Determine your face shape (oval, round, square, heart, long)
Choose contour shade 1–2 shades deeper than your skin tone and a highlight shade 1–2 shades lighter
Prep skin with moisturizer and base makeup
Use the contour shade under cheekbones:
Start at the ear area and blend toward the outer corner of the mouth
Keep the contour slightly higher for lifting on round/heart faces
Contour the jawline:
Apply along the sides of the jaw and blend toward the chin
Avoid heavy contour under the chin
Contour the forehead:
Apply along the hairline if you want to shorten a longer face
Skip or keep minimal if you want to avoid narrowing a shorter face
Contour the sides of the nose:
Draw thin lines down both sides of the nose bridge
Blend lightly toward the tip
Add a small contour on the sides of the chin (optional):
Use only if you want to reduce a pointed or long chin
Blend thoroughly
Apply highlight where you want to bring forward:
Under the eyes (inner to outer corner, blended well)
Top of cheekbones (above the contour)
Center of the forehead (if desired)
Bridge of the nose (light, blended)
Cupid’s bow and center of the chin (optional)
Blend everything thoroughly:
Use a clean blending brush or sponge
Stop when the edges look seamless
Set with powder:
Lightly set contour areas to prevent lifting or muddy blending
Set highlight lightly to avoid creasing
Add blush on top of/just above the contour:
Blend upward toward the temples for lift
Final check:
Look in natural light or a bright mirror
Adjust by adding a touch more contour or blend if lines are too harsh