Help with conturing.

Jul 10, 2014

Casey D.

Okay. I want to learn how to contour. I've done it a few times but it's not that noticeable. I've watched YouTube vids and they are helpful but the question I have is how to do it but not make it look like I have 10 gallons of foundation on. Also what shades to get. Thanks.

Jul 10, 2014

Alma M.

Hi Casey contouring shouldn't be noticeable at all you want a subtle finish of sculpting.Your shadow is a grey tone when you step outside right? well that's what your trying to achieve when contouring you want to give the illusion of cheek structure and when you add blush it helps you to develop that lifted look.No shadow has brown in it,you want to avoid that dark side burn effect everyone is mistaking for contour because in real life that is not flattering and it's completely incorrect.Makeup has crossed the confusion of information in this world of social media and most have passed on the wrong.As for Highlight you don't need it to be 2 shades lighter that's another misconception No one consider's their skin tone or think about if it could even look right and the answer is No because in the end you'll look like you have a white cast over your face like a mask or a bulls eye of your highlight madness lol Highlight or conceal structure needs to be a hint of subtle as well it's not made to look bizarre but is use to make certain parts of your face stand out naturally as if the sun light has hit your face and brought out the illuminating glow.When you highlight think of your skin tone as well be sure to use the right one for you.Also keep in mind the difference of concealer highlight and illuminating highlight. 

Jul 10, 2014

Alma M.

By the way EM I went to Ulta to buy the IT cosmetics sculpt palette to try it out and it was sold out erg!!

Jul 10, 2014

Alma M.

I try once in awhile to chime in Lol. yes highlighter madness have been off the hook this year and some also don't realize they could use a concealer eye brightener and that is why eye brighteners come in different colors.They give off just enough bright highlight to the area's.I also don't recommend highlighting over the top of the brow,that has No purpose.I think so much information gets crossed and mixed plus it just depends on the person skin tone. I like the way your skin looks in your picture,what did you use?

Jul 10, 2014

Andrea V.

The thing about contouring is that we are all trying to achieve that perfect look we see on magazines or on makeup artists, but we forget that it actually isn't as perfect as it looks. We have to remember that most of those pictures are edited. Or at least that's how I see it because when I watch youtube videos it looks more natural on those girls.

Jul 10, 2014

Janet B.

I agree with Alma and Andrea. It's meant to look natural and like a shadow, so the whole two shades lighter/darker thing is a no go zone for me.
Don't be tempted to use a bronzer either, because it will just dirty.
I would just go out and buy a contouring kit. I have the Sleek Face form kit in Dark and its AHHMAZING!
I get compliments from my friends on how more chiselled and structured my face looks, since I've started using the kit.

The kit comes with a contouring pressed powder, a blush and a highlight. The blush isnt very in your face, and when you use the kit correctly, it looks like you just have amazing bone structure.
They also have a fair and medium shade, which I would reccomend if you want to go and buy it :-)

Jul 10, 2014

Lily P.

I just also started contouring and bought NARS contour blush (I use paleo) and it is great for starters, it's quiet easy to apply and blends perfectly so it doesn't look heavy, the dark shade is light when you first apply but you can always build up on that 'shadow' look. In my opinion I think it's a great product to use when you're starting to contour. Hope this helps :D.

Jul 10, 2014

MaKenzie T.

Also, just an add on. Make sure to find the correct contour for your features. You don't necessarily want to follow a set guide, because it most likely won't have the proper effect because you won't be contouring in the spaces you personally need to. I hope I didn't confuse you.

Jul 10, 2014

Becky J.

I agree with everything said here but I wouldn't recommend the Sleek Contour kit. The dark shade is pretty good but the lighter ones run too orangey/warm for a contour colour in my opinion.

Personally I like to use Illamasqua's Hollow.

Jul 10, 2014

Janet B.

Oh lol!
Becky, I just assumed the lighter kits would be as great as the dark kit. :-)

Jul 11, 2014

Becky J.

Yeah Janet it's a shame really. I have a friend who uses the dark kit so I was really excited to get one myself... I was so disappointed when I saw the light contour kit :(