How to Contour Your Face like a Celebrity

Birchbox

by Deepica Mutyala, Birchbox

Photo: Birchbox
Photo: Birchbox



Having a round face myself, I learned these tricks to help certain features stand out. Using these simple techniques, you'll be able to emphasize your angles using bronzer, blush, and highlighter:

BRUSH: Before you can think of contouring, you need the right tools. In my opinion, an angled brush is your best bet. I recommend MAC's 168 Large Angled Contour Brush. It works great for both blush and bronzer, so you're really getting your money's worth.

BRONZER: Bronzer is amazing for contouring because it is usually a shade or two darker than your actual skin tone. Currently, my favorite bronzer is bare minerals warmth because I think it works the best with my complexion. Once you've picked one out, here are the places to apply:
- Diagonally under your cheekbones or parallel to your jaw line. This will really make your cheekbones pop.
- On the sides of your nose from the bridge straight down. This will make your nose appear longer and thinner. Blending here is key.
- On your jaw line and under your chin, which will make your round face look more elongated, and who doesn't want that?

Related: Experiments in Bronzing

BLUSH: This should go one level above where you applied the bronzer on your cheeks, so parallel to your jaw line. This will really make the apples of your cheeks stand out.

One problem for me is finding a blush that prominently shows up on my tan skin. A great one is Clinique's Blushwear Cream Stick. The cream texture is amazing for my dry skin and the applicator shape makes it easy to apply at the angle desired.

HIGHLIGHTER: Highlighers are every makeup artist's secret trick. My current favorite rms beauty Living Luminizer because of its sheer effect. Here's how to apply:
- Add a dab to the bottom and top portion of your lips to make their shape more prominent.
- Cover a small bump on top of your nose (this trick is used frequently by stars like Kim Kardashian and Jessica Simpson).
- Apply to your brow bones.
- Make your cheekbones stand out even more by adding highlighter above your blush. For extra glow, add a touch to the apples of your cheeks over your blush.

Related: VIDEO How To: Apply Highlighter

From here on out, you will start to look at pictures of celebrities differently. You'll notice the line of bronzer, blush, and then highlighter as you glance from the inner to the outer portion of their faces. Be warned: It's a trick that takes practice to fit your specific face shape. But once you master it, you'll feel like you're red carpet ready-I know I do!

Be sure to watch this video on contouring your cheekbones to get the hang of the technique quickly!

See more from Birchbox:

The Velvet Manicure: Our Latest Nail Obsession

Cocktails & DIY Spa Treatments = At-Home Retreat

Get Beachy Summer Hair Without the Damage