Contouring, strobing, blending... All of a sudden, applying makeup has become a complex process that consists of much more than just applying foundation, mascara, and a little bit of blush. As a makeup enthusiast and (regretfully) a VIB Rouge member of Sephora, I love the new tips and tricks to enhance your look. However, I can barely draw a circle on a piece of paper, so contouring has been a struggle for me. Every time I tried it, I was expecting to look like Kylie Jenner, but ended up looking like Amy Schumer from her parody music video, " Girl, You Don't Need Makeup ".
I decided to keep trying though, and rely on a more subtle yet effective way to contour. So for all the girls who love makeup but struggle to keep up with the Kardashians and their glam game, try these tricks instead:
1. Start with a clean and moisturized face. (I had already applied eye shadow, eyeliner, mascara, and eyebrow gel in this photo).
2. Apply Foundation. For special occasions, I like to use Dior Airflash Foundation, and blend it in with a Beauty Blender to create an airbrushed look. Be sure to apply a setting powder, to avoid shine and the foundation wearing off throughout the day. My favorite is Laura Mercier's Invisible Loose Setting Powder.
3. Apply under eye concealer. I like using Maybelline's Instant Age Rewind Concealer, which you can get at your local drugstore.
4. Contour using a powered contoured set. For beginners, I would recommend using powder to contour, since it's more subtle and easier to blend. I like using Sephora's MicroSmooth Baked Sculpting Contour Trio in "Sassy". You can also find powered contour sets at a drugstore, such as Maybelline's Master Face Contour Kit. First, apply highlighter under your eyes, the middle of the forehead, the bridge of your nose, and your chin. Then (using an angled brush) apply the bronzer from your ears towards the corner of your mouth, and along your hairline. The last step is to apply blush on your cheekbones. Your face shape can change where specifically you should be highlighting and contouring. I personally have a heart shaped face, but to get a more specific idea of where you should be contouring, check out Sephora's video on how to identify your face shape, and then watch the tutorial for you.
5. Apply a Luminizer above your cheekbones and your cupid's bow, and lipstick/lipgloss to complete the look. I like to use Sephora's MicroSmooth Baked Luminizer, and Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in "Sex Machine".
