Contouring for a natural look is simple if you know where you want to emphasize the shadows on your face. You can enhance your natural features without making a statement if that's what you prefer. Learn the best ways to use highlighters and bronzers for a softer, natural contour.

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Contouring for Beginners

Contouring, for beginners, is the art of emphasizing the way light and shadows are presented on your skin. You're probably already contouring and you don't even know it.

Using eyeshadow to emphasize certain ares of your eyes or using highlighter to draw light to your cheekbones are both forms of contouring.

If you want to contour for a natural look, you can use deeper tones where shadows naturally fall on your face and emphasize the places where light hits your features with a highlighter.

If you prefer to contour for a natural look, there are several areas of the face where shadows naturally fall:

• The nose
• Cheeks (beneath the cheekbones)
• On either side of the chin

The forehead is another area that is commonly contoured because creating shadows draws attention away from the top f the forehead (which some prefer).

Adding depth to these areas will change the perceived depth of the face because it changes the way light is presented on your skin.

You can also use contouring techniques to change the shape of your face by adding shadows where they don't naturally fall or by emphasizing shadows to give some sections of your face a slimmer or wider appearance. You can also use a highlighter to draw attention to your face or brighten your eyes for an overall glow.

How to Blend Contour

It's important to remember to blend your contour, especially if you are using a deeper shade to add depth. While some highlighter products are to sweep on, it's important to make sure your shadows are just as blended.

If your brush is round, apply the bronzer to the very edge and use the edge of the brush to apply (and blend) your contour. It's best to apply in a straight line and gently buff the product into the skin. It's best to avoid any circular motions as well.

It's usually best to use your bone structure as a guide for the lines you make with your contour. Every person will contour differently.

If you have trouble with using a bronzer and want a softer look, contouring with blush is a popular way to add depth and color to the cheeks. Remember to take your undertone into account before purchasing a blush product because you'll want to opt for a cooler or warmer shade depending on your undertone.

Natural Contour Makeup

When choosing a contouring product, it's important to take our skin type into account. The most important thing to remember about contouring is that it's all about what you prefer. Whether you use blush, cream, or powder highlighters, the features you choose to emphasize will be specific to you and your preference.

Lili Lolo Sculpt and Glow Contour Duo

The Sculpt and Glow Contour Duo from Lili Lolo is a compressed powder that is also certified cruelty-free (by the Leaping Bunny and PETA). The duo compact includes two shades which makes it perfect for travel or a minimal makeup routine.

Ilia Nightlite Bronzing Powder

Ilia Nightlite Bronzing Powder comes in several shades and is talc-free. It's designed for easy application and a mirror comes with the compact if you're applying your makeup in a rush.

W3ll People Super Bronzing Powder

W3ll offers a plant-based semi-matte bronzer for a natural look. According to the brand, "the formula is enriched with skin-loving squalane and other plant-based ingredients to hydrate skin and absorb excess oil for a flawless finish."

Rituel de Fille The Ethereal Veil Conceal and Cover

If you need a 2-in-1 product that conceals and contours, Rituel de Fille has the perfect product for you.

RMS Beauty Luminizer

RMS Beauty Luminizer is a high-impact highlighter that delivers a natural and powerful glow. The product is a perfect option for enhancing your natural features with moisturizing ingredients. Discover whether or not RMS Beauty Living Luminizer works for you.

100% Pure Blush in "Prism" (Includes Blush & Highlighter)

The 100% Pure Rose Gold Palette has everything you need for a rosy glow this season. The fruit pigmented formula is easy on the skin, not to mention the eyes with it's intense gemstone-infused hues. The tones in this palette are irresistible. Learn more about this product and whether or not it will work for you below.

Ilia Liquid Light Serum Highlighter

Ilia's serums offer an intense pigment. These are great for traveling or for a healthier alternative to liquid highlighters. They also offer several shimmery eyeshadow serums that make perfect gifts.

Ilia Illuminator

Ilia's illuminator has a touch of glitter, making it the perfect option for a subtle sparkle if you prefer a toned down (but still glittery) look. When I sampled this product I found it to be extremely long lasting. This will stay on all day.

Natural Contour Tools

The tools you use will determine how clean the lines of your contour are. You will have a dramatically different look if you use your fingers instead of a brush. It all depends on what you prefer when it comes to contouring.

Sephora Collection Pro Contour Brush # 78

Contouring For Beginners

The products and techniques you use for contouring will depend on your personal preferences and which features you want to add light to (or take light away from). Using light to your advantage will allow you to have more creative freedom when you apply your makeup. It will take time and experimentation to determine which products work best for you. It's best to consider your undertone when purchasing a product and to make informed choices about the shades you choose.