How to Contour Different Face Shapes

Contouring has become a popular technique in the world of makeup, allowing us to sculpt and enhance our facial features. However, what works for one face shape may not necessarily work for another. Understanding your face shape is the key to mastering the art of contouring. In this blog post, we will delve into various face shapes and provide contouring tips and techniques tailored to each shape, enabling you to enhance your unique features and achieve a flawless, well-balanced look.

Understanding Your Face Shape

Before we dive into the specifics, it’s crucial to identify your face shape. The primary face shapes include oval, round, square, heart, and diamond. Each shape presents a canvas with distinct contours and proportions, providing a roadmap for highlighting and contouring techniques.

Oval Face: The Classic Canvas

An oval face is considered the most versatile shape, with balanced proportions and gently rounded features. To enhance the natural symmetry, focus on highlighting the center of the forehead, the bridge of the nose, and the cupid’s bow. Apply contour along the hairline and under the cheekbones to add dimension. Keep it subtle, and let the natural elegance of your oval face shine through.

Round Face: Sculpting Soft Angles

For those with round faces, the goal is to create the illusion of more defined angles. Highlight the center of the forehead, the tops of cheekbones, and the chin. When contouring, focus on the sides of the forehead, below the cheekbones, and along the jawline. Blend seamlessly to avoid harsh lines, sculpting soft angles that beautifully complement your facial structure.

Square Face: Softening Strong Lines

Square faces boast strong, defined features, and the aim is to soften these angles. Illuminate the center of the forehead, tops of cheekbones, and the chin. When contouring, target the temples, the hollows of the cheeks, and the jawline. Blending is key to achieving a harmonious balance, giving your face a softer, more rounded appearance.

Heart Face: Balancing the Top and Bottom

A heart-shaped face is characterized by a wider forehead and a narrower chin. To balance these proportions, highlight the center of the forehead, tops of cheekbones, and the cupid’s bow. When contouring, focus on the sides of the forehead, beneath the cheekbones, and along the jawline. This technique adds subtle definition to the lower half of the face, creating a harmonious balance.

Diamond Face: Emphasizing Symmetry

Diamond faces are blessed with high cheekbones and a narrow forehead and chin. Highlight the center of the forehead, tops of cheekbones, and the chin to emphasize symmetry. Contour the sides of the forehead, beneath the cheekbones, and along the jawline for a refined look. The goal is to maintain the natural grace of your features while adding a touch of sculpted elegance.

Contouring for Different Face Shapes

Round Face

For round faces, the goal is to create the illusion of more angular features. To achieve this, apply a cool-toned contour shade along the hollows of your cheeks, starting from your ears towards the center of your cheeks. Blend the contour shade well to create a shadow effect and visually slim down the face. Apply a highlighter to the high points of your face, such as the cheekbones and brow bone, to add dimension and lift.

Oval Face

Those blessed with an oval face shape have balanced proportions and can focus on enhancing their natural features. To add definition, apply a subtle contour shade along the temples, underneath the cheekbones, and along the jawline. Blend well for a seamless transition. Highlight the center of your forehead, the bridge of your nose, and the cupid’s bow to accentuate the natural contours of your face.

Square Face

To soften the angles of a square face, focus on creating a more rounded appearance. Apply a contour shade along the hairline, temples, and jawline to minimize the strong angles. Blend the contour shade to create a natural-looking shadow effect. Apply a highlighter to the center of your forehead, the highest point of your cheekbones, and the tip of your chin to bring balance and add luminosity.

Heart-Shaped Face

Heart-shaped faces typically have a wider forehead and narrower chin. The aim is to balance these proportions. Apply a contour shade underneath the cheekbones and along the temples to minimize the width of the forehead. Softly blend the contour shade for a natural effect. Apply a highlighter to the center of your forehead, the bridge of your nose, and the center of your chin to bring focus to the center of the face.

Tips for All Face Shapes

Blend, blend, blend: Blending is the key to achieving a seamless and natural contour. Use a damp makeup sponge or a fluffy brush to blend the contour shade and highlighter for a flawless finish.
Less is more: Start with a light hand when applying contour products. It’s easier to build up the intensity gradually than to remove excess product.
Lighting matters: Consider the lighting conditions you’ll be in. What looks natural in daylight may appear heavy in artificial lighting. Adjust your contouring accordingly.

Mastering the art of how to contour face for different face shapes can truly transform your makeup routine. By understanding your unique face shape and following the right contouring techniques, you can enhance your features and create a more balanced, sculpted look. Whether you have a round, square, oval, heart, or diamond-shaped face, the key is to highlight your best features and create subtle shadows to define your natural bone structure. With the tips and tricks outlined in this guide, you’ll be able to contour like a pro and achieve a flawless, sculpted look every time.