This article has been updated to include more expert insight.
Contouring your face is an incredible makeup technique that can take years off your appearance when done correctly. Whether it’s part of your everyday makeup routine or reserved for special occasions, it has the power to enhance your natural beauty and give you a more glammed-up look. However, if done incorrectly with the wrong products, it can have the opposite effect and make you look older or more tired, which is definitely not the desired outcome.
To prevent any contouring mishaps, it’s crucial to be aware of some common pitfalls. We’ve spoken to professional makeup artists who have shared two mistakes that women often make when contouring and how to avoid them. By taking these tips into consideration, you can achieve flawless and youthful-looking makeup results every time. Read on for tips, suggestions and insight from Kerrin Jackson, creator of The Makeup Refinery blog and Mandie Brice, professional makeup artist, author and beauty expert.
2 'Unflattering' Contour Errors To Avoid— And How To Fix Them
1. Using Brassy-Toned Bronzers
When using bronzer products to help emphasize your cheekbones and make your face look slimmer, Jackson stresses avoiding "brassy-toned bronzers," as they can inadvertently draw attention to wrinkles and look unnatural as opposed to more neutral or cool-toned ones.
"I’d really look for a more neutral, cooler-toned bronzer and stay away from the super-brassy-toned ones I’ve seen floating about online," Jackson says, regarding contour trends and tutorials.
She adds: "Bronzers tend to run on the coppery or warm tone side, so using these for contouring a dimple hollow on your cheek may end up looking more like a cheekbone shading gone wrong."
She also recommends focusing on specific features (like your nose, cheekbones, etc) rather than applying product all over.
"If contouring is something you rely on with your makeup, just try contouring your own facial structure to enhance how you look," she says.
2. Forgetting To Thoroughly Clean Brushes And Sponges
The way you apply your favorite makeup products matters, as well as the tools you use daily. Brice explains that not washing your contour brushes enough can lead to breakouts, clogged pores, and patchy-looking, uneven foundation.
Of course, this would then make fine lines and sagging skin more obvious. "Another error boils down to hygiene," she says. "I think so many of us are guilty of not washing our brushes as often as we should."
Brice concludes that "applying with our fingers can be a mistake, if we don't first wash our hands." This can cause breakouts, she emphasizes, or even infection.
"Using dirty materials to apply your foundation is a major mistake," Brice stresses, whether that's your fingers, brushes, sponges, etc.
She also points out that "skin prep is a huge part" of a great contour look, "so ensuring that you are (at minimum) cleansing and moisturizing" before applying any makeup can also help.
Good to keep in mind!
