How to Create the Perfect Contour

3 December 2013

Ever wondered how Kim Kardashian achieves that sculpting look of super-defined cheek bones and a flawless complexion? The secret to this makeup revolution is contouring. First of all you need to invest in a contouring kit, some different shades of foundation and a couple of brushes then you’re good to go! Although they are pricey they last long and you only need to use a small amount to create the perfect photo-ready look.

Step 1: The base

Apply your usual shade of foundation as normal, spreading it evenly across your face.

Step 2: Highlight

You will need two different foundations; a lighter one and a darker one to gain maximum effect. Starting with your light foundation, take your flat Mac 190 foundation brush and apply it underneath your eyes and on your cheekbones all the way up to your hairline. Apply it in the middle of your forehead, down the center of your nose, underneath your eyebrows (on the brown bone) and along your jawline.

Step 3: Define

With your foundation brush use your darker foundation and apply it in under your cheekbones, down both sides of your nose and on the tip (to give the effect of a smaller nose) and under your jawline, creating a more defined look.

You should start to look a bit crazy, but don’t worry, it will all come together in the end.

Step 4: Blend

You will need to use a good brush, for example Mac duo fibre blending brush to blend the light and dark foundation together. Use circular motions and don’t rush. It should start to come together nicely, creating that perfect Kimmy K flawless finish.

Step 5: Finalise your look

Now the contouring is complete, it’s time to finalise your look. Use a loose powder over your face to complete the look and to blend further into the contouring, Illamasqua’s translucent loose powder is perfect for keeping your makeup intact and giving you a matte finish. You may even want to add a pink/brown blush on the apple of your cheeks and a highlighter onto your cheekbones and under your eyebrows to define these areas even more and to add a shimmer effect.

On the move

If you’re busy and don’t have time to contour your face this way then there are easier alternatives.

Apply your foundation as normal and instead of using the two shades of foudnation, Use Illamasqua’s sculpting powder duo. Apply the matte brown shade under your cheekbones, down both sides of your nose and on the tip and under your jawline.

The duo consists of a neutral matte brown shade (Heliopolis) to for definition and a shimmer champagne shade (Lumos) to highlight and illuminate.

Then use the champagne shade to highlight your features under your eyes, on your cheekbones all the way up to your hairline, the middle of your forehead, down the center of your nose, underneath your eyebrows on the brown bone and along your jawline.

This will still create the same contouring effect, just an easier, less time consuming method.

Contour your face for under £35. Create the look for less.

Ecotools Bamboo Foundation Brush 1202 £7.99 from Boots