Whether you love it, hate it, or haven’t quite mastered it, contouring is going nowhere. It’s simply evolving into something softer, subtler and way more flattering. Want in? Instead of following a one-size-fits-all guide, keeping scrolling to learn how to contour for your face shape, whether it’s oval, round, square or heart-shaped. Contour brushes at the ready…
Contour a Square-Shaped Face
If your face shape is square, your jawline will be a similar width to your forehead. To achieve your contour of dreams, flatter angular features by swirling a slanted powder brush into the contouring section of theKate Sculpting Palette.
Sculpt: Tap off excess powder, then buff around the forehead and temples to slim and sculpt. Continue by blending underneath the jawline and into the hollows of cheeks, staying level with your ears as a guide.
Glow: To get your angles looking fierce, use a tapered brush to sweep the highlighter on the centre of the forehead, the brow bone and centre of the chin to balance your features. Finish with a sweep of blusher on the apples of cheeks. Flawless.
Contour a Round-Shaped Face
If you’re enhancing a round face, Insta Duo Contouring Stick is your weapon of choice for the most precise application. The creamy etch-on formula is easy to blend, whether using the contouring or highlighting end.
Sculpt: Using the contouring end, draw lines on the sides of your forehead, underneath cheekbones, either side of your chin and just above the jawline. Use a soft stippling brush to blend, blend, blend.
Glow: The shimmering highlighter tip should be swiped in a vertical line on the centre of the forehead and chin, as well as the tops of cheekbones. Blend with fingertips, and feel free to build it up where you want a little extra glow.
Contour an Oval-Shaped Face
Skip traditional contouring in favour of a blush draping technique. The Kate Blush Palette and an angled blusher brush are all you need to accentuate your already-defined cheekbones.
Sculpt: Use the brush to pick up a little of the darkest shade in the palette, then sweep it directly under the cheekbones at a 45-degree angle. Next, swirl the middle shade on the apples of cheeks, blending it into the cheekbone colour.
Glow: Use a very small amount of the lightest shade on the tops of cheekbones to add dimension, blending into the hairline and up to the brow bone for a brightness-boosting effect.
Contour a Heart-Shaped Face
Heart-shaped faces tend to have an open forehead with a slightly pointed chin. Make those features pop with the creamy Insta Conceal & Contour Palette and a flat foundation brush.
Sculpt: Dip the brush into the contour section of the palette, then apply either side of your forehead, around your temples and along your hairline, moving down to the underside of cheekbones. Dab a very small dot of contour on the centre of your chin. Blend with a slightly damp makeup sponge.
Glow: Use the concealer to illuminate under-eyes, then tap the highlighter just beneath the arch of your brow for a balancing effect. Who needs Insta filters?!
Want more makeup inspiration? Head to the @RimmelLondonUK Instagram or take your contoured look to the next level with our guide on how to use colour corrector.
