How to Contour Without Looking Like a Clown

March 3, 2025

It's a tale as old as time - you sit down to do your makeup, determined to achieve that flawless, sculpted look. You blend and buff and bake, only to step back and realize you look like you just got into a fight with a makeup brush. Yep, your contour has gone rogue, leaving you looking more like a Picasso painting than a Kardashian.

Fear not, my friends, for I have been there, done that, and bought the t-shirt (in a size too small, because contouring is hard). In this blog post, I'm going to share my hard-earned tips and tricks to help you master the art of contour without looking like you're ready to join the circus.

Understanding the Basics of Contour

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let's start with the basics. Contouring is the process of using darker and lighter shades of makeup to create the illusion of depth and dimension on the face. The goal is to accentuate your natural features and create a more sculpted, defined look.

The key to successful contouring is finding the right shades for your skin tone and applying them in the right places. This can be tricky, especially if you're new to the game. But fear not, with a little practice and the right techniques, you'll be a contouring pro in no time.

Choosing the Right Products

The first step to flawless contour is selecting the right products. When it comes to contour, you'll want to look for a matte, cool-toned shade that's a few shades darker than your natural skin tone. Avoid anything with shimmer or warmth, as these can make your contour look muddy and unnatural.

As for the highlighting shade, you'll want to go for a luminous, radiant formula that's a few shades lighter than your skin tone. This will help to create that coveted "glow from within" look.

Some of my personal favorite contour and highlight products include:

Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Kit
Fenty Beauty Match Stix Matte Skinstick
Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed

Remember, it's all about finding the right shades for your unique skin tone and undertones. Don't be afraid to experiment and find what works best for you.

Mastering the Application Technique

Now that you've got the right products, it's time to learn the proper application technique. Contouring can be a bit tricky, but with a little practice, it'll become second nature.

Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

Start with a clean, moisturized face. This will help your makeup glide on smoothly and blend seamlessly.
Apply your foundation and concealer as you normally would, making sure to cover any blemishes or discoloration.
Using a fluffy, angled contour brush, apply your contour shade in the hollows of your cheeks, along your temples, and down the sides of your nose. Be sure to blend, blend, blend!
Next, use a highlighting shade to brighten the high points of your face - the center of your forehead, the bridge of your nose, the apples of your cheeks, and your chin.
Blend everything together using a damp beauty sponge or a large, fluffy brush. The key is to make sure there are no harsh lines or edges.
Set your contour and highlight with a translucent powder to help everything stay in place.
Finish off with a light dusting of bronzer to warm up the perimeter of your face and add a natural-looking glow.

Remember, the key to flawless contour is to go slowly and build up the intensity. It's much easier to add more product than it is to take it away, so start with a light hand and gradually build up the coverage.

Troubleshooting Common Contour Mistakes

Even the best of us can fall victim to contour mishaps from time to time. Here are some common issues and how to fix them:

Muddy or Unnatural-Looking Contour: If your contour is looking a little too harsh or unnatural, try using a lighter hand and blending more thoroughly. You can also try using a warmer, more neutral-toned contour shade to soften the look.
Harsh Lines or Edges: Blending is key when it comes to contour. Use a damp beauty sponge or a large, fluffy brush to seamlessly blend the edges of your contour and highlight.
Cakey or Dry-Looking Skin: Make sure you're using a hydrating primer and setting your makeup with a finely-milled, translucent powder. Avoid using too much powder, as this can accentuate dry patches and make your skin look cakey.
Overly Dramatic Contour: Sometimes, less is more when it comes to contour. Start with a light hand and gradually build up the intensity. You can always add more, but it's much harder to take away.

Remember, the key to flawless contour is practice, practice, practice. Don't get discouraged if it takes a few tries to get it right. With time and patience, you'll be a contouring pro in no time.

Conclusion

Contouring can be a tricky technique to master, but with the right products and application methods, you can achieve a flawless, sculpted look without looking like a clown. Remember to start with a light hand, blend thoroughly, and don't be afraid to experiment until you find what works best for you.

So, the next time you sit down to do your makeup, take a deep breath, and remember - you've got this! With a little practice and these tried-and-true tips, you'll be contouring like a pro in no time.

Happy blending!