The procedure isn’t without risks — and not everyone is a good candidate for it. For some, it can make the cheek area look depleted and create a look that’s more aging than you may want. Of course, there are also high prices to consider when it comes to cosmetic surgery, as well as downtime and risks. Whether you’ve been thinking of buccal fat removal but aren’t ready to take that leap or it’s nowhere on your to-do list and you just want to contour the features your parents gave you, there are a number of contour tricks and tips that can help. Beauty Expert Sarah Abraham, the founder and co-author of Blushastic recommends these contour hacks for square face shapes.
Here are the steps Abraham recommends taking to contour correctly for a square face:
** Start by identifying the areas of your face that you want to contour. For a square face, focus on the jawline and the temples to create a more oval-shaped face.
** Use a contour shade that is 1-2 shades darker than your skin tone. Apply the contour shade along the jawline and blend it upwards towards your ears. This will help to create the illusion of a more defined jawline.
** Apply the contour shade to the temples of your forehead and blend it towards your hairline. This will create the illusion of a more narrow forehead, which can help to balance out a square face shape.
** Use a highlighter shade that is 1-2 shades lighter than your skin tone. Apply the highlighter shade to the center of your forehead, the bridge of your nose, the high points of your cheekbones, and your cupid's bow
** Blend the contour and highlighter shades together using a makeup brush, sponge, or your fingers. Make sure to blend well to avoid any harsh lines and to create a natural-looking finish.
** Finish off your look with a setting powder to help your makeup last longer. Use a translucent powder or a powder that matches your skin tone.
“As for product recommendations, there are many great contouring palettes available on the market. Some popular options include the Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Kit, the Fenty Beauty Match Stix Trio, and the Tarte Park Ave Princess Contour Palette,” Abraham shares.
Contour Mistakes
Just as there are myriad great contouring hacks, there are also mistakes you should avoid at all costs, Abraham says. Among them:
** Overdoing it: “One of the biggest mistakes people make when contouring is using too much product,” Abraham says. “This can result in a harsh, unnatural-looking finish. Start with a light hand and build up the product gradually until you achieve your desired look.”
** Using the wrong shade: Choosing the wrong shade of contour can also result in an unnatural-looking finish, Abraham notes. “Make sure to choose a contour shade that is only 1-2 shades darker than your skin tone, and avoid shades that are too warm or too cool.”
** Ignoring symmetry: “Another common mistake is not paying attention to symmetry. Make sure to apply your contour and highlighter shades evenly on both sides of your face to create a balanced look.”
** Applying the contour too low: “When contouring a square face, it's important to focus on the jawline and temples. Avoid applying contour too low on the face, as this can create a droopy, saggy appearance,” she says.
** Not blending enough: Blending is key when it comes to contouring, according to Abraham. “Make sure to blend your contour and highlighter shades well to avoid any harsh lines or patches.”
** Skipping primer: “Finally, don't forget to use a primer before applying your makeup. A good primer can help to smooth out any texture or unevenness in your skin, making it easier to apply and blend your contour and highlighter shades.”
Square faces are so super elegant. Play off your unique and beautiful features with these simple, fool-proof contour hacks.