I Was Contoured By A Professional Makeup Artist!

The step by step to an Instagrammable face

I am so blessed, I have got cool friends, exceptionally cool! One of them, Zaida Moreleta ( click here to go to her Instagram) is a professional makeup artist! When it comes to makeup as an art, there’s always that “special gift” someone has in a particular field. And according to me, I feel like Zaida a.k.a Zed is really great with contour and today she has taken over my blog just to show you how it’s done. Without further ado, here’s how to contour like a pro presented to you by Zed!

“Hello guys, it’s Zed here and today am giving you my take on contouring. Contouring is a makeup technique that uses cosmetics to define, enhance and sculpt the structure of the face or other body parts. Contouring is usually achieved by placing a warm or cool toned colour that is one or two shades darker than one’s skin colour, in the area you want to contour such as the hollows of the cheeks, the sides of the nose, the forehead and on the temples to give a shadow and shimmering effect.

It can also be complimented with a highlighter that is one or two shades lighter than the actual skin colour. Highlighters are usually placed on the more prominent areas such as the apples on the cheeks, the tip of the nose,midway the bridge of the nose as well as the T-zone.

MAKEUP TO USE WHEN CONTOURING…

For a perfect contour, typically a cream or powder contour three shades darker than your skin tone should be the best choice. Bare in mind these “three shades darker” should be within your undertone family, don’t stray away too much.

As far as choosing a cream or powder contour, select the formula based on your skin type and texture. If your makeup tends to settle in the fine lines of your face or if your skin is dry, opt for a cream contour. If you have an oilier skin type or you just want a matte finish, use a powder contour.

Personally, I at times use both the cream and powder contour and finish it off with a powder contour to set it in place. Right after that I apply the setting spray all over the face to blend everything together and soften the harsh lines.

The brushes and sponges that you use can alter the appearance or finish of your contour. I personally prefer flat brushes with somewhat stiff bristles because they allow me place the product exactly where I want it. I can also use my fingers to apply the cream contour, warm it up and then make it creamier and more blendable. Then to finally blend it all out I prefer using a damp sponge to diffuse the product in place. It’s important for you to find the find the perfect product of your choice and invest in that.

Here’s How I Do It…

After I’ve finished the makeup base, (primer, foundation,concealer etc), I begin the contour. It’s all about following the shadows of your face. If you feel your jaw isn’t as defined as you’d like, blend some powder or cream along the edges of your jaw cone. And if you want to chisel your cheeks, place contour in a short line right beneath your cheek bones and blend that inwards towards the upper section of your face.

If you want to contour a long forehead, place contour along the forehead in a line and blend it inwards towards the center of the face. And if you have a shorter forehead, do the same but blend the contour outwards to create depth outwards thus giving off a slightly wider fore head.

When it comes to nose contouring (it’s usually optional), it’s done a little bit differently from the rest of the face. Use a small stiff brush in order to get precision while nose contouring. Using the stiff brush draw two lines on either side of the nose, bearing in mind that the closer the lines appear to be, the thinner your nose will appear after blending.

The last step in contouring would be setting your T-zone and the area underneath your cheek bones’ contour with translucent powder. After you’ve “baked” enough, blend everything out.

Let’s Talk A Little Bit About Highlighter…

I thought I should share a little bit about highlighter because I like that extra glow that comes with it. After you have done your makeup base (primer, foundation,concealer etc), apply a highlighter on your cheekbones, down your nose and on the inner corners of your eyes.

To finish off your look, don’t forget a good lipstick and setting spray! Voila, you look absolutely amazing!”