topic Re: I want to try using contour makeup in Beauty

I want to try using contour makeup

Midmod — Sun, 10 Sep 2023 03:43:32 GMT

I think I want to learn to contour my face. To slim the tip of my nose, jawline. Do I need a special brush to make it easier? Does Elf have one? I really like elf brushes. Do I need to watch videos? I'm scared of ending up with a dirty looking face 👀😒

Re: I want to try using contour makeup

Icegoddess — Sun, 10 Sep 2023 03:59:32 GMT

I mainly use a light touch. I have a small round brush I use that came in some kit. I have no idea what it was originally meant to do, but it works fine for me. I go underneath the cheekbones, along the jawline, and over the bridge of my nose since I want it to fade into the background. Nars foundation for size reference.

Re: I want to try using contour makeup

justashopper — Sun, 10 Sep 2023 12:16:45 GMT

I think it just takes a little trial and error AND go lightly. Are you using powder, liquid or cream?

I like powder. Cream and liquid are too much for me.

Maybe start by using your finger on your nose That will give you a little more control on where you place and blend it. For your jaw, you probably already have a brush, just squeeze it to fan the bristles to make an edge. Run it just along your jaw and down the middle of your throat.

Remember you're creating a shadow, it doesn't have to be perfect, but less is more.

Re: I want to try using contour makeup

Midmod — Sun, 10 Sep 2023 12:21:53 GMT

@monicakm,
Thanks for the heads up on the YT vid.
@justashopper,
I think I have a fan brush. But what I don't have is contour powder; I have contour cream. Any drugstore recommendations? Or I could check them.
@Icegoddess
Yes, I have a Kabuki brush I think leftover from the days of my bare minerals purchases.
I am wondering tho, are there different shades of contour powder and do you buy based on your skin tone?🤪
Thanks all👍

Re: I want to try using contour makeup

justashopper — Sun, 10 Sep 2023 12:27:05 GMT

Hi @Midmod

I would look at the NYX brand because they have a double sided stick that is countour on one side and the matter highlighter on the other. Even if you don't highlight, you can clean up any edges.

I know that Amber Heard mentioned Milani's countour pallete in her divorce trial with Johnny Depp. I haven't tried it but I do like the Milani brand and she looks great even through a tragedy. LOL

Re: I want to try using contour makeup

Midmod — Sun, 10 Sep 2023 12:47:41 GMT

So cream vs powder is not a bad thing? I thought maybe the difference was with ease of use, one vs the other. Do the sticks come in different colors? Would a very light skin tone use the same shade as someone with a medium or dark skin tone?

Re: I want to try using contour makeup

justashopper — Sun, 10 Sep 2023 13:45:09 GMT

I have used both cream and powder. I think it's just personal preference. I prefer the powder because I use bronzer (no glitter) as both-- countour or bronzer. I only use bronzer in the summer. So I rarely go through a whole compact.

I think cream (in a stick) is just as easy to apply and blend with your fingers. I am intimidated by liquid make up and don't really use it. I think it leads to using too much.

Anyhoo-- the contour sticks by NYX come in a bunch of colors. But I think it's not exact match like foundation. I pulled this pic from Ulta. You can see all the shades on their site. Hope this helps!!

Re: I want to try using contour makeup

Icegoddess — Sun, 10 Sep 2023 17:13:12 GMT

I use a cream contour from Westman Atelier. I got the mini size in Biscuit. I'm fair. I don't apply it directly to my face though. I use the brush to swirl over it and then apply to my face.

Re: I want to try using contour makeup

SurferWife — Sun, 10 Sep 2023 18:32:47 GMT

Like @monicakm, I go lightly with contouring because I don't want to look muddy. My most recent contouring product that I love & I have coined "contouring for dummies", a.k.a., me, is e.l.f.'s putty bronzer (I have the Tan Lines color). It looks so natural on my light/medium w/cool undertones skin tone. I apply it with my double-ended IT Cosmetics brush (the one that came with their most recent TSV). I highly recommend this putty bronzer!

Re: I want to try using contour makeup

Shanus — Mon, 11 Sep 2023 12:45:12 GMT

@Icegoddess Good choice. I use that stick, too. I find the stick the easiest to use although I rarely contour.

What looks good in the makeup mirror can appear overdone in the natural light. I reserve contour for special occasions. I also pinpoint certain areas: lightly under jowl area, not the entire jawline, maybe forehead hair line if not wearing bangs and a bit starting at hair line at my cheeks and only going forward an inch and blend. Too much contouring IMO can make the face look gaunt especially too much in hollow of cheeks & temples where we begin to lose volume.

Contouring is going "out" as a more natural makeup look is requested unless for print ads or maybe brides going to be photographed...even then brides are hesitant to look too made up and ask for a more natural makeup.