Highlighting and contouring has become a huge trend in the makeup world. What once was just a way to transform celebrities has now become a normal routine in a women’s makeup look. With all the hype has also come some confusion. Unlike popular belief, there is not just one way to contour and highlight a face! Learn how to contour YOUR face shape with these simple steps!
To contour means to “push in” or “decrease attention.” If you hate your nose, you may want to contour it by drawing to lines on either side of the nose. If you want your cheekbones to come out more, contour underneath your cheekbone.
To highlight means to” draw attention to” or “push out.” If you love your high cheek bones, highlight them! If you have the perfect cupids bow, then highlight it!
The thing to remember is if you want to emphasize something, highlight it. If you want to detract something, then contour. The goal in contouring is to make the face seem as proportional as possible.
In the diagrams below, the dark areas are ‘contour’ and the light areas are ‘highlight.’
The Oval face shape is considered to be the “most ideal” face shape due to its balanced proportions. Please note that all face shapes are beautiful, the oval is just proportionate.
Due its balance, a person with an oval face shape is able to contour and highlight any which way they want. If you have a perfect bridge of your nose then highlight it. If you want you cheekbones to pop, contour them. The diagram above shows all the possible ways you could contour and highlight your face if it is oval. You do not have to do all areas, only the ones you want to either draw attention to (highlight) or take attention away from (contour).
The Round face shape has a curved perimeter and its width and length are in the same proportions. To bring a little more structure to the face, contour the sides of the forehead, cheekbones, and jaw bones. Highlight the center of the forehead and chin.
The Round face shape has a curved perimeter and its width and length are in the same proportions. To bring a little more structure to the face, contour the sides of the forehead, cheekbones, and jaw bones. Highlight the center of the forehead and chin. 
A Square face shape can be identified by its strong jaw line and broad forehead. To bring a more oval appearance to the face, contour the sides of the forehead and the jaw line. Highlight the chin and center of the forehead.
The Diamond face shape has wide cheeks and a narrow forehead and jaw line. You want to contour the sides of the face and highlight the chin and forehead.
The oblong face is longer than it is wide. To make the face appear shorter in length, contour the forehead and jaw line. Highlight the center of the face, and if desired contour the cheekbones.
The Heart shaped face has a narrow jaw line and wide forehead and cheekbones. Make the lower half of the face seem more proportionate to the upper half by highlighting the chin, upper lip, and nose. Contour the forehead.
Remember: On any face shape you can highlight and contour your nose and cheekbones. If all depends on if you love or hate a feature you have. When analyzing your face, think of the things you want to draw attention to or take away! That is the whole point in highlighting and contouring. All face shapes are beautiful! These are just some tips and tricks to make them as proportionate as possible!
Good Luck!
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