The holidays are here, which means our calendars fill quickly with events, parties and get-togethers. For those special occasions, we want to pull out all the stops to look just right.
One thing many tend to ask when learning about makeup application is the difference between contouring and bronzing. Can you do both, or should you stick to one? Where should I place my chosen products, or what would you recommend?
First, let’s go over some bronzer basics:
- Your bronzing products will always be warm tones to liven the face up and give you a glorious, tanned effect. While it can give you a definition, it’s not a sharp contrast compared to contour.
- On some skin tones, the warmth bronzers create can look muddy, so take your time testing products to find the perfect color and product for you.
- When it comes to placement, you can never go wrong with the figure 3 method; go around the forehead, cheekbones and jawline in circular, buffing motions.
Next, some contouring tips:
- Contouring requires more precision and thought when applying. Using a product with a cooler undertone will give you that shadowing effect, highlighting features you want to stand out while hiding the ones you don’t.
- If you want your forehead to appear smaller, place the contour along the edges in a halo. For those runway-worthy cheekbones, apply it just underneath the highest point of your cheekbone, or use the center of your ear as a starting guide. Other possible places for contouring are the jawline, the nose and even your eye shape.
- When applying your products, whether they’re cream, liquid or powder, always blend upward. Otherwise, the product on your face can come out muddled and cause your finished look to appear flawed.
What products do I use? Which finish would be better for me? Should I apply it in layers?
The answers to these questions will depend on your desired results and skin type.
- For oily skin types, layering will be your best friend. Locking all cream or liquid products with powder will ensure your makeup’s longevity.
- For drier skin types, any kind of product with skincare or moisturizing properties will keep your makeup from looking dry or patchy.
Remember we live in the social media age, and tutorials are everywhere online. Learning makeup application is trial and error, so don’t be discouraged by mistakes. Take advantage of beauty counters and stores where a sales associate can show you in person how to apply the products and assist in finding the perfect product for you. Happy sculpting!