Mastering Contouring for Every Face Shape

Contouring is a makeup technique designed to define and enhance facial structure. It uses light and dark tones to create the illusion of shadow and light, emphasizing your natural features.

Knowing your face shape is key to effective contouring. Common shapes include oval, round, square, heart, and rectangle. Each has unique traits that contouring can accentuate or soften.

Oval faces have a balanced shape, so contouring is subtle. Apply darker shades along the sides of your forehead and jawline, and below your cheekbones to enhance your natural contours.

To elongate a round face, contour the sides of your forehead and along your temples. Darken the area under your cheekbones from ears to mid-cheek, and apply highlighter to the center of your face.

Contour the corners of your forehead and jawline to soften a square face's angularity. Apply highlighter to the center of your forehead and chin to draw attention to the center of your face.

For heart-shaped faces, contour the sides of your forehead and temples to balance the wider forehead. Highlight under the eyes and apply a touch of contour under the chin to diminish a pronounced chin.

Rectangle faces benefit from contouring around the jawline, enhancing the cheekbones, and applying highlighter to the chin and forehead. This softens the length and adds dimension.