Makeup Contouring And Strobing
Ever wonder how Hollywood starlets manage to look dewy fresh, even as they age? Make no mistake, many of those youthful, glowing faces are curtesy of a team of skilled plastic surgeons. But glamorous celebs also know—or know someone who knows—how to keep their faces looking like they’re in the spotlight, even when they’re not, with the skillful application of makeup, through the latest contouring and strobing techniques.
Different stars prefer different techniques to illuminate their complexion. (The Kardashian favor contouring while Jennifer Lopez has been rocking the strobing look since the ‘90s.) But you don’t have to be an A-list celebrity to employ these clever techniques that’ll accentuate the positive and camou age the rest, this holiday season.
CONTOURING
Makeup contouring combines a mix of darker skin-tone shades to chisel your features with lighter shades, for highlighting and making your cheekbones pop. Contouring can give shape to an area of the face and enhance your natural facial structure, through subtle makeup. The secret is slightly varying shades that create the illusion of imperceptibly de ned peaks and valleys on your face.
Start with a small, u y eyeshadow brush for precision and your cheekbones, and under your jawline. Now, use a regular foundation brush or a damp egg sponge to blend, so there’s no demarcation lines. Then add a bright colored blush to the apples of cheeks and highlighter along your forehead, cheekbones, and bridge of your nose. Just remember, less is more.
STROBING
Makeup strobing only uses light to enhance your face, no bronzer or dark powders. Basically, you’re taking your usual contouring steps, but not using the darker colors to carve out your features, instead heading straight for the highlighter stick. The idea is to use illuminating products to mimic what it’s like to be under bright, a flattering lights.
Start with a moisturized face. Then mix in a bit of luminizer with your foundation to start the glow. Use highlighter to enhance or lighten across your temples, cheekbones, and bridge of your nose. (Skip the forehead, if you tend to get oily.) If you’re lighter skinned, opt for champagne colors. Darker skin tones look stunning in more golden hues.
Whichever technique you choose, your result should be dewy and fresh, like you’re being lit-up from within. Aim to look healthy and well-rested, not “made-up”.
