Contour and Highlighter: How to Apply Them Step by Step

Contour and highlighter are like light and shadow for your face: one creates depth and the other brings out the high points. Applied well, they define your features naturally. Poorly blended, they show up as stripes.

In this guide we explain which product to choose and where to apply it, step by step.

Contour, bronzer and highlighter: what's the difference?

• Contour: a shade deeper than your skin, with a cool or neutral undertone, that mimics a shadow. It's used to sculpt.
• Bronzer: a warm shade that gives a sun-kissed effect. It goes where the sun naturally hits your face.
• Highlighter: a shimmery product that reflects light on the high points.

Cream or powder?

Cream or stick products

They melt into skin and give a natural finish. They're ideal for normal to dry skin and go on before powder.

Powder products

They're easier to control and work very well on oily skin. They go on after setting powder.

Tip: for more staying power, apply cream contour and reinforce it with a touch of powder on top.

How to apply contour step by step

1. Find your cheekbone: feel with your fingers; contour goes just below it.
2. Draw the line: from the top of your ear toward the corner of your mouth, stopping around the middle of your eye.
3. Forehead: on the sides, near the hairline.
4. Jaw: just under the jawline to define it.
5. Nose (optional): two thin lines along the sides of the bridge.
6. Blend upward: with a sponge or brush, always upward so you don't drag features down.

How to apply highlighter

1. High points of the cheekbones, above the contour.
2. Cupid's bow, just above the upper lip.
3. Bridge of the nose, in a thin line.
4. Inner corner of the eye, with a small dab.
5. Optional: under the arch of the brow.

Liquid or roll-on highlighters blend with light taps; powder ones with a soft brush.

Contour for your face shape

• Round: slightly stronger contour under the cheekbones and along the sides of the face.
• Square: soften the corners of the jaw and forehead.
• Long: contour at the top of the forehead and under the chin.
• Heart: on the sides of the forehead and a soft touch on the tip of the chin.
• Oval: a light contour under the cheekbones is enough.

Common mistakes

• Using a contour shade that's too deep or orange.
• Bringing contour too close to the mouth.
• Not blending the edges.
• Overdoing highlighter on oily skin.

Find it at BeautyRosee

To sculpt your face, look for these types of products:

• Contour sticks and creams.
• Powder bronzers and contour duos.
• Highlighters: liquid, roll-on or powder.
• Contour brushes and sponges.

Find them in our Makeup collection and from the Oz Lab and Kevin & Coco brands.

Frequently asked questions

Which contour shade should I choose?

One or two shades deeper than your skin, with a neutral or slightly cool undertone, so it looks like a natural shadow.

Can I use bronzer as contour?

Yes, especially if you want a warm, soft look. Just avoid very orange shades.

Does contour go before or after foundation?

After. If it's cream, before powder; if it's powder, after powder.

Does highlighter work on oily skin?

Yes, just apply it to the high points and avoid the T-zone if it tends to get shiny.

Practice your light and shadow

With a little practice, contour and highlighter become a quick step in your routine. Discover sculpting products in our Makeup collection and follow us on Facebook to see them live.