Achieving Sculpted Cheekbones: Contouring Techniques for Different Face Shapes October 19, 2024
Contouring has become a key technique in the makeup world, helping people achieve more defined and sculpted facial features. One of the most sought-after looks is perfectly sculpted cheekbones, which can give the face a chiseled and lifted appearance. However, achieving the ideal contour isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution—it depends on your unique face shape. In this article, we’ll guide you through contouring techniques to enhance your cheekbones based on your specific face shape.
1. Contouring for Oval Face Shapes
If you have an oval face shape, you’re in luck! Oval faces are considered balanced and versatile when it comes to makeup. To enhance your cheekbones:
- Technique: Apply your contour product just under your cheekbones, starting from your ear and blending toward the center of your face. Focus on defining the natural curve of your cheekbones without going too far down. Add highlighter to the tops of your cheekbones to further enhance their prominence.
- Pro Tip: Use a fluffy makeup brush for blending to ensure there are no harsh lines, giving you a soft, sculpted look.
2. Contouring for Round Face Shapes
Round face shapes typically have fuller cheeks and softer angles. The goal with contouring a round face is to create more definition and give the illusion of a longer, slimmer face.
- Technique: Apply contour starting higher on your cheekbones, closer to the ear, and blend diagonally toward the corners of your mouth. Keep the contouring more vertical to elongate your face. Highlight the tops of your cheekbones to draw the eye upwards.
- Pro Tip: Avoid applying blush directly to the apples of your cheeks, as it can make your face look rounder. Instead, place it slightly above your contour for a lifted effect.
3. Contouring for Square Face Shapes
Square face shapes have strong, angular jawlines and defined bone structure. When contouring, the goal is to soften the sharp angles and enhance the cheekbones without emphasizing the jawline too much.
- Technique: Apply your contour in the hollows of your cheeks, blending toward your mouth. Make sure to soften the lines along your jawline to keep the look balanced. Highlight your cheekbones to add dimension and lift.
- Pro Tip: Lightly contour around your temples and the sides of your forehead to soften the angles of your face and create a more rounded appearance.
4. Contouring for Heart Face Shapes
Heart-shaped faces are wider at the forehead and taper down to a narrow chin. When contouring, the aim is to balance the width of the forehead and define the cheekbones.
- Technique: Apply contour under your cheekbones, starting at your ears and blending towards the center of your face. Add a touch of contour to the sides of your forehead to minimize width. Highlight the tops of your cheekbones and the center of your forehead to enhance your facial structure.
- Pro Tip: Focus on blending the contour well to avoid creating harsh lines, which can make your face appear more angular than desired.
5. Contouring for Long Face Shapes
Long face shapes are longer than they are wide, with an emphasis on vertical length. The goal here is to balance the proportions of the face and add width where needed.
- Technique: Apply contour to the hollows of your cheeks, blending horizontally toward your ears to create the illusion of width. Avoid dragging the contour too far down. Highlight the tops of your cheekbones to add dimension.
- Pro Tip: Add a bit of contour to your chin and the top of your forehead to help shorten the appearance of your face and create a more balanced look.
6. The Role of Highlighter in Enhancing Cheekbones
Highlighter plays a crucial role in making your cheekbones stand out. While contouring adds depth and definition, highlighter adds light and lift to the high points of your face. For all face shapes, apply highlighter along the tops of your cheekbones, blending toward the temples for a radiant, lifted look.
- Pro Tip: Choose a highlighter shade that complements your skin tone – champagne and pearl shades work well for fair skin, while golds and bronzes are ideal for medium to deep skin tones.
7. Blending Is Key
No matter your face shape, one of the most important aspects of contouring is blending. Well-blended contour and highlighter create a seamless, natural finish that enhances your features without looking harsh or overdone.
- Pro Tip: Use a damp beauty sponge or a soft blending brush to diffuse the edges of your contour and highlighter. This will ensure your makeup looks flawless and natural.
Conclusion
Achieving sculpted cheekbones through contouring is all about understanding your face shape and using the right techniques to enhance your natural features. Whether you have a round, oval, square, or heart-shaped face, adjusting your contouring technique can help you achieve a chiseled, defined look. Don’t forget to blend thoroughly and add a touch of highlighter to really make those cheekbones pop!