With so many methods to define your face, and even more jargon, it can be difficult to navigate the ins and outs of the beauty world. There's always a new makeup trend around the corner. From contouring to strobing, where do you even start?
Don't let all the varying techniques get you down. Like everything in life, practice makes perfect. We've broken down in easy-to-follow steps how you can make your skin appear flawless in no time.
Baking 101
Baking doesn't require hours in the sun and the risk of skin cancer. Begin by applying your foundation and concealer as you normally would. Then, use a foundation darker than your skin tone, and apply it in the areas you would normally contour, such as under the cheekbones and around the forehead. The "baking" aspect comes in the next step where you use a makeup sponge and dab setting powder over the areas where concealer was applied. Set for five minutes, allowing it to "bake" before using a clean brush to blend everything together. Get the tutorial here.
Strobing 101
Strobing is all about the glow, so you'll be leaving out all contouring and bronzing. Use a liquid highlighter ,and apply to the areas where the sun would naturally hit your face. This includes the high points of your cheeks, below your brow, the middle and tip of your nose and your cupids bow. Blend everything with a makeup sponge and finish with a spritz of setting spray. Get the tutorial here.
Contouring 101
Contouring adds definition and is ideal if you want the appearance of a slimmer face. Start with a cool-toned contour shade, and use your contour brush to apply under the cheekbones, around the forehead near the hairline and the jawline. If too much is applied, use a makeup sponge to erase or blend anything out. Get the tutorial here.
Sculpting 101
It's called sculpting for a reason because you will literally be sculpting your face. As it requires you to use quite a bit of makeup, this technique is best reserved for special occasions. Begin with a foundation base that matches your skin tone and apply to all areas, except for where the contour and highlighter will be added. With a foundation two shades lighter and one two shades darker, apply the highlight and contour, respectively. Next, use your setting spray, and blend everything with your makeup sponge. To finish the look, apply and blend your concealer to the areas where you highlighted. Get the tutorial here.
Bronzer vs. contour
You may be confused about the difference between bronzer and contour as the application appears to be fundamentally the same. With contour, you will want to use a cool-toned shade and smaller contour brush to apply the makeup under your cheekbones, forehead and jawline. For bronzer, you will apply in the same areas; however, you will use a warm-toned shade and a larger fluffy brush. Get the tutorial here.
Highlight 101
Everyone loves the glow, but if you're looking for something more subtle than strobing, highlighting is the route to go. Dip your brush into your highlighter of choice, and glide it in a C-shape, starting above your cheekbones moving near the eyebrow. Next, take a liquid highlight and apply it on the middle and tip of the nose as well as your cupids bow. Lightly blend it together with your finger. Get the tutorial here.
