Friday, August 22, 2014

Contouring/Highlighting

http://missmaven.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/contour1-1024x664.jpg
Via missmaven.com
It has been a wobbly journey, but contouring and highlighting are very much worth the effort.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG-J79H_tMod9-Djif_9bUStc9fR5nPueKyHlDoTwkFM5Vp_-S8xKjYQNlQokDCECyIlEWmBwAmMAFreNtN9y2-MT2VSVJrtxR7iWX1WG_eSGsCcy2YlLvLcfSde2Xn2jeqeTNO1G047Ix/s1600/highlightandcontourdiagram.jpg
Via sparkleandmineblog.blogspot.com
I had managed to work out the concept of contouring—all that needed is matte bronzer. But stuck as I am on strictly matte products for everything else, I was stumped as to find a highlighter/luminizer without sparkle. 

Yet as I observed other makeup-ed females, some radiated a delicate gleam along their upper cheekbones. I was fascinated. 

After watching the 2013 version of "The Lady Vanishes," I decided to abandon, just this once, my matte standards. 
http://www.thestage.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/The-Lady-Vanishes_final_3220522_3220512-630x310.jpg
You can't really tell here, but the character Iris Carr had the most fabulously illuminated cheekbones.
I purchased the Sephora Microsmooth Baked Luminizer in 01 Stardust. As recommended by some online tutorials, I apply it in a "C", starting from my brow bone, around the eye, and along the top of my cheekbones (a "special" brush is not needed; I use the e.l.f. Studio Blush Brush, which is also good for contouring).

The luminizer is also ideal for dabbing in the inner corners of the eyes; it really makes them look awake and bright. 
 http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/7e/fd/47/7efd47822c916dc842d3dc0261f1256e.jpg
For blending, since the contour grooves can sometimes be too harsh, or  come out too dark, I use the Fantasea Large Kabuki Brush. The bristles are so soft and malleable, and with a few buffs everything is beautifully blended out. 



The current icon whose name is synonymous with "contouring" is, of all people, Kim Kardashian.
http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/03/28/article-2591602-1CA582E400000578-460_638x635.jpg 

She has to be thanked for reviving interest in contouring and highlighting. I think. 


And one more photo: 

http://collegeofmediaandartistry.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/contouring.jpg 
Experiment, my lovelies! 

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