Nose contouring has gained monumental popularity in today’s beauty world, offering a way to enhance facial features and boost confidence. But before diving into the techniques, it’s vital to understand what contouring actually involves and how to select the right products.
Contouring, in essence, is an art of creating shadows and highlights on the face to sculpt and define its structure. This technique is particularly effective for altering the perception of the nose’s shape and size, which can be a source of insecurity for some. According to Mario Dedivanovic, a renowned celebrity makeup artist, “nose contouring cinches the most pronounced feature of the face and for some people, it can make them feel more confident if they’re insecure about the shape or size of their nose.” However, he warns that a contoured nose tends to look best under lights or for photos, so be cautious of natural daylight exposure.
When choosing contour makeup, the key is in the shade and formula. Dedivanovic advises going for a cool-toned or neutral bronzer that’s one to two shades darker than your skin tone. This helps create a softly sculpted shadow. He emphasizes using products like his SoftSculpt Bronzer and E 3 Makeup Brush, which achieve a natural-looking result with minimal blending or fussing. Contrarily, Matin, another celebrity makeup artist, suggests avoiding bronzers as they often have a warmer hue and might not resemble a natural shadow on all skin tones.
Product on Amazon:Makeup by Mario SoftSculpt Bronzer – Light Medium – Soft Matte Finish for Light to Light-Medium Skin Tones (Understated Cool)
Price: $44.34
Rating: 5.0 with 1 ratings
Brand: Makeup By Mario
Finding the right tools for application is equally essential. A small, angled makeup brush or a blending brush is perfect for precision when applying contour to the narrow areas of your nose. Products like SLMISSGLAM M15 Small Blending Brush can be a good choice. If you’re a beginner, cream contour products are a great option as they are easier to blend, providing a more natural look. Otis, a beauty expert, mentions, “Using a cream product to contour with makes it easy to get the look you want while also looking natural, as you can easily blend the product to get a skin-like effect.”
Product on Amazon: MSQ Eye Makeup Brushes 12pcs Rose Gold Eyeshadow Makeup Brushes Set with Soft Synthetic Hairs & Real Wood Handle for Eyeshadow, Eyebrow, Eyeliner, Blending(without bag)
Price: $7.99
Rating: 4.6 with 26,966 ratings
Brand: MSQ
Once you’ve selected your contouring product and tools, the application process is straightforward but requires a steady hand and practice. Begin by drawing thin, straight lines down the bridge of your nose. According to Otis, “Starting at the top of the nose near where the eyebrow begins, apply a thin line of the contour color going down towards the tip of the nose.” Ensure these lines are straight and thin for a sculpted appearance.
Product on Amazon: BEAKEY Makeup Brushes Set, Professional Foundation Eyeshadow Concealer Blush Powder Bronzer Applicator, 2 Blender Sponge wit Beauty Paper Case, Valentines Day Gifts for Her
Price: $8.95
Rating: 4.5 with 72,328 ratings
Brand: BEAKEY
The tip of the nose should not be overlooked in this process. Applying a slightly curved line towards the tip can offer a cute rounded nose effect. For those desiring a shorter nose appearance, the contour product can be subtly applied under the tip.
Blending is a critical step in nose contouring to ensure there are no harsh lines. A fluffy brush or your fingertips can be used to blend the contour lines down the sides of the nose, creating the illusion of a thinner bridge. Otis stresses the importance of blending, stating, “use a fluffy brush or your fingertips to blend the lines of contour that you’ve applied.”
To add the finishing touches and enhance the sculpted look, highlighting the bridge of the nose is recommended. A bright concealer or a soft highlighter will draw attention to this area, making the nose appear smaller. Dedivanovic advocates using a highlighter down the bridge and blending it with a smaller brush to thin out the center and contrast against the shadows.
Product on Amazon: Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles Treatment Multi-Use Concealer, 100, 1 Count (Packaging May Vary)
Price: $8.80
Rating: 4.4 with 220,322 ratings
Brand: Maybelline New York
Finally, setting the makeup is crucial, especially for those with oily skin. A setting powder will keep your cream contour intact. For an advanced look, applying setting powder to the sides of your nose next to your contour lines and letting it ‘bake’ for a few minutes can enhance the effect. Using YC COLLECTION Loose Setting Powder is suggested for this step.
Product on Amazon: e.l.f. Halo Glow Soft Focus Setting Powder, Silky Setting Powder For Creating Soft Glow Without Shine, Smooths Pores & Lines, Light
Price: $8.00
Rating: 4.5 with 13,579 ratings
Brand: e.l.f.
Nose contouring is a skill that takes time to master. Practice is key to achieving a natural, softly sculpted look that compliments your unique features. And remember, contouring isn’t about altering who you are, but enhancing what’s already beautiful about you.
Delving into the nuances of nose contouring can be a game-changer in your beauty routine, and understanding how to tailor the technique to fit various nose shapes is essential. With the right approach and knowledge, you can enhance your natural beauty without altering your identity. Each nose is unique, and recognizing its shape is the first step in mastering the contouring process.
One of the most common desires is to make the nose appear thinner. This technique involves drawing two straight contour lines along the sides of the nose bridge. The lines should start from the brow bone and run down to the nostrils, as highlighted by beauty experts. A precise application is crucial here, aiming to create the illusion of a slender nose by keeping these lines straight and within two shades darker than your skin tone. The blending process can’t be overstressed—use a fluffy brush to soften these lines, ensuring they mimic natural shadows rather than streaks of color.
For those looking to shorten the nose visually, the contouring strategy shifts slightly. The key is to darken the tip of the nose, which can make it appear more compact. Apply a matte bronzer or a darker eyeshadow sparingly to the tip, focusing particularly on the area between your nostrils. This application creates depth, making the nose look less pronounced. Complement this technique with a highlighter, but stop halfway down the bridge of the nose. This method enhances a compact look by drawing less attention to the length of the nose.
Product on Amazon: Maybelline The Nudes Eyeshadow Palette Makeup, 12 Pigmented Matte & Shimmer Shades, Blendable Powder, 1 Count
Price: $11.98
Rating: 4.4 with 29,023 ratings
Brand: MAYBELLINE
Conversely, if the goal is to elongate a shorter nose, contouring begins at the brow bone, extending a straight contour line all the way to the tip. This approach helps in creating a continuous line that visually extends the nose. It’s imperative to complement this with a highlighter that runs the entire length of the bridge, even extending slightly upward between the brows. This not only draws the eye along the length of the nose but also enhances its slender appearance with the contrast of light and shadow.
Product on Amazon: e.l.f. Halo Glow Highlight Beauty Wand, Liquid Highlighter Wand For Luminous, Glowing Skin, Buildable Formula, Vegan & Cruelty-free,Champagne Campaign
Price: $9.00
Rating: 4.5 with 2,781 ratings
Brand: e.l.f.
Highlighting plays a pivotal role in achieving the desired contour effect across all nose shapes. It’s about creating a harmonious balance between light and shadow. A highlighter that is one or two shades lighter than your natural skin tone can emphasize the desired shape, bringing out the bridge while complementing the contours. Whether your aim is to make your nose look thinner, shorter, longer, or straighter, mastering the art of blending with both contour and highlight is key to achieving a natural look.
Different techniques can be mixed and matched based on personal preferences and nose shapes, underscoring the personalized nature of makeup. Whether you’re a beginner or more advanced, practice is your best ally in refining these techniques to suit your unique facial features. Over time, with patience and experimentation, you’ll find what works best for your nose shape, achieving that picture-perfect finish that complements your entire look.
Remember, makeup is an art form and a means of self-expression. Nose contouring, like any beauty technique, should enhance your confidence and celebrate your individuality. It’s not about concealing, but rather accentuating what makes you, uniquely you.
Related posts:
How to Contour Your Nose, According to a Makeup Artist
4 Ways to Contour Your Nose
How to Contour Your Nose: A Complete Nose Contour Guide
