The Ultimate Guide to Contouring for Long Face Shapes

Contouring is a transformative makeup technique that enhances your facial features by creating shadows and highlights. For those with long face shapes, contouring can help create a more balanced and harmonious look. In this ultimate guide, we will explore the best contouring techniques tailored specifically for long face shapes, provide step-by-step instructions, and share expert tips for achieving a flawless finish.

Understanding Your Face Shape

Before diving into contouring techniques, it's essential to understand what characterizes a long face shape. Long face shapes typically have the following features:

• Length is significantly greater than width.
• Forehead, cheekbones, and jawline are of similar width.
• Often features a higher forehead and longer chin.

Identifying these characteristics can help you determine the best contouring methods to balance your facial proportions.

Essential Tools and Products

To achieve a perfectly contoured look, you'll need a few key tools and products:

• Contour Product: Choose a contour product that is a few shades darker than your skin tone. Creams, powders, and sticks are all suitable options.
• Highlight Product: A highlighter that is a few shades lighter than your skin tone will help emphasize your best features.
• Blending Brushes: Use various brushes or beauty sponges to blend your contour and highlight for a seamless finish.
• Setting Powder: A translucent setting powder helps lock your makeup in place.

Step-by-Step Contouring for Long Face Shapes

Step 1: Prepare Your Base

Start by applying your usual foundation and concealer to create an even base. This will ensure that your contour and highlight products apply smoothly.

Step 2: Contour

Using your contour product, apply it to the following areas:

• Forehead: Apply contour along the hairline to create the illusion of a shorter forehead.
• Cheekbones: Apply contour slightly below your cheekbones and blend upwards to enhance your natural bone structure.
• Jawline: Contour along the jawline to define it and create a more rounded appearance.

Step 3: Highlight

Now, apply your highlight product to the areas where light naturally hits your face:

• Center of the Forehead: Apply a light amount to the center of your forehead to balance the shading.
• Under the Eyes: Highlight under your eyes to brighten and lift the area.
• Bridge of the Nose: Apply a thin line down the bridge of your nose for a slimming effect.
• Chin: Highlight the center of your chin to help reduce its length.

Step 4: Blend

Blending is crucial for a natural look. Use a beauty sponge or brush to blend the contour and highlight until there are no harsh lines. Make sure to blend upwards and outwards to lift the features.

Step 5: Set Your Makeup

Apply a translucent setting powder to lock your makeup in place and reduce any shine. Pay special attention to the areas where you applied contour and highlight.

Expert Tips and Tricks

• Use Light Layers: Build your contour and highlight in light layers to avoid a heavy or cakey appearance.
• Experiment with Different Products: Creams and liquids blend seamlessly, while powders offer a matte finish. Experiment to find what works best for your skin type.
• Focus on Symmetry: Ensure both sides of your face are symmetrical for a balanced look.
• Blend, Blend, Blend: Blending cannot be stressed enough; it is essential for achieving a natural finish.
• Practice Makes Perfect: Don’t be discouraged if you don’t get it right the first time. Contouring is an art that improves with practice.