The Art of Contouring: Highlighting High and Low Cheekbones

Contouring has transformed makeup application by enhancing our natural beauty. It involves using light and dark makeup to highlight our best features while creating shadows to downplay others. Low vs high cheekbones play a crucial role in this technique, as they help shape a balanced and attractive face.What is Contouring?

What is Contouring?

Contouring is a makeup technique that helps define and enhance the shape of your face. By using different shades of bronzer, foundation, or contour products, you can create the look of shadows and light. This makes your bone structure stand out and gives your face more depth.

Importance of Cheekbones in Facial Aesthetics

Cheekbones play a big role in how we see a person’s face. High cheekbones are often seen as a sign of beauty and youth. According to a survey, many people think that having defined cheekbones makes a face look more attractive. With social media and famous makeup trends, learning to contour has become a popular skill that many people use in their everyday makeup routines.

Understanding Cheekbone Anatomy

What Are High Cheekbones?

High cheekbones are the bones in your face that are closer to your eyes and temples. They give your face a natural lift and make it look more defined. People with high cheekbones often have a strong facial structure, which is great for contouring because the natural shadows can make the contouring look even better.

Advantages of High Cheekbones in Contouring

• It’s easier to highlight and contour high cheekbones because they stand out more.
• High cheekbones create a nicely sculpted look with less effort.

Research shows that many people prefer the look of high cheekbones in portraits, as they can make a face appear more attractive and balanced.

 What Are Low Cheekbones?

Low cheekbones are located closer to the bottom of the nose and ears, which makes the face look flatter. Unlike high cheekbones, which create natural shadows, low cheekbones might need makeup to make them stand out.

Challenges and Techniques for Enhancing Low Cheekbones

• You need to be very careful with makeup to make low cheekbones look better.
• Using makeup techniques can help give the appearance of higher cheekbones, making the face look more defined.

The Role of Cheekbones in Overall Facial Symmetry

Cheekbones that are balanced on both sides of the face help create a pleasing look. Studies show that people often find symmetrical faces more attractive. By using contouring makeup, it’s possible to make low cheekbones look more like high cheekbones, which can help balance the overall look of the face. For more tips and techniques, check out Quirkburst.com!

Tools of the Trade: Must-Have Contouring Products

Contour Products

Powders vs. Creams

• Powders are great for people with oily skin. About 50% of people say they prefer powders because they help keep shine away and are easy to blend.
• Creams are better for dry skin, giving a shiny look. They are often used for a more dramatic style and can be perfect for special occasions.

Selecting the Right Shades

Choosing the right color for contouring is very important. It’s best to pick a product that is one or two shades darker than your skin. This helps create a shadow effect that looks natural.

Highlighting Products

Choosing the Ideal Highlighter

• For fair skin, light colors like pearl or icy shades work best.
• People with medium skin tones should choose champagne or rose gold.
• Dark skin tones look great with bronze or copper highlights.

Types of Highlighters

• Powder highlighters are popular and can be used by everyone, regardless of skin type.
• Cream highlighters give a natural glow and are easy to apply.
• Liquid highlighters offer a light finish and are great for layering on top of other makeup.

Using the right contouring and highlighting products can help enhance your features and make your makeup look amazing!

Brushes and Applicators

Types of Contour Brushes

• Angled brushes: These brushes have slanted edges, making them perfect for applying makeup in specific areas. They are often about 1-2 inches wide.
• Flat top brushes: These brushes have a flat surface and are used to blend makeup over larger areas of the face. They can be around 2-3 inches wide.

Blending Tools

Sponges and beauty blenders are important for making makeup look smooth. Studies show that using a damp sponge can help reduce visible lines and make the makeup look more natural. Using the right tools can make a big difference in how makeup looks!

Getting Your Skin Ready for Contouring 

Why Skincare Matters Before Makeup 

Taking care of your skin helps your makeup look better and last longer. Studies show that hydrated skin can help makeup stay on up to 12 hours! 

Choosing the Right Foundation 

Pick a foundation that matches your skin color. Using the right shade can make your skin look smooth and natural. Remember, using too much foundation can make your contour look too heavy, so try to use just a little bit for the best results.

Contouring Techniques for High Cheekbones

Defining the Natural Contours

To contour high cheekbones, draw a line from the top of your ear to the corner of your mouth. Put contour just below the cheekbone. This helps show off its natural lift.

Highlighting for Emphasis

Use a highlighter on the top parts of your cheekbones to make them stand out more. Blend it well so it looks natural. Studies show that using highlighter can make your skin appear brighter and healthier.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

It’s important to keep it subtle; using too dark of a contour can make the look seem unnatural. Many people find that a light shade is best for everyday wear.

Contouring Techniques for Low Cheekbones

Creating the Illusion of High Cheekbones

To make your cheekbones look higher, put contour makeup slightly above where your cheekbones are. Studies show that using a darker shade can create depth and lift your facial features.

Highlighting Low Cheekbones

To make low cheekbones stand out, use a highlighter. Apply it at the top edge of your cheekbones and blend it upwards. According to beauty experts, this technique can help draw attention to your cheeks.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

It’s important to blend your makeup well to keep it looking natural. Research indicates that not blending enough can lead to visible lines, which can look unflattering. Remember, blending helps your makeup look smooth and seamless!

Contouring Based on Face Shapes

Contouring for Round Faces

To make round faces look longer, put darker makeup on the sides of the face and lighter makeup on the cheekbones. This helps define the shape.

Contouring for Oval Faces

For oval faces, apply darker makeup under the cheekbones and lighter makeup on the top to enhance the natural shape of the face.

Contouring for Heart-Shaped Faces

To balance a wider forehead, use dark makeup on the sides of the forehead and light makeup on the cheekbones. This creates a more even appearance.

Contouring for Square Faces

For square faces, soften the jawline by using darker makeup along the jaw and highlight the cheekbones to make the face look more rounded and harmonious.

Using makeup this way can help improve your appearance and boost your confidence!

Highlighting Cheekbones for Different Skin Tones

Fair Skin

For fair skin, use light colors like soft pink or cool beige to contour. A pearly highlight helps to make the cheekbones pop without looking too harsh.

Medium and Olive Skin

If you have medium or olive skin, warmer colors like taupe or light brown work best for contouring. Golden highlighters can really brighten up your cheeks and look great.

Dark Skin

For dark skin, choose deep shades like chocolate brown for contouring. Adding bronzy highlights gives a beautiful and glowing look to your cheekbones.

Contouring for Day vs. Night Looks

Daytime Contouring

For daytime, you should use light contouring. Studies show that using just a little contour can make your face look fresh without looking too heavy. A natural highlighter can help brighten your features.

Evening/Party Contouring

At night or for parties, you can use more contour to create a bolder look. Research indicates that using stronger highlights and some shimmer can make your makeup stand out more in low light, giving you a glamorous appearance.

Celebrity and Makeup Artist Tips for Contouring

Techniques Used by Makeup Professionals

To get great contouring, remember to blend, blend, blend! Professional makeup artists say this is the most important step for a smooth finish.

Celebrity Cheekbones

Celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Bella Hadid are famous for their cheekbones that look amazing. They inspire many people who want to learn how to contour.

Common Contouring Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Overdoing It

One common mistake is applying too much makeup. Be sure to blend well so that your makeup looks natural and there are no clear lines.

Misplaced Highlight

When you add highlights, put them on the highest parts of your cheekbones. Blending them well will give you the best look.

Incorrect Product Choice

It’s important to choose makeup products that match your skin type and color. This will help your makeup look its best.

How to Maintain Contoured Makeup Throughout the Day

Setting Makeup for Long-Lasting Wear

To keep your makeup from fading, use a setting spray or translucent powder. This helps it stay in place all day.

Touch-Up Tips

Keep a small contour kit with you for quick touch-ups. This way, you can easily refresh your look whenever you need to.

Conclusion

Contouring is a way to highlight your natural beauty and unique features. With some practice, you can learn how to contour and feel great in any situation. Remember, makeup is about expressing yourself—enjoy the journey and have fun with it!