How to Contour Your Face with Makeup Brushes: A Beginner's Guide
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Contouring can feel intimidating — but it doesn't have to be. When done correctly, it's one of the most transformative makeup techniques, adding definition, structure, and dimension to your face. With the right Brittany Cosmetics brushes and a few simple techniques, you can master contouring at home. Here's your beginner's guide.
What Is Contouring?
Contouring uses darker shades to create shadows and lighter shades to bring forward features, mimicking the natural shadows and highlights of the face. The goal is to enhance your bone structure and create the illusion of a more sculpted, defined face.
What You'll Need
- A contour powder or bronzer (1–2 shades darker than your skin tone)
- A highlighter or light powder
- Brittany Cosmetics Bronzer Brush — for applying contour
- Brittany Cosmetics Fan Brush — for blending and removing fallout
- Brittany Cosmetics Highlight Brush — for applying highlighter
- Brittany Cosmetics Nose Shadow Brush — for nose contouring
Step-by-Step: How to Contour
Step 1: Apply Your Base
Always contour after your foundation and concealer are applied and set. Contouring on bare skin can look patchy and unnatural.
Step 2: Contour the Cheekbones
Using the Bronzer Brush, apply your contour shade to the hollows of the cheeks — the area just below the cheekbone. Suck in your cheeks slightly to find the hollow, then sweep the brush from the ear toward the corner of the mouth in a "3" shape. Blend thoroughly.
Step 3: Contour the Temples and Forehead
Apply contour to the temples and along the hairline to frame the face and reduce the appearance of a wide forehead. Use the Bronzer Brush in light, circular motions and blend well.
Step 4: Contour the Jawline
Apply a thin line of contour along the jawline to define and sharpen it. Blend downward onto the neck to avoid a harsh line.
Step 5: Contour the Nose (Optional)
Use the Nose Shadow Brush to apply a thin line of contour down each side of the nose bridge. Apply a highlight shade down the centre of the nose. Blend carefully for a natural-looking result.
Step 6: Apply Highlighter
Use the Highlight Brush to apply highlighter to the tops of the cheekbones, the brow bone, the bridge of the nose, and the cupid's bow. This brings forward the high points of the face and creates beautiful contrast with the contour.
Step 7: Blend Everything Together
Use the Fan Brush to lightly sweep over the entire face, blending any harsh edges and removing excess product. The Fan Brush is perfect for this step as its light, feathery bristles blend without disturbing the layers underneath.
Contouring Tips by Face Shape
- Round face: Focus contour on the temples, cheek hollows, and jawline to add definition.
- Square face: Soften the corners of the forehead and jaw with contour.
- Oval face: Light contouring on the cheek hollows and temples is all you need.
- Heart face: Contour the temples and sides of the forehead to balance the wider upper face.
- Long face: Apply contour to the top of the forehead and under the chin to shorten the face visually.
