The basic rules for perfect face contour
What's the golden contour rule? Enhance the high points of your face with highlighter, then emphasize with contour elsewhere. Most commonly, that involves highlight on the top of your cheekbones and contour below them.
Find your face shape below for more instructions personal to your features:
If you're round…
When done properly, contour will help create the illusion of more defined, angular features. Start on the sides of your forehead and temples, then contour the area below your cheekbones. Don't be afraid to extend your brush strokes down your jawline as this will elongate your face. Highlight the middle of your forehead and chin. Check out photos of Drew Barrymore and Mila Kunis for makeup inspo, as these stunning ladies also have round-shaped faces.
If you're square…
Think about Angelina Jolie, Rihanna and Lucy Liu. If your face looks like theirs, then you'll want to contour for a square shape. Contour along your jawline, under your cheekbones and on the sides of your forehead. Highlight the middle of your forehead and chin, as well as the tops of your cheek and brow bones.
If you're oval…
You'll want to contour along the temples at the side of your forehead and below your cheekbones. Highlight your forehead and chin, plus a little beneath your eyes to brighten the area. Your celebrity look-alikes, as far as face shape goes, are Julianne Moore, Jessica Alba and Tina Fey. Check out photos of them to match your contour style.
If you're heart-shaped...
Contour along the sides of your forehead and temples, under your cheekbones and just under your chin. Highlight the middle of your forehead slightly, then your chin. This will balance your wide and narrow features, plus soften the harshness of the heart shape. For reference, check out pictures of Reese Witherspoon, Halle Berry or Eva Longoria. These ladies also have heart-shaped faces, so follow the ways they contour for inspiration.
