Do you want a sculpted, glowy look without a lot of products? You need our contour makeup for face type for beginners guide!
Contour makeup for face type for beginners seems a little intimidating, but only until you learn the tricks! Once you learn the basics and tailor it to your face shape, it becomes a game-changer, even for beginners!
What Is Contouring Exactly?
Basically, it is the art of using shadows and highlights to define your facial structure. This technique helps to give the makeup a natural look and avoid the overpowering white cast of foundation.
The goal is to achieve a more sculpted and lifted look. While contour (the shadow) adds depth, highlight brings forward the areas you want to pop. Simple!
This guide will walk you through simple contour techniques based on your unique face type, and by the end, you’ll know exactly where to shade and highlight to bring out your natural features.
Know Your Face Shape At First!
Before diving in, take a quick look in the mirror and identify your face shape. The most common ones that might match yours are listed below. Check them out.
- Oval – Balanced proportions, forehead slightly wider than the chin.
- Round – Soft features, equal width and length.
- Square – Strong jawline and straight sides.
- Heart – Wider forehead and a pointed chin.
- Long/Rectangular – Forehead, cheeks, and jawline similar in width, that is longer than wide.
- Diamond – Narrow forehead and jaw with wider cheekbones.
Contour Makeup For Face Type For Beginners
1. Oval Face
This is the most balanced shape and has its own benefits. You need to contour lightly below the cheekbones and around the temples. Then highlight the center of the forehead, under the eyes, and the chin.
Pro Tip: Don’t overdo it! A soft hand is key for oval faces.
2. Round Face
Contouring is something that one with a round face must never ignore. It will add angles and definition to the face. So, contour the sides of the forehead, under cheekbones (blend upwards), and jawline.
Also, highlight the forehead’s center, the nose bridge, and the under eyes. Also, avoid adding too much product on the sides of your face—this can widen your look.
3. Square Face
You must soften the jaw lines and the forehead if you have a beautiful square face. Touch the temples, sides of the jaw, and below the cheekbones with contouring.
Then, lightly highlight the center of the forehead, under the eyes, and the chin. Blend well around the jawline to avoid a harsh finish.
4. Heart Face
To all the heart-shaped girls, your main goal must be to balance a wider forehead and a narrower chin. Try to balance the slides of the forehead and temples, along with a little under the cheekbones.
If you have dark circles under the eyes, go for a little highlight. Plus, don’t skip the chin and the center of the forehead. Lastly, skip contouring the jawline—it can make the chin look too pointed.
5. Long Face
If you want to shorten the appearance of your face or want to improve your highs and lows along the hairline, the bottom of the chin, and under the cheekbones.
Add highlighter under the eyes and the center of the face—but not the forehead tip or chin. As you blend, try doing it horizontally and not vertically. It helps shorten the face visually.
6. Diamond Face
The diamond face has many variations. To improve appearance and finish, try softening the angular cheekbones and widening the forehead and jaw slightly.
Apply contour on the lower half of the cheekbones and highlight the chin, center of forehead, and under the eyes. That’s it, all set!
Pro Tip: Avoid heavy contour on the temples to prevent narrowing the top of the face too much.
Beginner Tools, Products, and Tips on Contour Makeup For Face Type
When you begin with makeup, remember, you don’t need a full kit! Start simple with some cream contour sticks or powder palettes, a makeup sponge or angled brush, and concealer or highlighter pen for brightening.
Contouring is personal. What works for one face might not for another—and that’s okay! Experiment with light and dark shades, try different brush angles, and take selfies to track your progress. You’ll be surprised how quickly you master it.
Pro Tip: Always prep your skin with a light facial oil (like castor oil blended with jojoba) for smooth application and extra hydration, especially if you use powder products.
Hey, you might want to check out Why everyone is putting jojoba oil under their makeup? Let us know how it works for you!