Prepping your skin
Before using a contour stick, it's important to properly prep your skin. Start by cleansing your face with a gentle facial cleanser to get rid of any dirt or oil buildup. Then, apply a moisturizer to hydrate and soften your skin.
If you have oily skin, use a mattifying primer to help control shine and prolong wear time. If you have dry skin, opt for a hydrating primer to ensure your contour stick glides on smoothly.
To further enhance your skin's texture and ensure a flawless application, you can also use a pore-minimizing primer or a blurring primer.
Choosing the right contour stick shade
Choosing the right contour stick shade is crucial for a natural-looking contoured effect. The shade should be two to three shades darker than your skin tone and have a cool undertone to mimic the natural shadows on your face.
To find your perfect shade match, swatch a few shades on your jawline and choose the shade that disappears into your skin without leaving a noticeable line.
If you have fair skin, opt for a light to medium shade. If you have medium skin, opt for a medium to deep shade. If you have dark skin, opt for a deep shade.
Map out your contouring areas
Before applying your contour stick, it's important to map out your contouring areas. Use a cream or liquid concealer that's two to three shades lighter than your skin tone to highlight the high points of your face, such as your forehead, under eyes, and chin.
Then, use your contour stick to apply the darker shade along the hollows of your cheeks, sides of your nose, temples, and jawline.
Blend as you go to avoid harsh lines and streaks. Use a beauty blender or a dense brush to blend out the product for a seamless finish.
Blend, blend, blend
Blending is key when it comes to using a contour stick. You want to avoid any harsh lines or streaks to achieve a natural-looking contoured effect.
Use a beauty blender or a dense brush to blend out the product, focusing on the edges to avoid any harsh lines. Build up the product gradually, blending as you go to avoid any mistakes.
Remember to blend your contour shade with your foundation for a seamless transition. This will ensure a natural-looking finish and prevent any harsh lines or streaks.
Highlighting with contour stick
Highlighting is an important step when it comes to contouring with a contour stick. Use a concealer that's two to three shades lighter than your skin tone to highlight the high points of your face, such as your forehead, under eyes, and chin.
Blend out the product using a beauty blender or a dense brush. This will create a bright, glowy effect and enhance the natural contours of your face.
You can also use a shimmery highlighter on the high points of your face for an extra radiant effect. Apply the highlighter using a fan brush or a small tapered brush for precision.
Adding finishing touches
After you've finished contouring and highlighting, it's time to add some finishing touches. Use a blush or a bronzer to add some warmth to your face and create a healthy, natural-looking glow.
Apply the blush or bronzer to the apples of your cheeks or along your cheekbones for a subtle flush.
If you want to add some extra definition, apply a matte bronzer along your hairline and jawline to create a chiseled effect.
Setting your contour with powder
Setting your contour with powder is an important step to ensuring your hard work stays in place all day. Use a loose or pressed setting powder to set your contour and highlight.
Apply the powder using a large, fluffy brush to avoid disrupting your contour and highlight. This will also prevent any shine or oil buildup throughout the day.
Remember to blend the powder gently for a natural-looking finish. You can also use a setting spray to lock in your contour for extra staying power.
