Contouring for Beginners – How to Contour Your Face Based on Face Shape
Contouring can seem a little intimidating if you’re new to makeup. But the truth is—it’s not just for red carpets or professional MUAs. With the right tools and guidance, you can learn to contour your face like a pro, even if you’re just starting out. 💁♀️
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!In this beginner-friendly guide, we’ll walk you through what contouring is, why it works, and how to apply it properly for your unique face shape—whether you’re round, oval, heart, square, or long.
What Is Contouring and Why Is It Important?
Contouring is a makeup technique used to enhance your natural facial structure by playing with light and shadow. Using darker shades to create depth and lighter ones to highlight, contouring can:
- Sculpt your cheekbones
- Slim your nose
- Define your jawline
- Lift and brighten your face
Think of it like using a filter—but in real life. It’s not about changing your face—it’s about enhancing what you already have.
Tools You’ll Need to Get Started
Before diving in, grab these basics:
- Contour product (cream, stick, or powder—1–2 shades darker than your skin tone)
- Highlight product (concealer or highlighter—1–2 shades lighter)
- Blending sponge or angled brush
- Setting powder or spray
How to Choose the Right Contour Product for You
💄 Cream vs. Powder
- Creams: Blendable, great for dry skin or dewy finishes
- Powders: Matte, ideal for oily skin or beginner-friendly control
💄 Warm vs. Cool Tones
- Cool tones mimic natural shadows (best for contour)
- Warm tones are better for bronzing—not contouring
How to Contour Based on Your Face Shape
1. Round Face
Goal: Create angles and add structure
Where to contour:
- Sides of forehead
- Under cheekbones (angled toward mouth)
- Jawline corners
Highlight: Center of forehead, chin, and under eyes
🔁 This helps elongate and define the face.
2. Oval Face
Goal: Maintain balance while enhancing bone structure
Where to contour:
- Under cheekbones
- Sides of forehead
Highlight: Center of forehead, under eyes, chin
🔁 This face shape is already balanced, so minimal contour is needed.
3. Square Face
Goal: Soften strong jawline and forehead
Where to contour:
- Sides of forehead
- Temples
- Jawline corners
Highlight: Under eyes and center of forehead
🔁 This softens the angular features for a more oval appearance.
4. Heart-Shaped Face
Goal: Balance a wider forehead and pointed chin
Where to contour:
- Sides of forehead
- Bottom of chin
Highlight: Under cheekbones and center of chin
🔁 This helps slim the upper half and adds fullness to the lower face.
5. Long/Oblong Face
Goal: Shorten the appearance of the face
Where to contour:
- Top of forehead
- Bottom of chin
- Under cheekbones (horizontal)
Highlight: Under eyes and upper cheeks
🔁 This visually shortens the face and creates width.
Application Step-by-Step for Beginners
- Start with a clean, moisturized face
- Apply foundation for an even base
- Place contour in the hollows of your cheeks, sides of nose, and jawline
- Add highlight under eyes, center of forehead, bridge of nose
- Blend well with a damp sponge or brush
- Set with powder to lock it in
- Finish with blush and bronzer for added warmth
Contouring Mistakes to Avoid
🚫 Using a contour that’s too warm (that’s bronzing!)
🚫 Not blending enough—patchy lines can age your look
🚫 Applying highlight where it emphasizes texture
🚫 Skipping prep (dry skin will cake!)
FAQs
1. Can I contour with just a bronzer?
Not exactly. Bronzer adds warmth; contour adds shadow. For beginners, you can use cool-toned bronzer in a pinch.
2. What’s the best contour product for beginners?
Try sticks or cream palettes—they’re easier to blend and less harsh than powders.
3. Do I need to contour every day?
Nope! Save it for special occasions or when you want to feel extra sculpted.
4. Is nose contour necessary?
Only if you want to! It’s totally optional and often overdone—subtle is best.
5. Can I contour without foundation?
Yes, just use light cream products and blend well into your skin for a natural finish.
Customer Reviews
Ayesha H. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“I finally figured out how to contour my round face thanks to this! It’s way easier than I thought.”
Megan R. ⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Contour always scared me, but breaking it down by face shape makes so much sense.”
Carly J. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Love this beginner guide. I used the cream stick from e.l.f. and followed the heart-shape tip—worked beautifully!”
Final Thoughts – Contour with Confidence
Contouring doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Once you know your face shape and the placement zones, it becomes second nature. The goal isn’t to hide your features—it’s to embrace and enhance them.
So grab that contour stick and go glow up your look—you’ve got this! 💖
