Highlighting & Contouring

1.30.2013

One of my all time favorite beauty tricks has to be the art of highlighting and contouring. In a nutshell, highlighting brings light to areas of the face and makes them more pronounced, while contouring makes other areas "sink in" and appear slimmer!


Done to the nines like the illustration, it looks fabulous for a night out and looks incredible in photos. Yet paired down, it's extremely suitable for every day. I love to use it as a way to enhance my cheeks and bring some life and dimension to my face. While it looks difficult, it is quite easy to learn and perfect; all you need is a bit of patience and some practice (and a light hand!) Blend, blend, blend! 
HIGHLIGHT:  NARS Albatross & Benefit Sun Beam  
These are my absolute favorite highlighters and which one I use is based on the look I'm going for. 
Dewy? Albatross. Bronzey and glowy? Sun Beam. 

Bobbi Brown bronzers are my absolute favorite as they are completely matte. They are not just perfect for contouring, but for achieving a very natural bronzed look as well minus the shimmer.  

The contour brush from Sigma is great for getting right into the hollows of the cheek. e.l.f.'s blush brush from their Studio line is a bit tapered at the top which makes it perfect for applying just the right amount of highlighter to the tops of the cheeks. 

8 comments :

  1. It's amazing the difference that contouring can make. I use the high beam and that NARS highlighter for mine. For contouring, I use a darker bronzer and my e.l.f. brushes!

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    1. I love how good e.l.f brushes are! And the price can't be beat!

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  2. I hate to admit this, but I saw an article (I can't remember where) about Kim Kardashian's contouring technique and I was amazed (which is saying a lot, considering I hate everything Kardashian automatically). I could not believe what a difference it made. I've been wanting to try it myself, but I haven't gotten around to it yet!

    Alyssa
    The Glossy Life

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    1. LOL! We share a name AND a dislike of all things Kardashian. I tried that out over the holidays and was amazed at how much of a difference made. It's just SO much work! LOL. But definitely worth trying!

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  3. I love this post! I learned something new and now feel like I should head on over to Sephora. I had heard they have great lip colors and now my visit there will be two-fold :)

    FashionEdible Blog

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    1. Definitely give it a try! You will be AMAZED!

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  4. I love this technique- I do this every day. My friend who is a MAC Make-up artist taught me how. I swear it takes like 10 pounds off. And make sure you don't use a shimmery bronzer.

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    1. It sure does! That's why I love Bobbi Brown bronzer for this looks, completely matte!

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