How to Contour Face: A 5-Step Beginner-Friendly Guide
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Let’s be honest—contouring can sound like a full-on beauty mystery when you’re just starting out. But I promise, it doesn’t have to be scary or complicated. In fact, with just one contour stick and two brushes, you can totally transform your face in minutes. Whether you’re new to makeup or just looking for a fresh way to do things, this guide is your new go-to for learning how to contour face with ease.
How to Contour Face Step 1: Sculpting the Cheekbones
We’re starting with the cheekbones because, let’s face it, we all want that lifted, chiseled look—even if we were up way too late last night.
Where to Place It: Take your finger and place it just at the top curve of your ear. That’s your sweet spot. From there, swipe a small line downward toward your cheek—but don’t go overboard. No racing stripes here.
Why This Works: Adding contour here creates a natural-looking shadow under your cheekbone, which gives the illusion of a more lifted, sculpted face. It’s subtle but super effective.
How to Contour Face Step 2: Forehead Slimming
This step’s for anyone who’s ever thought, “Does my forehead look a little… extra?” Don’t worry—contour has your back.
Where to Place It: Apply your contour close to your hairline along the sides of your forehead. No gaps, no floating product—just hug that hairline.
Why This Works: Strategically placed shadows make your forehead appear smaller and your face more oval. Basically, it helps bring balance to your whole look.
How to Contour Face Step 3: Defining the Jawline
Ah, the jawline—the secret weapon to looking like you just walked out of a glam photo shoot.
How to Hold the Product: Hold your contour stick underneath, not from the top. Trust me, this gives you way more control and helps you hit the right angle.
Where to Place It: Draw your contour just under the jawbone (not on it!). This mimics the natural shadows that already exist—and helps fake a sharper, cleaner jawline.
Extra Tip: Want to shorten the look of your face? Connect the contour under your chin. Prefer to keep your face longer? Stop short of the chin. Easy.
How to Contour Face Step 4: Shaping the Nose
This is where a little precision goes a long way. Don’t panic—it’s easier than it looks.
Bridge of the Nose: Use your contour stick to draw two skinny lines down each side of your nose. Keep the width consistent from top to bottom so your nose doesn’t end up looking uneven or wider.
Tip of the Nose: Draw a tiny V shape right at the tip of your nose. A smaller V = smaller-looking tip. A larger V = softer, rounder effect. You’re the artist here.
Why This Works: These shadow lines help visually narrow and define your nose. Think of it like editing with makeup.
How to Contour Face Step 5: Blending It All In
Now for the part that pulls it all together—blending. This is where harsh lines disappear and natural definition takes over.
Tools to Use: Use a big, fluffy brush for your cheeks, forehead, and jawline. Grab a smaller eyeshadow brush for the nose.
Blending Technique:
- Cheeks: Tap or press your brush into the skin—don’t sweep it around.
- Forehead: Blend the contour into your hairline using soft, upward motions.
- Jawline: Pull the contour down into your neck to avoid that dreaded makeup line.
- Nose: Use your small brush to lightly drag product down each side for a seamless blend.
Final Touch: Once everything’s blended, your face will look defined and polished—but still totally you. No harsh lines, no heavy makeup mask.
Recap: How to Contour Face in 5 Easy Steps
- Cheekbones: Draw a small line just under your cheekbone starting near the ear.
- Forehead: Apply along the hairline to slim and shape.
- Jawline: Add contour just below the jaw and blend into the neck.
- Nose: Use thin lines along the bridge and a V at the tip.
- Blend: Tap, drag, and press—no rushing this part.
Final Thoughts
Here’s the bottom line: contouring doesn’t have to be reserved for the pros or special occasions. Once you get the hang of it, it’s just another (super powerful) tool in your beauty routine. With a little practice, you’ll be sculpting your face in under five minutes—like a total boss. So go ahead and grab that contour stick. Your cheekbones are waiting.
