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Before we even dive in, let us briefly explain what contouring is for any newbies.
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“Often confused with bronzing, contouring is solely designed to add structure to the [face].”
The right contouring shade for your skin tone is typically darker than your foundation.
However, figuring out just how dark your contour shade should be can be tricky.
Jaikaran suggests going for a hue that’s two to three shades darker than your complexion.
As for the actual software, knowing your face shape is key, Jaikaran says.
(We have thisdetailed guidethat breaks down how to contour different face shapes.)
A makeup sponge, likeDSMD’s Beauty Sponge, also works well, Jaikara notes.
Now that you have the tips, let’s dive into the tools.
Enjoy this list of 14 contour products that are as deep as a freshly pulled cup of expresso.
Jaikaran swears the stick “makes contouring foolproof.”
Its creamy formula melts into skin and leaves a natural-looking matte finish.
Then, she sets it with a powder formula.
“This shows where your contourshouldbe, which tends to be a little higher on the face.”
Then, five months later, it dropped velvety Foundation Sticks.
One common mistake Jaikaran says she sees many make with contour is not blending enough.
Whitfield and New York City-based makeup artist Ashunta Sheriff also recommend the multitasking stick.
Sheriff loves its matte finish that creates a “long-wearing and long-lasting contour.”
The three darkest shades Expresso, Ebony, and Caviar are the best options of the bunch.
For a more seamless blend, Jaikaran suggests mixing the cream with a facial oil.
She likes to swatch the stick on a separate palette, drop in the oil, and combine.
This shade looks so deep in its compact, you may think it’s pitch black.
On the face, it actually looks closer to the color of dark roasted coffee beans, though.
The multipurpose balm’s buildable formula sets into a stunning velvety finish on the skin once blended.
Cream Contour Palette
E.L.F.
check that to lean toward formulas that are more matte.
“Tom Ford Shade & Illuminate is one of my favorite products,” she says.
“It’s easy to use and buildable.
I think this is one of those mistake-proof products,” Medhin says.
Sherrif raves about its skin-like finish that still creates dimension and depth.
Sheriff loves how well the powder formulations blend, especially when combined with cream products.
The chocolatey shades in the Vogue palette (the second darkest option) are also fun for sculpting.
Warning: It’s intensely pigmented, so remember to work your way up to build the color.
