If you have an oblong face shape and want to enhance your features with contouring, you're in the right place! In this article, we'll take you through all the steps you need to know to contour your face like a pro. From understanding the basics of contouring to choosing the right products for your skin tone, mapping out your face shape, blending your contour and highlighter, and adding those finishing touches, we've got you covered. So, let's get started!
Understanding the Basics of Contouring for Oblong Faces
Contouring is a makeup technique that involves using darker shades to create the illusion of depth and dimension, while using lighter shades to highlight and bring forward certain features. For oblong faces, the aim is to balance out the face and create more width, as this face shape tends to be longer than it is wide. To achieve this, you'll need to apply your contour in strategic areas that will help to shorten the face and add dimension to specific areas.
One important thing to keep in mind when contouring for oblong faces is to avoid applying too much product to the forehead and chin, as this can further elongate the face. Instead, focus on applying your contour to the hollows of the cheeks and the temples, as well as the sides of the nose to create the illusion of a shorter face. Additionally, using a highlighter on the center of the forehead and chin can help to bring these features forward and balance out the face.
Identifying the Right Contour Products for Your Face Shape
When it comes to selecting the right contour products for your oblong face, it's essential to choose shades that are slightly darker than your natural skin tone and have a cool undertone. You can opt for cream or powder formulas, depending on your preference and the type of finish you want. Just make sure to choose shades that work well with your skin tone to avoid any harsh lines or unnatural-looking results.
If you have a round face shape, you'll want to use contour products to create more definition and structure. Opt for shades that are slightly darker than your natural skin tone and have a warm undertone. You can use both cream and powder formulas, but make sure to blend well to avoid any harsh lines. Focus on contouring the outer edges of your face, such as your temples and jawline, to create a more angular appearance.
If you have a heart-shaped face, you'll want to use contour products to balance out your features. Choose shades that are slightly darker than your natural skin tone and have a neutral undertone. Cream formulas work well for this face shape, as they blend easily and create a natural-looking finish. Focus on contouring the sides of your forehead and the area under your cheekbones to create a more balanced appearance.
Prepping Your Skin for Contouring: Cleansing, Toning, Moisturizing
Before you start contouring, it's crucial to prep your skin properly. Start with a clean and moisturized face, and make sure to apply a toner to help even out your skin tone. This will create a smooth canvas for your contour application and help your makeup last longer throughout the day.
In addition to cleansing, toning, and moisturizing, there are a few other steps you can take to ensure your skin is ready for contouring. First, consider using a primer to help your makeup adhere better and last longer. Second, exfoliate your skin regularly to remove dead skin cells and promote a smoother texture. Finally, make sure to protect your skin from the sun by using a sunscreen or wearing a hat when you're outside.
It's also important to choose the right products for your skin type when prepping for contouring. If you have oily skin, look for oil-free moisturizers and toners to avoid clogging your pores. If you have dry skin, opt for a heavier moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated. And if you have sensitive skin, choose products that are fragrance-free and gentle on the skin.
Choosing the Right Shade of Contour and Highlighter for Your Skin Tone
As mentioned earlier, it's essential to choose shades that work well with your skin tone when selecting contour and highlighter products. For oblong faces, a cool-toned contour shade that's slightly darker than your natural skin tone is ideal. For highlighter, opt for a shade that's slightly lighter than your natural skin tone and has a shimmery or dewy finish. Remember, the goal is to create contrast between the two shades to bring out your features.
When it comes to selecting the right contour and highlighter shades for darker skin tones, it's important to choose shades that are highly pigmented and have warm undertones. For contour, opt for a shade that's one or two shades darker than your natural skin tone and has a warm, reddish-brown undertone. For highlighter, choose a shade that's slightly lighter than your natural skin tone and has a golden or bronze finish.
If you have fair skin, it's best to choose contour and highlighter shades that are more subtle and natural-looking. For contour, choose a shade that's only slightly darker than your natural skin tone and has a cool, ashy undertone. For highlighter, opt for a shade that's slightly lighter than your natural skin tone and has a pearly or iridescent finish.
Mapping Out Your Face Shape: Where to Apply Contour and Highlighter
Now that you've selected your products, it's time to map out your face shape and determine where to apply your contour and highlighter. For oblong faces, focus on areas such as your temples, cheekbones, and jawline to create width and dimension. Apply your contour just below your cheekbones, around your temples, and under your jawline with a small, angled brush. Then, use your highlighter on the high points of your face, such as your cheekbones, bridge of your nose, and cupid's bow, to bring those areas forward.
If you have a round face, you'll want to focus on creating more definition and angles. Apply your contour in a diagonal line from the center of your forehead down to your temples, then under your cheekbones and along your jawline. Use your highlighter on the center of your forehead, the bridge of your nose, and the highest point of your cheekbones to bring those areas forward and create a more sculpted look.
How to Blend Your Contour and Highlighter Perfectly for a Natural Look
Blending is key when it comes to achieving a natural-looking contour and highlight. Use a damp beauty blender or a fluffy brush to blend your products seamlessly into your skin. Focus on the edges of your contour to eliminate any harsh lines and blend out your highlighter for a natural-looking glow. Remember, less is more, so be sure to blend well and build up your products gradually for the best results.
It's also important to consider the undertones of your contour and highlight products. If your contour is too warm or cool for your skin tone, it can look unnatural and muddy. Similarly, if your highlighter is too icy or golden, it can look too obvious and fake. Choose shades that complement your skin tone and blend them well for a seamless finish.
Adding Depth to Your Cheekbones: Tips and Tricks for a Sculpted Look
Your cheekbones are a focal point of your face, and contouring them correctly can help to create a sculpted and lifted look. Apply your contour just below your cheekbones, starting from your ears and moving towards the middle of your cheeks. Blend well and add a touch of highlighter on the highest point of your cheekbones for a lifted effect.
Another tip for adding depth to your cheekbones is to use a blush that complements your skin tone. A warm, peachy blush can help to enhance your cheekbones and give your face a healthy glow. Apply the blush to the apples of your cheeks and blend it out towards your temples.
It's also important to consider the shape of your face when contouring your cheekbones. If you have a round face, focus on creating a more angular look by applying your contour in a diagonal line from your ears to the corners of your mouth. If you have a square face, apply your contour in a curved line just below your cheekbones to soften your features.
Creating Dimension on a Long Forehead: Tricks to Make It Appear Shorter
If you have a long forehead, you can use contouring to create the illusion of a shorter forehead. Apply your contour just above your hairline and blend it downwards towards your temples. This will help to minimize the appearance of your forehead and create balance across your face.
Another trick to make a long forehead appear shorter is to add bangs to your hairstyle. Bangs can help to cover up a portion of your forehead and create the illusion of a shorter forehead. You can opt for side-swept bangs or blunt bangs depending on your face shape and personal preference.
In addition to contouring and bangs, you can also try changing your hairstyle to create more volume at the crown of your head. This will draw attention away from your forehead and create a more balanced look. You can achieve this by using volumizing products or by teasing your hair at the crown.
Defining Your Jawline with Contouring: How to Get That Sharp, Chiseled Look
Contouring your jawline can help to create a sharp and chiseled look and define your face shape. Apply your contour along your jawline, starting from your ears and moving towards the middle of your chin. Blend well and add a touch of highlighter on your chin to bring the area forward.
It's important to choose the right shade of contour for your skin tone to achieve the desired effect. If you have fair skin, opt for 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 natural-looking finish.
Enhancing Your Nose with Contouring: Tips to Make It Look Smaller or Straighter
If you want to enhance your nose with contouring, you can use product to make it look smaller or straighter. Apply your contour on the sides of your nose, following your natural bone structure, and blend well. Use your highlighter on the bridge of your nose to bring the area forward and create the illusion of a slimmer or straighter nose.
It's important to note that contouring can only do so much to alter the appearance of your nose. If you're looking for a more permanent solution, you may want to consider rhinoplasty. This surgical procedure can reshape your nose to better fit your facial features and improve your overall appearance. However, it's important to do your research and consult with a qualified surgeon before making any decisions.
Highlighting the High Points of Your Face: Tips to Make Them Pop
Using highlighter on the high points of your face can help to make them pop and bring out your features. Apply your highlighter on the highest point of your cheekbones, bridge of your nose, cupid's bow, and temples for a glowing effect.
However, it's important to choose the right shade of highlighter for your skin tone. If you have fair skin, go for a highlighter with a pink or champagne undertone. For medium skin tones, a gold or peachy highlighter works best. And for deeper skin tones, a highlighter with a bronze or copper undertone will complement your complexion.
Another tip is to use a light hand when applying highlighter. It's easy to go overboard and end up looking too shiny or oily. Start with a small amount and build up gradually until you achieve the desired effect. And remember, less is often more when it comes to highlighter.
Finishing Touches: Setting Spray, Powder, and Other Essential Products
Once you've applied your contour and highlighter, it's essential to set your makeup with a setting spray and powder to ensure it lasts all day. You can also add other essential products, such as blush, mascara, and lipstick, to complete your makeup look.
When choosing a setting spray, it's important to consider your skin type. If you have oily skin, look for a mattifying setting spray that will help control shine throughout the day. If you have dry skin, opt for a hydrating setting spray that will keep your skin looking fresh and dewy.
In addition to setting spray and powder, you can also use a makeup fixing spray to ensure your makeup stays in place. This product is especially useful for special occasions or events where you want your makeup to look flawless all day or night.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Contouring an Oblong Face
There are a few common mistakes to avoid when contouring an oblong face. One is applying your contour too low on your cheekbones, which can make your face appear longer. Another is using too much product, which can create a muddy or unnatural appearance. Make sure to blend well and build up gradually for the best results.
Another mistake to avoid is using a contour shade that is too dark for your skin tone. This can create a harsh and unflattering look. It's important to choose a shade that is only one or two shades darker than your natural skin tone and to blend it well for a seamless finish.
Additionally, it's important to consider the shape of your face when contouring. For oblong faces, it's best to focus on adding definition to the forehead and chin areas to balance out the length of the face. This can be achieved by applying a highlighter to the center of the forehead and chin, and a contour shade to the temples and jawline.
Expert Tips from Professional Makeup Artists
Finally, to take your contouring skills to the next level, here are some expert tips from professional makeup artists. First, use a lighter hand when applying your contour and blend well for a seamless finish. Second, opt for cream products if you have dry skin, or powder products if you have oily skin. And lastly, have fun with it and don't be afraid to experiment with different shades and techniques until you find what works best for you.
And there you have it - a comprehensive guide on how to contour your oblong face like a pro. With these steps and tips, you'll be able to enhance your features and create a sculpted and lifted look in no time. Happy contouring!
But wait, there's more! Another tip from professional makeup artists is to use a small, angled brush to apply contour to the hollows of your cheeks, temples, and jawline. This will give you more precision and control over the placement of the product. Additionally, don't forget to blend your contour into your hairline and down your neck to avoid any harsh lines or unevenness.
Lastly, it's important to choose the right shade of contour for your skin tone. If you have fair skin, opt for a cool-toned contour shade, while those with medium to deep skin tones should choose a warmer, more neutral shade. And if you're unsure, don't be afraid to ask for help at your local makeup counter or beauty store.
