Don't make these mistakes when you use your contour kit
Today, keeping up with contouring has become essential thanks to a certain Mrs. Kim Kardashian West. This makeup technique can be a little difficult to master but the end result gives you such chiseled and defined features that it’s well worth it.
Manipulating your face with the help of a contour kit may sound difficult but, a little bit of practice using the correct technique will leave you surprised at how quickly you can become a contouring pro yourself. Read on as we list out the most common contour mistakes that you might be making without realizing it.
You’re Using the Wrong Shade of the Contour Kit
While it is true that your contour kit should be darker than your actual skin tone but, it shouldn’t be unnatural.
For contouring, it better to choose a product that is not more than two shades darker than your natural skin tone. Opting for deeper shades can look way too harsh comparison to the rest of your face. Also, contour kits that have grey-ish and cooler undertones blend really well on the skin as opposed to warmer tones.
You’re Enhancing the Wrong Areas of Your Face
The entire purpose of contouring is to bring out your best features. This purpose will be defeated if you focus on the wrong areas of your face. Stand in front of the mirror and imagine a line from the corner of your ear to the corner of your mouth: this is where your contour line should stop. If you contour too high or too low from the imaginary line then the proportion of your cheek might look weird.
Another mistake that people make is to not contour according to their face shape. Oval face shapes should focus on enhancing their chin and jawline area, whereas angular face shapes should do the opposite of it.
You’re Using Way Too Much Product
Using too much product has never made for a flawless makeup look. It looks cakey which, in turn, makes you look aged. In the case of contouring especially, applying too much product can lead to disastrous results.
Let me give you more insight — if you going out or have a party to attend, always opt for a light contour. It looks really good while simultaneously being easy on the eyes. But, if you have a photo shoot, then you can darken your contour to make your photographs come out well. Dark contouring may look unflattering in the long wrong lighting hence, it’s better to keep it reserved for selfies.
You’re Choosing the Wrong Contour Formula
This is actually is a very common mistake. Buyers, on seeing YouTube tutorials, assume that they should use liquid contour but, that isn’t the case.
But, a liquid contour isn't preferable for people who have oily skin or combination skin. The should buy powder contour, whereas dry and normal skin type owners can opt for a more cream-based formula.
You’re Not Blending Your Contour Well
Blending is the make it or break it of contour. The sign of a good contour is when you can’t see the starting and ending lines of your contour. Uneven blending can result in severe lines which becomes all the more prominent due to the darker shade of the contour. Remember to blend in natural lighting as well.
You’re Not Using a Makeup Brush or Beauty Blender for Application
Applying contour products with fingers is an absolute no-no. Contouring is often followed by highlighting which needs precise product application. This can only be achieved by using a brush or a blender. Furthermore, blending becomes seamless by using these makeup tools.
You’re Using Too Much Blush and Highlighter
Contouring and highlighting are almost always followed by applying a blush. Using these three makeup products will give you a more angular face with a healthy glow. However, you have to maintain a balance when you’re using them. Using too much highlighter will give you a white-ish or beige-ish finish, and too much blush might make you look clownish. Makeup is an art where every product has a role to play. Striking a balance between them is the key.
You Skip Using a Setting Powder or Setting Spray
Keeping in mind the time and effort that goes into contouring, making it last longer should be your top priority. Setting powder or a setting spray helps to keep your makeup in place with contouring being no different. After using these setting products, you’ll never have to worry about smudging or smearing - so why skip it?
Resources— Loreal Paris USA, Bustle
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