9 Common Contouring Mistakes

You have probably not had the opportunity to create a perfect shape in the last year. The face is stunning with its defined cheekbones and slimmed jawline. Contouring can also enhance other features. This makeup technique can be very difficult to master. It can seem like you don’t have the skills to do contouring without being a professional makeup artist. Some tips will make contouring much more enjoyable.

Before you grab your brushes, learn the top contouring mistakes to avoid. You’ll soon be applying your highlighter, contour powder and cream like a pro.

CONTOURING MISTAKE #1 – YOU CHOOSE SHADES THAT ARE TOO DARK

You have two options for contouring: you can use a product specifically designed for contouring or use concealer. No matter what makeup product you use for contouring, it is important that you only use one or two shades darker than the skin. This will ensure that your results look natural. 

CONTOURING MISTAKE #2 – YOU USE TOO MUCH HIGHLIGHTER

We love to contour with a highlighter. But it is easy to get carried away and end up in disco ball territory. You only need a tiny amount of highlighter to enhance your facial features. 

CONTOURING MISTAKE #3 – YOU MISMATCH FORMULAS

What happens when you combine a cream contour product with a highlighter? This would create a cakey, unnatural appearance. Pair like with like. This means that creams should be matched with cream formulas, liquids and powders.

CONTOURING MISTAKE #4 – YOU DON’T TAKE YOUR FACE SHADE INTO CONSIDERATION

Your face shape can affect how you place your focus. You may need to soften your jawline if your face is angular. Apply your darker shade, starting at your middle ears and ending at your chin. If your face is oval, you can reduce the appearance of your jawline and apply your darker shade along your chin, jawline and neck. 

CONTOURING MISTAKE #5 – YOU DON’T FOCUS ON THE RIGHT AREAS

It would help if you were careful where your highlight and contour are placed. Your darker shade (your highlight colour) should be applied around your hairline, along the sides of your face, below your cheekbones, and jawline. Highlighter: Apply it under your eyes, along your bridge, between your eyebrows and the middle of your chin.

CONTOURING MISTAKE #6 – YOU CAN ONLY LOOK AT ONE AREA

You might be able to contour only one spot if you are short on time. However, this could lead to an unnatural appearance. You want to contour your face in a balanced manner so that you don’t end up with one sculpted spot and the rest looking flat.

CONTOURING MISTAKE #7 – YOU USE THE WRONG TOOLS AFTER THE APPLICATION

The right tool can make a big difference in how you contour your face. Use a small amount to highlight and contour your face with the blender. Next, use the tip of the makeup blender to draw lines around your nose, cheekbones and jawline. Blend the lines using the side of the blender.

CONTOURING MISTAKE #8 – YOU SKIP OUT ON BLENDING

This is one of the most common mistakes people make when contouring. Blending can be a huge mistake. You want to blend the lines you draw on your face using your highlighter and contour colours. Blending can be made easier by using a makeup blender. Make sure to be thorough, and blend your jawline contour.

CONTOURING MISTAKE #9 – NOT USING A SPRAY FOR SETTING

After you’ve spent so much time and effort creating the perfect contoured look, you’ll want to apply a makeup spray. You don’t want your whole look to get smudged, smudged, or rubbed off before the end of your day. Use a few sprays of setting spray to prevent all this.