When I used to think of contouring, I thought of Kim K. The Kardashians wear pounds of designer foundations, bronzers, concealers, highlighters, illuminators, powders and so on… It all looks so complicated! With the popularity of beauty bloggers and fashion gurus in the past few years, I’ve come across countless tutorial videos and lists of must-have products to achieve this flawless, glamorous look that has left everyone fascinated.
Now I’m no Kardashian, I don’t have a make-up team or sponsors to provide me with top-of-the line beauty product, but I do have a steady hand with a make-up brush, and a hefty student loan on my shoulders causing me to find the most effective make-up products on a budget. I’ve spent hours watching tutorials, and reading recommendations on the best contouring products.
I’m not a make-up artistic or fanatic. I do appreciate make up, however, and I view it as a way to enhance my own unique beauty. Instead of layering on pounds of the best products to achieve this perfect look, I’ve found that more simple, everyday products that we may already have in our make-up bags can help us to achieve a more natural, yet still sculpted, finished look.
Because it doesn’t take all of this…
To achieve a more simple, finished look like this…
Or even this!
What you need:
- A freshly washed, and moisturized face
- Your regular foundation
- Matte bronzer (a few shades darker than what you would normally use for maximum impact)
- Concealer that is a few shades lighter than your foundation
- A good blending blush or contour brush (the most important!!!)
- Your favourite blush
Our focus shouldn’t be on using mass amounts of make-up to leave an illusion of a sleek, flawless face. Rather, we can work with products that we probably already own to enhance our own cheekbones and give ourselves that finishing glow!
Step 1:
Wash your face and use a generous amount of your favourite moisturizer! Then apply your desired amount of full eye make-up and your regular foundation.
Step 2:
Using a concealer that is a few shades lighter than your foundation, apply it in circular motions under your eyes, and just a little on your forehead, chin and down along your nose. The focus here should be under the eyes and above the cheekbones as these are the areas that have the most impact in defining your face and bringing your features to life! My personal recommendation would be the “Dream Lumi™ Touch Highlighting Concealer” by Maybelline that can conveniently be found at your local drugstore for under 10$. It’s perfect because it adds an illuminating touch as well as concealing and highlighting.
Step 3:
A good, matte bronzer that is definitely darker than your skin tone is essential in creating this look! I suggest a matte finish because it’s more of a simple look that can be worn every day. However, if you prefer one with a shimmer, it will do the job just as well! The key here is the blending. I suggest sweeping the bronzer up your cheekbones to create a somewhat sculpted look. After you have lined your cheekbones, blending the bronzer with a good brush, in circular motions, up and down your cheekbones helps to refrain from a look that’s too harsh and uneven. Usually this is enough for me, but if I’m feeling a more dramatic look, I dab it along the top of my forehead and jawline. Again, make sure to blend! Nyx carries a few shades of rich, matte bronzers that work great for 10$, and they can be found online or at Rexall.
Step 4:
Sweep a little bit of your favourite blush just above where you applied the bronzer on your cheeks, blending as you go. Remember that you do not need to apply too much, as you already have the bronzer defining your cheeks already. A natural looking flush is the perfect finish! For this, I love Maybelline’s “FIT ME”. The best part is that it comes in 10 gorgeous, natural tones!
Step 5:
Apply a clear lip-gloss or your favourite lipstick and grab your purse because you are good to go!
Pic sources:
http://www.lifemartini.com/makeup-tips-for-contouring-the-face/
http://news.instyle.com/2014/07/22/gif-guide-how-to-contour-nick-barose/
http://www.maybelline.ca/Products/face-makeup/concealer/dream-lumi-touch-highlighting-concealer.aspx
http://www.maybelline.ca/Products/face-makeup/blush/fit-me-blush.aspx