So, I thought the best way to kick off my new blog design would be to share a highly requested contour/highlight tutorial. Sadly, John’s been busy with work so I had to do these photos (alone).. aka I couldn’t see if I was even in focus… or the weird faces I was making. Oops! Anyway, I have always semi-contoured my faced even before Pinterest because I have a fuller face & the contour helps make the illusion that it is thinner or more sculpted. I recently found this kit that I am using (only $15) & surprisingly love it. I really just wanted to test it out but it’s definitely going to be sticking around for a while. Prior to the kit, I just used a bronzer to contour so you can very well do the same! Disclaimer: I am doing this because it was requested, not because I think I am a make-up artist.. this is simply what works for me.
I start off with my Mac 129 & gently pick up some brown powder (always shake off the excess before applying it to your face!). I more or less squeeze the brush to make a defined line then I buff & blend to make it more subtle. (Sidenote: this amazing contour brush is back in stock. & If you don’t want a kit, I recommend this shade of bronzer for contouring!)
Using the same brown shade & Mac 129, I sweep it across my temple & down around my jaw bone… all very lightly.
Next, I use my Mac 109 to pick up the blush color. My main tip with blush is this: stay above your nose & outside of your pupil. So before you apply blush, map out where it should go… (I really hope that makes sense.) The reason for this is because sometimes, if you aren’t paying attention you’ll bring it too low or too far into the center of your face & it isn’t flattering. Keeping it going upward brings more focus to your pretty eyes!
I use a highlighter/light concealer under my eyes to brighten them up. I dab it around my nose & above my eyebrows. (using NARS Chantilly.)
Blend, blend, blend… as much as you can! I use this Beauty Blender (best invention ever) & a Sigma F86 to blend. Next, I dab my Sigma F35 into the white powder & set the product. This is the finishing touch for me… it opens up & brightens the eyes. Oh, and of course lipstick… you know me, I don’t go without it! I am wearing Mac’s Viva Glam III lined w/Vino. (loooove Vino for fall!) Oh…ps. The last photo is me contouring my nose… it’s an essential step for me. I just try to make a flat line out of the brush and apply the dark powder to the sides of my nose to slim it out. 🙂
My top is here. My foundation is here. My concealer is here. My mascara is here. My eye liner is here. My earrings are here. My watch is here. I set my makeup with this. Most essential part of my skin care is here.

Which shade of MAC concealer do you use? I'm very pale and NARS Chantilly looks like it might work for me. I had been using clinique 01 light for years but I think it's now a shade darker than I need it to be. After a day out on the lake my concealer actually fits my skin tone but I try to stay out of the sun.
Great tips!
http://www.FashionSnag.com
Contouring is my favorite beauty trick! Great post.
Xo, Mae // Mae Amor
Such a great and easily understandable tutorial! Thank for sharing this.
http://lartoffashion.blogspot.com
Love this look! <3
http://www.shallwesasa.com
Great tutorial. I love contouring and will check some of these products out!
http://www.forthefabulux.com
I love this tutorial… I do a semi contour aka brush bronzer and then a little bit of highlighter over my face but I want to do an actual contour and that pallet is perfect for trying!
http://chelseascollection.com
I love that top! Thanks for the tips!
This is a great tutorial. Also love the new blog design!
xo, Lee
This is great thanks for the tips!!
Hope
hchdesigns.blogspot.com
I know we're talking about makeup, but I'm just over here dying over your hair. Seriously? It's perfect.
Beautiful! Love the new blog design!
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Thanks so much for sharing! I just bought the BH palette for my best friends birthday present because she's been wanting a bronzer and blush palette and this was just perfect!
http://www.bhcosmetics.com/viewcart#
You're so pretty! Do you still use the lash fiber stuff? And I love the new look!
Amanda
XO Strawberry Chic
I currently use the Tarte Slenderizer stick for my contouring, but I can already tell it's going to be warm for my skin in the winter…I'll definitely have to try out your palette. You can't beat $15!
So helpful, and yet quite simple! Thank you for sharing!
xx, Kylie Rae
Maybe I missed it, but when do you apply your foundation? As a base and then start with the powders?
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When I gain any weight at all, the first place that it shows up is my face. I have been wanting to learn contouring because of that, and I can't wait to try this out and see how it works for me. Thanks for sharing all of your secrets with us!
XX, SS || A Little Seersucker Sass
The end-result is amazing! Great post! xx, Alexandra
Glam O’Clock | Beauty Blog
it's an amazing look 😉
Great post, love the step by step photographs <3
LondonBeautyxx
Love the blog redesign Emily! This is such a great contouring and highlighting post too.
Love from South Africa
Arum Lilea
Loving the new blog design! It's so encouraging to see how much your blog has grown in the last year.
xo
– Cynthia
http://www.blushandtulle.com
I am a MUA and this pictorial is perfect for the basic contouring! 🙂
xo-Katelin
http://www.katelinkonfidential.com
Love this!
My easy contour trick involves walking into my closet in my master bathroom. With the bathroom light on and the closet light off, I'm able to see exactly where the light hits my face. I just apply the bronzer on the dark areas of my cheeks. When I walk back into the bathroom part, I'm thoroughly amazed. LOL!
Connie | Sponsored by Coffee
I need to learn how to do this! I'm trying to expand my makeup skills, and I think I'll give this a try this weekend! Thanks Emily!
-Kelsie
http://www.designlifediaries.com
Took your tips on contouring and tried them today, looks great and much easier then most contouring tutorials. Thanks!
Emily from F is for
You're absolutely beautiful 🙂 Followed!
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Brilliant post!
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This is really tremendous that the way you describe I'll really appreciated your work.hope i'll come back to get some more information .Thanks
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Facial contouring seemed difficult thing, because you never failed to make it look nice. But when you learn you can make a very beautiful makeup.
Facial contouring seemed difficult thing, because you never failed to make it look nice. But when you learn you can make a very beautiful makeup.