Contouring

Contouring is a technique using cosmetics to define and enhance facial structure. ^[1]

Contouring is usually produced by placing a warm or cool toned brown colour in the hollows of the cheeks, on the side of the nose, and on the temples to give a slimming effect on the face. It can be complemented with a highlighter on the apples on the cheeks and the tip of the nose.

History

In the 1500-1600, contouring started with stage actors. In Elizabethan England, stage actors would apply chalk and soot to their faces to help audience members read their facial expressions.^[2]

In the late 1800s, when electrictry was invented and lights were widely use, soot was no longer an option. Instead of soot, actors would use greasepaint to help audience members decipher their emotions. In 1800s-1900s, Queen Victoria deemed makeup as vulgar, only stage actors and prostitutes wore makeup. Makeup could only be purchased in costume stores.^[2]

In the 1920s-1930s, contouring could be seen in the film world. German actress, Marlene Dietrich would contour her face for her films. She would accentuate the natural lines of her face with shading and sculpting.^[2]

In 1934, makeup artist, Max Factor, was famous for applying makeup for stage actors. He added shading to the face so that it wouldn't appear flat on film. In 1945, he released the first tutorial on how to contour the face, for different face shapes.^[2]

In 1944, Ben Nye, a famous makeup artist, did the makeup for characters in Gone with the Wind (film) and Planet of the Apes (1968 film). He then created his own makeup line, which is still widely popular today.^[2]

In the 1950s, a time of Old Hollywood glamour, features were subtly contoured and shaded. Actresses like Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, and Elizabeth Taylor.^[2]

In the 1990s, makeup artist, Kevyn Aucoin, made the sculpted, chiseled look on Gwyneth Paltrow, Cindy Crawford, and Janet Jackson.^[2]

In 2012, Kim Kardashian posted an unblended picture of her makeup (also known as a Selfie). The next photo she posted was the final result after the makeup was blended. Kim's face had the right amount of shading on the areas of her face that would normally be shadowed, and the right amount of brightness that would be where the sun naturally touches the face.^[3]

In 2015 'baking' was introduced, where you allow your contouring makeup to 'bake' for 15-30 minutes, allowing the body heat from your face to set your foundation and concealer. You then dust off excess makeup and you are left with a creaseless finish.

Method

Step 1: Map your face After applying foundation on your face, use a two tone darker foundation stick or pencil or cream to trace the temples. If you have a larger forehead, carry straight into the hairline to minimize it. To bring out your cheekbones, find the hollow part by placing your fingers on the sides of your face, and where you feel it dip underneath the bones, just above is where you place your pigment. With the nose, you can go a little bit narrower at the tip or you can carry it into the brow if you have a shorter nose to add length or width.^[4]

Step 2: Blend it Take a damp beautyblender and tap over the area of the contour color, merging it into your base foundation. Tap in small circular motions using the bigger, rounded end of the beautyblender because it has more space. But for details like the sides of the nose, flatten it and squeeze it on your hands.^[4]

Step 3: Get lit Use a two shade lighter foundation stick or concealer and concentrate it underneath your eyes. You can apply a little bit in the center of the forehead and on the chin, and the bridge of the nose. Blend any excess product with a damp beautyblender.^[4]

Step 4: With a fluffy brush, dust the entire face with loose powder. Translucent powder works best for it.^[4]

References

External links

Look up contouring in Wiktionary, the free dictionary.