If you've dusted bronzer below your cheekbones, you’re familiar with the chiseling power of a little shadow. When it comes to playing up your features and achieving a subtle, sculpted look, it’s all about precise application, which means swapping your bronzers and big, fluffy brushes for the formulas and tools that help you to navigate tight corners with ease (and a little restraint).
Enter precision contour, a makeup technique that calls for a small amount of product and strategic placement to enhance your unique features. By defining your face's natural hallows, you can achieve a more sculpted look distinct from general contouring and we’re here to show you how. For ultra-sculpted cheekbones and a little lifting action, follow this step-by-step guide below.
What is Precision Contouring?
Precision contour refers to the delicate application of *small* amounts of contour. Thus, following the natural contours of your face and blending to avoid stark lines are key.
With precision contour, the goal is to create depth and dimension with shadows that look as real as possible. Think of it as akin to high-definition makeup; it sculpts while remaining seamless, making it an ideal makeup technique for on-camera occasions and everyday wear.
We love the Eye Shaping Stylo, our versatile, 4-in-1 cream matte eye stick, for its compact format and blendability. With buildable pigment and a natural, matte finish, it’s the perfect product for defining all areas of the face.
How To Precision Contour Step-By Step:
Follow these steps to enhance your cheekbones with precision contouring:
Find the Hollows of Your Cheeks: Make a fish face to identify the natural hollows of your face. With your index finger, you will be able to feel the contour beneath your cheekbones.
Choose the Right Contour Shade: Select a matte, cool-toned shade two to three shades darker than your skin tone. For this, we love MAKE’s Eye Shaping Stylo, which comes in a variety of nudes and neutrals that compliment all skin tones.
For ultra-light definition, we also like MAKE’s dewy, translucent Heat Stroke cheek tint in shades Toasted or Baked.
To keep your contour as natural as possible, remember to avoid overly warm shades.
Use the Proper Brush: Opt for an angled contour brush for precise application and blending. Using a brush with densely packed bristles will ensure you apply and blend the product exactly where you want it.
Build the Product Gradually: Start with a light hand and build up the product until you achieve your desired definition. It's easier to add more product than to take away too much.
Pause: Before blending, take a peak in the mirror to ensure proper placement.
Blend Thoroughly: Blend the contour toward your hairline to avoid harsh lines and create a seamless, natural-looking transition.
Highlight to Enhance: To accentuate your sculpted effect, apply highlighter above your contour at the highest points of your cheekbones. The contrast between light and shadow will make them pop.
By following this step-by-step guide to precision contouring, you can create a subtle yet snatched look. Mastering precision contouring takes practice, so don't be discouraged if it takes a few attempts to perfect your technique.
