From chiseled jawlines to defined noses to accentuated collarbones, there’s a reason contouring has been a technique used by makeup artists on the reg for ages—it works magic. A good contouring technique can literally change your face shape, simply by playing with shadow placement to add depth and dimension. And while contouring makeup tutorials have gained serious traction on social media, thanks to many prominent contour devotees (we see you, Kim K.), it's a technique that can be tricky to master (especially for new beginners, and can sometimes feel a little too glam for an everyday look). Trust us, we’ve followed many TikTok tutorials, makeup tips, and contouring hack to a T and still struggled to get it just right (don’t worry, practice makes perfect).
Even better, it turns out that learning to contour with blush instead of your go-to contouring products is a surefire (and simple) way to get a sculpted look in just a few steps that’s also perfect to add to your daily makeup routine. The difference between using blush in place of your go-to bronzer or contour cream? “Contouring with just blush creates a more naturally seamless, defined face instead of sharp lines that reinforce shape and symmetry,” says Tomy Rivero, a makeup artist in NYC. As an added bonus, the whole purpose of blush contour is to help you look naturally and effortlessly sculpted. “I love that contouring with blush looks like second skin and makes everyone look more youthful and fresh. Using blush to contour is best when you want a no-makeup makeup look or you just need to get out of the door,” says Rivero. Here’s a quick step-by-step routine on how to contour with blush like a pro.
Meet the Expert
Tomy Rivero is a celebrity makeup artist and owner of Tomy Rivero Beauty Lab
based in Washington Heights, NYC.
How to Contour With Blush
1. Prep and Prime Skin
The key to a foolproof blush application? It’s all in your tools.“Use a damp beauty blender (we’ve currently got the BEAUTY BLENDER Topaz Sky Makeup Sponge in our makeup kit). If you have a setting spray, spritz it on your dampened beauty blender for longer staying power,” suggests Rivero. Also, reach for a blender that’s squeaky clean. You want to start without any leftover foundation or bronzer on your sponge that could transfer onto skin, making your makeup look ruddy instead of sculpted and sun-kissed.
3. Pick Your Blush Products
While many how-to’s recommend using powder blush to contour (and you totally can), Rivero recommends products like blush balms, sticks, or cream blushes in blush shades that suit your skin tone that are easy to blend and layer. A few faves? Try NYX Sweet Cheeks Soft Cheek Tint Cream Blush. It’s super lightweight and easily blends into skin to keep your contour looking natural and effortless. We’re also obsessed with ANASTASIA BEVERLY HILLS Stick Blush because it's super dewy, delivers pretty, buildable pigment, and swipes on as pretty as eyeshadow. Another helpful hint: Avoid blushes that contain too much shimmer. These can end up adding more highlight to your makeup look than definition.
4. Contour and Sculpt
“Always start placing the blush where you would naturally place your contours. First, over the hollows of your cheeks, then upwards right under your earlobe,” says Rivero. Rivero also adds, “When you contour with blush, the placement is more diffused and spread out.” Focus on applying your blush under your cheekbones and diffusing upwards, angling towards your earlobe (you can find this spot by sucking your cheeks in), and avoid applying blush to the apples of the cheeks or top of your cheekbones, which can result in a more rounded effect. Next, apply blush upwards towards your temples, along your hairline and the sides of the bridge of your nose.
5. Use a Fluffy Brush
“Once you have your blush placed with your beauty blender, pickup a clean fluffy blush brush and spread out the product using circular motions. This will create an airbrush-like effect and help spread warmth and color all over, not only giving your face a contoured shape, but also awakening some of the nice rosy tones in your skin,” suggests Rivero. Use a fluffy, angled brush like the COMPLEX CULTURE Contour Blush Brush (we love how easily it spreads around pigment). This MAC 168S Large Angled Contour Brush is also the perfect shape for sculpting and blending all at once.
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