When it comes to makeup, age is just a number. But that number does come with some wisdom, especially about what works best for your skin at different stages of life. As you step into your 40s and beyond, certain makeup techniques can work wonders in enhancing your natural beauty, and contouring tops that list! Let’s dive into the world of contouring, where shadows and highlights become your best allies in sculpting a face that reflects your inner glow.
1. Understanding the Basics of Contouring: Contouring is not just about adding shadows to your face; it’s about creating an illusion of depth and dimension. Think of it as sculpting, but with makeup instead of clay. By using a contour palette with multiple tones, you can emphasize your cheekbones, slim your nose, and define your jawline. It’s all about enhancing what you’ve got rather than changing it.
For those new to contouring, a contour palette is a must-have tool in your beauty arsenal. It typically contains a variety of shades, allowing you to play with light and shadow to accentuate your best features. Los Angeles-based celebrity makeup artist Kelly Zhang says, “A contour palette includes multiple shades designed to help you create shadows and highlights on your face. Whether you want to sharpen your jawline, accentuate your cheekbones, or slim your nose, a contour palette gives you the shades to do it.”
Product on Amazon: Youngfocus Cosmetics Cream Contour Best 8 Colors Contouring Foundation
Price: 17.99 USD
Rating: 4.2 Total reviews: 146
Top Review from US: “I love this! It made it easier to have everything on one pallet for me instead of a bunch of different things stuffed in my makeup bag. I love the colors as well! I love how it felt on my face, the texture and dries quickly!”
Shopping on Amazon >>
2. Choosing the Right Palette: Selecting the right contour palette is crucial to mastering this technique. If you’re just starting out, go for palettes that are praised for their blendability and pigment. The NYX Cosmetics Highlight & Contour Pro Palette is a favorite among makeup enthusiasts. It offers a creamy texture that doesn’t settle into fine lines and provides a natural finish that isn’t too matte or too radiant.
Contouring works best with buildable colors, and this palette offers a good mix of hues for both contouring and highlighting. It’s important to choose shades that complement your skin tone to avoid a muddy look. For lighter to medium skin tones, the NYX palette is a fantastic option, although those with deeper complexions might need to explore more varied options.
3. Applying Contour: Once you have your palette, it’s time to apply. Contouring is all about placement. The key areas to focus on are the hollows of your cheeks, along the jawline, and the sides of the nose. Use a contour brush to apply the product in these areas and then blend, blend, blend! Blending is essential to avoid harsh lines and achieve a natural finish.
Product on Amazon: e.l.f. Contour Palette, 4 Shades, Customizable, Easy to Apply, Sculpts, Shades, Brightens, Light/Medium, Infused with Vitamin E, All-Day Wear, 0.56 Oz
Brand: Visit the e.l.f. Store
Price: 9 USD
Rating: 4.5 Total reviews: 4793
Color: Light/Medium
Finish Type: Matte
Coverage: Medium
Item Form: Powder
Top Review from US: “This has a great selection of colors to suit a medium toned skin; I’m a light medium and they worked great for me. It didn’t look dry or powdery, has a nice saturation and is easy to apply. Win, win! I’d definitely recommend it.”
Shopping on Amazon >>
Read more about: 10 Makeup Mistakes to Dodge for a Youthful Glow, According to Top MUAs
4. Contouring for Different Face Shapes: Just like every face is unique, the way you contour should be tailored to your face shape. Whether you have a round, oval, square, or heart-shaped face, the principles of contouring remain the same, but the technique may vary. For instance, those with a round face might want to focus on adding more contour to the sides of the face to create a more sculpted look.
5. Using Cream vs. Powder: Depending on your skin type and personal preference, you might opt for cream or powder contour products. Creams offer a more dewy finish and are great for dry skin types. Powders, on the other hand, provide a matte finish and are perfect for oily skin. Sculpted by Aimee’s Loose Setting Velvet Veil Powder is one that utilizes hyaluronic acid and niacinamide for a skin-friendly finish.
Product on Amazon: belif Moisturizing Bomb – Daily Ceramide Moisturizer with Peptide & Squalane, 48hr Hydration & Anti-Aging Cream, Milky & Lightweight, Restores Skin Barrier, Korean Skincare
Brand: belif
Price: 37.99 USD
Rating: 4.7 Total reviews: 3575
Top Review from US: “I recently started using Belif facial moisturizer, and I must say, it’s a game-changer! Just a little bit goes a long way, and I love how effortlessly it absorbs into my skin without leaving any greasy residue. What I appreciate most is its dewy finish – my face looks fresh and hydrated throughout the day. The texture is light yet incredibly nourishing, making it perfect for morning and nighttime use.”
Shopping on Amazon >>
View “#cream” posted on instagram >>>
6. Blending Techniques: Blending is the secret to flawless contouring. Use a damp beauty sponge for cream products or a fluffy brush for powders. Start with a small amount of product, building up as needed, and always blend upwards to lift the face. Ruby Hammer, a renowned makeup artist, emphasizes that a well-blended contour allows your makeup to enhance your features without obvious lines.
Product on Amazon: bareMinerals Mineral Veil Translucent Setting Powder, Weightless Blurring, Baking + Finishing Powder Makeup, Extends Makeup Wear, Talc Free, Vegan
Brand: bareMinerals
Price: 35 USD
Rating: 4.6 Total reviews: 10,793
Top Review from US: “This stuff works awesome to set your foundation. Blusher/bronzer over the top stays put all day.”
Shopping on Amazon >>
As you master the art of highlighting and lip-lining, remember that the most important aspect of beauty is feeling comfortable and confident in your own skin. So go ahead, experiment, and enjoy the transformative power of makeup. It’s never too late to learn new techniques and embrace your beauty in all its forms.
Related posts:
Sculpted by Aimee shoppers can save 40% with new Surprise Beauty Box
The sculpting beauty hack guaranteed to improve your in-flight wellness routine
Makeup for older women
