Every person is different and therefore, every face is different. We know the magic of makeup and how it can elevate your best features if it's done the right way. But with different face shapes comes different contouring or shaping techniques that are needed. Some will need more highlighting, while others will use more contouring, to help create the shape trying to be achieved. Although the basic rules of contouring are simple, try taking it to the next level and accentuate your face with your specific face shape in mind. It just might make you do your makeup routine different here on out!
STEP 1) Determine your face shape! There's six main shapes: oval, square, round, diamond, rectangular, and heart. Pull your hair back and look into a mirror. Some questions to ask: What's the widest part of your face? Is it your forehead, jaw, or cheeks? Is your jawline more round, square or pointy? The guide above can help.
STEP 2) Contour and highlight according to your face shape with the below tips.
Contouring for an Oval Face Shape
The oval face shape is longer than wide, with a jaw that is narrower than the cheekbones.
Contour
Along your hairline to bring this down and give the illusion of a smaller forehead
Below your cheekbones starting at your ears and ending in the middle of the cheeks
Highlight
Under your eyes in an upside-down triangle shape
Contouring for a Square/Rectangle Face Shape
A square face shape means that your face is roughly the same length and width.
Contour
Around the sides of your forehead and temples to slim down this area
Along your hairline to give the illusion of a smaller forehead
Below your cheekbones starting at your ears and ending in the middle of the cheeks
Under your jawbone to slim this area
Highlight
Under your eyes in an upside-down triangle shape
In the middle of your forehead and chin
Contouring for a Diamond Face Shape
A diamond face shape means that your cheeks are the widest part of your face, with your hairline and chin narrowing. Diamond shaped faces also tend to be longer, rather than wider.
Contour
Below your cheekbones starting at your ears and ending in the middle of the cheeks
Don’t bring the contour too close to your mouth, as this will have the opposite effect you’re looking for
Highlight
Under your eyes in an upside-down triangle shape bringing it down in line with where you contoured
In the middle of your forehead and chin to help broaden these narrower areas.
Contouring for a Round Face Shape
A round face shape means that your face is roughly the same length and width.
Contour
Sides of your forehead and temples to slim down this area
Below your cheekbones from your ear to the middle of your cheeks and then down to your jawline to add some length to your face
Highlight
Under your eyes in an upside-down triangle shape
In the middle of your forehead and chin to widen these parts
Contouring for a Heart Face Shape
A heart face shape means that your chin is narrow and pointed, a wider forehead and narrower chin.
Contour
Along the sides of your forehead and temples to balance out the wider upper half of your face with the narrower lower half
On the lower chin to bring up the point
Highlight
Under your eyes in an upside-down triangle shape
In the middle of your forehead and chin to widen these parts