouring is all about enhancing the natural occurring shadows on your face you need to go for the most flattering shade for your skin tone. Make sure you get a contour that is 1-2 shades darker than your skin. If it’s too dark, your contouring will appear to be too harsh in comparison to the rest of your face.”
“Bonus tip: go for a product with a cool, grey-ish undertone rather than a very warm one, so that it will blend harmoniously with your skin. I see way too many unflattering orange contours these days!”
Recommended products: Lord & Berry Bronzer in shade Sienna, £15.75)
Mistake: You chose the wrong texture for your skin type
Solution: “If you’re not very experienced at make-up application, do remember this useful tip for a better adherence on the skin: apply powder contour after applying a coat of loose or compact powder.”
“Layering the products this way will ensure your contour doesn’t look muddy or spotty. Tap your brush before applying the contour, making sure you don’t have too much product to apply on your face. Also, depending on your skin type, do consider using powder contour if you have combination to oily skin and use creamy textures for normal and dry.”
Recommended products: Dr. Hauschka Translucent Bronzing Tint, £28.50 or Nudestix Nudies Tinted Blur, £20.50).
Mistake: You didn’t blend it enough
Solution: “You know you’ve got your blending right when you can’t see where your contour starts or stops. It is so finely done that it feels natural and you get that ‘I woke up like this’ look. Remember to blend!”
Mistake: You contour with shimmery textures instead of matte ones
Solution: “Since contours are supposed to sculpt your facial framework, you need a matte texture to help achieve it, only use shimmery bronzers in tiny doses. Matte formulas look more flattering and natural on your skin and don’t draw attention on any imperfections like spots or enlarged pores.”
Recommended product: Delilah Sunset Compact Matte Bronzer, £31.00
Mistake: You forgot to set!
Solution: “Summer can also turn your make-up into a melting disaster if you do not set it the right way. If you want your contour to last all day you do want to apply a similar shade in a powder or even a bit of translucent powder. Setting sprays also help in this scenario.”
Mistake: You’re using contour/bronzer as blusher
Solution: “I have seen women in a hurry, using a contour shade instead of blusher. They think it will make them look bronzy and summery but the result is not the expected one, sadly. Too much contour or bronzer can make it look like you are trying too hard. Sometimes a flattering blush is all you need and along with the perfect contour will help create a fresh look altogether.”
Recommended product: SnowCrystal Blusher Bronzer Duo, £35.32
Mistake: Not balancing the intensity of your overall make-up with your contour
Solution: “You can see this mainly on Instagram: a nude, full-coverage make-up, neutral eyes and lips with contouring being the star of the show – way darker and contrasting, taking all the attention from your beautiful face. Not an option for natural and daytime makeup.”
Mistake: Forgetting that you can use the contour shade to delicately contour the crease of your eyes and sides of the nose
Solution: “Do not underestimate the power of a nice contouring colour to perfect your makeup. Use it as an eyeshadow and build a bit of intensity by blending it in your creases with a blending brush.”
Recommended product: MYKITCO Tapered Crease Makeup Brush, £11.25).
Are you guilty of any of these easily-made mistakes when it comes to your makeup routine? Let us know which of Viorela’s tips you’ve tried out and don’t forget to tag @loveindulge in your Instagram’s.
All prices are correct as of date published.
Feature image: Hot Book
