Contouring Tutorial

 So, because I'm a jerk and took my entire vacation to be on vacation, I didn't post for the entire month of December! I am deeply sorry for the extended break, but I'm back, and with a special tutorial on basic contouring. Keep in mind, this is basic and will not be the Kim Kardashian level contouring that has been popularized in the media lately. This is more of an everyday look. 

First off, prepare the face. Clean off any residual makeup, moisturize, all that good stuff. 

Next, put on an even level of foundation. Here I used Kat Von D's Lock-It Tattoo Foundation. It's hardcore, and will cover just about any imperfection you want covered. To get this even coverage, I used a beauty blender. 

Next, take a contouring powder or cream and apply it as shown below. I apply it in a basic '3' shape from my forehead, to under my cheekbones, to under my jaw line. I then apply it on the outer edges of my nose, and in a horizontal line just above the 'bulb' on my nose. I apply it to areas I want to have more shadow, or look more defined. On the left is a picture of how it should look in the mirror, and on the right those areas are outlined in red. 

Next, take a powder or cream highlighter and apply it in a triangular shape under the eyes, in the cupid's bow above the lips, under the eyebrows on the brow bone, and in a 'whale tail' shape on the forehead. Basically apply it to any areas you want to emphasize. On the left is how it will look in the mirror, and on the right is the same picture with the areas outlined in red. 

Now, blend that shit out. Blend it with a buffing brush until you get to a point where it look natural. The combined shades should even out on your skin and provide a subtlety, slimmer and more defined face. Below is a picture of the contour and highlight blended out. 

To finish the look, I filled in my eyebrows with a brow gel, added a subtle blush, added eyeshadow, eyeliner, and mascara, and a lipstick. 

And that's it! It's pretty basic and simple, but can add a nice definition to the face. If you all want any other tutorials in the future, please let me know down in the comments!