Why is Contouring All the Rage and How Do I Get Started?

I’m sure that by now you have noticed that contouring is everywhere.  If you are unaware, the art of contour makeup is to enhance your features by creating brightness (highlighting) and shadow (contouring) with lighter and darker shades.  It is a very simple concept practiced by artists since art was invented but it seems to have exploded recently.  Sephora alone shows 70 products in the contour department.

It’s a delicate makeup trick that requires a light touch and good blending.  When in doubt, apply less!  There are a multitude of products available if you are a beginner to this process.  Not to mention the thousands of YouTube videos that explain techniques.

If you are looking to try this out, the E.L.F. Cream Contour Palette and the E.L.F. Contour Palette are two inexpensive ways to play around with the concept.  Each product contains four coordinating colors that will work for most skin tones.  Likewise, the Smashbox Step by Step Contour Stick Trio set looks very easy to use, and the reviews state that the pencils are easy to blend.

I believe I am too pale for the contour aspect to work well, or perhaps it is just my lack of skill.  But I do believe in highlighting.  My two favorite highlighters of all time are both by Benefit Cosmetics.  High Beam is a fantastic illuminating liquid that blends beautifully until you just have a lovely glow.  Watts Up is a cream highlighting stick that works perfectly for the “C” shape around your temple area.

For me, it is just too much hassle in the morning.  I do well enough to apply my regular makeup, let alone spend another fifteen minutes giving myself a skinnier nose or more prominent cheekbones.