How to create shapes for beginners

Do you feel your face looks dull or lifeless on days when your skin isn't looking its best? Contouring is the perfect makeup tool to effectively fix that. Using contouring powder correctly not only makes your face look sharper and more balanced, but also creates a slimming effect and enhances your natural features. However, incorrect application or choosing the wrong product can make your face look dull or smudged and unattractive. In this article, Tiptory will guide you on how to create the perfect, easy-to-follow contouring technique for beginners , suitable for many different face types. Let's explore!

Step 1: How to choose a contouring powder that matches your skin tone.

Contour powder is a beauty "weapon" that helps to make the face more defined and attractive. However, to maximize its effectiveness, you need to choose a product that suits your skin tone and personal style. Below are some principles to help you choose the right contour powder:

1. Purpose of using contouring powder

• To subtly darken certain areas of the face.
• It creates a depth effect, making the face look slimmer and more defined.

2. Choose powder colors based on your skin tone.

• General rule: Choose a contouring powder that is two shades darker than your natural skin tone.
• Note when testing powder: It's best to test it directly on your face to ensure the shade gives your skin a warm yet natural look.

3. Suggested blush colors based on skin tone.

• Fair skin: Choose honey-toned blush to create warmth and harmony.
• For medium skin tones: Choose a bronzed pink or light gold blush.
• For darker skin tones: Yellowish-brown or amber shades of blush are suitable, helping to make the skin look healthier and more radiant.

4. Use powder according to the season.

• Prepare two different types of contouring powder:
  • One type is for winter (when skin is duller and lighter).
  • One type is for summer (when skin is more tanned from the sun).
• This method helps keep your makeup looking flawless and even all year round.

You can apply these principles to choose the right contouring powder, helping your face look more attractive and natural in any situation.

Step 2: How to choose a contouring brush for even and natural application.

To achieve a smooth and defined contouring finish, choosing the right brush is just as important as choosing the right product. A suitable brush will help you control the amount of powder and blend it evenly across your face, preventing patchiness or smudging.

1. Prioritize brushes with large heads, soft bristles, and a rounded shape.

• Soft brush bristles: Help to blend powder gently without damaging the skin.
• Large, round brush head: For evenly applying powder to larger areas such as cheekbones, forehead, and jawline.
• Avoid small, stiff-bristled brushes: They can easily make the powder look too dark and patchy, resulting in an unnatural-looking face.

2. Choose from a selection of specialized or versatile brushes.

• Contouring brushes: Available at cosmetic stores, these are optimally designed for creating defined lines.
• Substitute with a large brush or foundation brush: In the absence of a specialized brush, you can still use a powder brush or foundation brush to apply contouring powder with similar results.

With just the right brush, you can easily create sharp yet natural lines, elevating your everyday makeup look.

Step 3: Instructions on how to properly apply foundation before contouring.

Foundation is a crucial step in evening out skin tone, covering imperfections, and creating a perfect base for subsequent makeup steps – especially when using contouring products. Here's how to apply foundation effectively for a smooth and natural-looking finish:

1. Apply foundation after concealer.

• The correct order: Foundation should be applied after moisturizer and concealer.
• Purpose: To even out skin tone, minimize pores, and create a perfect base for the subsequent contouring step.

2. Spread the cream evenly across your face.

• Using a clean brush, sponge, or fingertips, gently blend the cream from the center of your face outwards.
• Ensure the cream is applied evenly so that the skin looks smooth and natural, avoiding areas that are too thick or too thin.

3. Don't forget to blend it down to the neck area.

• This is a step many people often skip, causing the skin tone of their face and neck to be uneven.
• Gently blend the cream down your neck to even out your skin tone, creating a more natural and refined look.

When foundation is applied correctly, subsequent contouring steps will be easier and achieve a clearer, more harmonious effect on the face.

Step 4: How to properly apply contouring powder for a beautiful, natural look.

Applying contouring powder may seem simple, but it greatly affects the final effect. Instead of applying too much right from the start, you should do it step by step to control the amount of powder and ensure a natural, refined makeup look.

1. Gently pick up the powder with the tip of the brush.

• Gently dab the brush tip onto the powder surface – avoid pressing hard or swirling the brush too deeply, as this will cause the brush to "absorb" too much powder.
• Use a brush with a round, soft bristle head to pick up the powder evenly and make it easier to blend.

2. Tap gently to remove excess powder.

• After dipping the brush in the powder, gently tap it against the rim of the container to remove any excess powder.
• It helps avoid applying too much product or causing clumping on the skin.

3. Apply in thin layers instead of dabbing it all at once.

• Apply the powder in several thin layers, gradually increasing the intensity as desired.
• This method gives you better control over the color tone and keeps your makeup looking more natural and soft than applying a thick layer of dark powder right away.

Proper technique in picking up and blending the powder will help you create subtle and skillful contouring while maintaining a light and elegant look.

Step 5: How to apply contouring powder correctly to make your face look slimmer and more prominent.

Contour powder helps to reshape the face, creating a slimmer look and highlighting natural features. However, to achieve a beautiful and professional effect, you need to apply it in the right places and in the appropriate blending direction.

1. Focus on areas that receive direct sunlight.

• Apply contouring powder to areas where you want to create depth and highlight your features.
  • Above the forehead (near the hairline)
  • Cheekbone
  • Jawline

2. Use a brush to gently blend the product evenly.

• Using a round-tipped brush with soft bristles, move it in light strokes to blend the powder seamlessly into the skin.
• Blend in a motion from the forehead down to the cheeks and chin, keeping the contour natural and not too dark.

3. Create the shape of the number "3" on your face.

• When played correctly, you will create the shape of the number "3" on each side:
  • Starting from the forehead, gliding down the cheekbones, and ending at the jawline.
• This is a simple and effective way to create a more balanced and defined facial structure.

Applying contouring powder in a "3" shape not only adds depth to the face but also creates a harmonious, natural yet striking look.

Step 6: Check the contouring powder under natural light.

After completing the contouring step, checking the makeup under natural light is an essential step to ensure the face looks harmonious and not overdone.

1. Inspect in natural light.

• Move to a place with sunlight or near a window to clearly see the actual tone of the powder on your skin.
• Natural light will help you easily spot dark lines, streaks, or unevenly blended areas of powder.

2. Ensure a thin and even layer of powder.

• Observe carefully to see if the powder is too thick, patchy, or creates unnatural-looking streaks.
• If present, it needs to be addressed immediately to avoid making the makeup look "fake" or unrefined.

3. How to handle hitting too hard

• Use a clean cotton pad or brush to gently blend and even out the powder color.
• If it's still too intense, you can apply a thin layer of setting powder on top to soften the color and "tone down" the contours.

Checking and adjusting your contouring powder under natural light will help you perfect your makeup for a more natural and sophisticated look in any lighting condition.

Author: Lee. K.