Carving out the angles in a round-shaped face is as simple as a few strategic twists and turns of the wrist. Contouring the face to look slimmer and more defined is a makeup technique that has been around for decades. When done correctly, contouring can transform your face shape, making it appear thinner and more oval.
Contouring your face can help you look more defined and chiseled. It involves using both a darker and lighter shade of foundation or powder to create the illusion of shadows and highlights, which can help to shape and contour your face. This technique is especially effective for round faces, as it can help to slim down the appearance of the face and make it look more oval.
To contour a round face, start by applying a darker shade of foundation or powder around the outside of your face, including your forehead, temples, and jawline. This will create the illusion of shadows, which will make your face look slimmer. Then, apply a lighter shade of foundation or powder to the center of your face, including your cheeks, nose, and chin. This will create the illusion of highlights, which will help to make your face look more lifted and defined.
Understanding the Shape of a Round Face
Determining Facial Roundness
A round face is characterized by its circular or oval-like shape. To determine if you have a round face, stand in front of a mirror and trace the outline of your face. If it resembles a circle or an oval, you likely have a round face.
Key Features of a Round Face
Round faces typically exhibit the following features:
– Full cheeks and no sharp angles
– Wide forehead and jawline of equal width
– Rounded chin
– Absence of prominent cheekbones
Unique Challenges for Round Faces
The round shape of the face can make it appear wider than it actually is. This can lead to the following challenges when contouring:
– Creating the illusion of narrower cheeks
– Defining the cheekbones
– Reducing the apparent width of the forehead and jawline
Selecting the Right Contour Palette
Choosing the ideal contour palette is crucial for achieving a natural-looking contour on a round face. Consider the following factors when selecting your palette:
Skin Undertone
- Cool undertones: Opt for contour shades with pink or ashy hues, such as taupe or cool browns.
- Warm undertones: Choose contour shades with yellow or golden undertones, such as warm browns or peachy beiges.
- Neutral undertones: A wide range of contour shades will complement neutral undertones, including both cool and warm browns.
Skin Depth
| Skin Depth | Recommended Contour Shade |
|---|---|
| Fair | Light to medium-toned browns or taupe |
| Medium | Medium to dark-toned browns |
| Tan | Darker browns or peachy beiges |
| Deep | Very dark browns or chocolate shades |
Formula
- Powder: Ideal for beginners, as it’s easy to blend and doesn’t smudge easily.
- Cream: Provides a more natural finish and is suitable for all skin types, but requires more blending.
- Liquid: Offers the highest coverage and precision, but can be more difficult to work with.
Applying Contour to Enhance Cheekbones
To highlight and define your cheekbones, begin by finding the hollows beneath them. These hollows can be located by gently sucking in your cheeks and feeling for the indentations.
Using a brush or sponge, apply a contour shade to the hollows. The contour should be applied in a C-shape, starting from the top of the earlobe and following the natural curve of your cheekbone towards the centre of your face.
To create a more natural and blended look, use a light hand when applying the contour. Gradually build up the intensity as needed, and use your finger, a brush, or a sponge to blend the contour seamlessly into your skin. Consider the following table for some recommended contour shades and application tips based on your skin tone:
| Skin Tone | Contour Shade | Application Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Fair | Neutral or cool-toned taupe | Apply lightly and blend well to avoid a harsh look. |
| Medium | Warm-toned brown or caramel | Use a medium-intensity contour to define cheekbones without overpowering them. |
| Tan | Golden brown or terracotta | Apply with a slightly heavier hand to create a more dramatic contour effect. |
| Deep | Deep chocolate or mahogany | Use a strong contour and blend thoroughly to prevent it from looking muddy or ashy. |
Creating Shadows
To create shadows, use a contour shade that is two to three shades darker than your skin tone. Apply the contour shade to the areas of your face that you want to recede, such as the hollows of your cheeks, the sides of your nose, and the temples.
When applying contour, use a light hand and blend well. You don’t want the contour to look harsh or obvious.
Highlighting Temples
To highlight your temples, use a highlighter shade that is one to two shades lighter than your skin tone. Apply the highlighter to the highest point of your temples, as well as the area below your brow bone.
Highlighter helps to draw attention to the areas of your face that you want to emphasize. When highlighting your temples, be sure to blend well so that the highlighter looks natural.
| Contour Shade | Highlight Shade |
|---|---|
| Two to three shades darker than skin tone |
One to two shades lighter than skin tone |
| Apply to hollows of cheeks, sides of nose, temples |
Apply to highest point of temples, below brow bone |
Contouring the Nose for Definition
Defining the nose with contour is crucial for creating a more structured look on a round face. Here’s a detailed guide on how to contour your nose effectively:
1. Find the Bridge of Your Nose
Locate the center of your nose, which runs from the tip to the bridge between your eyes. This is the area you’ll be contouring.
2. Shade the Sides of Your Nose
Using a contour brush or a small eyeshadow brush, apply a shade that’s slightly darker than your natural skin tone to the sides of your nose, blending it upwards towards the outer corner of your eyes.
3. Blend the Lines
With a clean brush or a makeup sponge, gently blend the contour lines to create a seamless transition between the darker and lighter areas.
4. Highlight the Bridge of Your Nose
Apply a lighter shade of contour or a highlighter to the bridge of your nose and blend it downwards towards the tip. This will create the illusion of a slimmer nose.
5. Define the Tip of Your Nose
For a subtle yet effective definition, use a small brush to apply a small dot of contour to the very tip of your nose. Blend it slightly to create a soft, contoured effect. This technique helps to create the illusion of a more button-like nose shape.
| Contouring Area | Shade |
|---|---|
| Sides of the Nose | Slightly darker than natural skin tone |
| Bridge of the Nose | Lighter than natural skin tone or highlighter |
| Tip of the Nose | Small dot of contour, slightly darker than the rest |
Defining the Jawline with Shadow
Step 1: Angle Your Brush
Tilt your contour brush at a 45-degree angle, pointing it down towards your chin. This allows for precision and a natural-looking finish.
Step 2: Identify Your Shadow Area
Locate the area along your jawline where the jawbone protrudes. This is typically below the cheekbone and extends to the chin.
Step 3: Apply the Shadow
Starting from your earlobe, lightly brush the contour shade along the identified shadow area. Follow the angle of your brush, sweeping downwards towards your chin.
Step 4: Blend Carefully
Use a blending brush to soften the edges of the contour and create a seamless transition. Blend both upwards towards your cheekbones and downwards towards your neck.
Step 5: Enhance the Definition
If desired, repeat step 4 with a slightly darker shade of contour for increased definition. Focus on blending the darker shade within the previously applied shadow area.
Step 6: Create a Shadow Triangle
For a more dramatic jawline contour, you can create a “shadow triangle” in the center of your chin. Angle your brush downwards from the corner of your mouth towards the center of your chin and blend outwards. This will enhance the illusion of a narrower jawline.
Balancing the Chin with Highlight
To balance a round face, it’s essential to use highlight and contour strategically around the chin. Here’s a detailed guide to help you achieve a defined and elongated chin:
1. Prepare Your Skin: Start with a clean and moisturized face to create a smooth canvas for the makeup.
2. Find Your Shadow Shade: Choose a contour shade that is 2-3 shades darker than your natural skin tone.
3. Draw a “V” Shape: Apply the contour shade along the jawline, forming a “V” shape that extends from the bottom of your ears towards the center of your chin.
4. Blend the Contour: Use a soft brush or damp sponge to blend the contour seamlessly, creating a soft and diffused effect.
5. Highlight the Chin: Apply a highlight shade that is 1-2 shades lighter than your natural skin tone to the center of your chin. Use a small brush or your fingertip to focus the highlight on the most prominent part of your chin.
6. Blend the Highlight: Gently blend the highlight towards the sides of your chin, blurring the line between the highlight and the contour.
7. Contour and Highlight Techniques:
| Contour | Highlight |
|---|---|
| Apply contour in a downward motion along the jawline. | Apply highlight in an upward motion from the center of the chin. |
| Blend contour towards the ears. | Blend highlight towards the cheekbones and jawline. |
| Use a dense brush or sponge for contouring. | Use a smaller brush or your fingertip for highlighting. |
| Choose a cool-toned contour shade. | Choose a warm or neutral-toned highlight shade. |
8. Finish with Setting Powder: Apply a translucent setting powder to lock in the contour and highlight, preventing smudging or fading.
Blending for a Seamless Finish
8. Buff and Blend Thoroughly
The key to a seamless contour is in the blending. Use a blending sponge or brush to gently buff and blend the contours until they transition seamlessly into the rest of your skin. Start with the lighter shade of contour and blend it outwards toward the edges of your face. Then, apply the darker shade and blend it inwards to create depth. Be patient and take your time to ensure a smooth, even finish.
| Blending Tools |
|---|
| Beauty blender |
| Stippling brush |
| Kabuki brush |
Tips for Blending:
- Use circular motions to blend.
- Start with a light hand and build up the intensity.
- Pay special attention to the areas where the contour and highlight meet.
Applying the Contour Shade
Once you have determined your contour lines, it’s time to apply the contour shade. Use a brush that is slightly angled or a sponge that is dampened for better blending. Choose a contour shade that is two to three shades darker than your natural skin tone for a subtle and natural look.
| Start by applying the contour shade to the hollows of your cheeks, the sides of your nose, and the crease of your chin. |
| Use a light hand and build up the intensity gradually, blending thoroughly as you go. |
| Remember to keep your contour lines soft and blended, as harsh lines can create an unnatural or exaggerated effect. |
Here are some additional tips for blending your contour shade seamlessly:
Use a brush or sponge that is slightly dampened, as this will help the product blend more smoothly into your skin.
Work in circular motions to blend the contour shade into the surrounding areas.
Use a light hand and build up the intensity gradually, allowing each layer to dry before applying the next.
Pay attention to the edges of your contour lines and blend them carefully to avoid any harsh transitions.
Experimenting with Different Contouring Techniques
1. Cream Contouring
Cream contouring offers a natural, seamless finish and is suitable for all skin types. Apply a cream bronzer to the hollows of your cheeks, blend outwards, and then highlight the high points of your face with a cream highlighter. Use a damp beauty sponge or brush for blending.
2. Powder Contouring
Powder contouring provides a more defined and dramatic look. Choose a contour powder 2-3 shades darker than your skin tone and apply it to the hollows of your cheeks, jawline, and forehead. Blend with a fluffy brush for a soft finish.
3. Liquid Contouring
Liquid contouring is ideal for oily or acne-prone skin as it provides a long-lasting effect without clogging pores. Apply a liquid bronzer to targeted areas using a small brush or sponge and blend thoroughly.
4. Stick Contouring
Contour sticks offer precision and are perfect for beginners. Choose a stick in a shade slightly darker than your skin tone and apply it directly to the hollows of your cheeks, jawline, and temples. Blend with a brush or sponge.
5. Highlighting and Lowlighting
Highlighting and lowlighting are essential for creating the illusion of depth and dimension. Apply a highlighter to the high points of your face (cheekbones, brow bone, and Cupid’s bow) and a lowlight to the areas you wish to recede (sides of the nose, under the cheekbones).
6. Bronzing
Bronzing can enhance the warmth and glow of your face. Apply a bronzing powder to areas that naturally catch the sun, such as the temples, cheekbones, and jawline. Blending is crucial for a natural look.
7. Blush Placement
Blush can accentuate the apples of your cheeks and create a lifted effect. Apply blush high on the cheekbones and blend upwards towards the temples.
8. Nose Contouring
To slim down a wide nose, create a shadow on the sides by applying a contour shade along the bridge of the nose and blending outwards. Highlight the center of the nose for a defined look.
9. Forehead Contouring
For a narrower forehead, apply a contour shade to the sides and blend upwards towards the hairline. Highlight the center of the forehead to draw attention to it.
10. Contouring for Different Face Shapes
| Face Shape | Contour Placement |
|---|---|
| Oval | Soft contours on cheekbones and jawline |
| Square | Strong contours on cheekbones, jawline, and forehead |
| Round | Focus on slimming the sides of the face with contours and highlights |
How to Contour a Round Face
Contouring can be a great way to define your features and create a more sculpted look. However, if you have a round face, it’s important to take a few extra steps to avoid making your face look even rounder. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to contour a round face:
- Start by applying a foundation that matches your skin tone.
- Create an oval shape around the perimeter of your face using a contour powder that is two shades darker than your foundation shade.
- Use a fluffy brush to blend the contour powder upwards and outwards. Be sure to blend well so that there are no harsh lines.
- Apply a highlighter to the center of your forehead, the bridge of your nose, and the tops of your cheekbones.
- Blend the highlighter well, so there are no harsh lines.
- Set your makeup with a powder or setting spray.
- Use a contour powder that is two shades darker than your foundation shade.
- Create an oval shape around the perimeter of your face using the contour powder.
- Blend the contour powder upwards and outwards, using a fluffy brush.
- Be sure to blend well, so that there are no harsh lines.
- Apply a highlighter to the center of your forehead, the bridge of your nose, and the tops of your cheekbones.
- Blend the highlighter well, so that there are no harsh lines.
People Also Ask
How do you contour a face with a round shape?
To contour a face with a round shape, you will need to use a contour powder that is two shades darker than your foundation shade. Start by applying the contour powder to the perimeter of your face, creating an oval shape. Then, use a fluffy brush to blend the contour powder upwards and outwards. Be sure to blend well so that there are no harsh lines. Finally, apply a highlighter to the center of your forehead, the bridge of your nose, and the tops of your cheekbones. Blend the highlighter well so that there are no harsh lines.
What are some tips for contouring a round face?
Here are some tips for contouring a round face:
