Contouring is something I'm pretty new at. Being super pale most bronzers are way too dark on my skin making them tricky to use. I have found the perfect product in MAC Blush in Harmony. I don't do a full on contour, just my: hallow of my cheeks, temples, and the end of my nose. The effect is very subtle but I feel like I look more alive and I've had people ask if I've lost weight since I started this routine (which I definately haven't!). I know it might be hard to see the difference in the picture above. I had a hard time photographing the effect but it's easier to tell the difference in real life.
To apply my contour powder I use the Sigma F35 brush which is meant for highlighting. I then use the Real Techniques Buffing Brush to blend it in (darker skintones will be able to skip this step). For these pictures I've used MAC Blush in Peachykeen as I'm sure most people own a coral blush and it gives a natural flush to the cheeks. I apply my highlight (Smashbox Softlights in shimmer) on the top of my cheekbones, centre of my forehead, brow bone, and the tip of my nose.
Product availability:
MAC Blushes in Harmony & Peachykeen: MAC Cosmetics $24
Smashbox Soft Lights in Shimmer:Sephora $29 and Shoppers Drug Mart
Sigma F35 Brush: FTB Beauty $18
Real Techniques Buffing Brush (part of a 4 brush set): iHerb.com $17.99
Sleek also sells "Face Form" kits which contain colours similar to the ones I used and come in different shades for different skintones. These sets are a great value for $12.49 ($2.77 shipping).
Great post! I've been really interested in contouring lately. I'm a total newbie at it though, so its really good to see tips and ideas like these. Thanks so much!
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I think for everyday it just makes sense to contour only where you need to/want to. It's pretty easy and takes not even a minute :)
DeleteGreat post Christine and you can tell a difference in the pics! I have no idea how to contour so I'm going to follow your steps when I've got time next xx
ReplyDeleteThanks a lot Vicky :) I'm sure a video would be more helpful but hopefully my description was enough.
DeleteGreat post! I just received the sleek contour palette and i love it, the shades are very similar to the ones you use aswell.
ReplyDeletexx
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I'm glad to hear you love it! I regeret not getting it instead as it seems like such an amazing deal and Sleek products are amazing quality.
DeleteYou can see the difference from the first to the last pic, you did a great job! On a side note that lip colour looks amazing on you!
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Ok I'm glad it is noticeable, thank you! And thanks, it's MAC Cremesheen Glass in Pagoda :)
Deletegreat post - i love the side by side pics :)
ReplyDeleteand ive just started playing with contouring and highlighting too!
Thank you Helen, I was nervous that it would be hard to tell. I'd love to see a post on the products you use :)
DeleteI love pictures like this because you can actually see how much of a difference contouring makes! You have such gorgeous skin!
ReplyDeleteThank you Katie!
Deletecontouring does make a big difference, but you look great in all the pictures :)
ReplyDeleteAww thank you Steph, you're so sweet :)
DeleteIt's amazing what contouring and highlighting can do to for the face, you look amazing in those photos!
ReplyDeleteYeah, I don't know why I was so scared of it before. Thank you :)
DeleteAs a fellow pale beauty, I know how hard finding a bronzer to contour with can be! But you tou great - the effect is subtle but gives you that healthy glow!
ReplyDeleteYeah I've just come to the conclusion that "bronzer" isn't for someone as pale as me. This blush works perfect though. Thank you Jasmine :)
Deletethis was a great post! i love the RT buffing brush it is amazing! i cant wait to try peachykeen and harmony is such a nice contour colour!
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I love it for everything besides foundation which everyone seems to love it for. Peachykeen is so nice, hope you get to try it :)
Deletethis looks gorgeous on you! you have such clear skin! :)
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xx
Thank you :) It feels weird hearing I have clear skin but I guess I do (finally).
DeleteContouring is seriously a magic trick! Makes such a difference when I use it as well. I agree that it's hard to tell in pictures though, you're right :)
ReplyDeleteI think if I had better lighting you could tell maybe haha. I can tell in real life though.
DeleteI've just started contouring & I really love it! You look super gorgeous!
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Megan xxx
Aww thank you Megan :)
Deletei really want to start trying MAC make up out! you look gorgeous though! feel free to check my blog out
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Sacha xx
MAC is probably my favourite brand, hope you get your hands on some of their products :)
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