Everyone seems to be trying their hand as a makeup artist these days, with countless video tutorials on YouTube promising to teach you how to achieve the latest looks yourself. This seems like a great idea at first glance, because who doesn’t want to look Instagram ready all the time? But, it can quickly turn into a disaster if you watch the ‘wrong? tutorial, or you don’t pay enough attention! This is why we recommend that you pay close attention to our professional makeup artist Paul Heaton, when he posts his stunning and easy to follow make-up tutorial. With over six years in the industry, he certainly knows what she is doing when it comes to makeup.
Contouring is a technique that is hugely popular with makeup lovers at the moment; countless numbers of celebrities are on the contouring hype! But what is it and why is it so popular? Essentially, contouring helps you to define your features by creating the illusion of higher cheekbones and a slimmer nose & chin – and who doesn’t want that?! However, the thing that many people forget is that it is supposed to be an illusion and, therefore, subtle! So, it is really important to blend thoroughly to ensure that you end up with a natural and flawless finish.
Matte Not Glitter
Contouring differs from highlighting, in that you want the product to be unnoticeable. So, always go for a matte finish when it comes to your contouring products and leave anything sparkly or shiny for when you want to highlight a feature.
Bronzer is Not a Contouring Product
A lot of people make the mistake of thinking they can contour with items they already have in their make-up bag, and unfortunately, this is not the case. Bronzer does not work as a contouring product (unless you have very tanned skin). The products you use should create the illusion of a natural shadow, so you need to be looking at shades of beige, brown and taupe.
Matte Doesn’t Have To Be Flat
If you use powder in your contouring routine, you can achieve a great finish, but it can be difficult for beginners to blend it in correctly. For an easy way to ease yourself into the contouring routine, and for a more dewy finish, try using a creamy product instead. It?s as simple as drawing a line on the hollow of your cheeks and across your jawline and blending in!
It?s All About the Brush
Amazing contouring can only really be achieved if your makeup tools are up to scratch. A small and fluffy eye shadow brush is ideal, as it will give you more precision. Every makeup artist worth their salt swears by the Mac #217 brush and they know makeup inside and out. Our other secret love is the fan brush from ELF ? perfect for blending in products around the cheekbones and hairline to give an almost airbrushed finish.
So, those are the basics of contouring, enough to get you started.
If you are a trans person, then Born would love to hear from you. Please get in touch today to book one of our bespoke services, or just have a chat. Call us on 0161 766 2914 or email us at paul@born.uk.com