How to contour oval face
Contouring is a makeup technique that allows you to define and enhance your facial features, creating a more sculpted and balanced look. While many people think of contouring as a trend for Instagram models or celebrities, it can actually be a helpful technique for anyone looking to make their face appear more symmetrical and defined. If you have an oval face shape, contouring can help highlight your best features and add depth to your overall makeup look.
An oval face shape is often considered the most ideal for contouring because it already has balanced proportions. However, contouring can still be used to further enhance your natural features. When contouring an oval face, the goal is to create more definition and add depth to the areas that tend to be more flat or lack dimension.
One key tip for contouring an oval face shape is to focus on the areas that you want to define. For example, if you want to highlight your cheekbones, apply a contour shade just below the cheekbones to create a shadow effect. This will make your cheekbones appear higher and more prominent. Additionally, you can use contouring to define your jawline by applying a contour shade along the edges of your jaw, blending it well to create a seamless look.
Remember to blend your contour shades well to create a natural-looking finish. Harsh lines or streaks can make your makeup appear unnatural and heavy. Use a makeup brush or sponge to blend the contour shades into your foundation or concealer, creating a seamless transition between the different shades. Don’t forget to set your makeup with a setting powder for a long-lasting and flawless finish.
Understanding the Oval Face Shape
The oval face shape is widely considered to be the ideal face shape due to its balanced proportions. Characterized by gently rounded and elongated features, oval faces have a width that is roughly equal to one and a half times their length.
One of the key advantages of having an oval face is that it suits a variety of different makeup styles and contouring techniques. However, it’s still important to understand the specific characteristics of your face shape in order to enhance your natural features.
The oval face shape typically has a gently curved hairline and a softer jawline that creates a harmonious balance. The cheekbones are often the widest part of the face, lending an overall balanced look.
When contouring an oval face, it’s important to remember that the goal is to accentuate your natural bone structure and balance out any areas that you want to minimize. This can be achieved by using light and dark shades to create highlights and shadows in strategic areas.
A common contouring technique for oval faces is to apply a dark shade along the temples and the sides of the forehead to minimize the width. Then, use a lighter shade along the cheekbones and down the center of the face to enhance the natural structure. Finally, apply a touch of contouring along the jawline to add definition.
Overall, understanding your oval face shape allows you to make the most of your natural features and create a perfectly sculpted look through contouring.
| Key Characteristics of Oval Face |
|---|
| Length approximately 1.5 times the width |
| Gently curved hairline |
| Soft, rounded chin |
| Widest point at the cheekbones |
| Overall balanced appearance |
The Importance of Contouring
Contouring is a makeup technique that has become increasingly popular, and for good reason. By using the right products and techniques, contouring can help accentuate and enhance the natural features of an oval face shape, creating a more sculpted and defined look.
Enhancing Facial Structure
Contouring on an oval face helps to enhance and create definition in certain areas of the face, such as the cheekbones, jawline, and temples. By applying darker shades of makeup on the hollows of these areas, you can create the illusion of shadows, giving the face a more sculpted appearance.
On the other hand, highlighting the high points of the face, such as the tops of the cheekbones, bridge of the nose, and cupid’s bow, can draw attention to these features and create a more radiant and youthful look. The combination of contouring and highlighting can help balance and enhance facial structure.
Creating Depth and Dimension
Contouring is all about creating depth and dimension on the face. By using darker shades to create shadows and lighter shades to bring forward certain areas, you can achieve a three-dimensional effect that can make facial features more pronounced.
For those with oval face shapes, contouring can help create a more defined jawline, highlight the natural curves of the cheekbones, and soften the look of a broad forehead. By strategically placing contour and highlight shades, you can customize the look to suit your own unique features and preferences.
Contouring can truly transform a face, whether you want to enhance your natural features or create a completely different look. With some practice and the right tools, contouring is a versatile technique that can be adjusted to suit any face shape. So, experiment with different shades and techniques to discover how contouring can enhance your beauty and create a flawless finish!
Steps to contour an oval face
Contouring an oval face shape can help define and enhance your natural features. Here are the steps to achieve a beautifully contoured look:
- Preparation: Start with a clean face and apply a primer to ensure a smooth base.
- Choose the right products: Select a contour shade that is one to two shades darker than your skin tone. Additionally, choose a highlight shade that is one to two shades lighter.
- Map out your face: Determine your face shape by measuring the length of your forehead, cheeks, and jawline. An oval face shape is characterized by balanced proportions and softly rounded features.
- Highlight the high points: Apply the lighter shade to the center of your forehead, down the bridge of your nose, beneath the eyes, and on the center of your chin. This will help illuminate these areas.
- Contour the perimeter: Using the darker shade, apply it along the hairline, beneath the cheekbones, and along the jawline. This will create dimension and definition.
- Blend well: Use a blending brush or sponge to blend the contour and highlight shades seamlessly into your skin. This will create a natural-looking finish.
- Set your makeup: Set your contour with a powder or setting spray to ensure long-lasting wear.
Remember to always blend and enhance your natural features rather than completely altering them. With these steps, you can contour an oval face shape beautifully and confidently.
Prepping the skin
Contouring an oval face begins with prepping the skin. Before applying any products, it’s important to cleanse the face to remove any dirt or oil. This will ensure a smooth canvas for makeup application.
Start by washing your face with a gentle cleanser and warm water. Pat dry with a clean towel.
Toning and moisturizing
Next, apply a toner to the face using a cotton pad. This will help to balance the pH levels of the skin and remove any remaining impurities. Allow the toner to dry completely.
Once the toner has dried, it’s time to moisturize. Choose a lightweight moisturizer that suits your skin type. Apply a small amount all over your face and neck, using gentle upward motions.
Priming the face
For the perfect contour, it’s essential to prime the face. Face primer creates a smooth base for makeup application and helps it to last longer throughout the day.
Choose a primer that is suitable for your skin type. Apply a pea-sized amount to your fingertips and gently blend it into your skin, focusing on the areas where you will be contouring.
Pro tip: If you have oily skin, look for a mattifying primer to help control shine. If you have dry skin, opt for a hydrating primer to keep your skin moisturized.
After prepping your skin, you are now ready to move on to the next step: selecting the right contour products.
Choosing the right contouring products
When it comes to contouring an oval face shape, it is important to choose the right products that will enhance your features and create a natural-looking effect. Here are some tips for selecting the perfect contouring products:
1. Begin with a matte bronzer: Look for a matte bronzer that is not too orange or too dark for your skin tone. Opt for a shade that is one or two shades darker than your natural skin color. This will help create shadows and definition on the areas you want to contour.
2. Use a cool-toned contour powder or cream: To create a seamless contour, choose a contour powder or cream that has a cool undertone. This will mimic the natural shadows on an oval face shape and make your contour appear more natural.
3. Avoid using shimmery or sparkly products: Shimmery or sparkly products can enhance the roundness of an oval face shape, so it is best to opt for matte products for a more sculpted look. Stick to matte finishes for your contouring products.
4. Consider your undertones: When choosing contouring products, it is important to consider your undertones. If you have warm undertones, opt for a contour shade with more red or yellow undertones. If you have cool undertones, choose a contour shade with more gray or ashy undertones.
5. Test the products before purchasing: Before committing to a contouring product, it is always a good idea to test it on your skin first. This will allow you to see if the shade and formula work well for your specific skin tone and type.
6. Opt for blendable formulas: Look for contouring products that have a blendable formula. This will make it easier to create a seamless blend between your contour and foundation, resulting in a natural-looking finish.
7. Don’t forget about highlighters: While contouring helps create shadows, highlighting emphasizes certain areas of your face. Choose a highlighter that complements your skin tone and apply it on the high points of your face to further enhance your contouring.
By choosing the right contouring products, you can achieve a beautifully sculpted look that enhances your natural features and complements your oval face shape.
Mapping the face
In order to properly contour an oval face, it’s important to understand its shape and features. The process starts with mapping out the different areas of the face that will be contoured and highlighted.
Step 1: Identify the key points
Begin by finding the key points on the face that will serve as reference points for contouring. These key points include the forehead, temples, cheekbones, jawline, and chin.
Step 2: Understand the face shape
An oval face typically has a balanced and symmetrical appearance. The forehead is slightly wider than the chin, and the jawline is softly rounded.
Highlighting and contouring techniques will help enhance the natural features of an oval face shape, creating a more defined and sculpted look.
It’s important to note that contouring is all about creating the illusion of shadows and highlights. By strategically placing contour and highlight products, you can enhance or minimize certain areas to balance and flatter an oval face shape.
Application Techniques
Contouring an oval face shape can help enhance and define your natural features. When applying contour, it’s important to remember that less is more. Subtle application will create a more natural and flattering effect.
1. Choosing the Right Shade
Start by selecting a contour shade that is one to two shades darker than your skin tone. Opt for a cool-toned shade to create a subtle shadow effect.
2. Prep Your Skin
Preparing your skin before applying contour is key to achieving a seamless result. Make sure to cleanse, moisturize, and apply a primer suitable for your skin type.
3. Map Your Face Shape
Before beginning the contouring process, take a moment to identify your face shape. For an oval face shape, focus on contouring the outer edges of the forehead, the temples, and along the jawline to create definition.
4. Creating Shadows
Using a flat or angled contour brush, apply the contour shade to the areas you’ve mapped out on your face. Blend the product in a gentle sweeping motion, making sure there are no harsh lines.
5. Blending
The key to achieving a natural contour is blending. Use a clean brush or a damp sponge to blend the contour shade into your skin. This will create a seamless finish and prevent any harsh lines.
6. Highlighting
After contouring, apply a highlight shade to the high points of your face, such as the cheekbones, the center of the forehead, and the bridge of the nose. This will add a natural glow and balance out the contour.
7. Finishing Touches
Complete your contouring routine by setting your makeup with a setting powder or spray. This will help your makeup last longer and ensure a flawless finish.
Remember, practice makes perfect. Experiment with different techniques and products to find what works best for your face shape and desired look.
- Choose a cool-toned contour shade
- Blend the contour shade in a sweeping motion
- Use a damp sponge to blend and avoid harsh lines
- Apply highlight shade for a natural glow
- Set makeup with setting powder or spray
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