Contouring uses shadow (a shade darker than your skin) and light (a shade lighter) to sculpt your face. Done well, it's subtle: cheekbones look a little higher, the jaw a little sharper, the face a little more balanced. Where you place contour depends on your face shape. Here's a beginner-friendly guide.
The basics
- Contour: a matte cream or powder one to two shades deeper than your skin, with a neutral or slightly cool undertone so it looks like a shadow.
- Highlight: a shade lighter than your skin (matte or shimmer) on the high points of the face.
- Blush: adds warmth and lift.
Placement rule: contour where you want something to recede; highlight where you want something to come forward.
Not sure of your face shape? Use the free face shape detector.
How to contour a round face
Goal: add definition and length.
- Contour from the top of the ear toward the corner of the mouth, stopping at the middle of the cheek, in a diagonal line under the cheekbones.
- Contour lightly at the temples and along the sides of the jaw.
- Highlight the center of the forehead, down the bridge of the nose, and the chin.
- Apply blush slightly above the contour, blending up toward the temples.
How to contour an oval face
Goal: enhance, not reshape.
- Light contour under the cheekbones and at the temples.
- Highlight cheekbones, bridge of the nose and cupid's bow.
- Blush on the apples of the cheeks, blended back.
How to contour a square face
Goal: soften angles.
- Contour the corners of the forehead and the corners of the jaw, blending well.
- Light contour under the cheekbones.
- Highlight the center of the forehead and chin.
- Blush on the apples in a circular motion to add softness.
How to contour a heart shaped face
Goal: reduce forehead width, add balance at the jaw.
- Contour the temples and sides of the forehead.
- Soft contour under the cheekbones.
- Light contour on the tip of a pointed chin.
- Highlight the center of the forehead and under the eyes.
- Apply blush slightly lower on the cheeks.
How to contour a diamond face
Goal: soften wide cheekbones.
- Contour just under the cheekbone peak, blending downward.
- Highlight the center of the forehead and the chin to add width there.
- Blush on the apples of the cheeks.
How to contour a long (oblong) face
Goal: shorten the face.
- Contour along the hairline at the top of the forehead and under the chin.
- Contour horizontally under the cheekbones (not angled down).
- Apply blush horizontally across the cheeks.
- Highlight the cheekbones.
Jawline contour
A defined jaw is one of the most-requested contour effects:
- Apply contour just under the jawbone, from below the ear toward the chin.
- Blend downward onto the neck so there's no line.
- Add highlight along the top of the jawbone for extra sharpness.
More on jaw definition in our jawline guide.
Product tips for beginners
- Cream contour blends easily and looks natural; set lightly with powder.
- Powder contour is easier to build gradually on oily skin.
- Choose a cool-toned shade for contour; warm bronzer is for warmth, not shadow.
- Blend more than you think. Natural daylight is the best place to check.
- Match undertone: see how to find your undertone.
FAQ
How do you contour a round face?
Contour diagonally under the cheekbones, at the temples and along the sides of the jaw, and highlight the center of the forehead, nose and chin.
Where should I put contour for my face shape?
Contour where you want to reduce width (temples, jaw corners, under cheekbones) and highlight where you want to add width or light (center of forehead, chin, cheekbones).
What is the difference between contour and bronzer?
Contour is a cool, matte shade that mimics shadow; bronzer is warmer and adds sun-kissed color.
How do I contour my jawline?
Apply contour just under the jawbone from ear to chin and blend down onto the neck.
Should beginners use cream or powder contour?
Cream is easier to blend for most beginners; powder suits oily skin and building up gradually.
