How to contour like a Kardashian: pro tips for a flawless finish
Listen up, gorgeous! It's time to put that Instagram filter to shame and take your contouring game to the next level. Say goodbye to the heavy and outdated mid-2010s contouring trend and hello to a lighter and more practical approach. We're talking about enhancing your natural assets and working with what your mama gave ya.
Unsure how to contour? Stick with us. A few years ago, the concept of contouring would’ve had us running for the hills, too. It’s a makeup look that seems tricky AF – reserved only for the professionals and Kardashian superfans. Turns out, there’s nothing to be scared of. You, too, can look as snatched and defined as Kim K herself with just a few simple steps and the right products. Let’s brush up those skills.
What is contouring?
Let's break it down! Contouring is all about creating sultry shadows and glowing highlights to sculpt, lift and snatch your face. Kim K put it on the map, and now contouring (or kontouring, if you will) is an essential part of every beauty guru's makeup routine. With a few tips and tricks, you'll be flaunting soaring cheekbones and getting #modelstatus in no time.
Contour, shape and blend, baby, blend.
You might be wondering how contour is different from bronzer. It’s a common question! Think of it like this: bronzer is for adding warmth and radiance to your complexion. It's like a vacay for your face, giving you that sun-kissed look even when you're stuck at the office. Contouring, on the other hand, is all about getting that snatched and sculpted look. Think high cheekbones, a defined jaw and a flawless finish.
For the best results, you’ll need a contouring product three shades darker than your skin tone, with the same undertone. For example, if you have yellow undertones, look for a product with yellow undertones. Studio Fix Sculpt and Shape Contour Palette from MAC Cosmetics has you covered with three matte contouring powders and three subtle, shimmery highlighting powders – everything you need for max impact.
How to contour your nose.
Contouring can help you create the illusion of a slimmer, wider or more symmetrical nose. Start by finding the areas you want to slim down or add definition to (like either side of your nose) and apply the contour there. This Clinique Chubby Stick Sculpting Contour does just the trick when you need to get those placements just right.
How to contour your breasts.
All you need to make your cleavage pop is a brush and a touch of product a few shades darker than your natural skin tone. Start with a half-moon-shaped outline at the top of each of your boobs in the spot you want to enhance. Next, draw a straight line from the middle of your chest down the centre of your cleavage. Add lines on the top and bottom of each collarbone, and finally, blend, baby, blend!
How to blend contour makeup.
We know, we know. We keep going on about but blending. But honestly, blending is the name of the game when it comes to contouring. It’s the key to ensuring your makeup sits seamlessly on your skin – after all, you want your contour to look natural and not like a line of dirt on your face!
For super smooth blending, nothing beats the Beautyblender Pro by BeautyBlender. Designed for professional use, with no rough edges and high-definition results, it’s all you need to blend like a pro.
Highlight, highlight, highlight!
Let there be light! Highlighting is an essential part of contouring. When you think about it, contouring is all about creating shadows, so you need the highlight to create dimension. Once you’ve followed your usual skincare routine – including moisturiser and primer – and applied your darker contour, it’s time to get your glow on.
Using a concealer or foundation roughly three shades lighter than your regular skin tone, highlight your cheekbones, brow bones, down your nose and inner corners of your eyes. Adding a lighter colour to these areas is what gives them that lifted look. If you want to seriously contour like a Kardashian, Kim K also adds highlighter under her eyes and eyebrows and pops a touch around her mouth. Don’t say we don’t give you all the best industry secrets!
Just getting started with your #contourlife? The Fit Me Natural Coverage Concealer from Maybelline is the perfect entry-level product, doubling up as a concealer and contour highlighter.
Already contouring like a pro? Believe us when we tell you we are OBSESSED with this Hollywood Contour Duo Contour & Highlighter Kit from Charlotte Tilbury. It’s the ultimate contouring kit, perfect for getting you those killer cheekbones and a flawless glow.
The big contour debate: cream vs powder products.
Cream contour products like the Match Stix Matte Contour Skinstick from Fenty Beauty are ideal for dry or mature skin. They give your skin a hydrated, juicy finish that brings out its natural glow. Plus, they're easy to blend and build up, so you can go as natural or as extra as you please.
On the other hand, powder contour products are the ultimate partner in crime for oily or combo skin. They soak up all that excess oil, giving you a matte finish that'll keep the shine at bay. And when it comes to setting your makeup and keeping it in place all day long, these bad boys are on point. Check out the Kevyn Aucoin The Sculpting Powder – it's a real showstopper!
Contour with confidence.
Gone are the days when Kim K was the only contour queen in town. It's your time to shine! Don't hold back. Experiment with different shades and techniques – and have some fun with it. With a little patience and a lot of practice, you'll be contouring like a pro in no time.
