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Classic contour makeup — bronzer that’s darker than your skin tone and highlighter to make areas of the face pop — is usually used to make your face look more defined. Contouring is the best way to draw attention to your bone structure, but the effect is a lot more sophisticated than it is youthful.
If your goal is to look as radiant and young as possible, you shouldn’t neglect contouring altogether. But there’s one sexy contour trick celebs like Beyoncé swear by to look 10 years younger. It actually doesn’t even involve contour makeup with bronzer, so there’s no risk of winding up with a striped face (hurray to that). This celeb trick will make you look fresh and defined.
Invisible Contouring
Sir John has worked as Beyoncé’s makeup guru forever (and his other incredible clients include the likes of Karlie Kloss and Joan Smalls). One of the reasons why these celebs never have a bad makeup day (one that consists of visible lines on the face where bronzer should have been better blended into highlighter) is because Sir John swears by his Invisible Contouring trick.
In a nutshell, Invisible Contouring is a more natural way to draw attention to the high points of your face.
"Invisible contouring is the 2.0 of contouring," Sir John told MarieClaire.com. "It's pulling back on the aggressive forms of contouring that don't look natural."
If this sounds pretty great to you, it’s about to get even better. You’ll need just two products: a water-based moisturizer and a matte blush. Ready?
Nature Republic Super Aqua Max Combination Watery Cream ($13)
Step One: Moisturize
The Invisible Contouring technique relies on healthy, moisturized skin as its base. You have two options, according to Sir John: apply a water-based foundation to clean skin or forego makeup altogether (especially if you prefer showing off your freckles) and simply apply the most hydrating water-based moisturizer you can find.
This light Korean beauty moisturizer is perfect for contouring — it's made from Polynesia lagoon water and is rich in sea minerals. It will leave your skin dewy, but never greasy — which is key here.
NYX Professional Makeup High Definition Blush in Taupe ($6.49)
Step Two: Contour Using Just A Matte Blush
Forget bronzer and concealer sticks — Sir John's trick for natural contouring involves just one product: a matte blush in taupe, which he deems a universally flattering shade. The magic happens when you apply blush strategically to brighten areas of your face.
"With a brush, I'll start to press in a taupe or matte colored blush into the cheeks, sockets of the eyes, down the sides of the nose, and jawline to create a sense of illusion or depth of field," Sir John told MarieClaire.com. He stressed the importance of remembering to contour your jawline so that your neck blends in with your face.
Step Three: Highlighter (Which Is Optional)
According to Sir John's Invisible Contouring rules, highlighter is not necessary because a great matte blush will automatically draw light to areas of your face like your cheekbones and the center of your chin. But for an extra added sparkle, don't be afraid to lightly tap a cream or powder highlighter to the tops of cheekbones and the centers of your forehead, nose, and chin for a gorgeous, lit-from-within glow.
For more contouring tips, check out How To Contour Your Face In Half The Time and The Ultimate Beginner's Guide For How To Use Color Correcting Concealer on SHEFinds.com.
[Photos: Shutterstock]
