How to Contour Face to Look Thinner

It is possible to make the face look thinner using the right contouring techniques. Today, we’re embarking on an exciting journey into the transformative realm of contouring. This makeup technique has the power to redefine and sculpt your facial features, giving you a refreshed and radiant appearance. The best part? You don’t need to be a makeup pro to master the art of contouring. In this easy-to-follow guide, we’ll explore the fundamentals of skincare, foundation application, and the step-by-step process of contouring, incorporating blush and highlighters strategically. By the end, you’ll be well-equipped to effortlessly enhance your natural beauty, achieving a naturally slimmed-down look that radiates confidence.
Step-by-step Guide to Contouring Face
Step #1: Laying the Groundwork: Skincare and Foundation
Let’s kick things off with the basics. Before diving into the world of contouring, it’s essential to make sure your skin is prepped and ready for makeup application. Treat your skin to a little pampering with a good skincare routine. For those with enlarged pores, consider the use of a primer to create a smooth canvas for your makeup.
Now, onto the foundation – the cornerstone of a flawless complexion. Start by moisturizing your face with a product suitable for your skin type. Whether you have oily, dry, or combination skin, tailor your skincare choices accordingly. If enlarged pores are a concern, a primer can work wonders in providing a smooth base for your makeup.
Once your skin is prepped, the foundation application takes center stage. Use a specialized brush or a makeup sponge to apply the foundation, beginning from the center of your face and blending outwards. Extend the application to your neck and ears, ensuring a seamless transition and preventing any unwanted lines. The key here is to choose a foundation color that complements your skin tone – not too light, not too dark. Perform a quick neck test by applying a small amount, allowing it to dry, and ensuring a harmonious match with your skin tone.
Step #2: Picking Your Colors: Foundation, Contour, and Blush
Now, let’s delve into the world of colors. Achieving a balanced and harmonious look involves careful consideration of the colors you choose for your makeup products.
When it comes to foundation, steer clear of extremes. A shade that is too dark may accentuate roundness, while one that is too light might leave you looking pale. Strike the right balance by choosing a foundation color that is just right for your skin tone.
Moving on to contouring, this step involves choosing a product that is 2 to 3 shades darker than your natural skin color. Importantly, the contour product should be shimmer-free. The old days of placing the contour below your cheekbones are over. In 2024, 90% of the internet knows contour should be placed higher to make the face look lifted. Matte blush shades in darker hues like berry, plum, or peach work wonders for rounding out the look.
The choice between powder and cream contouring products depends on your skin type. For those with oily skin, powder products can help absorb excess sebum and provide a matte finish. On the other hand, individuals with dry skin may benefit from creamy consistencies that prevent dehydration with nourishing ingredients.
Step #3: The Nitty-Gritty of Contouring (Step-by-Step Guide)
Now, let’s demystify the art of contouring. Despite its sophisticated-sounding name, contouring is essentially about creating shadows and highlights to enhance your facial features.
If you’re using powder contour products, it’s crucial to powder your foundation first with a transparent powder. This step prevents any potential staining and ensures a seamless blending process. On the other hand, if you opt for creamy contouring products like contour pencils, you can skip the powdering step.
Begin the contouring process at your hairline, meeting the upper end of your ear, and gradually work down beneath your cheekbones, stopping around the level of your eyes. Avoid extending the contour product to the corners of your mouth for a natural appearance. A specialized contouring brush, angled for better control, is your secret weapon for precise application and seamless blending.
Extend your contouring to your temples, and for those dealing with a slight double chin, fear not – the right contouring technique can optically address this concern. Apply and blend the product in circular movements along the chin area, moving from the ears to the middle of the chin.
Now, let’s not forget about the nose. To optically lengthen the nose and create a slimmer appearance, take your contouring product and apply it to the right and left sides of the nose. Use a thin, loosely tied brush for application and blend it seamlessly. As a finishing touch, add a dab of highlighter to the center of the base of the nose or create a light reflex with a lighter concealer.
Step #4: Blush
Blush is the secret ingredient that adds a pop of radiance to your overall look. Proper placement is key to achieving that fresh and glowing appearance. Apply blush below right above the contouring product, pulling it back to about the level of your eyebrows. Opt for matte blush shades to avoid excessive shimmer, which can inadvertently emphasize curves. Highly pigmented blush, bronzer, and contouring products demand a gentle approach – lightly tap the brush before application to maintain a natural look. If needed, repeat the application to build intensity gradually.
Step #5: Highlight and Illuminate Your Features
Highlighter is the final touch that brings your look to life, providing a luminous glow to your features. Whether in powder or cream form, highlighters contain light-shimmering particles that reflect light, creating a radiant effect.
Apply highlighter strategically to areas where natural light falls. Focus on the bridge of your nose, inner eye corners, and the highest point of your cheekbones. Use a small brush or your fingertips for precise application. For additional light reflections, apply a light concealer under your eyes, on your forehead, and on your chin. This technique emphasizes the central parts of your face and causes the darker areas to recede into the background. Create a triangular shape under your eyes with concealer and blend with your fingers or a makeup sponge. The result? A brighter, slimmer, and more defined appearance.
Step #6: Complete Your Look with Lips and Final Touches
With the facial canvas beautifully contoured, it’s time to focus on enhancing lips. Subtlety is the key. Avoid overly dark and matte shades that may emphasize a round face. First, frame the lips with a soft color lipliner. Accentuating the lips is always a good idea. Consider painting the line a bit outside of your lip line for fuller lips. Finish with a light lipstick with a glossy effect or a peach-toned lip gloss to add the perfect finishing touch. Remember to use your concealer when you’re done with your makeup IF you need to erase any imperfections. Choose an appropriate size of brush to apply small amounts of concealer where necessary.
Now you’re ready to start your day with confidence! Thanks for reading contouring tips from Pro7 Studio experts. We are makeup artists in Phoenix, Arizona with a passion for all things makeup and confidence. Follow us on Instagram for our work including bridal makeup, party makeup and more makeup tips at @pro7stuio.