Contouring has become a staple technique in makeup application for many years now. Its ability to create natural-looking shadows and highlights enhances facial features and gives an illusion of a slimmer face.
However, as much as it’s loved by both beginners and professionals alike, there are common mistakes that can ruin or alter the desired result.
In this article, we will look at the top contouring mistakes to avoid to achieve that coveted natural-looking finish every time you apply your makeup.
Common Contouring Mistakes and Their Impact
Contouring is a difficult technique that requires precision and skill. Even experienced makeup artists can make mistakes, leading to an unnatural or unflattering finish. One of the most common errors is using a different shade for contouring. Choosing a shade that is too dark or with the wrong undertones can result in harsh lines and muddy-looking makeup.
Another mistake is applying contour products too heavily, making a face appear overdone and artificial. Using a light hand when applying contouring products is essential to achieve a natural look and build up gradually if needed.
Harsh lines along cheekbones, nose bridge, and jawline are typical mistakes when contouring, which gives off an unnatural look when not blended correctly.
These mistakes can impact your overall appearance tremendously- going from subtle enhancement to exaggerated features that don’t belong on your face! By avoiding these pitfalls during the application, you will be able to create beautiful dimensions while ensuring your look remains flawless all day long!
Tips for Achieving a Natural-Looking Contour
When it comes to achieving a natural-looking contour, subtlety is key. Blending in your foundation or base makeup color is crucial to leave no harsh lines between the highlighted and contoured areas. To avoid an unnatural finish, one must pick a shade for their contours that are no more than two shades darker than their skin tone while keeping shadows soft and diffused.
Another common mistake that disrupts a naturally enhanced appearance is the placement of highlights too close together. Highlighters bring lightness and radiance to the features; however, if done incorrectly, they can create unflattering shine patches on certain spots, causing a reality distortion effect, defeating its purpose of looking radiant and glowing.
Stick with placing highlighter strategically over cheekbones, brow bones, or cupid bow where the light hits naturally with maximum space around each feature.
Finally, yet importantly — brush control plays a significant role in creating natural looks when contouring. Different brushes give varying finishes on how distinct or subtle they add definition into moments sectioned off by shadow or highlighter effects as well as aid in blending out edges that go unnoticed from inside face. These go until someone notices unblended stark edges under stronger lighting conditions typically present outdoors rather than low-light indoor settings like offices/ workspaces/ rooms without large windows fitted with curtains blocking out sunlight, etc.
Maintaining a Natural Look: Contouring Do’s and Don’ts
When it comes to contouring, the goal is always a natural-looking finish. To achieve this, certain do’s and don’ts should be followed. First and foremost, choosing the right shade of contour product for your skin tone is important. Going too dark can result in an unnatural appearance, while going too light may not give enough definition.
Another tip is to blend well after application using a brush or sponge. This prevents harsh lines and ensures seamless blending with the rest of your makeup. Additionally, it’s best to avoid over-contouring, as this can make the face appear muddy or cakey.
On the other hand, some common mistakes include forgetting about highlighting – which works together with contouring – leading to a flat look; not taking into account one’s facial structure when applying contour products; and relying on Instagram trends or tutorials without considering whether they’re appropriate for one’s unique features.
By following these tips and avoiding missteps like these, you’ll be able to master the art of natural-looking contouring every time you apply your makeup effortlessly!
Keep being AllDayChic!
