Contouring and highlighting can be tricky, but the methods may differ according to the shape of the face and the products used in the process. These guides are not concrete, but to get a feel for how to contour makeup and highlight every face shape, follow the few steps below.
Face Contouring and Highlighting Guide for Each Face Shape
When performing highlight and contouring, one aims to have a face that is as close to an oval-shaped face as possible, considered the best shape. The following techniques will show you how to transform the facial structure, whether you want to find ways to alter the size or shape of the jawline, soften a sharp hairline, or define cheekbones. However, as we are going to apply makeup, you have to determine your face shape so that you know how to enhance or where to minimize.
Understanding Different Face Shapes
Before discussing the various contouring aspects, it is critical to define multiple face shapes. There are six primary face shapes: round, heart shape, oblong, square, oval, and diamond shape. Every face shape is different and has some peculiarities concerning which contouring will be the most effective. Here, we will learn how to contour makeup and highlight every face shape.
Contouring for an Oblong Face Shape
An oblong face shape is a condition that signifies your face is only a little wider than what is twice the length of it. It is also impossible to define the points on your chin, jaw, or hairline.
Contour
- Going along your hairline to reduce this and make it seem like you have a small forehead.
- Below cheeks and temporal, from the ears to the halfway points on the cheeks
Highlight
- Inside or around your eyes, this has to form an upside-down triangle.
Contouring for a Diamond Face Shape
A diamond face shape means that the cheeks are the largest part of the face, with the hair line and chin being smaller. Diamond-shaped faces are also commonly elongated rather than broader.
Contour
- Below the cheeks that are a small distance from the ears down to the midpoint of the cheeks.
- Do not carry the contour closer to the mouth because it will give the opposite of what is wanted.
Highlight
- Under your eyes in an upside-down triangle shape and drag it down to the area of the face that you contoured
- Just below the midpoint of the forehead and below the lower border of the chin to widen the relatively confined areas.
Contouring for a Heart Face Shape
A narrow and pointed chin characterizes the heart face shape, and the cheekbones are less comprehensive than the hairline. You might also, in most cases, have a widowโs peak.
Contour
- On the sides of your forehead and temples to counter the more comprehensive upper portion of the face with the smaller lower portion
- On the lower chin to come up the point
Highlight
- In reverse triangle shape, located above the eyes
- Extend these areas on the exact center of your forehead and chin.
Contouring for a Round Face Shape
A round face shape implies that the length and width of the face are almost equal and that there are no specific angles at the jawline, chin, or forehead.
Contour
- Beginning just above the eyebrows along each side of your forehead and temples to help slim down this zone.
- From the tip of your ear to the midpoint of your cheeks, down to the jawline to elongate your face.
Highlight
- Deep under your eyes in an upside triangle shape
- Between your eyebrows and the top portion of your chin to make these areas more prominent.
Contouring for a Square/Rectangle Face Shape
If your face length and breadth are more or less equal and your hairline and jawline are balanced, your face shape is square, or if it is a little longer than it is broad, you have a rectangle face shape.
Contour
- At the sides of your forehead and temples to slim down this area
- It should be done along your hairline to make your forehead appear smaller.
- At the level of the ears and extending down to the middle of the cheeks, below the cheekbones.
- Below the jawline to slim this particular region
Highlight
- Close to them below your eyes in an inverted triangle.
- Just between the middle of the forehead and the chin.
Contouring for an Oval Face Shape
An oval face shape is the most versatile face shape, as one can pull off several looks. Oval faces are Longer than wide and differ in forehead size from that of the chin. To contour makeup an oval face shape, use these steps:
Contour
- For contouring, you must use a cream or powder one or two shades darker than your skin tone.
- Use it on the cheekbones, massaging upward towards the ears.
Highlight
- However, to make these points stand out, apply a highlighter on the highest points of your cheeks, the bridge of your nose, and the middle of your upper lip.
Conclusion
This is another great technique that should be used to make an individual look better and attain a refined appearance. By applying the correct facial shape procedures, it is possible that you can achieve the look of a more defined jawline, a smaller face, and more accentuated cheekbones. Besides, whether you have oval, round, heart, square, diamond, or oblong faces, you can study how to contour for various face shapes to get the desired result. Using the tips of professional makeup artists, you will find out how to use makeup correctly to accentuate the face shape.
