Highlighting & contouring is perhaps the biggest beauty trend ever. The technique has been around for a long time but only became popular because of the Kardashians. Highlighting & contouring is the perfect solution for shaping a sharp jawline, narrower nose, smaller forehead and striking cheekbones. The bronzers and highlighters have become an indispensable part of our make-up stash!
What is highlighting & contouring?
Highlighting & contouring are very different make-up techniques. The make-up techniques are diametrically opposed, but have one thing in common: they shape your face. Have you always dreamed of a narrower nose, striking cheekbones, smaller forehead, or a sharp jawline? Contouring & highlighting is the key! It takes some practice, but once you get the hang of it, it is easy to add to your daily make-up routine. How does contouring and highlighting work? Contouring works by playing with shadow and light. With highlighter you make the 'highlights' stand out, with contour you create depth to bring out the highlights more. It may sound complicated, but in the end it is not that bad!
What is the difference between contouring, highlighting & strobing?
Contouring is completely separate from the terms highlighting & strobing. For example, contouring is about creating depths in your face. By working with shadow points and therefore a darker color than your own skin color, you can add shadow to your face. The result of this is that you can, for example, make your nose narrower, make your cheekbones pop, make your jawline sharper or make your forehead appear smaller. This sounds like you are 'remodeling' your entire face by means of contouring. But you can do this in a very natural way, without it looking fake.
Highlighting and strobing are the opposite of contouring. These makeup techniques make parts of your face stand out. Strobing is highlighting, both aim to make the highlights, the points that catch light, stand out, by using light colored highlight products.
Now highlighting is just a broader concept. For example, you can add glow to your nose/cheekbones at the end of your make-up routine and call it highlighting. Strobing, on the other hand, is often more extensive. With strobing, you usually use a liquid highlighter or stick. This does not necessarily have to contain an intense glow, you can apply that afterwards. With strobing, you really highlight all the highlights that catch light, for a real structure in your face.
What makeup for contouring can I find at Haarspullen?
You can divide contouring make-up into three categories: powder, cream or stick. All three options have their own advantages & disadvantages. And a different result of course.
Powder contour :This isthe easiest to apply. A good powder contour cannot be missing in your make-up stash. With a powder contour you can create a natural shadow the easiest and you can apply it everywhere.
Créme contour : This is perfect if you have dry skin. If you have dry skin, crème contour gives your skin the most beautiful effect. It matches well. With crème contour you can contour a little tighter than with powder.
Contour stick: A contour stick is perfect for the strobing technique. It is important to blend well with a blending brush. A contour stick gives you the opportunity to contour very tightly.
Bronzer : You are probably familiar with the term 'bronzer'. Bronzer has the same effect as contouring, but in addition, bronzer also aims to give your face a nice tint. A sunkissed face!
What types of highlighters can I find at Haarspullen?
You can divide highlighter into three categories: powder, cream and liquid. Which highlight make-up is suitable for you depends on what effect you want to create. It also depends on your skin type. You can also highlight with a light concealer. With concealer you do not achieve the real 'glow effect', but you do create a base for illuminating the highlights of your face.
Liquid highlighter: Liquid highlighter is a bit more difficult to apply than a powder highlighter. And you can't apply liquid highlighter everywhere, for example the corners of your eyes. Liquid highlighter, on the other hand, has the perfect natural glow effect. If you suffer from dry skin, you should better choose a liquid highlighter instead of a powder highlighter!
Powder Highlighter: Powder highlighter is easy to apply anywhere. With powder highlighter you can create the most striking glow.
Cream highlighter:A cream highlighter is also suitable for a drier or normal skin. A cream highlighter also has a slightly different effect. A bit more natural. The result is between a powder and liquid highlighter.
For strobing:Maybelline Master Contour & Highlight 02 Medium Duo Stick
Where do I apply contour and highlighter?
Once you know which contour and highlight products you want to use, the next step is where and how to apply highlighter/contour. Remember: there are no rules when it comes to makeup, so do what suits your face and what you like!
Where do you apply highlighter?
- All the highlights, places that catch the light
- Cupid's bow
- Bridge of the nose
- Highest point of your cheekbones
- The middle point of your forehead
- Eyebrow bone
- The middle point of your chin
- Above your lips
- In the corner of your eye
- Collarbones
Where do you apply contour?
- The hairline, this is how you can reduce your forehead
- The jawline
- Under your cheekbones
- The sides of your nose
- In the cupid's bow under your nose
- Between your chin and lower lip
Which brushes can I use for contouring?
To apply bronzer and highlighter you need the right brushes. It is also important to blend your make-up well with a blending brush, this way you avoid strange stripes and an unnatural look.
Blending brush: KASHŌKI Flat Top Kabuki Brush.
This brush is ideal for blending liquid and powder makeup. Blending ensures that you do not have makeup spots/streaks.
Contour brush: ilu Angled Blush Kabuki Brush-301.
This brush makes applying your contour/bronzer super easy.
(Powder) highlighter brush: KASHŌKI Tapered Powder Brush - 300.
Why is fixing spray a must?
Adding a fixing spray to your look is optional. But if you want the optimal effect for your contouring & highlighting, fixing spray is definitely recommended! The fixing spray gives your make-up look a natural finish and your bronzer & highlighter stays in place better.
Which color suits me?
Choosing a color is easy (if you know what color foundation you have). You can also choose between a warm undertone or a cool undertone. This depends on your own preference and what suits your face!
For highlighter: 2 shades lighter than your own skin tone (for powder highlighter for the cheekbones you can actually apply any shade).
For contouring: 2 shades darker than your own tan.
Where can I ask my question about highlighting & contouring?
Do you have questions about the right highlighter, contour or bronzer? Feel free to contact us! Our team is ready for you during working days, by phone or by email:[email protected]. Do you live near Zwolle? You can always come and take a look at our pick-up point!
