Contouring and Bronzing: When and Where Should You Apply Each?

Contouring and bronzing are two makeup techniques that can be used to enhance facial features and create a more polished look. Both contouring and bronzing are used to create dimension and depth in the face and can be used to contour and highlight specific features. While both techniques are similar, they are actually quite different, and knowing when and where to apply each can make a big difference in the overall look.

What is Contouring?

Contouring is a makeup technique that is used to create structure and shape in the face by using a matte bronzer or contour powder. Contouring involves applying a darker shade of makeup to the hollows of the face, such as the sides of the nose and the hollows of the cheeks. This helps to create the illusion of depth, making the face appear more sculpted and defined. It is important to use a matte bronzer or contour powder when contouring, as a shimmery or glittery product will not create the desired effect.

What is Bronzing?

Bronzing is a makeup technique that is used to add a sun-kissed glow to the face. Bronzing is usually done with a shimmery bronzer or blush, and is applied to the areas of the face that would naturally be touched by the sun, such as the forehead, cheeks, and bridge of the nose. Bronzing is used to add a subtle warmth to the face, and can be used to make the skin look more radiant and healthy.

When and Where Should You Apply Contouring?

Contouring should be applied to the hollows of the face, such as the sides of the nose and the hollows of the cheeks. It is important to use a matte bronzer or contour powder when contouring, and it should be applied in light layers to build up the desired effect. When contouring, it is important to blend the product well to avoid a harsh or unnatural look.

When and Where Should You Apply Bronzing?

Bronzing should be applied to the areas of the face that would naturally be touched by the sun, such as the forehead, cheeks, and bridge of the nose. Bronzing should be done with a shimmery bronzer or blush, and it should be applied in light layers to build up the desired effect. It is important to blend the product well to avoid a streaky or unnatural look.

Each product has a special placement area:

Outline

Cheeks: you should draw a line under the cheekbones, just where the ear begins and go down to where the nose begins.
Nose: coming out from the birth of each eyebrow, to where the nose fin begins.
Front: mark the lines very close to the hair area.
Under the jaw: it is used to sharpen the face and you can draw the lines in the little bones.

Bronzer

Cheeks: Draw a line over the cheekbones.
Nose: Draw a small circle at the tip of the nose.
Forehead: make an inverted triangle that goes from the middle of the forehead to the beginning of the eyebrow.
Chin: make a small oval in this area.

Conclusion

Contouring and bronzing are two makeup techniques that can be used to enhance facial features and create a more polished look. Contouring should be done with a matte bronzer or contour powder, and should be applied to the hollows of the face. Bronzing should be done with a shimmery bronzer or blush, and should be applied to the areas of the face that would naturally be touched by the sun. Knowing when and where to apply each can make a big difference in the overall look.