Look Book 5 | Contoured

Until recently, I had stayed away from this popular makeup trend, contouring. If the broad concept of contouring includes both highlighting and shading, then yes, I've been contouring. But, my idea of adding dimensions to the face is more about luminosity and for that, I have almost entirely relied on highlighters. I paid very little attention to shading products or bronzers. I did not own a real concealer nor did I know that many people use concealers to contour, not necessarily to cover up blemishes. 

That all changed a few months ago when I started making videos with my music partner. In our first test session, I was shocked to see that every single flaw of my complexion was visible under the studio lightings. And oh, how flat and dull my face looked! (Btw, do we really need 4k cameras? I'm not sure.) I was wearing much more makeup than usual but still, it was not enough.

A few self-educational sessions with the help of YouTube beauty gurus, I learned a few tricks and also bought some of the essentials such as Tarte Shape Tape Concealer, Kevyn Aucoin The Contour Duo, and Hourglass bronzer. And, I came up with this look.

This looked cakey and unnatural in real life but did serve the purpose - creating a relatively flawless Instagram photo with no additional retouching. I applied the same technique(?) for my next video shoot and it worked out pretty nicely as well.

So, I recognized the virtue of the contouring makeup, which kind of was a humbling experience. At the same time, I can't imagine myself going through the full routine on a daily basis although I am sure it will get easier over time. More importantly, I do not enjoy the look that I see through my own eyes nor the heavier makeup feel. I want something that wouldn't make me feel self-conscious about my own look. I want a natural, luminous complexion with both highlights and lowlights in the right places. I mean, why not?

(image source)

There are many contouring diagrams out there but I go by this one. I think it is the prettiest and the friendliest one, don't you? (Mimi of Makeupwithdrawal drew this herself.)

Basically, I kept all my favorite makeup elements such as a luminous base (sans concealer), light smokey eyes, and naturally tinted lips. On top of contouring, I also highlighted a few additional places like Cupid's bow and the tip of my nose (I might skip the nose part next time as it accentuates the pores).

Here are the products I used for this look.

• Pat McGrath Platinum Bronze Eyeshadow Palette (reviewed here)
• Kevyn Aucoin The Contour Duo (This is really easy to use and a great value. It used to be a Sephora exclusive, but not anymore. Highly recommended!)
• Givenchy Photo'Perfexion Fluid Foundation in Perfect Beige (I LOVE this foundation.)
• Lancôme Monsieur Big Mascara (I found a great deal here)
• Becca Pressed Highlighter minis in Vanilla Quartz & Rose Gold (I wore Rose Gold as a blush.)
• MAC Modern Twist Kajal Cat's Meow
• A'pieu Color Lip Stain (Gel Tint) in Run Around (RD05)

I feel good about that I have finally embraced this popular trend but on my own terms. These days I am having more fun with makeup, too!

Thanks for looking. What are your thoughts on contouring makeup? Feel free to leave me a comment below.