Shape Up: Contouring for Real Life

Most makeup enthusiasts will know that contouring has been having something of a moment of late. And of course we have Mrs. Kardashian-West and the reams of Youtubers with their copycat makeup tutorials to thank for bringing extreme face sculpting to the masses. But let’s be honest, most normal women have neither the time nor the patience to facet their faces like a princess-cut diamond before popping to the grocery store. I’m all for the odd intensive contouring session for special occasions or a big night out. The crafty use of shadows and highlights adds dimensions and definition to the face that we never thought were possible. But I for one think that it’s absolutely unnecessary as a permanent fixture in your daily makeup routine. If you’re going to try face-sculpting makeup, it’s best to keep it simple.

You’ll need a matte brown cream or powder that’s two or three shades darker than your skin tone. Stay away from sparkling formulas to achieve a natural-looking finish. I personally love Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Stick in Warm Walnut as it blends beautifully and stays smooth and even all day. Stroke the colour on just beneath the cheekbone and buff in to the hollows of the cheeks. To narrow the nose, line the sides and blend, blend, blend until you can blend no more. Do the same along your hairline and down towards the temples to conceal a larger forehead.

I find that using a powder doesn’t work quite as well and doesn’t last as long. But if you prefer a powder option, the MAC Mineralize compacts are beautifully pigmented and come in a range of shades to suit most skin tones.

Do you contour? What are your favourite products?