Contouring is the art of using dark and light shades to enhance or diminish features and balance the shape of the face. Dark shades recede and light shades come forward.

The oval is perceived to be the most balanced face shape and so the use of the darker shade is about creating the illusion of an oval and diminishing features. The light shade is used to highlight cheekbones and “pull out” other areas of the face. Finish with a pop of blush on the apple of the cheek. Don't forget the most important part - blending! We have several brushes to help you with this, including our Blending, White Fan, Dome, Contour and  Blending/Contour Brush. Below you are illustrations of common face shapes and where to place the dark and light shades. It gets easier the more you do it. Happy contouring!