How to highlight and contour like a pro pt. 3

Hey beauties! So many of us have those gorgeous blushes and bronzers sitting in our makeup bags, but sometimes applying them feels like a mystery, right? I totally get it! When I first started experimenting with makeup, contouring and highlighting seemed super intimidating. But trust me, once you get the hang of it, these steps can totally transform your look, adding dimension and a healthy glow to your face. Before we dive into the 'how,' let's quickly touch on the 'why.' Contouring is all about creating shadows to define your features, making areas recede. Highlighting, on the other hand, brings areas forward, catching the light for that radiant, lifted look. It’s like magic for your bone structure! For beginners, cream or liquid products can be more forgiving than powders, but powders are fantastic too once you're comfortable. For bronzer, pick a shade that's about two shades darker than your skin tone, with a neutral or slightly cool undertone – avoid anything too orange! For highlighter, a champagne or pearly shade works wonders on most skin tones. Okay, let's get into the nitty-gritty of application. I've learned that for bronzer, you really want to concentrate the color on the cheekbone. I start right here, at the outer iris of my eye, applying it upwards and lifting it towards my temples. Don't go too far down into the hollows of your cheeks if you want a lifted look. Remember, we're aiming to lift it upwards! The goal is to warm up your face and add definition without looking muddy. Next up, blush! This step adds life to your complexion. After your bronzer, I actually start here, right on the apples of my cheeks, and then I like to marry the bronzer and the blush together by blending them seamlessly. Applying it upwards, towards your hairline, helps create that lifted effect we all love. It keeps everything blended together beautifully. And for that glow? Highlighter is your best friend. I'm using a highlighting powder here. You're gonna dip your brush in there and apply it. My personal favorite spots are the tops of my cheekbones – going upwards with it, just above where my blush ends. I also like to put a little bit on my temples, maybe on my brow bone, my nose, my cupid's bow, and a tiny dab on my chin. See how glowy that looks? It instantly brightens your face. The biggest secret to a natural-looking contour and highlight? Blending, blending, blending! Use a fluffy brush or a damp beauty sponge to really diffuse those lines. You want a seamless transition, not harsh stripes. Take your time with this step, it makes all the difference. A few things I learned the hard way: Don't use a bronzer that's too dark or too orange. Don't apply contour too low on your cheekbones, or it can drag your face down. And remember, less is often more when you're starting out. You can always build up the intensity. Mastering highlighting and contouring is a journey, not a race. Experiment with different products and techniques to see what works best for your face shape and preferences. With a little practice, I'm sure you'll be rocking that sculpted, radiant look like a pro in no time! Let me know if you have any questions!