This New Spin on Contouring Is So Much Easier (and Subtler)
Let’s dial it back. (Photo: Shutterstock)
Celebrities and social media heavyweights made contouring one of the biggest beauty trends in recent memory—but while heavily sculpted faces look great in photos, a softer and subtler approach now reigns supreme.
“Contouring in 2016 means pulling it way back from what you have been seeing,” says Rea Ann Silva, celebrity makeup artist and creator of the BeautyBlender sponge. “Not only are we seeing a blast of shine, but we’re going back to basics to create that inner glow, which is key.”
Extreme contouring usually tends to have a major impact, but the new spin on the trend is definitely more natural. Instead of dramatically shading and highlighting your entire face, experts recommend toning your look down with subtle lines, focusing more on a strategic glow—which makes it a whole lot more office-appropriate.
“Contouring is returning to its roots and is more about enhancing your natural features,” explains Joanna Schlip, celebrity makeup artist for Physicians Formula. “It’s a softer and more realistic look, that’s about definition but not all features at once.”
How to Soften Your Contour
New York City-based makeup artist Lauren Cosenza recommends trading in those clunky contour palettes for liquid foundation. Unlike heavy contouring powders, lightweight liquid foundation formulas blend together more effortlessly, making your overall result look balanced and blended. Grab one in a shade lighter and one in a shade darker than your natural skin tone. We’re fans of Josie Maran Vibrancy Argan Oil Foundation ($45, sephora.com). “Use the darker tone around the borders of the face and the lighter one on the center of the face,” says Cosenza. “Blend where the two meet, and you’re good to go.” It’s so easy, you can’t mess up.
You can also use a matte liquid bronzer and liquid highlighter to define your nose. (Just remember to blend, blend, blend around this tricky crevice!) For bronzer, we like Benefit Dew the Hoola Soft Matte Liquid Bronzer ($28, sephora.com), while NYX Cosmetics Born to Glow Liquid Illuminator ($7, ulta.com) is a great budget highlighter pick.
“Apply two lines, one on each side of the nose, with a matte bronzer,” says Schlip. “Start where your brow bone meets your nose, and bring the line to the end of the nose stopping before the tip. Blend, and apply your highlighter in a line, on the center of the nose.”
The Future of Contouring
In an extension of the trend, brands like Estee Lauder and La Mer are whipping out contouring serums and creams to help firm and define facial contours. While they don’t give you the same impact you normally get with makeup, celebrity makeup artist Jamie Greenberg, who hosts Pretty Little Pranksters on Michelle Phan’s ICON Network, says they can give drooping skin a much-needed boost. “Lifting products are great, but the results are usually temporary,” says Greenberg. “I say go for it if you want to see an interesting lift.”
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