The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission.
The best make-up for contouring
The technique, which is usually reserved for the red carpet, is tricky to get right in real life
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.It's hard to tell if contouring is more than just a craze – the poodle perm of the Instagram age. I can understand the appeal – using various shades of light and dark in order to redefine the features that can feel blanked out by foundation.
But it's a technique that's usually reserved for the red carpet for a reason: it's tricky to get right in real life. I love watching YouTube videos of drag queens literally painting on a whole new face for an extreme version, but at home the best advice is to go gently, practise in full light and blend, blend, blend.
Contour blush in Gienah
£30, narscosmetics.co.uk
Your darker contouring shade needs to have a matte finish, so any old bronzer won't do. This duo combines a sheer mocha-like block and a light highlighter.
Flawless Contour Palette
£35, Laura Mercier, johnlewis.com
Three cream-to-powder contour shades and two highlighters can be tailored to your skin tone; it comes with a handy integrated how-to and a warning to keep things subtle.
Step-by-step contour stick trio
£35, smashbox.co.uk
This step-by-step set of three creamy colour-coded pencils is great for those who don't want the faff of a brush or a too-powdery finish; includes a face shaping guide and handy pencil sharpener
Shadow and light bronze/contour perfector
£34, Becca, cultbeauty.co.uk
Use the light and dark shades to slim the bridge of your nose and define cheekbones, then swirl them together for a subtle sun-kissed bronzing effect.
Chubby Stick Sculpting Contour in 01 curvy contour
£19, clinique.co.uk
Like a thick, rounded retractable pencil this stick provides a creamy hit of colour, and a little goes a long way. Angling the pencil will provide thinner or thicker blendable stripes.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments