Learn 3 beginner tips for contouring

Contouring is a makeup step that's growing in popularity, but not necessarily in ease of skill. Internet makeup artists make it seem like every makeup wearer automatically knows how to do this technique correctly. Truth be told, it's quite easy to mess up. When contouring goes wrong, it can ruin the freshest face.

Fortunately, it doesn't take much to prevent any contour flubs. All you need is to know the right shade, where to put it and how to blend it, and you'll get it down easily. And don't forget the angle brush — it'll help everything go on much more smoothly.

Materials
- Angled brush
- Contour palette
- Cream contour stick

Instructions
1. Choose your preferred application method. Powder contours tend to work better for oily skin. Cream contours settle into the skin better and can look more natural on drier skin. You can also use a cream contour as a base and set it lightly with a powder one. Whichever you choose, make sure the color is one to two shades darker than your skin tone.

2. Target the outer area of your face. Contour color should go along the hairline, in the hollows of the cheeks and along the jawline, almost in a "3" formation on each side of the face. If using a powder, dip the angle brush directly into it and shake off the excess. Powder can get dark really quick, so lightly sweep it onto the temples, cheeks and jawline, building the color up as needed.

3. If you're using a cream contour stick, draw medium-thick lines on your temple, in your cheek hollows and along the length of your jawline. Use the contour brush to blend evenly.

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