Contouring has become a popular makeup technique that can enhance your facial features and give you a more defined look. However, the method you use to contour your face may vary depending on your face shape. If you have a diamond-shaped face, you may have high cheekbones, a narrow forehead, and a pointed chin. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to contour a diamond-shaped face using the right tools, products, and techniques to achieve a natural and flattering look.
Understanding the Diamond-Shaped Face Structure
Before we dive into the details of contouring a diamond-shaped face, let's take a closer look at the structure of this face shape. A diamond-shaped face is characterized by a narrow forehead, prominent cheekbones, and a pointed chin. The widest part of the face is at the cheekbones, which tend to be high and defined. The goal of contouring a diamond-shaped face is to balance out the proportions of your features and accentuate your natural beauty.
One of the challenges of having a diamond-shaped face is finding the right hairstyle that complements your features. It's best to avoid hairstyles that add volume to the top of your head, as this can make your forehead appear even narrower. Instead, opt for hairstyles that add volume to the lower half of your face, such as layered cuts or side-swept bangs.
In addition to contouring and choosing the right hairstyle, it's important to take care of your skin to enhance your natural beauty. Diamond-shaped faces tend to have angular features, which can create harsh shadows and lines on the face. Using a moisturizer and a highlighter can help soften these features and create a more youthful, radiant look.
Identifying Your Face Shape: Is It Diamond-Shaped?
It's important to determine your face shape before contouring. To know if you have a diamond-shaped face, stand in front of the mirror and study your facial structure. If your forehead is narrower than your cheekbones, and your chin is pointed, then you have a diamond-shaped face.
Once you have identified your face shape, you can use makeup to enhance your features. For diamond-shaped faces, contouring the forehead and chin can help balance out the wider cheekbones. You can also highlight the center of your forehead and chin to draw attention to those areas.
It's important to remember that makeup is all about personal preference and experimentation. Don't be afraid to try different techniques and products to find what works best for you and your unique features.
Why Contouring Is Important for Diamond-Shaped Faces?
Contouring can help create an illusion of balance and symmetry for diamond-shaped faces. By contouring, you can minimize the width of your cheekbones and elongate your forehead and chin. This technique can soften the angles of your face and enhance your natural beauty.
Additionally, contouring can also help highlight your best features. For example, if you have beautiful eyes, contouring can draw attention to them by creating a contrast between your eye area and the rest of your face. Similarly, if you have full lips, contouring can help make them stand out even more. By strategically applying makeup, you can create a more harmonious and flattering look for your diamond-shaped face.
The Right Tools and Products for Contouring a Diamond-Shaped Face
Before you begin contouring, gather the right tools and products. You will need a contour powder or cream that is one to two shades darker than your skin tone, a highlighter that suits your skin tone, and a good blending brush. You can also use a stippling brush, a beauty sponge, or your fingers for blending.
It's important to note that when contouring a diamond-shaped face, you should focus on creating balance and softening the angles of the face. This can be achieved by contouring the temples, the area under the cheekbones, and the jawline. Additionally, highlighting the center of the forehead, the bridge of the nose, and the apples of the cheeks can help to bring attention to the center of the face and create a more balanced look. Remember to blend well and use a light hand when applying products to avoid a harsh or unnatural appearance.
Prepping Your Skin for Contouring: Cleansing, Moisturizing, and Priming
Prepping your skin is essential for achieving a flawless contour. Start by cleansing your face with a gentle cleanser to remove any oil, dirt, or makeup residue. Then, moisturize your skin to keep it hydrated and smooth. A primer can help smooth out your skin's texture and improve the longevity of your makeup. Apply a primer that is suitable for your skin type and let it dry before proceeding to the next step.
In addition to cleansing, moisturizing, and priming, it's important to consider the type of contouring product you'll be using. Cream or liquid products work best on hydrated skin, while powder products work best on matte skin. If you have dry skin, opt for a cream or liquid contour product and if you have oily skin, use a powder contour product. This will ensure that your contour looks seamless and lasts all day.
Choosing the Right Shade of Contour for Your Skin Tone and Face Shape
Choosing the right shade of contour is crucial for achieving a natural look. If your skin tone is light to medium, choose a contour powder or cream that is one to two shades darker than your skin tone. If you have a darker skin tone, choose a contour shade that is three to four shades darker than your skin tone. For diamond-shaped faces, focus the contour on your cheekbones and temples to minimize their width.
It's also important to consider the undertones of your skin when choosing a contour shade. If you have cool undertones, look for a contour shade with a grayish tint. If you have warm undertones, opt for a contour shade with a more golden or bronze hue. This will help ensure that your contour looks natural and blends seamlessly with your skin.
When applying contour, it's best to start with a light hand and build up gradually. Use a small, angled brush to apply the contour powder or cream in the areas you want to define, such as the hollows of your cheeks, the sides of your nose, and your jawline. Blend well with a fluffy brush or sponge to avoid any harsh lines or patches.
Highlighting vs. Contouring: What's the Difference?
Highlighting and contouring are two techniques that work hand-in-hand to enhance your features. While contouring creates shadows to sculpt your face, highlighting adds light to accentuate your features. Use a highlighter that is one to two shades lighter than your skin tone and apply it to the high points of your face, such as your cheekbones, brow bone, nose, and cupid's bow.
When it comes to choosing the right products for highlighting and contouring, it's important to consider your skin type and the occasion. For a natural daytime look, opt for cream-based products that blend seamlessly into your skin. For a more dramatic look, powder-based products can be used to create a more defined and sculpted look.
It's also important to note that highlighting and contouring can be used on different parts of your body, not just your face. For example, you can use these techniques to enhance your collarbones, arms, and legs. Just remember to blend well and choose products that match your skin tone for a seamless and natural-looking finish.
Mapping Out Your Contour Lines: Cheeks, Jawline, Forehead, and Nose
Now that you have the right tools and products, it's time to map out your contour lines. Start by applying the contour product in a 3-shape along your hairline, under your cheekbones, and along your jawline. Then, blend the contour using a brush, sponge, or your fingers. To minimize the width of your forehead, apply a little bit of contour along the hairline above your temples and blend it well. For your nose, apply a thin line of contour down the sides of your nose and blend it well to create a slimming effect.
It's important to remember that contouring is all about enhancing your natural features, so don't go overboard with the product. Start with a small amount and build up gradually until you achieve your desired look. Also, consider the lighting in which you'll be wearing your makeup. If you'll be in natural light, use a lighter hand with the contour product as it can appear more harsh in bright sunlight.
Blending Techniques: Achieving a Natural and Flawless Look
Blending is the key to achieving a natural and flawless contour. Use a light hand and blend your contour and highlight products well to avoid harsh lines or streaks. You can use a stippling brush, a beauty sponge, or your fingers to blend your makeup. Start with the contour and then blend the highlighter in a soft circular motion until you achieve a seamless finish.
It's important to note that blending not only applies to contour and highlight products, but also to your foundation and concealer. Blending your foundation and concealer well will ensure that your base looks natural and even. Use a damp beauty sponge to blend your foundation and concealer in a bouncing motion, starting from the center of your face and working your way outwards. This will help to avoid any harsh lines or patches of unblended product. Remember, the key to a flawless makeup look is all in the blending!
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Contouring a Diamond-Shaped Face
When contouring a diamond-shaped face, there are a few common mistakes to avoid. First, avoid applying too much contour or highlighter, as this can create an unnatural look. Also, be careful not to apply the contour too low on your cheeks, as this can make them appear saggy. Finally, make sure to blend your contour and highlighter well to achieve a natural and flawless finish.
Another mistake to avoid when contouring a diamond-shaped face is applying too much product to the forehead. This can make the forehead appear even wider and more prominent, which is not the desired effect. Instead, focus on contouring the temples and the area just above the eyebrows to create a more balanced look. Additionally, consider using a lighter shade of contour on the chin to help soften any sharp angles and create a more rounded appearance.
Enhancing Your Look with Blush, Bronzer, and Highlighter
Now that you have achieved a flawless contour, it's time to add a pop of color to your cheeks with a blush or bronzer. Choose a blush shade that complements your skin tone and apply it to the apples of your cheeks. A bronzer can also add warmth and dimension to your face. Apply it lightly along your hairline, on the bridge of your nose, and under your cheekbones. Don't forget to apply a little bit of highlighter to the high points of your face to add a touch of radiance.
When choosing a highlighter, consider your skin tone and the occasion. A subtle, champagne-toned highlighter is perfect for everyday wear, while a more intense, gold-toned highlighter is great for a night out. Apply the highlighter to the high points of your face, such as the tops of your cheekbones, the bridge of your nose, and the cupid's bow. For a more natural look, use a fan brush to apply the highlighter lightly. For a more intense glow, use a damp beauty sponge to apply the highlighter more heavily.
Maintaining Your Contoured Look: Setting Spray, Touch-Ups, and Removal
To make your contour last all day, use a setting spray to lock it in place. Also, carry a compact powder and blending brush with you for touch-ups throughout the day. When it's time to remove your makeup, use a gentle cleanser to avoid irritation or breakouts.
It's important to note that not all setting sprays are created equal. Look for a spray that is specifically designed to set makeup and has a long-lasting formula. Additionally, when doing touch-ups, be sure to blend the product well to avoid any harsh lines or unevenness. Finally, when removing your contour, be gentle and avoid rubbing or tugging at your skin to prevent any damage or irritation.
Expert Tips and Tricks for Perfectly Contoured Diamond-Shaped Faces
For expert level contouring, try these tips and tricks: Use a matte contour powder for a more natural and subtle look. Use a cream contour product if you have dry skin or want a more intense look. Use a fan brush to apply your highlighter for a light and natural finish. Finally, always take photos of your finished look in different lighting to ensure that it looks perfect from every angle.
Now that you have our step-by-step guide to contouring a diamond-shaped face, it's time to give it a try. Remember to take your time, practice, and have fun with it. With the right tools, products, and techniques, you can achieve a flawless and natural-looking contour that will enhance your beauty and confidence.
One additional tip to keep in mind when contouring a diamond-shaped face is to focus on the temples and jawline. By applying contour to these areas, you can create a more balanced and defined look. Additionally, don't forget to blend your contour and highlighter thoroughly to avoid any harsh lines or patches. With these extra tips, you'll be able to achieve a perfectly contoured diamond-shaped face that will turn heads.
