There is one makeup skill that you need to create the feminine facial features that you desire. Do you want a thinner-looking face, more prominent-looking cheekbones, a smaller-looking nose, bigger-looking lips, and/or a softer jawline? You can have all of that with the help of some contouring thanks to a few hacks to improve your skills.
These are the 8 hacks that can help you sculpt your face easier for a femme-looking result:
- Choose A Matte Shade
- Only Use Cool-Toned Colors
- Apply Products With A Makeup Sponge
- Sculpt Your Face With Concealer
- Add Highlighter To The Mix
- Create The Illusion Of Fuller Lips
- Use Sticky Notes To Create A Dramatic Night Look
- Finish With Translucent Powder
I completely understand how, where, and with what you sculpt your face can feel overwhelming for girls who are new to contouring. Thanks to these eight easy hacks you can create a good contour that mimics the look of shadows and can make just about any part of your face seem slimmer. Are you a girl that wants to achieve natural feminine shading or do you want to look super-glam, let’s take a closer look at the hacks that will get you there.
Contouring Hack 1: Choose A Matte Shade
Probably the most common contouring mistake that I have seen girls make is to use a product intended for bronzing. I know that some shades can be able to work double-duty both bronzing and contouring, the truth is that many bronzers contain shimmer because they are meant to create a tanned or sun-kissed look.
These shades have a very different purpose than those created for contouring. So, when you next go shopping, make sure that you choose a contouring product without shimmer. This is what will help you create shadows rather than a bronzed glow.
What I find works well for me is the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Total Cover Concealing and Contour Kit. It comes with four flesh-toned shades of concealer that can be used to highlight and contour.
Contouring Hack 2: Only Use Cool-Toned Colors
Think of this in a similar way to how you opt for a matte shade. Think about what color shadows really are – yes, slightly gray. By using a cool-toned product with a slightly gray undertone, you can help to create natural-looking contours.
Contouring Hack 3: Apply Products With A Makeup Sponge
Even if it might be tempting to use a brush when you apply your contour, rather use a sponge instead. The tools you use are just as important as the products you choose. I find that a sponge can more easily help me create the subtle definition That I want.
Pick one with points and angles. I use the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Blend Artist Contour Blender (available on Amazon) to really help me get that sculpted look.
Contouring Hack 4: Sculpt Your Face With Concealer
If you are in a bind with no contour products on hand, that’s not a problem either. Use a creamy concealer stick, like the L’Oréal Paris True Match™ Super-Blendable Crayon Concealer (available on Amazon). It will help add definition to your face in a pinch.
Choose a concealer stick that’s two to three shades darker than your skin tone. Draw quick lines along cheekbones, down the sides of your nose, and on your temples before blending.
You can pat the concealer in, using your fingers, to make this a single product, no tools hack.
Contouring Hack 5: Add Highlighter To The Mix
As I’ve mentioned already, contouring creates shadows. In contrast, highlighting imitates the look of light hitting the skin. In order to balance your face, you need both shadow and light.
So, after using a darker shade to add depth, sweep a lighter color above for some added dimension and balance. You can simplify your makeup routine by using one palette that has both a light and a dark shade, such as the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro Contour Palette.
Contouring Hack 6: Create The Illusion Of Fuller Lips
Our lips are an often-forgotten spot that can also benefit from a bit of contouring. If you are looking to plump up the look of your pout with the help of makeup, the easiest trick is to contour under your bottom lip.
To do this, use a small amount of contour powder or cream at the top of your chin to copy the shadow a fuller lip would cast onto your chin. To create a fuller top lip, use your highlighter and place a little on your cupid’s bow. For those girls that don’t know, your cupid’s bow is the dip above the center of your lips.
Contouring Hack 7: Use Sticky Notes To Create A Dramatic Night Look
When you want a dramatic night look, you should try a more defined cheek contour. The easiest way for me to get the angled cheekbones of my dreams is with the help of sticky notes.
I place the note (sticky side down) with one corner starting at the top of my ear and the other going down my cheek.
I then brush color along my cheek, blending into the top of the paper before removing it to reveal a distinct line. Try it next time you’re getting ready to go dancing at a club. It’s a pretty neat trick. Alternatively, try this trick next time you are playing with makeup to practice creating a new date-night look for yourself.
Contouring Hack 8: Finish With Translucent Powder
The best way to soften super-heavy shading is with a touch of translucent powder. I use the L’Oréal Paris Translucide Naturally Loose Powder.
I take a fluffy brush dipped in powder and blend it over the edges of my contouring to smooth harsh lines and offer a more natural look.
Why not expand your knowledge even further by reading another makeup/beauty article here on Pink Femme? You can find them either via the menu at the top of the page or by clicking this link that will take you to the list of all the beauty articles.
When it comes to my choices for makeup and beauty products, I only use L’Oréal Paris (Available on Amazon). I have really sensitive skin and never once have I had any negative reaction to any L’Oréal product.