What Is Contouring and How Do You Apply It for Your Face Shape? Sculpting with Alix Avien
Short answer: Contouring is a makeup technique that uses shadow to define the cheekbones, jawline, and edges of the forehead, making the face look more balanced and proportionate. Where you apply it depends on your face shape: under the cheekbones for an oval face, from under the cheekbones toward the temples for a round face, and also along the edges of the forehead for a square face, then blend it out with a brush or sponge. For different textures, take a look at our contour page.
Your face shape is your guide for how to apply your makeup. Your face may be oval, square, round, or long and narrow. To contour for your face shape, you first need to analyze it correctly. That way, you'll give your face a more balanced proportion.
Alix Avien Contour Palettes also help you bring balance to your face shape. With makeup products suited to every skin type and tone, you can sculpt your face.
What Is Contouring and Why Does It Matter?
Contouring gives your face a balanced, proportionate look. It defines your expression, emphasizes your cheekbones, and makes your face look symmetrical.
When you contour your face, you add dimension. Contouring is especially important in photos, to have an impactful expression and sharper features.
Contouring by Face Shape: Which Technique Suits Which Face Shape?
Now that we have answered "what is contouring?" in the previous section, it's time for the part where you won't believe your eyes once you apply contour techniques for your face shape.
- Oval Face: If you have an oval face, your features are balanced. Since the goal here is to preserve your features, you can apply contour under your cheekbones.
- Square Face: If you have a square face, you have a wide forehead. To make your forehead look narrower, you can apply contour along the edges of your forehead. Don't forget to apply it under your cheekbones as well.
- Long Face: If you have a long face, apply contour horizontally along your cheekbones to make your cheeks look wider. Don't forget the tip of your chin and your hairline either.
- Heart Face: Apply Liquid Contour along the edges of your forehead and the tip of your chin.
- Round Face: To make your cheeks look more sculpted, apply contour under your cheekbones toward your temples. Don't skip the edges of your forehead and under your jaw.
Alix Avien Contour Palettes: A Guide to Choosing the Right Shade and Texture
Alix Avien Contour Palettes offer a rich range of colors. To choose the right contour shade and the texture that suits you:
- Analyze your skin undertone correctly. You should know whether you have a cool, warm, or neutral undertone.
- Consider the needs of your skin type.
- Consider your everyday needs.
- Analyze your face shape correctly.
Step-by-Step Contouring: Practical Techniques with Alix Avien Contour Palettes
Once you have an Alix Avien Contour Palette that suits your skin tone, it's time to answer "how do you apply contour?" and move on to practical application with your contour palette:
- Deeply cleanse your skin.
- Moisturize your skin.
- Use a makeup primer to help your makeup last longer.
- Analyze your face shape correctly. Square, round, oval, heart, or long and narrow: which one matches your face shape? To answer this question, study your face shape in the mirror.
- Move on to applying contour.
- Support your face sculpting with an Alix Avien Highlighter.
- Blend the contour and highlighter evenly with a makeup brush or sponge.
- Set your makeup with a setting spray.
Common Contouring Mistakes and What to Avoid
Contouring mistakes can make makeup that should look flawless look artificial and unwanted. So what are these mistakes?
- Choosing the wrong shade without considering your skin tone,
- Not blending highlighter and contour evenly,
- Ignoring your face shape when applying contour,
- Using too much highlighter,
- Applying products without cleansing and moisturizing your skin first.
Finishing Your Contour with Highlighter: A Complete Look with Alix Avien Highlighters
Contour and highlighter are an inseparable duo. Highlighter is the first product you'll come across among contouring tips, because it adds dimension to the balanced, proportionate look you want to create with contour. It lifts the face and gives you a fresh, radiant look. It also creates a wet, reflective effect on the skin, making it a summer essential.