The main idea of ​​makeup is best reflected in facial contouring. This sculpting technique, which involves highlighting and concealing selected features with light and dark foundation colors, is also fully applicable to mineral cosmetics. Today's article proves that loose powders are just as effective for contouring as cream formulas.

What to contour with?

Highly pigmented cosmetics with a matte finish are best for contouring. The shade palette is also important. You should choose a cosmetic at least one shade lighter and one shade darker than your base color, so the range should be quite wide. Considering the above, a matte foundation works well for contouring: it doesn't contain shimmer particles, is well-pigmented, and is available in a wide range of shades.

How to choose foundation shades for contouring?

It's best to stick to the same color palette. If your base color is Golden Fair, you can use Golden Fairest or Cream to highlight, and Golden Medium to darken (it should be a cool shade, imitating the natural shadow on your face). The greater the difference in lightness levels, the more intense the sculpting effect.

What brushes should I use?

It's best to choose brushes based on the areas you're contouring. Smaller areas, like the bridge of the nose, around the eyes, or around the mouth, are best contoured with a brush with fine bristles, such as a ball-shaped one. For larger areas, like the jawline, cheekbones, or forehead, a tongue or angled brush is convenient. For blending, a medium-sized, compact kabuki brush works well.

Which places should be brightened and which should be darkened?

In makeup, the goal of achieving a perfectly oval face shape is established: lightening the most prominent features and darkening the receding ones. Symmetry and proportions are also important. Light foundation highlights the tip of the nose and chin, the center of the forehead, the eye area (brow bone, inner corner, the area below the lower eyelid), and the top of the jawbone. Dark foundation highlights the jawline, the sides of the nose (if it needs narrowing), the sides of the forehead, and the area under the cheekbone.

Contouring step by step

1. Light and dark powder can be applied in two ways: either to a face mattified with a translucent powder or to skin covered with a thin layer of foundation (for example, if you want more coverage). 2. After selecting the appropriate shades, sprinkle a small amount of the light and dark foundation onto the jar lid or into a bowl. Use a small amount and first highlight the areas you want to highlight, then the areas you want to optically retract. 3. Using a clean brush, blend the entire product precisely, blurring the lines between the skin and the contouring products. 4. Finally, apply a setting powder (mattifying or illuminating).

Magda Plewa , photographer and Instagrammer ( www.instagram.com/magda.plewa ). More thoughtful than romantic, she teaches how to take beautiful product photos that sell. She lives by the slow lifestyle, loves good vegetarian food, and enjoys relaxing with a book and a cup of freshly brewed coffee. In her private life, she is a happy wife and mother.