When selecting a contour shade, it’s best to take into account your skin’s undertone. Doing this can help determine which hue best complements your complexion if you have fair skin.

Lighter skin tones can opt for cooler contour shades, while olive and tan complexions should opt for a golden tone that leans towards the warmer side of things. Medium and darker complexions should opt for contour that’s one or two shades lighter than their foundation color;

Applying Contour Cream or Liquid

Contouring your face with contour cream, liquid or powder is the most popular way to achieve this look. Apply it under cheekbones, along the sides of your nose and under your chin with an angled brush or damp beauty sponge and blend into skin for a natural-looking finish.

You can also try contouring with a darker foundation. Instead of using liquid makeup, select powder in an shade that’s several shades darker than your current foundation and sweep it under your cheekbones, jawline, and hairline with an angled brush. Be sure to blend the product thoroughly before setting with translucent powder for lasting coverage.

Another straightforward contouring method is using pressed powder. Simply select a shade darker than your foundation and blend it into your skin for defined shadows beneath your cheekbones, along the jawline, and around the sides of your nose.

Start with a light base layer and build up gradually. Be careful not to apply too much powder at once as this could make your look more dramatic than desired.

When selecting a highlight, always steer clear of anything that’s too harsh or orange-tan in hue. Doing so will draw attention to any lines on your face and may make them appear unnatural.

NYC-based professional makeup artist Caroline Baribeau recommends using a neutral taupe shade to achieve the illusion of real shadow. Additionally, she suggests trying to color-match your shade in-store before purchasing it.

If you’re uncertain which shade to go for, take a picture without makeup and examine your hollows or eyes. Then select a product that closely mimics this natural hue for an unmistakably natural look.

It’s essential to note that while you don’t necessarily need a contour kit to start learning the technique, if you do want to purchase one it’s wise to opt for something more budget friendly rather than spending an arm and a leg on expensive products. Oftentimes, cheaper contour products can be found at drugstores or online that can help create the desired effect at lower costs.