Basics of Highlighting & Contouring

Highlighting/Contour Technique using cream products.

Highlighting & Contouring is the most popular trend today. Even though people have been doing this for years, everyone is very intrigued with the method, and want to incorporate it in their everyday routine.

The questions I always get are " Are you going to slim my face/nose down ?", or "Are you going to brighten my face ?". Yes this method does those things but if you didn't know, we ALL already have a natural highlight and contour. Less talk about it....

Instagram
@ira.anthonymua

The photo to the left is a before/after shot of my client for her sweet sixteen. If you study her face, you can see that her skin is lighter in the center of her face & darker on the outside. This method is used to ENHANCE the features you already have. Its also used to manipulate features that you would like to be distinct and also camouflage.

Contouring is a method used to push features back. Meaning, if you have a feature that you would like to be less prominent you would contour. With my client I contoured the hairline, hollows of her cheeks, jaw line & nose. Depending on your features, some may not need to contour all of those I've listed.

When contouring, you must use a shade that is TWO shades darker than your skin tone. I would normally use either a cream or liquid foundation to contour, and use a powder to set the contour in place.




Now lets discuss HIGHLIGHTING......

Instagram
@ira.anthonymua

This is a method to be used when you want a feature to be more pronounce and bright. The middle of the face; forehead, brow bone, down the nose, under eyes (brighten/lift), cupids bow and chin are areas you highlight. It can also be used under the hollows of your cheeks to clean/sharpen your contour.

This can used with a cream, liquid and/or powder. The shade used must be TWO shades lighter than for skin tone.

In the picture,  I've used this method under the eyes for brightness and lift.