Contouring is a fantastic technique to add definition and dimension to your face. However, it can be challenging to know where to start if you have a rectangular face shape. Rectangular faces have prominent features, defined cheekbones, and a forehead and jawline that are almost the same width. Our step-by-step guide will help you master the art of contouring for your rectangular-shaped face, so let's get started.
Understanding the Basics of Contouring
Contouring is the process of using makeup to create the illusion of depth and shadows on the face. It works by using a darker shade to create shadows to create the appearance of sculpted features, and a lighter shade to highlight and brighten certain areas of your face.
When contouring, it's important to choose the right shades for your skin tone. Using shades that are too dark or too light can result in an unnatural or muddy appearance. It's also important to blend the makeup well to avoid harsh lines and achieve a seamless, natural look. Additionally, contouring can be used to enhance or minimize certain facial features, such as slimming the nose or defining the cheekbones.
Identifying Your Face Shape: Is It Rectangular?
The first step in mastering contouring for rectangular faces is knowing your face shape. Rectangular faces are characterized by a strong jawline, a square chin, and the same width between the forehead, cheekbones, and jawline. You can use a mirror to identify the proportions of your face.
Once you have identified that you have a rectangular face shape, you can start contouring to enhance your features. Contouring involves using makeup to create shadows and highlights on your face, which can help to define your cheekbones and jawline. For rectangular faces, it's important to focus on adding depth to the forehead and chin areas, while softening the angles of the jawline. By using the right techniques and products, you can create a more balanced and symmetrical look that complements your face shape.
Choosing the Right Contouring Products for Your Skin Type
Choosing the right contouring products for your skin type makes all the difference in achieving a natural-looking finish. Powder-based products work well for oily skin types, while cream-based products are better for drier skin types. Make sure to select shades that are one to two shades darker than your skin tone to create definition.
If you have combination skin, you may want to consider using both powder and cream-based products. Use the powder on your T-zone and the cream on the rest of your face. This will help to balance out the different areas of your skin.
When applying contouring products, it's important to blend well to avoid any harsh lines. Use a blending brush or sponge to blend the product into your skin. You can also use a setting spray to help the product last longer and give your skin a natural-looking finish.
Prepping Your Skin for Contouring: Cleansing and Moisturizing
Starting your makeup routine with a clean and moisturized face is crucial for achieving a flawless and long-lasting contour. Using a gentle cleanser, wash your face to remove any dirt or oils. Then, apply a moisturizer that suits your skin type to hydrate and protect the skin.
In addition to cleansing and moisturizing, it's important to consider using a primer before applying your contour. A primer helps to create a smooth base for your makeup, allowing it to adhere better and last longer. Look for a primer that is specifically designed for your skin type and apply it evenly all over your face, paying extra attention to areas where you will be applying your contour.
Applying Foundation and Concealer Before Contouring
Before getting started with contouring, it is essential to create an even base. Apply your foundation to your entire face, and blend it out seamlessly using a sponge or brush. If needed, apply concealer to any areas that need extra coverage and blend it out.
When choosing a foundation, it is important to select a shade that matches your skin tone. You can test the foundation on your jawline to ensure that it blends seamlessly with your skin. Additionally, consider the type of foundation that works best for your skin type. For example, if you have oily skin, you may want to opt for a matte foundation that helps control shine.
Concealer can be used to cover up blemishes, dark circles, and other imperfections. When applying concealer, use a shade that matches your skin tone or is slightly lighter. Apply it in a triangular shape under your eyes and blend it out with a sponge or brush. You can also use concealer to highlight certain areas of your face, such as your cheekbones or the bridge of your nose.
Mapping Out Your Face: Highlight, Contour, and Blush Placement
Mapping out your face is an essential step that involves identifying the areas you want to contour. Using a contouring kit of your choice, apply the darker shade to the areas you want to recede, like your temples, jawline, and forehead. Follow with the lighter shade to areas like the bridge of your nose, brow bone, and top of your cheekbones. Apply blush to the apples of your cheeks to bring warmth and color to your look.
When it comes to highlighting, it's important to choose a shade that complements your skin tone. For fair skin, a champagne or pearl shade works well, while medium to dark skin tones can opt for a gold or bronze shade. Apply the highlighter to the high points of your face, like the tops of your cheekbones, the bridge of your nose, and your cupid's bow.
Don't forget to blend! Use a blending brush or sponge to blend out any harsh lines and create a seamless, natural-looking finish. And remember, less is more. It's easier to add more product than to remove excess, so start with a light hand and build up as needed.
The Art of Blending: Tips for a Seamless Contour
The key to achieving a natural-looking contour is blending. Use a beauty sponge or contour brush to blend out any harsh lines and create a seamless transition between the darker and lighter shades. Pay extra attention to the neck and jawline to avoid any visible lines.
Another important tip for a seamless contour is to choose the right shades for your skin tone. If the contour shade is too dark or too light, it can look unnatural and obvious. Test the shades on your skin before applying them to your face and adjust accordingly. Additionally, make sure to apply the contour in natural light to avoid any surprises when you step outside.
Enhancing Your Natural Features with Highlighter
Highlighter is a fantastic way to enhance your natural features, and it works to attract the light and bring attention to certain areas. Apply a small amount of highlighter to the high points of your face, like the cheekbones, brow bone, inner corner of your eyes, and the bridge of your nose.
When choosing a highlighter, it's important to consider your skin tone. If you have fair skin, go for a highlighter with a pearl or champagne undertone. For medium skin tones, a gold or rose gold highlighter will work best. If you have a deeper skin tone, opt for a highlighter with a bronze or copper undertone.
It's also important to apply highlighter in moderation. Too much can make your skin look oily or greasy. Start with a small amount and build up gradually until you achieve the desired effect. Remember, less is more when it comes to highlighter.
Adding Warmth and Definition with Bronzer
Bronzer is another excellent product to add warmth to your face and create definition. Apply it to the hollows of your cheeks, along your jawline, and on your temples and forehead. Make sure to blend it out well to avoid any harsh lines.
When choosing a bronzer, it's important to consider your skin tone. If you have fair skin, opt for a lighter shade with a more subtle shimmer. For medium to dark skin tones, a deeper shade with a matte finish will work best. Remember to also choose a bronzer that complements your undertones, whether they are warm or cool.
Accentuating Cheekbones and Jawline with Contour Powder or Stick
Contouring your cheekbones and jawline is all about creating shadows, depth, and definition. Use a contour powder or a stick to apply the darker shade to the hollows of your cheeks and along the jawline, blending it out well to avoid any harsh lines.
It's important to choose a contour shade that is a few shades darker than your natural skin tone, but not too dark that it looks unnatural. You can also use a highlighter on the high points of your cheekbones and the center of your chin to add brightness and dimension to your face. Remember to blend well for a seamless and natural-looking finish.
Softening Harsh Lines with a Beauty Sponge or Brush
If you end up with any harsh lines while contouring, use a beauty sponge or brush dipped in foundation to buff it out gently. This will soften the lines and create a more natural-looking finish.
It's important to choose the right type of beauty sponge or brush for this technique. A dense, flat-top brush or a damp beauty sponge will work best to blend out harsh lines without removing too much product.
Remember to blend in circular motions and use light pressure to avoid removing too much product or creating streaks. With a little practice, you'll be able to achieve a flawless, natural-looking contour every time.
Setting Your Contoured Look with Setting Spray or Powder
After finishing your contour, use a setting spray or powder to lock in your makeup and keep it in place all day. This creates a flawless finish and prevents any makeup from melting or shifting.
When choosing a setting spray or powder, it's important to consider your skin type. If you have oily skin, opt for a mattifying setting spray or powder to control shine. If you have dry skin, choose a hydrating setting spray or powder to keep your skin looking fresh and dewy.
Additionally, make sure to hold the setting spray bottle or powder container at least 6 inches away from your face when applying. This will ensure an even distribution and prevent any splotches or patches on your makeup.
How to Fix Common Mistakes While Contouring
Contouring isn't always easy, and mistakes can happen. If you end up applying too much product or making any other mistakes, it's easy to fix it. Use a beauty sponge or blending brush to buff out any harsh lines or excess product. Keep a light hand on your product and build up slowly.
Another common mistake while contouring is choosing the wrong shade. If you end up with a shade that is too dark or too light, don't worry. You can fix it by blending it out with a lighter shade or a bronzer. It's important to choose a shade that matches your skin tone and undertone to achieve a natural-looking contour.
A Quick Guide to Daytime and Nighttime Contouring Looks
Contouring can work for any occasion, whether you're going for a daytime or nighttime look. For a natural-looking daytime look, focus on creating subtle shadows and definition. For a more dramatic nighttime look, build up the product slowly and layer it until you achieve the desired intensity.
It's important to choose the right shade of contour for your skin tone. For fair skin, choose a contour shade that is one or two shades darker than your natural skin tone. For medium to dark skin tones, choose a contour shade that is two to three shades darker than your natural skin tone. Remember to blend well to avoid any harsh lines and to create a seamless, natural-looking finish.
Tips for Maintaining a Long-Lasting Contoured Look Throughout the Day
Maintaining a long-lasting contoured look throughout the day requires a few simple steps. Use a primer before applying your makeup to help it adhere better and last longer. Also, avoid touching your face frequently to prevent the makeup from smudging or wearing off. Lastly, carry a compact mirror and touching up whenever necessary.
Overall, mastering the art of contouring for rectangular faces takes practice and patience. Remember to use the right products, apply them in the right places, and blend well to achieve a natural-looking finish. With these easy steps, you can create a flawless contoured look that accentuates your features and complements your rectangular face shape perfectly.
