Our Advice on How to Contour According to your Face Shape

It’s safe to say that contouring has become a staple in everyone’s makeup routine. Despite all the extreme tutorials and techniques out there (does anyone remember clown contouring?), it’s best to contour your face according to its specific shape to keep it looking natural. Ahead are makeup-artist approved tips to contour your face, whether you’re a heart, oval, round, square or diamond babe — to make you look sculpted and bronzed all day long.

Diamond Face Shape: 

To contour a diamond face shape, focus on enhancing the cheekbones and creating balance. Start by lightly contouring the area under your cheekbones, beginning at your temples and blending inward towards the middle of your cheek. This technique will give your face a natural sculpt and dimension without the products appearing too harsh or caked on. By emphasizing the cheekbones, you can create a more defined and structured look. Remember to blend the contouring product well to achieve a seamless and natural finish.

Heart Face Shape: 

For those blessed with a heart-shaped face, contouring can help soften the angles and create a more balanced appearance. To contour, imagine drawing a "3" shape along your face. Start at the top of your forehead, then move below the cheekbones, and finally, contour the tip of your chin. Using a large powder brush and a natural bronzer, apply the contouring product along these areas. This technique will help create a more harmonious and flattering look by adding depth and dimension to the face.

Oval Face Shape: 

If you have an oval face shape, you can focus on enhancing your natural features with contouring. Apply your contouring powder along the sides of your forehead and below the cheekbones. Be sure to blend out these areas thoroughly to avoid any harsh lines or a blotchy appearance. A helpful tip is to blend the bronzer into your natural hairline to create a seamless transition. This technique will help accentuate your facial structure and add subtle definition to your features.

Round Face Shape: 

For those with a round face shape, contouring can help create the illusion of more defined angles and shape. Start by contouring along the temples, sides of the forehead, below your cheekbones, and along the jawline. This technique will add dimension and structure to your face, giving it a more sculpted appearance. It's important to blend your makeup well to ensure there are no visible lines and the shadowing looks soft and natural. By strategically contouring these areas, you can create a more balanced and elongated look.

Square Face Shape: 

If you have a square-shaped face, contouring can help enhance your chiseled features and soften the angles. Focus on contouring along the forehead, jawbone, and below the cheekbones. By accentuating these areas, you can bring out the natural angles of your face and create a more sculpted look. Consider using products like NYX Professional Makeup Wonder Stick or the Maybelline Face Studio Contouring Stick for precise application. These contouring techniques will help add depth and dimension to your face, enhancing your unique facial structure.